The Marauder's Revenge cut through the endless void, its hull still bearing the scars of their escape from Eternity's inferno. Inside, the crew was silent, each member lost in their thoughts or tending to their wounds. The gravity of the fight ahead was sinking in—a battle that would likely stretch them to their limits, if not beyond.
Jax sat in the command chair, his gaze fixed on the coordinates Arin had managed to salvage from Eternity's remnants. The idea of tracking down more prototypes, scattered across hostile territories, brought a familiar heaviness to his heart. He wasn't just leading his crew into the unknown; he was about to make them a target for every force that aligned with or opposed The Architects.
"Grimjack," Jax said, breaking the silence. "You mentioned we'd need allies. Do you have anyone in mind?"
Grimjack shifted uncomfortably, the massive mercenary rarely one to talk about his past. He cleared his throat and met Jax's gaze. "There's one name that comes to mind. General Kael Marvek. Used to be part of the old Alliance Fleet. Ruthless, but he's seen the worst of The Architects' power up close."
Zara leaned against the wall, arms folded. "The Kael Marvek? The man responsible for the suppression of the Solari Uprising?"
Grimjack nodded. "The same. He doesn't ask questions if he believes in the cause—and if he's paid well enough. But if we want his help, we'll have to earn his trust. And that won't come cheap."
Jax looked from Grimjack to Zara, and then back at the screen, where the coordinates glowed ominously. "Set a course for Marvek's sector," he said. "Let's hope he values the galaxy more than his pay."
The Marauder's Revenge arrived in the Nebari System, a region of space ruled by vast asteroid fields and sparse colonies. The outermost planet, Vehlis IV, housed Marvek's fortress—a heavily fortified installation that had withstood more than one siege in its time. Jax couldn't shake the unease settling over him as they approached. This was enemy territory for anyone who valued their independence.
"Captain," Arin said as they approached the fortress's perimeter. "Marvek's fleet is already tracking us. We're being hailed."
A gruff, familiar voice crackled through the speakers. "This is General Kael Marvek. State your purpose before I decide to turn your ship into scrap."
Jax stood, steeling himself. "This is Captain Jax of the Marauder's Revenge. We come seeking your aid. I believe you've encountered our mutual enemy—the ones who created "Eternity."
There was a pause, and then Marvek's voice returned, colder and far more calculating. "Dock your ship. But understand this: the second I feel you're wasting my time, you'll be blasted out of my fortress."
Once docked, the crew disembarked and was led through a series of dark corridors lined with soldiers. The walls were adorned with remnants of past victories—metal plaques, fragments of enemy ships, and banners from various factions Marvek had defeated or suppressed. It was a reminder of the brutal efficiency of the man they were about to confront.
Marvek awaited them in a command center surrounded by tactical displays. He was tall and imposing, his face scarred from countless battles, eyes steely and unwavering. He observed Jax and his crew with a mixture of interest and suspicion.
"You've got thirty seconds to tell me why you think I should help you," Marvek said, folding his arms.
Jax didn't flinch. "The Architects are testing weaponized devices like "Eternity" on different worlds. They won't stop until they have complete control over reality itself. If we don't stop them now, we might not get another chance."
Marvek's face remained impassive. "Why should I care? The galaxy's chaos works in my favor. The more they tighten their grip, the more desperate people become—and the more they're willing to pay for protection."
Zara stepped forward, her voice steady. "What The Architects are doing goes beyond control. If they succeed, there won't be a galaxy left to protect. Just empty planets and enslaved minds. We're not talking about another war, General. We're talking about annihilation."
Marvek's eyes flicked to Grimjack. "And what about you, old friend? Why do you fight this battle?"
Grimjack's expression softened. "Because I've seen what these people do to those who stand in their way. They're not trying to bring order; they're erasing choice, freedom. That's not a galaxy worth living in."
Marvek finally sighed, a hint of something almost like respect in his gaze. "Fine. I'll consider helping. But you'll have to prove your loyalty first. There's a faction in my territory that's causing problems—a rogue group known as the Red Sun Corsairs. They've raided my supply lines, stolen resources. Take them out, and I'll join your cause."
Jax nodded, though he could feel Zara's simmering frustration beside him. They had come here to recruit an ally, not get entangled in Marvek's personal wars. But he knew they had no choice.
"Consider it done," Jax said.
---
Back on the ship, Zara let her frustration show. "This isn't what we signed up for, Jax. Taking down some pirates just to get Marvek to play nice? He's wasting our time."
Jax met her gaze, his own frustration barely contained. "We don't have a choice, Zara. We need his fleet, his resources. If we go up against The Architects with just the Marauder, we won't stand a chance."
Grimjack leaned against the bulkhead, his expression thoughtful. "The Red Sun Corsairs aren't pushovers. They've got tech that could rival Marvek's own. If we take them on, we'd better be prepared for a fight."
Arin chimed in, holding up his device. "I've already scanned their last known location. They're hiding out in the Nebula Fringe—hard to track, impossible to approach without tripping their sensors. We'll need a way to disable their defenses before we even get close."
Jax ran a hand over his face, exhaustion beginning to creep in. "Then we split up. Grimjack, you and Zara work on a strategy to get us past their defenses. Arin and I will see if we can dig up any intel on their weaknesses. If we're going to do this, we're doing it fast."
Zara nodded, the fire back in her eyes. "Alright, Captain. But the second Marvek tries to double-cross us, we're out."
Jax allowed himself a small smile. "Agreed. Let's get to work."