The hidden bunker in Valeris was carved deep into the bedrock of the city, a precaution taken to shield its occupants from any potential Syndicate attacks. Dimly lit by cold, bluish overhead lights, the room exuded a sterile, oppressive atmosphere. Holographic screens projected maps of Kynara's territories and Syndicate strongholds onto the reinforced walls, their light casting sharp shadows across the space. Guards from the Federation, guild mercenaries, and resistance fighters stood watch at every corner, their hands hovering near their weapons. Trust was a rare commodity in this alliance.
Ethan adjusted his tactical gear as he entered the chamber. His eyes swept over the room, noting the guarded posture of everyone present. Guild Branch Master Darrik Voss sat at the head of the table, his weathered face etched with grim determination. Resistance Leader Joran Kren's image flickered on a holographic screen, his sharp features illuminated in harsh light. Captain Alrik Thorne stood at the other end of the table, his Federation uniform pristine but his face betraying his unease.
"Let's begin," Voss said, his gravelly voice cutting through the silence. "Captain Thorne, you called this meeting. I trust you have information worth our time."
Thorne cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable under the scrutiny of both the resistance and the guild. "I do," he said, placing a data chip on the table. "What I'm about to share is classified Federation intelligence. It wasn't easy to obtain, but it confirms what we've suspected all along."
With a nod from Thorne, one of his officers inserted the chip into the terminal. The bunker's main holographic display came alive, revealing a rotating image of a man with sharp, angular features, piercing eyes, and a menacing smile. His name hovered beside the image: Drakor Krenna.
"This is Drakor Krenna," Thorne began, his tone heavy. "Formerly Colonel Drakor Krenna of the Orion Federation's Psy-Ops Division. He was a brilliant strategist and a master of psychological warfare. Some even considered him a genius, until he went too far."
The image shifted, showing a younger Drakor standing amidst Federation soldiers, his uniform immaculate. Ethan frowned, stepping closer to the display.
"What did he do?" Voss asked, his voice low.
Thorne hesitated, then continued. "During the Rebellion of Andar Prime, Drakor conducted unauthorized experiments on captured insurgents. He used psychic ore to amplify their mental states, hoping to break them through fear and manipulation. Instead, he shattered their minds entirely. The survivors became mindless puppets, controlled entirely by his will. It was...inhumane."
The room fell silent, the weight of Thorne's words sinking in. Even Joran Kren's holographic image remained still, his usual sharp tongue muted by the revelation.
"He was court-martialed, of course," Thorne added, "but before his execution sentence could be carried out, he disappeared. There were rumors that a faction within the Federation helped him escape, but nothing was ever proven."
"And now he's the leader of the Black Sun Syndicate," Ethan said, his voice cold.
Thorne nodded. "Drakor reemerged years later, using the Syndicate as a front for his experiments. His goal is clear: destabilize the Ashen Sector, harness the power of Kynara's psychic ore, and perfect his mind-control alloy. If he succeeds, he'll control armies without needing soldiers. He'll control worlds without firing a single shot."
Joran Kren's holographic image leaned forward, his face taut with anger. "This is on you, Thorne," he snapped. "The Federation created this monster. You gave him the tools, the resources. And now we're paying the price for your arrogance."
Thorne's jaw tightened. "The Federation didn't sanction his actions," he said evenly. "He went rogue, and we've been trying to clean up the mess ever since."
"Trying?" Joran scoffed. "You've done nothing but protect your own interests. Kynara is barely holding together, and you won't even send troops to the settlements."
"Enough," Voss growled, slamming a fist on the table. The room fell silent. "We're here to stop the Syndicate, not to tear each other apart."
Ethan stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Joran's right to be angry, and Captain Thorne has a point. But fighting among ourselves isn't going to solve anything. The Syndicate thrives on division. If we let them exploit our mistrust, we've already lost."
Joran's gaze softened slightly, though his posture remained rigid. Thorne exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction.
"We need a plan," Ethan continued. "If Drakor's using the psychic ore to fuel his experiments, there has to be a way to stop him. Captain, do you have anything on where he might be operating from?"
Thorne nodded, tapping the holographic display to bring up a map of Kynara. "Based on the intel we've received, there's a high probability that Drakor's main operations are in the northern territories. The area is sparsely populated, making it an ideal location for a hidden base. We've also intercepted encrypted communications suggesting he's moved key personnel and resources there."
"But it's not confirmed?" Joran asked, his tone skeptical.
"No," Thorne admitted, "but it's the best lead we have. We also have access to old Federation data archives. Drakor's experiments were classified, but there might be something there that can help us understand his technology and how to counter it more effectively than the current neural dampeners."
Voss nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need a team to investigate those archives. If we're going to take Drakor and his Syndicate down, we need to understand the full extent of his capabilities."
As the meeting concluded, the coalition leaders dispersed, their expressions a mix of determination and unease. Ethan lingered behind, studying the holographic image of Drakor. The man's cold, calculating eyes seemed to stare back at him, a reminder of the threat they faced.
"Ethan," Voss said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well mediating back there. This alliance is fragile, but it's all we have."
Ethan nodded, his gaze never leaving the display. "We'll stop him and his minions," he said quietly. "Whatever it takes."
As he left the bunker, the weight of the mission pressed heavily on his shoulders. The revelation of Drakor Krenna's identity had raised the stakes, turning their fight against the Syndicate into a battle for the future of the Ashen Sector. Ethan knew one thing for certain: the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but he wouldn't back down until he saw human filth such as Drakor and Raeth perish.