The Clash Begins

The Alliance fleet was swift and methodical, advancing toward Serai's orbital defenses. The Rhytil fleet had anticipated an attack, but the speed of the Alliance's maneuver caught them off guard. Their ships, sleek and menacing, cut through the void like predators. Lena's heart beat in her chest like a drum as the chaos began to unfold.

"Strike team, prepare for deployment," Lena's voice rang through the comms, steady despite the storm swirling inside her.

The strike team—a mix of elite soldiers, engineers, and the fleet's best pilots—was ready. They were tasked with getting past the Rhytil's defensive perimeter and infiltrating their central relay station. Lena would act as their guide, using her connection to the core to give them the tactical advantage they needed.

"Stay sharp," Lena said, her voice hardening. "We're going in fast and quiet. Take out their sensors and comms, and disable their relay network."

As the Alliance ships sped closer to Serai, a flash of light erupted across the sky, and a Rhytil warship unleashed a volley of plasma rounds. The battle was in full swing.