Chapter 40
Later into the night cycle, Wren called Selene down into the engineering bay.
"I got something," Wren said, sounding buoyantly triumphant.
Leaning over the console, Selene examined the schematic on that screen. That was one big complex design-a scheme she hadn't encountered yet.
"What is it?" Selene inquired.
It was a weapon-or rather, partial weapons-but one of great surprise; besides, being really destructive, it was actually adaptive, hence can rewrite systems and disable defenses; in addition to all these possibilities, it's capable of getting connected even with large-scale nets.
Selene's stomach dropped. "No wonder the Syndicate wanted it so badly."
Wren nodded. "If they get their hands on the full design, they'll have the power to control everything-ships, stations, entire fleets."
"We can't let that happen," Selene said, her voice firm.
"But there's more," Wren said, hesitating. "The fragment I saved. it's incomplete, but it could still be weaponized. If the Syndicate finds out we have it.
"They'll come after us harder than ever," Selene finished.
\---
The next morning, Selene called another meeting. The crew gathered in the common area, their faces tired but resolute.
"Wren has uncovered the purpose of the prototype," Selene began. "It's a weapon—one that could change the balance of power across the galaxy."
The room fell silent as the weight of her words sank in.
"What do we do with the fragment?" Xara asked.
"We can't keep it," Kade said. "It's too dangerous."
But if we destroy it, we lose our only leverage, Wren argued.
Selene held up a hand, silencing them. "We're not destroying it. Not yet. But we're not keeping it for ourselves, either. Our priority is to make sure it never falls into the wrong hands."
"How?" Dante asked.
"We need to find someone we can trust," Selene said. "Someone with the resources to keep it safe."
"Do you have someone in mind?" Kade asked.
Selene hesitated, thinking furiously. There was one person she could think of-an old ally with a complicated history. But reaching out to them would be a risk.
"I have a lead," Selene said finally. "But it's a long shot."
"Better than no shot," Xara said.
Selene nodded. "Then we move out. Kade, plot a course. Everyone else, get ready. This isn't going to be easy."
\---
There, in the cockpit of the Aquila preparing to leave orbit, stood Selene in solitude, staring out at the barren moon below. She felt the weight of the fragment in her pocket-a small yet potent reminder of all they were fighting for.
The Syndicate was still out there, hunting them. But for the first time in days, Selene felt a glimmer of hope. They had a plan, a purpose. And as long as they stuck together, they had a chance.
With a deep breath, Selene turned to the controls and activated the engines. The Aquila surged forward, leaving the moon behind as it disappeared into the vastness of space.
But the battle was far from over, and they were ready.