Besieged. {3}

The battlefield was a storm of clashing steel, roaring energy, and the cries of combatants. Cleo's forces, though outnumbered, fought with a desperate determination.

While the pirate elites, emboldened by their numerical advantage, pressed the attack with relentless ferocity. But Cleo's resolve was unshakable, even as her energy levels dwindled and her body screamed for rest.

"Even so, we will have to do with the little strength we have," Cleo said with her voice being steady despite the exhaustion etched into her features. "Otherwise, we will have to bombard the planet from orbit and start over again, or abandon the expedition completely."

She closed her eyes while taking a deep breath to steady herself. The stakes were too high to falter now.