Cleo turned toward him, her expression composed as she brought up a series of charts and data feeds on the main bridge holodisplay.
"According to your suspicions," she began, her tone crisp and professional, "pirate activity has noticeably increased over the past month. However, the moment they attempt to attack any trading vessel within our patrol routes, our fighters do a warp jump in response to the distress signals. Once the pirates see our ships arrive, they immediately disengage and retreat."
Rex rested his elbow on the armrest of his throne, his hand moving to his chin as he pondered her report. His sharp golden eyes focused on the holo display as his mind raced.
The pattern was clear, the pirates weren't committing to their attacks. They were testing boundaries, probing defenses. But why?
