The laughter from the crew's shared moment of levity still echoed in Ethan's mind as he stood alone in the war room of the Ark, staring at the holographic map of the galaxy. Rebel-held systems were blinking in red, signaling danger, while Imperial-controlled systems glowed an ominous green. The rebellion was hanging by a thread, and the internal disputes among the factions were only making things worse.
Ethan's thoughts were interrupted by a soft footstep behind him. Tazra entered the room, her expression serious, but there was an unspoken tenderness in her eyes as she approached him.
"You're thinking too much again," Tazra said, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall next to him.
Ethan gave her a small, weary smile. "There's a lot to think about."
Tazra studied him for a moment, then softened. "The factions are going to keep bickering. You know that. But it's you that holds them together, Ethan. They trust you."
