Ethan stood on the edge of the forest, watching the distant, smoke-filled horizon where the city of Vyndra had fallen under Quun control. The eerie quiet of the forest contrasted with the chaos of the battle they had narrowly escaped. His thoughts raced, trying to find a way to reclaim the city from the insectoid invaders while keeping the Partheon Chancellor and diplomats safe. They couldn't stay hidden in the woods forever.
The sound of static crackling in his commlink suddenly broke the silence. Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he hurriedly brought the device to his ear.
"This is the Ark, do you copy?"
The voice was familiar, one of the surviving officers from the Earth Defense Force frigates. Relief washed over Ethan as the signal came through clearly.
"This is Captain Warren," Ethan responded, his voice filled with hope. "You're still alive. What's your status?"
