Chapter 174: Enemy Stronghold

The air in the Olympus bridge was thick with anticipation. Officers and ensigns were on high alert, their eyes sharp, fingers dancing across their consoles with trained precision. Caden's command had galvanized them into action; they were a unit of discipline and readiness.

"Three minutes to exit warp!" announced Solan, his voice a mix of excitement and wariness. The unknown, an adversary no training could prepare one for, was just moments away.

Caden, flanked by Solari, paced the bridge. "All hands to battle stations! Prepare for immediate engagement! I want shields at maximum and all weapons systems on standby!"

Acknowledgments echoed through the bridge, the hum of machinery and electronic beeps creating a symphonic backdrop to the controlled chaos.

As the countdown drew closer, the tension amplified. Every soul aboard the Olympus knew the gravity of their expedition into the unknown, and each bore the weight with silent resolve.