Bajes stirred once more, greeted by the familiar face of Colonel Lithugaraha, one of his most trusted allies, standing in his room. Noticing Bajes's return to consciousness, Lithugaraha greeted him warmly, "It's good to see you alive, Commander Ta'Bajes."

With a smile, Bajes replied, "I think we can drop the formalities when it's just us, my friend." Lithugaraha let out a chuckle, relieved. "Good, your personality seems intact. So, what's it like to cheat death once again? I swear, last time I was convinced I'd seen the last of you looking like shit, yet here you are, proving me wrong once more."

This time, it was Bajes who chuckled. "What can I say? The last time I was in such a sorry state, we were nearly obliterated." Lithugaraha nodded, adding, "Just like now. Though, I was relatively safe out in space this time around."

Bajes raised an eyebrow in surprise. "And here I was, thinking you'd taken on the enemy fleet single-handedly and made it out alive." Lithugaraha waved off the notion, "No, I was biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. I'm just glad my judgment was sound. I wouldn't have wanted to justify my hesitance had you not made it," the colonel paused, then added with a hint of humour, "Though, facing Da'Lana's wrath would have been the true fear."

Bajes smiled at the comment, appreciating the light-heartedness. They then reminisced about a past ordeal when Bajes and Lithugaraha found themselves encircled by two enemy fleets, fighting tenaciously for survival.

It was an ordinary day for the fleet, veering towards the mundane with yet another day on standby. Under council directives, Bajes had led the entire fleet to a remote sector, ostensibly to guard... essentially nothing. The solar system, devoid of habitable planets, was rumored to serve as a supply base for the enemy. Initially, Bajes felt a surge of pride and excitement; as the newly appointed commander of the 22nd galaxy mothership, he was responsible for the well-being of 1.5 million individuals—predominantly military personnel, though a few had their families onboard. His command included an impressive assembly: 3 massive ships, 10 large ships, 40 medium ships, and nearly 200 small vessels. Some planets boasted smaller populations than his fleet. Yet, here they were, immobilized, their skills and readiness languishing for the third consecutive week.

Da'Lana entered their quarters, breaking the monotony with a mix of fatigue and pragmatism. "Bajes, it's your turn to take over the duty. I need some rest," she remarked, promptly transmitting the last 12-hour status report to him. After a brief exchange of affection, Bajes departed for the command centre.

Upon his arrival, the crew stood to attention, offering their salutes. "At ease," Bajes commanded, settling into his role. "I'll take the deck. Ensure the shields are extended and keep a vigilant watch over the system." Seated in the commander's chair, he integrated with the ship's systems. To while away the hours, Bajes indulged in reviewing the ship's advanced technology. He took a particular interest in the latest psi reactor, the gravity engine, and the fusion core. The gravity engine, with its ability to adjust gravitational forces by up to ±20%, provided a novel diversion amidst the tedium of their vigil.

As Bajes delved into the intricacies of the gravity engine's operational mechanics, a familiar presence interrupted his focus. Lithugaraha strode onto the deck, offering a formal salute before delivering its report. "Commander Ta'Bajes, I've intercepted some form of communication traversing this system," it announced.

Bajes's interest immediately shifted towards Lithugaraha. "Proceed, what have you uncovered?" he prompted.

Lithugaraha, with a nod of acknowledgment, continued, "The signals are unmistakably Arachnex in origin, yet they're encrypted—beyond our current decryption capabilities. The language used is unlike anything we're familiar with, potentially a new dialect or code developed by the rebels that hasn't yet been intercepted."

The information triggered a wave of unease in Bajes. It seemed implausible, yet the unfamiliarity of the language left him disconcerted, sensing a critical piece of the puzzle was eluding him.

Lithugaraha, settling into one of the secondary command chairs, lightened the mood with a jest, "Abdul would've quipped, 'You did a shoddy job, bro,'" mimicking their fallen comrade's hypothetical reaction with uncanny accuracy. Bajes couldn't help but chuckle, acknowledging the truth in Lithugaraha's mimicry—Abdul would have indeed made such a remark.

Yet, amidst the fleeting amusement, a sudden realization struck Bajes, solidifying his earlier sense of foreboding into a tangible concern. It harked back to an earlier mission in the Omicron system, where an undecipherable message had preceded a critical threat.

