Chereads / System Requiem: A World in the Balance / Chapter 54 - The Neutral Planet

Chapter 54 - The Neutral Planet

The small fleet of makeshift ships—human and alien hybrid technology—carried Lena, Elias, Kira, and a handful of their most trusted allies to the neutral planet. The journey was long and fraught with uncertainty, but Lena felt a sense of urgency that propelled them forward. Each passing day brought them closer to either an ally or an enemy.The neutral planet, known as Zaltron, was located in a distant sector of the galaxy, far from the reach of the alien council. Zaltron wasn't a large planet, but its strategic importance was undeniable. It had a vast network of hidden resources and ancient technologies left behind by a long-lost alien race. For years, the neutral factions had used it as a safe haven, a place to exchange information and resources without fear of retribution.As the ship descended through Zaltron's thick atmosphere, the landscape below came into view. It was a mixture of rugged mountains, dense forests, and sprawling ruins—ancient structures that hinted at the planet's once-glorious past. The remnants of a civilization that had long since vanished, leaving behind only traces of their advanced technology.Lena stepped onto the planet's surface, taking in the sights around her. The air was cool, with a faint metallic scent, and the ground beneath her feet was solid yet strange. She had never been to a planet like this before, and it made her uneasy. She had expected a bustling city, but instead, the planet felt eerily quiet.[System]: "Scanning. Hostile alien signatures detected nearby. Caution advised."Lena glanced at Elias, her heart pounding. "We're not alone."Kira nodded, her expression grim. "The neutral factions are wary of outsiders. They'll want to test you, to see if you can be trusted. Stay alert."They moved swiftly through the barren landscape, eventually arriving at a hidden facility—an underground complex that seemed to pulse with energy. It was here that they would meet with the leaders of the neutral factions. But as they descended into the depths of the complex, Lena couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.[System]: "Unidentified signal detected. Unknown alien technology present."Elias turned to Kira. "What is that? It's not one of ours."Kira's face hardened. "It's a technology from an ancient race—far more powerful than anything your people have encountered."