Chapter 156: Change in the Ashen Sector 3

Two days before Governor Tallin Krell's diplomatic mission is scheduled to arrive, Ethan strides into the Kynaran Federation Guard's fortified command center in Valeris. The war room, built deep within the heart of the old city's military stronghold, is a relic of a past era. Scarred walls bearing the marks of past conflicts, flickering holographic maps displaying Kynara's battle-ravaged surface, and a table surrounded by the planet's most powerful figures.

Tension is thick in the air. The stakes are high. The future of Kynara, and possibly the entire Ashen Sector, depends on the decisions made in this room.

At the head of the table stand three dominant figures, each representing a key faction that has emerged in the aftermath of the Black Sun Syndicate's downfall:

 Marik Vos, the new leader of the Resistance, whose battle-worn face carries the weight of years spent fighting Syndicate oppression. His distrust of external powers, particularly the Orion Federation, is well-documented.

Lirien Vossel, the newly appointed captain of the Kynaran Federation Guard, a disciplined and pragmatic officer caught between loyalty to her people and her duty to uphold federal law and order.

Darrik Voss, the influential Mercenary Guild branch leader, a man of calculated neutrality and equally measured morality.

All three have come to this meeting with one goal: to decide how Kynara will respond to the Federation's reassertion of authority over the Ashen Sector, and more specifically, to the appointment of Tallin Krell as the new governor.

As Ethan takes his seat, all eyes briefly turn to him. Though not an official leader of any faction, his actions in toppling the warlord Drakor Krenna have made him an undeniable player in the sector's politics. The trust and influence he has built was undeniable.

Then the discussion begins, and it's clear from the outset that the room is divided.

Marik is the first to speak, and his voice carries the raw conviction of a man who has spent his life fighting against oppressors.

"Let's not pretend the Federation suddenly cares about Kynara's well-being," he says, leaning forward with his hands pressed against the table. "Where were they when we were bleeding in the streets, fighting for our survival? Where was their so-called justice when Krenna's thugs were enslaving our people and bleeding this planet dry?"

His words are met with silence, but the weight of his accusation lingers. The Resistance had fought alone against the Black Sun Syndicate while the Federation turned a blind eye. Only now, after Kynara had freed itself, did they show interest.

"And now they want us to bow to their new governor just like that ? A man we know nothing about, who answers to the same people who abandoned us?" Marik continues, his voice dark with suspicion. "We're supposed to trust that Krell is a reformer? That he isn't just another tool for the Orion Federation's agenda?"

Marik gestures toward a small stack of data slates on the table, intelligence reports compiled by the coalition.

"We have evidence that elements within Ashen Prime may have been colluding with Krenna. Supplies, weapons, even personnel...we've traced back deals between the Black Sun and Federation-aligned operatives."

This revelation wasn't something new. Their was evidence that the Ashen Prime wasn't just absent during Kynara's suffering; some high figures within its ranks might have actively profited from it.

Marik lets the silence settle before delivering his final point.

"We didn't fight to overthrow Krenna just to become pawns in someone else's game. I won't let Kynara trade one tyrant for another."

Lirien, sitting opposite Marik, exhales sharply but doesn't immediately counter his accusations. Instead, she folds her arms and chooses her words carefully. Unlike Marik, she still sees value in the Federation, despite its past failures.

"I understand your frustration," she says, her tone measured. "And I don't disagree that the Federation and Ashen Prime abandoned us when we needed them most. But refusing to engage with them now could be just as dangerous as trusting them blindly."

She taps the control panel on the table, and the holographic display shifts, showing an overview of Kynara's current state. Damaged infrastructure, a fragile economy, and vulnerable borders.

"Look at us, Marik. We're still reeling from years of conflict and war. Kynara's defenses are weak, our resources depleted, and we're surrounded by opportunistic factions that would love nothing more than to pick our bones clean."

She turns her gaze toward the others.

"I'm not saying we should accept Krell with open arms. I'm saying we should at least listen to what he has to offer before making a decision that could isolate and doom us permanently."

Marik scoffs but doesn't interrupt. Lirien presses on.

"We don't have the luxury of fighting this battle, especially when the outcome is clear for all to see. If Krell is sincere about stabilizing the sector, we should use this moment to secure Kynara's future. What we need isn't blind rejection or blind trust, we need leverage."

Darrik, who has been quietly listening, finally speaks. His tone lacks the fiery passion of Marik or the disciplined urgency of Lirien. Instead, it is cool and calculated.

"Both of you make good points," he says, his fingers tapping idly against the table. "But let's not forget the bigger picture here. The Federation isn't acting out of goodwill. They never do anything without an angle."

He gestures toward the map of the Ashen Sector.

"Governor Renn Valcor's arrest wasn't random. The Federation made a statement by removing him. If they wanted to maintain the same corrupt system, they could've just let him continue. But they didn't."

He pauses, letting that thought sink in.

"Now, whether that means Krell is an actual reformer or just their latest puppet, we don't know. But what we do know is that the Federation wants Kynara."

Darrik shifts his gaze between Marik and Lirien.

"They need our cooperation to legitimize their new administration in the Ashen Sector. They need our resources, our strategic location. That gives us power."

He leans forward slightly, a hint of a smile on his lips.

"We don't have to bow to them, but we also don't have to push them away outright. We should use this situation to negotiate from a position of equals. If Krell wants Kynara's support, he should pay for it, on our terms."

As the debate continues, Ethan remains silent, absorbing the arguments presented. He knows that sooner or later, they will turn to him for an opinion. And when they do, it will carry weight, whether he wants it to or not.