With a calm yet firm resolve, Bajes instructed, "Elevate us to alert status. Civilian personnel are to retreat to their quarters immediately. Halt all non-essential activities; only those critical to the ship's operations are to proceed." His command, unexpected and severe, drew surprised and concerned gazes from the entire command room crew.

Lithugaraha inquired with evident concern, "Is there an issue, sir?" Bajes responded, his voice tinged with apprehension, "Just a hunch. It feels eerily reminiscent of the Omicron system incident, remember?"

Without hesitation, Lithugaraha sprang into action, initiating protocols to secure the fleet. "Battle formation and deploy the probes to widen our perimeter immediately!" it commanded, linking to the other ships to coordinate their response.

Observing Lithugaraha's swift actions, Bajes remarked, "So, I'm not alone in my unease?" Lithugaraha, with a gravity befitting the situation, affirmed, "Sir, my service under your command has been long and instructive. Your instincts have always been exceptional, the finest among us. If you sense danger in this anomaly, it's prudent we treat it with utmost seriousness."

Soon after, Bajes fielded inquiries from Maria and Da'Lana, puzzled and concerned by the sudden shift to an alert state across the fleet. After a concise explanation of the unfolding situation, both expressed their intention to join him on the bridge. Bajes, however, urged restraint, "Ladies, rest. Should a warp disturbance arise, necessitating our move to battle stations, I need you both as prepared as possible. Battles are marathons, not sprints, and while stimulants offer temporary respite, they're not a substitute for rest. That's an order."

Maria acknowledged the directive with a salute before severing the communication. Da'Lana lingered, requesting, "Send me updates on an hourly basis. I want to stay informed." Bajes automatically responded with a "Yes, sir," before catching himself, momentarily surprised by his deferential reflex. Noting Da'Lana's unamused reaction to his lapse, the communication was promptly ended.

Bajes and Lithugaraha remained in a state of heightened alert, their senses tethered directly to the fleet's systems. Hours ticked by—two, four, nine—and doubt began to seep into Bajes's mind. Was his intuition misleading him into paranoia? Just as he contemplated scaling back to normal alert status, the systems blared with the detection of a massive warp wave, merely two hours away by their current range estimations. Without hesitation, battle stations were activated, and the fleet sprang into action, converging on the source of the warp signature in less than three minutes.

Further analysis revealed the scale of the impending threat: 40 large ships, 20 carriers, and 40 medium ships, all bearing the marks of Arachnex rebels. Conflict was not just probable; it was guaranteed.

Amidst preparations, Maria and Da'Lana arrived on the bridge, seamlessly integrating themselves with the ship's command network. Bajes swiftly opened a communication link between himself, Lithugaraha, Maria, and Da'Lana, delegating responsibilities with clear directives. "Da'Lana, you're in charge of coordinating our massive ships. Maria, the large ships are yours to command. Lithugaraha, you'll act as my surrogate, but your primary focus will be on overseeing formation strategies and providing me with real-time updates on the health and weaponry status of our strategic vessels."

After ensuring the distribution of roles, Bajes verified the fleet's arsenal—a formidable count of 1,000 psi mines. He then issued orders to deploy two contingents of psi mines, each consisting of 150 units, to flank the enemy from the rear. His strategy aimed to disperse the enemy's focus during the crucial moments of engagement, creating an opening for a decisive strike.

As the mines were deployed, anticipation mounted on the brink of battle. The fleet braced to decimate the enemy with their strategic placement. However, an alarming report came through: the enemy had released their own barrage of mines—1,200 psi mines, all targeted at the mothership and the massive vessels. The sheer number sent a chill down Bajes's spine. "1,200... an unthinkable number," he pondered, realizing the grave threat they posed, especially to the massive ships. The likelihood of significant casualties loomed large.

Lithugaraha added to the tension, reporting, "It appears the enemy is escorting their psi mines, intending to shield them from our countermeasures, sir." This tactical move by the enemy was unexpected and problematic. Normally, their fleet would easily neutralize such a threat, but the combination of the vast number of mines and their protective escort spelled trouble. "How did they amass so many? Even the galactic fleet has limitations on their stockpile," Bajes wondered aloud.

