Evacuation Plan!

The war room was thick with tension, the hum of machinery and flickering holograms casting an eerie glow over the polished obsidian table. The walls, adorned with the symbols of Mars' Sovereign, felt heavier than ever. Outside, the distant rumble of warships taking off shook the foundation of the palace, a constant reminder that time was slipping through their fingers.

Miu leaned against Takashima's arm, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "It's like the whole team is together once again."

Across from her, Alaric lifted his porcelain cup, taking a slow, deliberate sip. His movements were calm, unfazed by the chaos outside. "Indeed. Been almost two decades."

Crowne, sitting back with his legs propped on the table, scoffed. "Always sipping down some tea, huh?"

Alaric barely spared him a glance. "I wouldn't expect an inelegant man to understand."

Crowne flicked a knife between his fingers, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "There it is. You know, one day, you might actually have to do something other than sip that overpriced leaf water."

Zara rolled her eyes. "Enough. We have bigger issues."

Kaelus Redspire sat at the head of the table, his sharp silver gaze unwavering. He didn't need to slam a fist on the table or bark orders to command attention—his presence alone was enough. When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of authority.

"We aren't here for a reunion." His tone was firm, cutting through the room like steel. "The situation has worsened."

Crowne leaned over, confused. "We aren't?"

He let out a sigh, shaking his head.

Takashima adjusted his glasses. "Alexander isn't here, so it's not a proper reunion."

Andrew tapped his fingers against the table. "Why are we summoned?"

Kaelus exhaled, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. "Because Mars is on the brink of falling."

The room fell silent.

Takashima, uncharacteristically serious, spoke next. "We need to hold the line for one month. That's how long the evacuation will take. After that, Mars is lost."

Miu sighed, stretching lazily against Takashima. "That's it? Stall for time?"

Kaelus's expression hardened. "Not just stall. We make them bleed for every inch they take. We make it cost them."

Crowne smirked, drumming his fingers against the table. "Now that's more like it." He twirled his knife once before letting it embed into the table. "I assume this is where we come in?"

Zara crossed her arms. "You want us on the frontlines."

Kaelus nodded. "Alongside Angel Squad and the strongest forces we have left. You're some of the only ones capable of holding back Lionel's elites."

Angel Squad is a great force… but they're barely second-rate," Crowne said harshly.

"But they will grow," Kaelus replied, his voice steady.

"With you, we can evacuate the millions," Andrew added.

"Good, but isn't there over 100 million on Mars?"

"Correct."

"Mercury gave us some ships," Kaelus continued. "But those will be used solely for evacuation."

Andrew frowned. "Once we're in orbit… we'll be sitting ducks."

"Our warships will help prevent that, but you're right," Kaelus admitted. "That's why… we must space jump."

Takashima slammed his fists onto the table. "That's impossible! That takes an incredible amount of magic power!"

"We'd have to keep the jump open for ten seconds," he continued, adjusting his glasses. "Which is hard enough on its own—"

"That's why…" Kaelus met his gaze. "We must use Mars' magic stone."

For the first time, Alaric set his tea cup down.

"I see… That would do it."

Crowne leaned back, grinning. "I love it! If we're abandoning Mars, why not take the most valuable thing it has?"

Takashima sighed. "I hate the idea."

"I do too," Kaelus admitted. "But it's the only way."

"So then… you want one of us to retrieve it?"

"Yes," Kaelus confirmed. "It's deep under the Citadel."

Takashima exhaled. "The magic stone… Once it's removed from Mars' core, all of its life-sustaining properties will stop immediately."

Kaelus nodded. "Mars will become the red planet it was 300 years ago."

"Let us begin"

They rose from their seats, making their way deeper into the citadel. The air grew heavier, charged with ancient power as they approached the farthest chamber in the palace.

Before them stood a massive magical door, towering and etched with intricate runes pulsing faintly with energy. The very air around it hummed, as if aware of their presence.

Kaelus stepped forward, raising his hand. At his command, the runes flared to life, the door trembling as it slowly creaked open, revealing a descent into the depths of Mars.

He turned his gaze toward Crowne. "Will you do me the honor of retrieving it?"

Crowne's grin widened. "That I shall."

Taking a few steps back, he crouched low, then bolted forward—launching himself off the edge, diving into the vault below.