Chapter 48: Back in the Capital

One month had passed since the attack on Liora-7, and Prince Cassian found himself back in the capital, navigating the grand halls of the Imperial Palace. The recent crisis had shifted the political landscape, and tension hung in the air like a thick fog.

As he walked, Cassian reflected on the resilience of the people of Liora-7. Under his guidance, they had begun to rebuild, but the specter of future attacks loomed large. His mind was still focused on strengthening defenses and forging alliances, but he knew he had to engage the council and the emperor.

Cassian entered the grand assembly chamber, where the council members awaited him. The room buzzed with murmurs, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. He took a deep breath, stepping forward to address them.

"Honored members of the council, I return with grave news. The threat from the alien forces remains imminent. We must unite to protect our territories and prepare for any potential incursions."

Whispers filled the chamber as he continued. "I propose increasing our military presence at vulnerable borders and actively seeking alliances with neighboring systems. We cannot allow fear to dictate our actions; we must be proactive."

The council members exchanged glances, weighing his words. Cassian felt the stakes rise with every passing moment. He was ready to lead, but he needed their support. The fate of the Dominion depended on their unity.

Cassian concluded his speech, the chamber fell silent. The council members looked toward Emperor Draven, who sat at the head of the table, his expression contemplative. After a tense moment, the emperor nodded slowly, a decision forming in his mind.

"Prince Cassian," Draven began, his voice steady and authoritative, "you have shown exceptional leadership during the crisis on Liora-7. Your commitment to our people and your understanding of this emerging threat cannot be overlooked."

Cassian's heart raced as he sensed what was coming. "Thank you, Father," he replied, keeping his tone respectful.

"I hereby appoint you as Admiral of the newly formed fleet, tasked with patrolling our borders to prevent future attacks from this alien force," the emperor declared, his words echoing throughout the chamber. "You will have the resources and authority needed to fortify our defenses and ensure the safety of our territory."

The council members murmured in agreement, their expressions shifting from skepticism to support. Cassian felt a surge of pride and responsibility. "I won't let you down, Father. I will do everything in my power to protect the Dominion."

"Good. You'll start immediately. Prepare your fleet and strategize the patrol routes. We must act swiftly," Draven instructed, his gaze piercing.

As Cassian left the assembly chamber, determination surged through him. He was ready to take command, to defend the Dominion against the unknown, and to honor the trust placed in him by the emperor.

As Admiral Cassian prepared to lead his newly appointed fleet, the threat of the alien force loomed large over the Dominion. The attack on Liora-7 had not only shaken public confidence but also diverted the empire's attention from internal strife, particularly the insurgency led by Admiral Zara.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Cassian decided to reach out to Zara, despite their complicated history. He initiated a secure communication link, determined to discuss the emerging threat while ensuring their plans were still in motion.

"Admiral Zara," he began, his voice steady, "I wanted to touch base regarding the recent events. The alien attacks have shifted our focus, but I believe we still need to address the growing discontent among our people."

Zara appeared on the screen, her expression thoughtful. "Agreed, Prince Cassian. This new threat gives us a unique opportunity. While the empire is preoccupied, we can strengthen our alliances and support for the insurgency."

Cassian nodded, feeling a mix of unease and resolve. "We can't afford to lose momentum. Let's coordinate our efforts—use this distraction to build our networks and prepare for the next phase of our plan."

Zara smiled, a flicker of ambition in her eyes. "We'll be ready. Together, we can reshape the Dominion while ensuring our people's voices are heard." Cassian ended the call, feeling the weight of their shared mission and the dangers that lay ahead.