In response to the imminent danger, Bajes issued new orders to mitigate the impact: "Form a wall with the large ships; we've become the primary target. The massive ships and our mothership will take cover behind this shield. Any mines and enemy ships that breach our frontline will be intercepted by our small vessels, while the medium ships provide support and reinforce any vulnerabilities. Form a secondary wall behind the large ships for added protection."

As the fleet adjusted its formation, they approached the nexus of the battle—the interconnection of shields, an expanse that could stretch up to 1,000,000 kilometers. Within this vast arena, shielded from external interference, the fierce combat was set to commence.

As the conflict erupted into full-scale battle, Bajes, discerning a critical advantage, issued an order: "Massive ships and our mothership will lower their shields momentarily to charge their sigma weapons." Observing that the enemy's primary offensive seemed to rely on psi mines, with no signs of sigma weapon preparation on their vessels, Bajes sensed an opportunity. This disparity in armament could turn the tide in their Favor.

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Amidst his strategic evaluations and the chaotic ballet of combat, an ominous alert sounded—a massive warp signature was detected, heralding the arrival of another enemy fleet, poised to join the fray in merely three hours. This revelation shifted the situation dramatically; from hunters, they were now the hunted. Time was suddenly of the essence.

In an urgent consultation with Lithugaraha, Bajes probed for a tactical assessment, "Do you reckon we can mitigate the psi mines' impact sufficiently to allow the massive ships to take cover behind us?" Lithugaraha's response was unequivocally grim, "Definitely not." Bajes's frustration was palpable, though contained. Addressing his commanders, he sought a brief respite, "I need a few minutes."

Connecting to one of the probes monitoring the battlefield, Bajes surveyed the ongoing conflict with a critical eye. The challenge was clear—if they could neutralize the mines, escape remained a viable option. Fleeing the battlefield was not a decision taken lightly, but the prospect of sacrificing millions for a fleeting notion of honour was untenable. Bajes was resolute; survival now would enable them to regroup and engage the enemy on more favourable terms later, restoring their honour through strategic victories rather than a Pyrrhic stand.

In the face of mounting peril, Bajes acknowledged the dire circumstances and sought counsel from his commanders across the fleet, emphasizing openness to any viable strategies that could avert their collective demise. "I am open to any ideas. Does anyone have a solution where we don't perish? I have one proposal, albeit an unpopular one. Now is the time to voice your thoughts," he encouraged.

The response was a palpable silence, a testament to the gravity of their situation, until a colonel from one of the massive ships suggested a bold manoeuvre to break through the current enemy blockade at full speed and initiate warp. Bajes considered the proposal, aware that such a tactic would likely result in the destruction of the massive ships and the mothership due to the minefield.

With no other suggestions forthcoming, Bajes relayed his controversial plan, "Let's adopt a survival of the fittest strategy. We continue to engage the first enemy fleet, and if we lose 15 percent of our ships, the 30 percent that are most damaged will stay behind to delay the enemy, allowing the remainder to escape. This approach will incentivize everyone to perform optimally to avoid being left behind."

Lithugaraha, ever candid, remarked, "That's an unconventional method to motivate your troops." The silence that followed hinted at the discomfort with the idea of abandoning any part of their fleet.

Maria, ever incisive, posed a pointed question, "And if our ship ends up being among the most damaged?" Bajes couldn't help but appreciate the sharpness of her inquiry. With a strategic optimism, he replied, "Then, I will be among those who stay. However, I have no intention of letting our mothership be destroyed or so severely damaged that we're forced to abandon it. I'm confident we'll navigate through this."

Amidst the chaos of battle, Bajes, fully synced with his ship's frontal weaponry, masterfully intercepted the onslaught of enemy mines with remarkable precision. Each psi mine required two strikes for neutralization: one to dismantle its shield and another to obliterate it entirely. Meanwhile, their own mines wreaked havoc upon the enemy fleet, inflicting severe losses.

It was in this tumultuous moment that a bizarre, almost laughable strategy occurred to Bajes. But before he could dismiss it, an internal voice asserted, "There's a 50% chance of death if you proceed. Do it." The gamble of a 50% survival rate for himself and the potential to save his fleet weighed heavily on him.

