Dorian led Luka and Kaela deeper into the colony's underground labyrinth, a maze of twisting tunnels and hidden rooms that snaked through the hollowed-out asteroid. The air grew colder as they descended, the distant hum of machinery echoing through the metal walls. Luka could feel the weight of what lay ahead. This meeting would decide if their rebellion had a chance, or if they'd be left to face the council alone.
Kaela kept a careful eye on Dorian as they walked, her wings flicking occasionally as she stayed close to Luka's side. Despite his apparent willingness to help, Luka knew Dorian was an opportunist—he wouldn't back their cause unless he saw a clear benefit. Still, this was their best shot at rallying the mercenaries and smugglers who ran this colony.
"Is this the only way in?" Luka asked, scanning the tunnel ahead.
Dorian smirked over his shoulder, his sharp features cast in the dim light. "There are many ways in, and even more ways out. You'd be surprised how far we've dug into this rock. But don't worry, you'll be safe where we're going."
Kaela's golden eyes narrowed. "I'll decide that."
Luka shot her a glance, suppressing a smile. Even here, surrounded by mercenaries and criminals, Kaela's fierce protectiveness shone through. It was one of the things he admired most about her—her loyalty, her willingness to stand by his side no matter the odds. She was more than a partner in battle; she was his anchor.
After a few more turns through the tunnels, they reached a wide door made of thick, reinforced metal. Dorian stopped and rapped his knuckles on the door in a rhythmic pattern, then stood back as it slowly slid open with a hiss.
Inside was a large chamber, dimly lit by overhead lights that flickered sporadically. The room was filled with people, their faces hard and weathered—mercenaries, smugglers, and the occasional outlaw, each one eyeing Luka and Kaela with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. At the far end of the room, seated at a long, metal table, were the colony's leaders: three figures dressed in rugged, worn armor, their expressions unreadable.
The center figure, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his left cheek, stood as Luka and Kaela entered. His eyes, dark and calculating, locked onto them, assessing them as though they were prey stepping into a lion's den.
"So," the man said, his voice deep and gravelly. "You're the ones Dorian told us about. The ones who think they can take on the council."
Luka met the man's gaze, refusing to be intimidated. "We're not just taking on the council. We're going to bring them down."
The man raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a half-smile. "Bold words. But we've heard bold words before. Words don't win wars. Weapons, soldiers, and strategy do."
Kaela crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "We've got all three."
The man's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "Is that so? Well, let's hear it then. What's your plan, and why should we risk everything to follow you into a fight we're not even sure you can win?"
Luka took a step forward, his voice steady and clear. "The council is getting stronger by the day. They're consolidating power, tightening their grip on the outer systems. It won't be long before they come here, to places like this, and force you to submit to their rule—or worse, wipe you out entirely."
The room was silent, every pair of eyes fixed on Luka as he spoke. The colony's leaders exchanged glances, but they didn't interrupt.
"You've seen what they can do," Luka continued. "Their fleets, their control over trade routes, their influence over the galaxy's major powers. But they're still vulnerable. They don't understand the power they're dealing with—the Aether."
The room seemed to grow colder at the mention of the Aether, and Luka could see the wary glances exchanged between the mercenaries. It was clear that the word carried weight here, that the Aether was something they feared, something they knew the council was after.
"The Aether is more than just energy," Luka said, his voice lowering as he leaned forward slightly. "It's alive. And it's the key to stopping the council before they use it to reshape the galaxy into something none of us will survive."
The broad-shouldered leader, who had been watching Luka closely, finally spoke again. "And what makes you think you can control it? What makes you think you're any different from the council?"
Luka held the man's gaze, the weight of his words settling over the room. "Because I'm connected to it. My mecha—*Vigil*—and I, we've already started to unlock the Aether's power. But the council doesn't understand what they're dealing with. They'll use it to destroy everything in their path. I'm here to stop that."
The leader's eyes narrowed. "You're asking a lot. You want us to throw in with you against the council, risk our lives and everything we've built here, on the word of a stranger."
Luka nodded. "I am. But it's not just my word. Look around you. The council's already moving. They're tightening their control, and soon, they'll be here. When that happens, you'll have two choices: fight them with everything you have or watch as they take everything from you."
The leader studied Luka for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he glanced at his fellow leaders, exchanging silent looks before turning back to Luka.
"You're right about one thing," the leader said slowly. "The council's been encroaching on our territory for a while now. And we've been preparing for a fight. But we're not stupid. We don't go into battles we can't win."
Luka's heart pounded in his chest. This was the moment—the make-or-break point. If he couldn't convince them, everything they had worked for would crumble before it even started.
"You don't have to win this alone," Luka said, his voice calm but filled with urgency. "This isn't just about you or your colony. It's about everyone who's been crushed under the council's rule. We're building something bigger than any of us—a rebellion. And together, we can win."
The leader leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. For a moment, he didn't speak, his dark eyes locked on Luka. The room was tense, the air thick with anticipation.
Finally, the leader nodded, his expression softening just a fraction. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. All right. We'll hear you out. But make no mistake—this isn't some fairy tale revolution. If we join you, we expect results."
Luka allowed himself a small, relieved smile. "You'll get them."
The leader stood, extending his hand. "Name's Kade. We'll need time to gather our forces, but when we're ready, we'll be at your side."
Luka shook Kade's hand, the weight of the agreement sinking in. This was the first step—the beginning of something larger than anything he had ever imagined. But it was also just the start. The council would come for them, and when they did, they needed to be ready.
---
Later, as Luka and Kaela made their way back through the colony's tunnels, Kaela glanced over at him, a faint smile on her lips. "Not bad, captain. You've got a whole smuggler colony on our side."
Luka chuckled softly, though the tension of the moment still lingered in his mind. "It's a start. We're going to need a lot more than just a colony if we want to take down the council."
Kaela's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You've got a plan, though, don't you?"
Luka grinned. "Always."
Author's Note:Luka and Kaela have secured their first major ally in the fight against the council, but the road ahead is long and dangerous. What do you think their next move should be? Let me know your thoughts before the next chapter!