The battle was inevitable. Lena knew that. But what she didn't know was how much longer she could hold herself together. The war room was quiet, the air thick with the weight of impending conflict. The holographic map of the galaxy loomed before her, its projected stars twinkling like distant, untouchable goals."Ready for the briefing, Commander?" Jorvik's voice cut through her thoughts. The old general was steady, always in control, yet his eyes betrayed his concern. The alliance's fragile unity hung in the balance, and everyone was wondering if Lena's decisions would be the spark that ignited their downfall.Lena took a deep breath. She couldn't let the pressure break her. Not now."Yes, Jorvik," she replied, her voice steady, though a twinge of doubt lingered behind her words. "Let's begin."She turned to the large display as the rest of the command staff entered, each one carrying their own fears and uncertainties. The factions that made up the alliance—once united by a single purpose—were starting to show cracks. There were whispers, factions within factions, each group with their own ideas about how to proceed with the war.The Gorr'Kai, the mighty warriors from the dark moons of Krathos, had long believed in brute force. Their leader, Captain Varax, was vocal in his belief that they should strike first, take the battle to the Rhytil before they could consolidate their forces. But that approach would risk everything—especially the civilians and planets still caught in the crossfire. Lena couldn't afford to gamble with their lives.The Zenth, a race of enigmatic telepaths, had their own reservations. Their leader, Empress Zhen'ara, spoke in riddles and veiled truths, but her quiet, reserved demeanor masked a deep mistrust of the core's growing influence. Her people, though powerful in their own right, were beginning to withdraw support.Then there were the Kytari, an alliance of free traders and mercenaries, led by Captain Juno, who was always the first to suggest alternative, pragmatic solutions—though often with questionable motives. Lena had not forgotten their dealings with the Rhytil, their willingness to turn a profit off both sides of the war.The fractures were small, but they were there. Every passing day, more people within the alliance questioned Lena's leadership. They feared that her reliance on the core was blinding her to the bigger picture—that she was becoming a pawn in her own war.