As he pondered the risk, a sudden jolt rocked the ship—a large allied vessel had been destroyed, its fusion reactor detonating in a catastrophic explosion. Da'Lana, caught off-guard, was thrown from her chair, revealing she hadn't been securely seated. The realization then dawned on Bajes: the 50% risk wasn't just about the fleet's survival but also Da'Lana's—a perspective shift that momentarily eased his apprehension.

Lithugaraha's urgent call snapped Bajes back to reality. "Bajes! Focus is crucial—continue to intercept those mines! I can sense you're brewing a daring plan, but we need action against these mines now! One of the massive ships is in critical condition!"

Acknowledging the immediate threat, Bajes quickly reviewed the reports confirming their dire situation under the relentless mine assault. Deciding on a decisive course of action, he commanded, "Deploy the remaining mines in a wall formation—400 for the first barrier, followed by a secondary barrier of 300, set them to deploy with a 2-minute interval between them!"

In the midst of battle, a grim transmission reached Bajes from one of the massive ships, its commander reporting catastrophic damage: "Sir, grant us permission to use ourselves as a charge for the mines. Our situation is terminal—weaponry at 40%, shields inoperable, warp and gravity engines destroyed. We can still offer a temporary shield. Please, allow us this final act."

The weight of command, the decisions that cost lives, pressed heavily on Bajes. With a steady, solemn voice, he granted the request, "Proceed. Your bravery is unparalleled, and your sacrifice will not be forgotten. I swear by my name." The commander offered a final salute before ending the communication.

Bajes then issued an emergency broadcast across the fleet, "Brace for the impact of a massive ship fusion explosion. Inform all personnel of the impending blast." The fleet tensed for the sacrifice of their comrades.

Soon after, Lithugaraha's update added to the urgency, "The enemy's reinforcement fleet has lowered its shields and begun charging their sigma weapons..." Bajes understood the gravity of this development—all signs pointed to an escalation of hostilities.

Without hesitation, Bajes convened a critical communication with Lithugaraha, Da'Lana, and Maria. "Listen carefully; time is of the essence. Lithugaraha, assume command. I must investigate something crucial linked to the psi reactor; reaching it will take at least an hour. Reorganize the fleet in my absence. The two remaining massive ships will spearhead an assault following the mines, carrying the medium and small ships in their wake. Our initial offensive has severely weakened the front-line enemy fleet. The large ships will manage the fallout. Your objective is to navigate a path away from the enemy reinforcements. Are my commands understood?"

Lithugaraha, poised and ready, affirmed, "Yes, proceed with your task!"

On the brink of executing his audacious plan, Bajes felt Da'Lana's sharp interjection cutting through the tension. "Hold your horses, Ta'Bajes Terellia. You're not leaving me in the dark." Standing firm, Bajes assured her he would explain en route to the ship's core. Sprinting towards the reactors nestled at the ship's heart, he was aware of the gravity of his next words.

With Da'Lana threatening to sever his access out of concern, Bajes couldn't help but roll his eyes, a mix of frustration and urgency propelling him forward. "I intend to perform a Psi Warp directly into the midst of the enemy's rear fleet," he explained breathlessly. "The disruption will momentarily incapacitate their weapons and shields, affording us a critical opportunity to inflict substantial damage and potentially force a retreat."

The silence that followed was heavy, charged with the weight of his plan. Finally, Da'Lana's voice broke through, scepticism laced with worry. "Alright, now give me the real plan. This is no time for jokes."

Despite his impatience, Bajes reiterated his strategy, sensing Da'Lana's struggle to grasp the seriousness of his intentions. Her response laid bare the peril of his scheme, "You do realize the energy required for a Psi Warp inversely correlates with the jump's distance. The shorter the leap, the more energy needed to distort space-time. Attempting such a manoeuvre is akin to suicide, Bajes. Your brain could literally turn to ash from the strain. This isn't strategy; it's a death wish."

With the weight of his daring plan bearing down on him, Bajes sought affirmation from Da'Lana, asking for her trust and support in a moment brimming with uncertainty. "Trust me, please, and support me. I need it now more than ever. I have a plan that might work." Her silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken fears and the gravity of command decisions.

