The hum of the massive Titan-class mechs echoed throughout the hangar, their towering forms like silent giants, waiting to be unleashed. General Solis stood at the helm of the Galaxy Order's military operations center, staring at the multitude of screens in front of him. Intelligence reports, encrypted messages, and projections filled the virtual landscape before him. His sharp eyes traced the movements of the CMC and UOP forces across the galaxy. The war was escalating, and with each passing day, the stakes grew higher.
The UOP's steady victories and their increasing control over key sectors had begun to cause ripples, drawing the attention of the other factions. The Galaxy Order's neutral stance was being tested—one question gnawed at Solis's mind: how long could they afford to stay out of this conflict?
"General," a voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality. Colonel Kessler entered the room, her face tight with concern.
"The reports from the frontlines are coming in faster than we can process, sir. The CMC is rallying their forces for a counterattack. And…" She hesitated, glancing at the screen where the UOP's current progress was displayed. "The mercenaries, led by Dominic, are making headway in CMC-controlled territories. They've taken several strategic locations in the past few days."
Solis's gaze hardened as he observed the data. The mercenaries were proving to be more than just a nuisance. They had become a force to be reckoned with. Dominic, in particular, was a wildcard—brilliant, ruthless, and unafraid of pushing the boundaries of warfare. But there was one thing the mercenaries lacked: the resources and the infrastructure to maintain prolonged warfare.
"They've overstretched," Solis muttered, more to himself than to Kessler. "Their successes are temporary. Without a solid base, they'll burn out. The CMC has the manpower, but they don't have the resolve. We've seen this pattern before."
Kessler looked uncertain but said nothing. Solis could feel her unease—she understood the stakes. The Galaxy Order had always been a quiet superpower, choosing its battles carefully, but now, the war between the UOP and CMC was beginning to shift in a way that threatened the stability of the entire galaxy.
"We need to be prepared," Solis continued, his voice colder now. "The CMC is faltering, but the UOP is growing bolder. If they continue on this trajectory, they'll become a threat, whether they intend to or not. Our neutrality won't last forever."
Kessler nodded. "Do you think it's time to act, sir?"
Solis didn't respond immediately. He turned back to the holographic map of the galaxy, tracing his finger across the vast expanse of space. The UOP's territories were expanding rapidly, while CMC's control was slipping in key areas. The tipping point was near.
"Not yet," he finally said. "We'll wait for one more signal. When the UOP is overconfident, when their forces are spread too thin… that's when we strike. We'll offer them an ultimatum: either they align with the Galaxy Order, or they face the consequences."
Kessler didn't argue. She knew better than to question Solis's strategy. Patience was the Order's greatest weapon, and their ability to wait for the right moment had been what kept them in power for centuries.
"There's more," Kessler said, her voice tense. "We've intercepted a message from the CMC. They've activated their prototype warship, the Arclight, a vessel capable of bypassing most known defense systems. It's a game-changer."
Solis stiffened. The Arclight was something the Galaxy Order had feared for years—rumors of its development had circulated through the galaxy, but they had never been confirmed until now. A warship with the power to breach the most fortified defenses. If it was operational, it would shift the balance of power in the galaxy. The UOP would have no chance.
"We need to act quickly," Solis said, the weight of the situation settling on him. "But not yet. Not until we have the full picture."
Kessler nodded and turned to leave, but before she could, Solis spoke again.
"Prepare the fleet," he ordered. "Start assembling the Titan mechs. Make sure they're ready. I want them on standby, fully equipped. And don't let anyone know we're preparing for a potential engagement. The element of surprise will be our greatest advantage."
Kessler paused, her hand resting on the doorframe. "Yes, sir. But… are we expecting a fight with the CMC?"
Solis's eyes narrowed as he stared at the holomap, watching the paths of the Arclight and other CMC ships. His mind was racing. The order would have to be swift and decisive if the galaxy was to be preserved. "No. We're preparing for the UOP. When the time comes, they'll be the true threat. The CMC's Arclight may be a formidable weapon, but it's the UOP's expansionism that we need to worry about."
Kessler nodded again, understanding the gravity of Solis's words. As she left, the door closing behind her, Solis continued to stare at the stars on the holographic display. He couldn't afford to be distracted. Every move would count, and every decision had to be calculated. The fate of the galaxy—perhaps the future of the entire known universe—was in his hands.
And the clock was ticking.