"Hostile forces are too numerous! They've broken through our defensive line! By the stars, what are these things? They're not…" The signal faltered and was replaced by a cacophony of white noise.
When it continued once more, the feed was in disarray. It was filled with screams and the sounds of combat. The admiral had reappeared, this time with blood on his face and sparks flying behind him. "Do not send reinforcements! I repeat, do NOT—"
The dark screen announced the end of the transmission with startling suddenness.
Pax sat back in his chair, his face unreadable as the hologram dissolved. His tentacles twitched faintly, betraying his growing irritation.
"Well," he said after a moment, his tone deceptively calm, "it seems this is no ordinary rebellion."
"My lord… What should we do?" the servant asked hesitantly.
Pax exhaled deeply, the iridescent smoke from his cigar-like object swirling around his head.