Eventually, Da'Lana's voice cut through the tension, offering a blend of threat and support that was uniquely hers. "Got it. But if you die, I'm coming after you." Bajes couldn't help but chuckle at her response; her straightforwardness and willingness to engage with him on such terms underscored the deep bond they shared—a relationship where honesty and mutual respect reigned supreme.

As Bajes neared the psi reactor room, a massive jolt—the explosion of the sacrificial ship—sent him hurtling through the air. Thanks to a quick reaction and the augmentation of his psi skeleton, he landed adeptly, although the effort left him breathing heavily and his muscles tense from the exertion. Covering 8 kilometers in 25 minutes under such conditions was no small feat.

Upon entering the psi reactor chamber, Bajes was met with astonished looks from the crew. Without hesitation, he issued commands, his authority clear. "Are you trying to defy your orders?! Move!" His firm directive spurred them into action, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation.

Seated at the main console, Bajes connected directly with the psi core and initiated a fleet-wide announcement. "This is Commander Bajes. Shortly, we will deploy our new experimental weapon directly amidst the enemy fleet. You are to engage the enemy head-on; the weapon's activation will temporarily incapacitate their forces. Begin charging the sigma weapons now, targeting the enemy's massive and large ships. We're committing everything to this assault. There's still hope. Prepare for the weapon's release 10 seconds before the sigma weapons reach full readiness."

Removing his helm, Bajes sought some relief in the form of head cooling gear, a small concession to the immense physiological strain he was about to endure. The crew promptly equipped him with the latest cooling technology, a testament to their readiness to support their commander, no matter the request. Bajes inhaled deeply, steeling himself for the monumental task ahead.

As he mulled over the impending psi warp, a stark realization hit him—these moments could very well be his last. The question of fear surfaced; the undeniable truth was that he was terrified. The prospect of death loomed large, and he admitted to himself that without Da'Lana's presence in his life, he might have faltered. Life sucks, it is infinite bullshits coming after one another at random. Yes... that is the best definition of life. This thought brought a rueful smile to his face. Despite his internal critique, he acknowledged his vulnerability in this moment of introspection.

Then, without further hesitation or time to dwell on his fears, Bajes activated the close-range psi warp. Pain surged through his head, a blinding darkness enveloping his consciousness as he succumbed to unconsciousness.

In the aftermath, as Bajes and Lithugaraha reminisced about the battle's pivotal moments, Bajes realized he had never fully inquired about the events that unfolded after his daring manoeuvre. Lithugaraha recounted the chaos unleashed within the enemy ranks—their mines wreaking havoc and the sigma weapon devastatingly impacting the enemy command ship, forcing a retreat. Their strategy had been a resounding success.

Lithugaraha then revealed an unexpected detail—Da'Lana's emotional turmoil during the battle. "Back on the bridge, Da'Lana was crying the whole time. At first, I didn't understand why. But after your warp, it dawned on me that you had shared your plan with her." Bajes, reflecting on that moment, acknowledged the gravity of his decision. "It was a hard decision, you know."

As the enemy retreated, Lithugaraha's words found Bajes in the quiet of his hospital room. "After handing command to Maria, I, alongside Da'Lana, made our way to the psi reactor. Frankly, I was prepared to find a scene of devastation, similar to the past—perhaps your body, marked by the severe consequences of psi link overexertion. Yet, against those odds, we found you merely lethargic, still clinging to life. The medics had already been summoned, swiftly encasing you in an ice tube for urgent care. Reflecting on the past incident, I couldn't envision a state more dire for you. However, viewing the recording of your current state, being carried away once more, you've managed to defy my expectations yet again... Duty calls, my friend. I wish you a swift recovery. Until later."

This reflection brought Bajes to a pivotal realization: his willingness to face such peril, to push himself beyond the limits of endurance, was not merely a commander's duty but a personal imperative. The thought of Da'Lana, her silent tears, and the unspoken fears they shared, solidified his resolve. It wasn't about defying death for the sake of heroism; it was about the unyielding desire to protect, to preserve what was precious. If faced with the choice again, he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would take the same risks, accept the same pain, if it meant safeguarding her life, no matter the odds.