The silence in the resistance war room was suffocating. Holographic maps floated above the central table, their glowing blue projections casting flickering light on the determined faces of those present. Thalira Vorneth stood at the head of the room, her fists clenched as she surveyed the assembled leaders. Every corner of the galaxy seemed to bear the mark of Technokratium dominance, but here, in this dimly lit chamber, hope was rekindling.

“Kyren,” Thalira’s voice cut through the tension like a blade, “what did you find in the Astralis archives?”

Kyren Axalor stepped forward, a data chip in his hand. His usual swagger was muted, replaced by a grim determination. “It’s not just weaponry. The Astralis civilization had blueprints for a shielding system that could protect entire cities. If we can replicate it, Talvoth could become an impenetrable stronghold.”

Gasps rippled through the room. Vexara Lurenthis, perched near a console, adjusted her glasses, her eyes widening. “That technology is centuries ahead of what even the Technokratium possesses. Are you saying we have a chance to level the playing field?”

Kyren nodded. “A slim chance, but yes.”

Thalira slammed her fist on the table. “Then we have no time to waste. Vexara, I need you to coordinate with our engineers. Prioritize the shield design. Kyren, can we secure the resources to build it?”

Kyren hesitated. “The Phantom Syndicate controls most of the rare materials we’d need. And you know what that means.”

The room fell silent again. Everyone knew dealing with the Phantom Syndicate was akin to bargaining with a black hole—it would swallow you whole.

“I’ll handle it,” a voice interjected. Drayk Zenaros emerged from the shadows, his dark cloak flowing behind him. His presence was both reassuring and unnerving. “I still have…connections. They’ll listen to me.”

Thalira’s gaze hardened. “This isn’t just a negotiation, Drayk. If they double-cross us—”

“They won’t,” he interrupted with a smirk. “They value their survival too much.”

Thalira gave a reluctant nod. “Fine. But if this goes sideways, it’s on your head.”

Hours later, the resistance forces rallied in the central hangar, a cavernous space buzzing with activity. Technicians worked on battered ships, resistance fighters prepared for deployment, and whispers of hope spread like wildfire.

Thalira climbed onto a raised platform, her commanding presence drawing every eye. “Listen up!” her voice echoed through the hangar. “For too long, we’ve fought with scraps, outgunned and outnumbered. But today, we turn the tide. The secrets of Astralis are within our grasp, and with them, we’ll build a future where no one lives under Technokratium tyranny.”

Cheers erupted, shaking the walls. Even the most skeptical among them couldn’t deny the fire in Thalira’s words.

As the crowd dispersed, Vexara approached Thalira. “The shield project is already underway. If we can hold off the Technocrats for a few more weeks, we might just have a fighting chance.”

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Thalira allowed herself a rare smile. “Good. Let’s make sure we don’t waste it.”

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Syndicate’s secretive HQ, Drayk faced the leader of the organization, a figure known only as The Wraith. The room was dimly lit, with shimmering walls that seemed to pulse like a living organism.

“You’re asking for a lot, Zenaros,” The Wraith purred, their voice distorted by a modulator. “What makes you think we won’t simply sell you out to the Technokratium?”

Drayk’s expression remained unreadable. “Because you hate them more than you hate us. And because this deal benefits you too. Help us, and the resistance will ensure the Syndicate retains control of the outer rim trade routes.”

The Wraith leaned back, their glowing eyes narrowing. “Interesting. Very well, Zenaros. But if you fail, the Syndicate will make an example of you.”

Drayk smirked. “Wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Back on Talvoth, Kyren led a scouting team to retrieve fragments of Astralis technology from a forgotten ruin deep within the planet’s wastelands. The journey was treacherous, with sandstorms and prowling predators threatening their every step.

“Over there!” Kyren shouted, pointing to a jagged outcrop that jutted from the sand like a skeletal hand. Beneath it lay a hidden entrance, barely visible against the harsh terrain.

The team descended into the ruin, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. The air was thick with the scent of decay and ancient dust. Vexara, who had insisted on joining despite Thalira’s objections, studied the inscriptions on the walls.

“These markings…they’re not just instructions. They’re warnings,” she whispered.

“Warnings about what?” Kyren asked, his tone impatient.

Before she could answer, the ground trembled. A low, mechanical hum filled the air, growing louder with each passing second.

“Move! Now!” Kyren barked.

The team sprinted back toward the surface, barely escaping as the ruin collapsed behind them. As they emerged into the blinding sunlight, Kyren turned to Vexara.

“Next time, let’s not trigger the ancient booby traps, okay?”

Vexara shot him a glare. “You’re the one who insisted on going deeper.”

Back at the resistance base, Thalira stood on the observation deck, watching the sun set over the desert. The horizon was painted in hues of orange and crimson, a stark contrast to the chaos they faced.

Drayk joined her, his usual smirk replaced by a rare moment of sincerity. “The Syndicate’s in. We’ll have the materials within the week.”

Thalira nodded, her eyes never leaving the horizon. “Good. Now we just have to survive until then.”

Drayk’s gaze shifted, his expression unreadable. “You really think we can win this?”

Thalira turned to him, her eyes blazing with determination. “We don’t have a choice.”

As the chapter drew to a close, a transmission interrupted the quiet. A holographic image of Xenith Callorn flickered to life in the center of the war room.

“Resistance leaders,” Xenith’s voice dripped with disdain. “I admire your tenacity, but your efforts are futile. Surrender now, and I may show mercy.”

Thalira stepped forward, her jaw set. “We don’t bow to tyrants.”

Xenith’s lips curled into a cold smile. “So be it. Prepare yourselves, for the full force of the Technokratium is coming. And when it does, there will be no mercy.”

The transmission ended, leaving the room in tense silence.

“We need to move,” Thalira said, her voice steely. “They’re coming for us.”

As the team scrambled to prepare, Vexara noticed something strange on her console. “Wait,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That wasn’t just a threat. He embedded a tracking signal in the transmission. They know exactly where we are.”

Thalira’s eyes widened. “Everyone, evacuate now!”

The base shook violently as the first wave of Technokratium ships appeared in the sky, their weapons lighting up the night.

The battle for Talvoth had begun.