Their training sessions were abruptly cut short when they received an emergency message from the Aegis Coalition.
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[ACUN] Urgent Emergency Message:
Title: Requesting Immediate Support
From: Aegis Coalition Headquarters
Approximately [20 minutes] ago, the Aegis Coalition came under large-scale assault by the Blackmarket Syndicates. Hundreds of planets across the universe are currently under attack, with Coalition fleets stretched thin defending critical infrastructure worlds. We urgently request that all available forces mobilize to assist the Coalition in any way possible. Any aid provided will be generously rewarded.
Requests for enhanced communication channels and beacon access are being fast-tracked for all allies and independent factions willing to assist.
This attack is not merely an assault on the Coalition—it is an attack on the universe as a whole. The Syndicates are targeting infrastructure and population centers, taking slaves, and crippling our ability to defend against external invaders. Your help may make the difference between our universe being overrun by invaders or holding fast at facing adversity. The Fate of our universe hangs in the balance; stand with us now. Together, we can turn the tide and save lives; please respond without delay.
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Alistair and Riseth rushed to enter their Tactical Operation Center for an emergency meeting. They were among the first. Nessyra, James, and somehow Denodia were already present; Denodia sat in a large, richly decorated chair and waved at them with a small smile. They took a seat watching the rest of the clans leadership arrive in short order, once everyone was present Nessyra stepped up, a grim expression on her face.
"I do not wish to take much time as we have a time-sensitive situation on our hands," Nessyra began, her gaze sweeping across the circle to ensure she had everyone's attention. “We’ve all received the emergency message from the Aegis Coalition, but I was able to gather more intel through my contacts. As the message stated, the Syndicates have launched a massive, coordinated attack on hundreds of planets, primarily targeting critical infrastructure and killing anyone who stands in their way."
She paused briefly, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "It is not looking good. While the Coalition’s fleet is significantly larger and better organized than the Syndicate’s pirate fleets, the difference isn’t as vast as we’d hope. Coalition spies have confirmed that the Syndicates are using their own universal network to coordinate this widespread assault. Their strategy appears to be to spread the Coalition thin by threatening key planets from core factions, effectively tying up critical assets."
"My personal recommendation is that we assist at least one of the nearby planets. There are multiple targets in neighboring galaxies with accessible beacons, and the Syndicate fleets in those areas are small enough for us to handle with minimal losses." She cleared her throat. "I’ve already recalled all available assets and deployed teams of lawyers and combat personnel to our ships. Jump calculations for what I deemed to be the best target are in progress, so we potentially won’t waste any time once we’ve made our decision."
Simon frowned. "Isn’t it risky to help in a neighboring galaxy? Couldn’t that narrow down our location for the Syndicate?"
Nessyra shook her head. "I don’t believe so. We’ve been recruiting across various regions, and I’ve made sure to create false leads by sending some of our exploration vessels to distant nebulas and galaxies. Those ships were seen by both independent factions and some of the larger ones, thanks to information from my Coalition contacts. We should be safe, and this could also help us build rapport with the Coalition and the local populations."
Alistair frowned, considering the stakes. "So, if we stay out of this conflict, we risk not only alienating the Coalition and losing access to their network, but they might be too crippled and preoccupied to hold off the invaders at the bridges, their main defense line. If that happens, the outsiders will breach the universe."
Nessyra nodded gravely. "Exactly. If the Coalition fails, the burden of defense will fall not only to the galaxies nearest to the bridges but the wider universe unimpeded, as not every faction cares to establish a bridgehead near the universal bridge. The invaders will spread chaos from there, and the Syndicates will thrive in the disorder, likely reinforcing their numbers with the invaders’ support. They’ll circle the battlefield like daregs—or vultures, for those from Earth."
A low murmur of conversation spread through the group as everyone weighed the potential targets, the risks, and the larger consequences of either intervening or remaining hidden. Alistair eventually turned to Denodia, seeking her insight. "What do you see?" he asked, hoping her ability to glimpse potential futures might guide them.
Denodia met his gaze, her expression unusually solemn. "There are too many moving pieces," she said, her eyes flicking between him and Riseth. "I don’t want to say too much, but you should know this mission comes with real danger. If we’re not careful, some of us won’t make it back. That includes both you and Riseth."
A heavy silence settled over the group as Denodia’s words sank in. The idea of one of them not returning hadn’t fully registered with Alistair until now. The thought of being stranded temporarily if their fleet was forced to retreat was troubling enough, but the possibility of losing Riseth or dying himself twisted his stomach in knots.
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Denodia continued, her tone measured. "Do not misunderstand; this is a distinct possibility at all times and it doesn't matter if you go out seeking treasures and dangers among the stars or sit here on this world waiting for danger to find us instead,"
"Well, that’s not exactly helpful," James commented with a frown on his face.
Denodia nodded. "It’s frustrating. The closer and more defined an event is the fewer variables and potential outcomes I have to contend with. Honestly, my concept is more useful in crafting and direct combat than in situations like this."
Riseth crossed her arms, deep in thought. "Either way, if we’re going after the Syndicate fleet and handling the forces they’ve left on the ground, we need to keep our weaker members well protected. Either Alistair or I should stay close to the main group at all times. We have no idea how many of the Syndicate members have received outside training like Alistair and I have, so we can't afford to take any chances."
