As the minutes ticked down, the tension within the alliance grew unbearable. Lena couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong—that they were being watched, waiting for a move they hadn't anticipated.A sudden chime rang through the war room, and the holographic map flickered. A new message appeared. The transmission was from a Rhytil ship, but it wasn't a typical threat."Commander Lena," the message began, the voice smooth and cold, "we offer you a deal. The core, in exchange for peace. Join us, and together we can reshape this galaxy. Refuse, and we will take the core by force."The message ended abruptly, leaving a silence in its wake.Lena's eyes burned with anger. She knew the Rhytil wouldn't offer peace unless they had already calculated how to break her. But this? This was an attempt to manipulate her, to turn her own strength against her.Her hand hovered over the map, her heart racing. She knew what she had to do."It's time," she whispered to herself."Jorvik, Vora," she said, her voice resolute, "prepare for battle. We're not backing down."And with that, the first step in a desperate war against the Rhytil's relentless drive began