UGT: 13th Aether 280 a.G.A. / 01:03 a.m.

  Location: ASF Aurora, in an orbit around Sun-Novis, Sun-Al'Rith system (red dwarf), Inner-Noran sector, Ruidan Raider Association, Milky Way

  From my seat on the ASF Aurora, I watched the fleet move into position. For what? I didn't know yet, The Admiral had remained quiet about our next moves. At that moment, Admiral Thorrison’s voice came through the comms, his tone measured and commanding. "Captain Lunaris, we’re splitting the fleet. From this point onwards we have two possibly hyperlanes and both need coverage. Still, the Woch-Hor'Nubis system will demand the lion's share of our resources," he announced, his words leaving no room for debate. "Mau-Rut'Zion is a trading hub, but its proximity to Woch-Hor'Nubis makes it a likely staging point for enemy forces. We’ll need to sweep it clean before moving on to secure the antimatter facilities."

  The holographic display in front of me updated, showing the projected routes and their corresponding objectives. Admiral Thorrison continued, "Har-Anu'Sen and Tri-Ai'Ron pose minimal resistance, but we can't overlook them. Tri-Ai'Ron’s agrarian worlds are strategic assets, and we’ll need boots on the ground to secure them. Boarding units will be critical there." I tapped a command into my console, bringing up additional data on the systems. It wasn’t my place to weigh in on fleet strategy, but understanding the situation was vital,

  [ The Admiral’s allocation prioritizes heavy firepower for the Woch-Hor'Nubis route and rapid deployment assets for Tri-Ai'Ron. Based on the data the FSF Defiance send us, they'll send two Battlecruisers, two Cruisers, two Destroyers, three Frigates, all Freighters and us towards Woch-Hor'Nubis, with a Battlecruiser, two Cruisers, two Destroyers and three Frigates assigned to Tri-Ai'Ron. ]

  The display highlighted the two new groups, their ship class and estimated travel times. The path to Woch-Hor'Nubis via Mau-Rut'Zion and afterwards retuning to Mau-Rut'Zion was shorter, requiring twelve days. The route to Tri-Ai'Ron through Har-Anu'Sen was longer at 18 days. Meaning the Woch-Hor'Nubis fleet would probably hold position there for 6 days. Thorrison’s voice cut through again. "Captain Lunaris, you have experience with leading. You'll be the the one leading the way to Woch-Hor'Nubis. We expect resistance there, so prepare your ships for heavy combat. Prioritize the antimatter facilities. We need them intact."

  "Acknowledged, Admiral," I replied. "We’ll secure the facilities and clear any resistance."

  "I will control the other part of the fleet and secure the fringe systems. As you are not SHF personal, You'll need to take someone of sufficient rank with you. That would in this case be my CO, Commander Ashcroft. You already know him," Admiral Thorrison said.

  "Understood, Andmiral." I responded once more. There's no sense in discussing this with him. Fen, start running simulations for potential engagements at Woch-Hor'Nubis. I want to know what we might be walking into.

  [ I initiated the simulations. I'll update you as soon as first actually useful results become available. ]

  Admiral Thorrison’s final orders came through. "The fleet departs in one hour. Make your preparations and report readiness. Dismissed," he said and Fen cut the connection.

  The holographic display before me glowed softly, outlining the two potential routes we had to take. One led to Mau-Rut'Zion, a critical supply hub, and then to the Woch-Hor'Nubis system, where antimatter production awaited. The other was through Har-Anu'Sen, an unremarkable system that would eventually lead us to the agrarian worlds of Tri-Ai'Ron. I crossed my arms, studying the paths. The decision was far from simple. The larger portion of the fleet would have to take the dangerous route to Woch-Hor'Nubis, where the black hole would play a role in the antimatter production. It was vital, but also risky. Resistance was expected, and the gravitational fields would test the fleet's ability to handle the unknown. The other route was quieter. It wouldn’t pose much of a challenge, but it was essential to ensure that the boarding units and supply ships made it through safely. Therefore they got some ships witht hem as well. I glanced over at Fen, who was running the fleet’s data in the background. "Fen, are we ready to split?"

  [ Absolutely. The fleet will soon be in position. Although I’d like to suggest we double-check the details once more. ]

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  I frowned, tapping a finger on the armrest of my chair. "You’re not exactly giving me much confidence, Fen. I don’t want any surprises. This is a delicate operation, and I can’t afford to leave things to chance."