Alistair sighed, scanning the room before speaking. "Alright, who here is willing to go out and help save these people? And who thinks this is too risky and would prefer to stay behind?"
To his surprise, nearly everyone raised their hands to volunteer, except for Melissa, Braxik, and Jessica. The Ryser siblings all glanced at their mother, Juliana, who had her hand raised.
"Mom, there’s no way we’re letting you go into a warzone," James said firmly, with the others nodding in agreement.
Juliana remained calm but resolute. "My teleportation magic is powerful enough to work even through strong interference. I can evacuate and reinforce our forces faster than anyone else, even without a beacon. You need me and my abilities."
Alistair grimaced, exchanging concerned looks with his brother and sister.
"If you’re going, I’m going with you," Melissa added quickly. "I won’t let you go alone. My magic can defend us, and I can put anyone who’s mortally wounded in stasis until we get them to safety."
Alistair liked this less and less. If it was just him, Riseth, and maybe Simon and James heading out, he wouldn’t be nearly as worried. But the thought of his mother and sister near the front lines unsettled him, even if they were powerful and far above the curve in terms of levels. Sensing his unease, Nessyra spoke up.
"Since we've agreed to focus our efforts on Planet Edos, we need to board immediately. The calculations should be complete soon. Once we destroy the enemy fleet, we'll drive off the invaders on the ground and operate in large, heavily protected groups. I’ll remain here to coordinate our attacks using the Aegis Coalition’s enhanced network communications. May fortune be with you all."
With time running out, Nessyra quickly jumped to the task of organizing and directing the boarding efforts. Every second they delayed gave the Syndicates more opportunity to murder, plunder, destroy, and enslave. There wasn’t enough time to wait for any off-world combat forces to return, so the available teams boarded the Kaiakos and their small fleet of combat ships as quickly as possible. The fleet now consisted of eight frigates, a destroyer-class ship, and a small armada of jet-sized fighter crafts stationed aboard both the Kaiakos and their destroyer, the Akris.
With Nessyra staying behind, Captain Kazire, a demon in charge of the Kaiakos whenever the clan leadership was absent, would pilot the ship and command the fleet. The mission aimed to secure an improved Fleet Commander title for him, as well as for the captains of the frigates and the pilots of the fighter crafts.
Alistair watched demons and humans board the fighter crafts as he walked through the hangar. He knew that most of the fighter crafts had been custom-made for their pilots, complete with safety measures and emergency ejection functionality to increase their chances of survival. Despite these precautions, he couldn’t shake the feeling that these crafts were little more than metal coffins. No matter how much they empowered their vessels, he struggled to see them standing up to larger ships with their current power. He would have preferred all fighter crafts to be remotely piloted, but the pilots had insisted that doing so would stifle their advancement on their chosen paths. He breathed in, recognized his misgivings, and let them go. It was their choice, and if they were willing to risk their lives that way, it was their choice to make, and if he was anything to go by, they could very well tear larger crafts apart eventually.
He was glad that Nessyra would remain in communication through the AC Network, having requested and immediately been granted access to improved communication features as soon as she confirmed their intent to come to the coalition aid. Her coordination and sharp wit would save many lives, or so he hoped.
By the time all the ships had been boarded through shuttles, the jumpdrives were a mere half hour away from completing their calculations. Despite it only being a half hour, time slowed to a crawl, and nervous energy built among those on board the ships. They all knew that this would be their first true taste of combat, and some of them might not return. Some even requested to return to the planet and were granted leave as they wouldn't force anyone who didn't have the nerve into combat.
They had received word from the inhabitants of Edos that their fleets were still fighting, and the beacon's location was safe to jump. However, they requested that they hurry, as they couldn't stop the many transport ships from landing on the planet without allowing the enemy warships to bombard their infrastructures and cities, and their young fleet was close to breaking.
As the seconds ticked down to their jump, Alistair squeezed Riseth's hand, glancing at his mother and sister seated nearby aboard the Artemis. Feeling the weight of the moment, he rose from his seat and approached the captain, requesting a brief moment to address the crew, hoping to lift their spirits.
The comms crackled to life. "This is Alistair Ryser," his voice steady but resolute. "Many of you might know me only by name or reputation, but today, I want you to know this: I am here with you, shoulder to shoulder, all the way. Some of you joined us to protect your families, to find a safe haven away from the violence. And that’s exactly why we’re doing this—this fight is for them.
He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in before continuing. "We cannot sit back and let the Syndicate run wild. We can’t let them sabotage the shield that holds back the invaders from beyond. If we allow that, everything we’ve fought for—everything we’ve built so far will be in danger. So, I say this: Fuck the Syndicates and Fuck the Invaders. We’ve defeated scum like this before, and we’ll do it again. We will stand together, and we will crush them. Today, we fight not just for ourselves, but for the future we’re building. Now, let’s go out there and remind them who we are!"
The comms cut off, and a charged silence followed before the crew erupted in cheers, ready to face what awaited them on the other side.
Alistair watched as the seconds ticked down to 0 and feeling the familiar pull of warp space as they received the command to jump, he saw flashes of the Kaiakos and the other ships as they jumped out.