A New Mission

The following days were filled with preparation. Lena worked alongside her officers, drafting strategies and ensuring that the crew was ready for what lay ahead. The ships that were repaired quickly moved back into action, and the smaller reconnaissance teams were assembled.

Lena found herself spending more time than ever with Tavon. She was grateful for his steady presence. As they worked side by side, she began to realize how deeply connected they had become—not just as comrades, but as partners. Though the war had kept them apart, it had also brought them closer in ways that neither had anticipated.

As they stood in the command room together, watching the fleet's movements on the screen, Tavon turned to her with a soft smile. "You're going to be alright, Lena. We're all with you. You're not alone in this."

Lena allowed herself a small, weary smile in return. "Thank you, Tavon. I don't think I'd be able to do this without you."

The quiet words held a deep sense of meaning for both of them. And though the war raged on, in that moment, Lena felt a brief flicker of hope.