  [ You’re worried about the black hole route, right? Our route. ]

  I didn’t answer immediately, but I couldn’t hide the tension in my shoulders. "That’s the problem, Fen. The black hole system is a disaster waiting to happen. We need the bigger part of the fleet for it, but it's not just that. The other route might be too quiet. What if there’s something we don’t know about Har-Anu'Sen? What if we’re walking into a trap?" I asked him.

  [ You’re overthinking it, May. Har-Anu'Sen is completely non-distinctive. I don’t have any data on anything unusual there. Tri-Ai'Ron is just a collection of agrarian worlds. No hidden threats, no secret enemies. They’re good. ]

  I narrowed my eyes. "And the black hole system? The antimatter production?"

  [ Well, that’s the exciting part. Woch-Hor'Nubis is definitely going to be tricky. The gravitational anomalies are going to test the fleet and our antimatter reactors will need constant recalibration. But I’ll be monitoring everything from here. We’re going to be just fine and the fleet probably as well. Otherwise Admiral Thorrison wouldn't send them into the system. ]

  I leaned back in the chair, thinking it over. "You really think we can handle it? The fleet’s not exactly designed to navigate through black holes."

  [ The black hole system will definitly be the main obstacle, but we’ll handle it. No need to worry about Mau-Rut'Zion. ]

  I frowned. "Why do you think that? Didn't Admiral Thorrison say he expects resistance there?"

  [ Unlikely. If they truly stage an attack on us the'll do it in the black hole system. More likely, they'll just evacuate as well, trying to leave as little behind as possible. ]

  I rubbed my temples, the weight of the decision settling in. "Alright, Fen. Let’s do it. Make sure we’re ready for the split. And no more surprises, okay?"

  [ I’ll keep things as smooth as possible. Just focus on the mission. I’ve got everything else covered. ]

  I stood up from the chair, a deep breath escaping me. "Let’s hope you’re right."

  [ I always am. ]

  I could only shake my head at that. "Bring me into contact with Commander Ashcroft. I'll probably have to talk with him if he's our new relay to the SHF fleet."

  The holodisplay flickered slightly as Fen connected me to Commander Ashcroft. His face appeared on the screen, his expression unreadable but his posture formal. I gave him a nod, keeping my voice steady. "Commander Ashcroft, I understand you're to serve as the relay to the SHF fleet. I wanted to ensure we're fully aligned before the fleet splits."

  The Commander nodded curtly. “’Our side is prepared. I trust your ship can manage on its own, We don’t have the luxury of slowing down for stragglers.”

  I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “The Aurora is more than capable. If anything, it’ll be your fleet that struggles to keep up.”

  His lips twitched, almost forming a smirk before he caught himself. “We’ll see about that. What’s your strategy for managing potential resistance once we reach Woch-Hor'Nubis?”

  “The FSF Aurora will focus on maintaining the fleet’s path and suppressing any immediate threats. Your ships should focus on securing key infrastructure and neutralizing enemy assets. If the antimatter facilities are operational, they’ll be our priority,” I replied instantly.

  Ashcroft’s expression hardened slightly. “And if the resistance is stronger than anticipated?”

  I met his gaze evenly. “Then we adapt. This isn’t my first time facing the unknown, Commander. I’m confident in my ship’s capabilities. You just make sure your fleet can hold its ground.”

  He leaned back slightly, his tone measured but with a hint of steel. “Don’t underestimate the FSF, Captain Lunaris. We’ve survived plenty of engagements without the luxury of the FSF Aurora at our side.”

  [ He’s really warming up to you, isn’t he? ]

  I ignored Fen’s commentary, focusing on Ashcroft. But hey, at leat one of us found this funny. “We’ll see how this plays out. The black hole system is unpredictable, but we’re better off working together than butting heads.”

  Ashcroft inclined his head slightly. “Agreed. For now. I’ll relay your plans to my fleet. Let’s ensure this cooperation doesn’t falter when things get difficult.”

  Than he disconnected, leaving me staring at the empty screen.

  [ That ray of sunshine really likes you, doesn't he? ]

  “Not funny, Fen,” I muttered, rubbing my temples. “Just keep an eye on the fleet’s formation. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

  [ Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. And him too, if I have to. Though just to have it said, it happens that sometimes ships vanish in unexpected hyperspace anomalies. ]

  "Calm down. We won't kill the second in command of the entire fleet we're working with. I'd rather try to win him over for us. Just make us ready for hyperspace, line us up with the remaining fleet and than let's get this job done.

  [ As you wish, Captain. Though I do have to say there are some really interesting ways how ships implode close to black hole-" ]

  "Shut up and get to work Fen!" I snapped at the sassy AI, his laughter accompanying his preperations. Can I get a refund for the Ai please...?