Raven's Wings had just entered Argos-controlled space when a direct transmission from Praetor appeared on the ship's main panel. The robotic yet calm voice resonated clearly throughout the cabin:
"Jack Done, Kai Done, crew of Raven's Wings. The Interstellar Diplomatic Council has summoned you for an emergency meeting. It is imperative that you report to the Council immediately upon docking at Argos. Further details will be provided on-site."
The crew exchanged quick glances, each interpreting the gravity of the situation in their own way.
Kai was the first to speak, raising his eyebrows.
"An official summons? Something big is happening. Do you think it's related to what we discovered on Xyphera?"
Va'ar, seated in a corner with his arms crossed, surveyed the room with his calm gaze.
"Most likely. The Council doesn't summon civilian crews for trivial matters. The sabotage on the asteroid and the stolen Elythron have drawn significant attention."
Tsukiko straightened her posture, looking toward Jack.
"We should be prepared for anything. We're not just going there to explain ourselves. They'll likely ask for our help."
Jack sighed deeply and nodded.
"You're right. Andy, has the report on everything we found on Xyphera been sent?"
The android projected a holographic screen to confirm.
"The report was transmitted as soon as we exited the portal. I suggest reviewing diplomatic protocols before the meeting," Andy said.
Shortly after docking at Argos, the crew of Raven's Wings was escorted to the imposing chamber of the Interstellar Diplomatic Council. The circular room, illuminated by diffuse light, had walls adorned with holographic projections of stars, planetary systems, and trade routes. At the central table sat representatives of various species: Rysals, Xerithians, Alfars, and humans.
A human diplomat, a woman with a stern expression and white hair tied in a tight bun, was the first to speak.
"Crew of Raven's Wings, we have summoned you because the situation on Xyphera has escalated beyond what you might imagine. The evidence you collected on Orith Nexis' sabotage is crucial. We need your cooperation to expose this corporation."
Jack glanced at his team before stepping forward.
"We're ready to help, but we need to know exactly what this entails. Orith Nexis is not an easy adversary."
A Rysal representative, with pearl-white skin and glimmering eyes, interjected:
"Precisely why we need you. Your recent report indicates a vast illegal Elythron extraction operation and its use in dangerous experiments involving Ether. Other sources confirm that Project Progenitor is underway, a technology that could destabilize the galactic balance."
Jack processed the information quickly but remained composed. His eyes locked onto the human diplomat.
"Progenitor? Does this have anything to do with my family?" he asked, his direct tone surprising the team.
The diplomat looked at him seriously and nodded.
"Jack Done, there is a reason you were drawn into this mission. Decades ago, your parents were contracted by Orith Nexis to analyze portal technology. Your father, Ethan Done Jr., and your mother were coerced into continuing their research after the corporation threatened your family's safety."
The room grew colder. Jack felt a knot in his chest, anger simmering just beneath the surface, manifesting in a sharp expression.
"Why didn't anyone tell me this? And what happened to them?"
An Alfar, with radiant pearlescent skin and an enigmatic aura, glanced at the other Council members and nodded briefly before speaking.
"Your family was integral to Orith Nexis' projects, and with regret, we confirm that their research was initially supported and funded by the Interstellar Diplomatic Council. Orith Nexis provided false information about the technology and concealed their true motives. When your parents realized the technology was intended for malicious purposes, they refused to continue. They orchestrated an explosion to destroy the orbital colony where they lived and most of the research. It was no accident—it was their way of escape. Human casualties were avoided as the colony was evacuated in time. However, their ultimate fate remains unknown."
Jack gripped the edge of the table, clenching his fists. He breathed deeply, trying to regain his composure. Aetherion glowed faintly beneath the table, indicating Ether output at 2000%.
"So, if I agree to help you, will you leave my family alone? What exactly do you want us to do?"
The human diplomat responded with regret in her voice:
"We never intended for things to unfold this way, Jack. Your grandmother was also threatened, but before she disappeared, she sent Orith Nexis' plans to the Council and your grandfather."
A Rysal Council member took over.
"We need you to infiltrate one of Orith Nexis' facilities where documents related to Project Progenitor are stored. Some of the research has been recovered, and development continued in secret. It's a dangerous mission. With this evidence, the entire corporation can be dismantled, and they will no longer terrorize anyone."
Jack, now glowing faintly with an aura of blue and gold Ether, stared intently at the Council. His voice was sharp, his eyes aflame with pure energy and righteous anger.
"You didn't answer my question. If I help bring the truth to light, will you leave my family and friends alone?"
The human diplomat, slightly shaken, nodded.
"You have our word. More than that, we will draft a perpetual contract ensuring that no rights will be claimed over technologies discovered or developed by you, Aetherion, or those you designate. The Hytari Council will oversee the exchange of technologies between species to prevent imbalances or conflicts."
Slowly, Jack calmed down, reassured by the mention of the Hytari's involvement if not the Council's.
"Alright," he said finally. "We'll do it. But don't think for a second that I trust all of you."