The vast expanse of space stretched before Luka as *Vigil* flew at full speed, the stars streaking past like distant flames in the dark void. Kaela was flying beside him in *Aetheris*, their mechas cutting through the quiet, empty space like predators stalking their prey.
The plan was in motion, and Luka could feel the tension building with each passing second.
They were on their way to one of the council's primary fuel depots, a heavily fortified station located in the Volantis sector. Disrupting its supply lines would cripple the council's fleet in this region, forcing them to divert resources to replenish fuel reserves. It was the first major strike in their rebellion, and if it succeeded, it would send a clear message: the council wasn't invincible.
Kaela's voice came through the comms, calm but with an edge of excitement. "Almost there. You sure about this plan? It's going to get messy."
Luka smirked, his eyes scanning the tactical display in front of him. "Messy's what we do best. We take out the fuel depot and get out before they have time to react."
Kaela chuckled, though there was a hint of tension in her voice. "Just making sure you're ready for the fireworks. These fuel stations are no joke."
Luka's eyes narrowed as the station came into view on the edge of the sector, a massive structure floating in space like a metal behemoth. It was heavily defended, with rows of automated turrets and patrol ships surrounding it in tight formation. But Luka knew they couldn't afford to hesitate. The council's power relied on its fleet, and without fuel, that fleet was grounded.
"We'll hit them fast," Luka said, his voice steady. "Focus on the fuel tanks. We need to destroy as much as possible before they scramble their defenses."
Kaela's voice came through, sharper now. "Copy that."
They sped toward the depot, their mechas moving with lethal precision as they approached the station's outer defenses. As soon as they were in range, the automated turrets activated, their cannons glowing with energy as they locked onto Luka and Kaela.
"Here we go," Luka muttered under his breath, weaving *Vigil* through the first volley of fire.
Kaela was right behind him, *Aetheris* flying in tight formation as she dodged the incoming blasts. "Turrets are active. I'll handle the first wave—keep pushing forward."
Luka nodded, focusing on the tactical display. The turrets were formidable, but they had one weakness: they were slow to recalibrate. If they could stay fast, stay unpredictable, they could slip through the barrage.
Kaela darted ahead, her mecha's wings flaring with energy as she launched a barrage of plasma rounds at the nearest turret. The impact was immediate—the turret exploded in a burst of flames and debris, clearing the path for Luka.
"Nice work," Luka called over the comms, his eyes locked on the fuel tanks ahead.
The fuel tanks were massive, towering structures built into the station itself, glowing faintly with the volatile energy stored within. One well-placed shot, and the entire station would go up in flames.
"We're going for the tanks now," Luka said, his voice firm.
Kaela swung around, taking out another turret as she provided cover fire. "I've got you. Take the shot."
Luka powered up *Vigil*'s primary cannon, the Aether pulsing through the mecha as the weapon charged. The fuel tanks loomed before him, vulnerable and exposed. He locked onto the nearest one, his finger hovering over the trigger.
"Here goes nothing," Luka muttered, firing a concentrated beam of energy straight at the fuel tank.
The impact was immediate and catastrophic. The tank exploded in a massive fireball, the shockwave rocking the entire station as flames and debris shot out in all directions. Alarms blared throughout the depot as the council's forces scrambled to respond, but Luka wasn't finished yet.
"First tank down," Luka called, already locking onto the next target.
Kaela swooped in, her mecha moving like a blur as she tore through the remaining turrets with deadly efficiency. "They're panicking. You've got an opening."
Luka didn't waste any time. He fired again, his blast hitting the second fuel tank with deadly precision. The explosion was even bigger this time, the flames spreading rapidly as the depot's defenses crumbled.
"We've got their attention now," Kaela said, her voice filled with adrenaline. "Council ships inbound."
Luka glanced at the tactical display, seeing the incoming fleet of council ships closing in fast. "We're almost done here. One more tank, and we're out."
He aimed *Vigil*'s cannon at the third and final fuel tank, charging the weapon as the station's defenses scrambled to contain the damage. The incoming council ships were still several minutes out, but Luka knew they wouldn't have long before they were completely overwhelmed.
"Luka, we need to move!" Kaela shouted, her voice urgent.
Luka fired, the blast ripping through the final tank and setting off a chain reaction that rocked the entire depot. The explosion was massive, sending shockwaves through the surrounding space as the fuel stores ignited, engulfing the station in flames.
"It's done!" Luka shouted, pulling *Vigil* back as the station erupted behind him.
Kaela flew in beside him, her voice tight with tension. "We need to get out of here before those ships arrive. Let's move!"
Luka didn't need to be told twice. They pushed their mechas to the limit, flying away from the burning depot as fast as they could. The council's ships were closing in, their cannons already firing as they tried to lock onto Luka and Kaela's retreating forms.
"They're right on us!" Kaela called, dodging a volley of energy blasts.
Luka's heart raced as he weaved through the incoming fire, the explosions lighting up the void around them. The council's forces were relentless, and Luka knew they couldn't afford to get caught in a prolonged fight.
"We're almost clear," Luka said, checking the tactical display. "Just a little further."
Kaela was breathing heavily, her voice tense. "They're not letting up. We've got to lose them."
Luka's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to shake their pursuers. The council's ships were faster and more heavily armed, but Luka knew the terrain. The asteroid field nearby could give them the cover they needed.
"Head for the asteroid field!" Luka shouted. "We can lose them in there."
Kaela didn't hesitate, her mecha darting toward the nearby field of jagged rocks and debris. Luka followed, pushing *Vigil*'s thrusters to their limit as they entered the dense field. The council's ships hesitated, unwilling to follow too closely through the hazardous terrain.
"They're falling back!" Kaela called, relief evident in her voice. "We're in the clear."
Luka exhaled, the tension in his chest easing as they flew deeper into the asteroid field. The council's ships had pulled back, unwilling to risk pursuit through the dangerous terrain. For now, they were safe.
"That was close," Luka muttered, his heart still pounding.
Kaela laughed, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "Close is an understatement. But we did it."
Luka smiled, though his mind was already racing with what came next. They had struck a major blow against the council, but this was just the beginning. The real fight was still ahead, and Luka knew they had a long way to go before they could claim victory.
But for now, they had won.
---
Later, as Luka and Kaela regrouped at the asteroid base, the weight of the mission settled over them. The depot was destroyed, and the council's supply lines were disrupted. But they couldn't rest. The council would retaliate, and when they did, Luka needed to be ready.
Kaela sat beside him, her wings folded behind her, her expression thoughtful. "We pulled it off. That depot's going to take months to rebuild."
Luka nodded, though his thoughts were already on the next step. "Yeah. But we can't stop here. The council's going to hit back hard. We need to stay ahead of them."
Kaela's eyes flicked toward him, her expression softening. "You've got that look again. The one where you're planning something dangerous."
Luka chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "We can't afford to play it safe anymore. This is a war, and we need to start fighting like it."
Kaela smiled, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "Then let's make the next move count."
Luka nodded, his gaze hardening. "We will."
Author's Note: Luka and Kaela have dealt a major blow to the council's supply lines, but the fight is far from over. What do you think their next target should be? Let me know your thoughts before the next chapter!