The tension in the war room does not ease as the debate continues. If anything, it deepens, shifting from whether to trust the Federation to how they should approach the upcoming meeting with Governor Tallin Krell.

Outright rejection is not an option. Marik may despise the Federation, but even he knows that Kynara is in no position to defy them. The planet's forces are fractured, its economy crippled, and its defenses weakened after years of war. Even without all of these issues, no single planet can stand a chance against a galactic powerhouse such as the Orion Federation.

Hypothetical independence could sound noble in a speech, but in reality, it would be a suicidal choice for Kynara. Besides the obvious complete annihilation from Federation Fleets, another syndicate could rise to replace the Black Sun. Bandit Warlords, space pirates, or even rogue mercenary bands could claim the vacuum of power if Kynara isolates itself too much.

So the discussion shifts toward the real issue: How does Kynara secure the best possible terms for its future?

A hard stance is necessary, but so is pragmatism. The Federation is coming, whether they want it or not. The question now is: on whose terms?

Lirien Vossel takes control of the discussion, standing as she organizes the debate into clear points. The room's holographic display shifts to show an agenda, dividing the negotiations into four main concerns.

1. Political Autonomy vs. Federation Control

Lirien crosses her arms, addressing the table.

"This is the core of it all. If we accept Federation oversight, how much control will they have?"

The question hangs in the air, unspoken fears behind it. Will Kynara be granted semi-autonomy, allowed to govern itself under Federation oversight? Or will the planet remain just another colony, stripped of decision-making power?

Marik clenches his jaw.

"They'll say whatever we want to hear, but the moment we give them an inch, they'll take everything. That's what empires do."

Lirien counters with a nod.

"Maybe. But if we negotiate well, we can establish terms that guarantee our government has a say in its own future. We should push for self-governance under a clear agreement. No military governor, no imposed planetary viceroy."

Darrik Voss, ever the pragmatist, leans forward.

"What about a compromise? We accept Federation jurisdiction but demand that planetary leadership remains local. A Kynaran-led council that handles internal affairs, while the Federation manages external defense and trade agreements."

Marik scoffs but does not dismiss the idea outright.

2. Security and Military Presence

"And what about security?" Lirien continues. "Kynara just fought off one criminal occupying force. The last thing we need is another rising. Having them contribute in restoring order would be ideal."

The table falls into a moment of silence. No one here wants Federation boots stationed across their cities. Yet, no one can deny that Kynara remains vulnerable.

"We have to be careful here," Darrik warns. "If we demand that they keep out completely and let us handle things, it makes us look weak and invites external threats. If we let them in fully, they might never leave."

Marik exhales sharply.

"Then the question is how they help. Do they offer security guarantees without putting troops on the ground? Do they integrate Kynarans into the defense forces? Or do they send their own fleets and establish garrisons?"

Lirien shakes her head.

"If they station their own forces, they should do so under Kynaran command. We can't allow that, even if they claim it's for our protection."

3. Economic Reconstruction & Investment

The next point sparks heated debate.

"Rebuilding Kynara is a priority," Lirien says. "And we can't do it alone."

Kynara's economy is in shambles. Infrastructure is in ruins, trade routes disrupted, entire sectors of the population displaced.

Marik eyes her warily.

"What's the price? Because the Federation doesn't do charity."

Darrik chuckles dryly.

"They'll want something in return. Our psychic ore, labor agreements, this isn't just about rebuilding. It's about control."

The table shifts again to display planetary resources. Psychic ore, Kynara's most valuable resource, is particularly concerning. It is used in advanced technology, from weaponry to cybernetics, and the Federation would undoubtedly want a claim over it.

"We need ironclad trade agreements," Darrik says. "If they want our resources, they pay for them fairly. No coercion, no exploitation."

Lirien nods.

"And infrastructure investment. If they want to operate here, they should be required to contribute to rebuilding our settlements and outposts."

4. Recognition of Resistance Fighters & Veterans

Marik leans forward, his gaze sharp.

"And what about my people?"

A crucial, unavoidable issue.

"What happens to the men and women who bled for this planet? Will they be integrated into the new order? Or cast aside once they've served their purpose?"

The Federation could see them as a threat. Former revolutionaries, trained in guerrilla warfare, could either be a valuable asset or a problem they want to eliminate.

"If they think they can just disarm the Resistance and leave us with nothing, they're mistaken," Marik continues. "My people deserve a place in this new future, if we even decide to accept it."

Lirien considers his words before responding.

"We should push for integration. Offer them official roles in the security forces. Make it clear that they fought for Kynara. Not just for a war, but for its future."

Darrik shrugs.

"They'll probably try to buy some of them off, make them part of the new system. The question is whether that's a good thing or not."

The debate reaches a natural pause. And then, inevitably, every eye in the room turns to Ethan.

Unlike the others, he is not bound to any faction. He is an outsider, a mercenary, a soldier-for-hire whose name now echoes across the Ashen Sector. But that is precisely why his opinion carries weight.

He has fought alongside all of them. He helped topple Drakor Krenna. He has seen, firsthand, both the Federation's failures and the desperate hope of Kynara's people.

Whether he wants the role or not, Ethan is the hero of Kynara.

Marik watches him carefully, while Lirien studies his reaction, searching for his stance.

Darrik simply smiles, as if agreeing with anything he proposes.

Ethan knows that his words will influence the path they take. The fate of Kynara hangs in the balance. Not on a battlefield, but here, in this war room, where words are as sharp as any blade.

And now, it's his turn to speak.