Chapter 4: The Siege of Haven
The air inside Stellarion was filled with excitement. Liora stood on the bridge with her hand on the edge of the console as she stared at the deck of the Eclipse that circled Haven Station.
Its sleek black design looked intimidating. It is a weapon that can destroy. Vera was silent for a long time. "We are too expensive, Liora. The odds are five to one. And that is our compliment." "We're waiting somewhere else," Marcus asked, even though his strained voice overpowered his self-confidence.
But his words disappeared. Kael slowly moved towards the barrier with his arms outstretched. "This is not a game we can win right away. We have to think about them."
Liora was nicknamed "Of course, but we don't throw away the necklace. What other options do we have?" Rhys backed out of the station with a shocked expression on his face.
"If we tie ourselves to a chicken Eventually, they would break through the garden's defenses. The station's shields were able to resist for a very long time. Our best option is to remain calm through the chaos." Kael interrupted.
Her voice was sharp. "Or we can use the station's resources. This garden is a source of contraband – it must hide weapons or allies we can collect." Liora considered their alternatives.
"We will prepare for both parts. Marcus helps Rhys with the crossing system.
Vera and I need to speed towards Kael Station..." She laughed, still unsure if she could properly sit atop the newcomer. Kael smiled, "I need to gather information. Don't worry - I have my mother.
The busy corridors of Haven Station erupted into chaos as news of the Eclipse floated spread. Merchants moved to protect his cargo. And the Leisole soldiers prepared for battle.
Liora and Vera moved through the crowd, looking for anyone who could offer assistance.
In a dim bar They meet Captain Arlen, a blue-eyed veteran and former rival of Liora's father. He sips a glass of dark ale. with a mechanical hand placed on the table "Cassian," Arlen said with stone. "I didn't think I'd see you alive. Not to mention the key."
"We need your help," Liora exclaimed.
"Eclipse is here. They won't leave without a fight." Arlen sighed dryly. "And you think I'm suicidal enough to take them?" Vera leaned in.
Her voice was cold. "If they get the key. They won't stop at Haven. They will burn every system in their way." Arlen inspected them for a moment before sighing, "Good, I want to see the old guards But if this story goes south You owe me—so much time."
The trap is repeated again and again. Back on Stellarion Marcus and Rhys work tirelessly to prepare the ship for battle. Rhys attacks Haven's central systems, finding weaknesses in the Eclipse's shipbuilding. "That might work," Marcus said wistfully as the information was carefully examined.
"If we time the run with a clear attack from the station, We were able to cut through their lines." Kael returns with news of the Eclipse captain.
"Orion isn't on any ship," he announced. "They've been monitoring the operation from a distance. If we can disrupt their command relationship. It could also harm their fleet."
Liora's eyes widened. "How can we do that?" he asked. Kael sighed. "Haven buried the jammer in his archives. It's high tech. But if there is a slight repair It can work."
As the Eclipse fleet begins bombarding Haven's shields, Liora's plan begins. His Majesty launches a counter-attack using the station's secret weapon to attract the attention of the fleet. Meanwhile, Kael and Rhys work to activate the signal jammer, while Marcus and Vera prepare Stellarion for their daring escape.
Liora was still on the bridge. Coordinate their efforts and keep an eye on an even keel. which vibrates more with each passing moment.
"Shield failed!"
Rhys shouted into the comms.
"Hold on a little longer,"
Liora said.
"How is Kael Jamar?"
he asked.
"Almost there,"
Kael said, his voice strained.
"Just keep them distracted."
The signal jammer activated, sending a burst of interference through the Eclipse fleet. Ships veered off course, their systems scrambling to adapt. Arlen's forces pressed the advantage, taking down several Eclipse vessels.
"Now's our chance!"
Liora ordered.
The Stellarion launched from the station, weaving through the chaos.
But as they broke through the blockade, a missile struck the ship's rear, causing a massive explosion. Alarms blared as Vera fought to stabilize the vessel.
"We've lost the main thrusters!"
Marcus yelled.
"We're not out of this yet,"
Liora said, her voice fierce.
"Set course for the nearest jump gate. We'll limp there if we have to."
As Stellarion moves towards safety, an Eclipse ship follows, her guns locked by the key's power spell. And her captain sent a terrifying message.
"You cannot escape your fate, Cassian. The key is ours."
Before Liora could respond, Key suddenly stood up violently. causing shock waves throughout the ship The tug was suddenly destroyed, but Stellarion's systems were in the dark.
Liora stared at Key.
Who now smiles even more cheerfully His words filled her thoughts. Push her harder The same sentence echoed in his mind:
"There will be a real battle first."
The chapter ends with Stellarion floating in the void. The crew was beaten but still alive. And Liora must contend with the growing power and danger of the key.