The capital of Akhara was dim beneath the night shield when Regent Alex finally returned to the private residence tower.
The negotiations on Scion had ended hours ago, but the weight of them had followed him home.
Inside, the residence was quiet — too quiet.
His wife, Sarah, stood near the central balcony, overlooking the illuminated sprawl of the city. She did not turn when the doors sealed behind him.
"You're back," she said calmly.
"Yes."
A pause.
"And?"
Alex removed his gloves slowly, buying himself a second.
"Scion offered us to let them be Akharas ally."
That made her turn.
"Why?"
"They said they learned about Dravok. Being a puppet of Dravok didn't benefit them." Alex said.
She studied him carefully. "And the C-X9?"
He met her gaze.
"We will receive the required amount."
"When?"
"After twelve months."
Her expression shifted slightly. "Explain."
"Scion produces twelve regular batches annually. Those will complete their cycle. Once the twelfth batch is sent, they will allocate the large consolidated amount to us."
"So you agreed to wait for a cycle "
"Yes."
"For the full quantity."
"Yes."
Silence settled between them.
Sarah walked closer, her voice still controlled.
"You postponed the Archive Test."
"Temporarily."
"For a full cycle."
Alex's jaw tightened. "It is a strategic delay."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "It is structured cooperation."
"You went there for immediate leverage," she said. "And you came back with a promise."
"A secured promise."
"From a planet that was influenced by Dravok months ago."
"They corrected their position."
"Did they," she asked quietly, "or did you settle because you had no choice?"
The words struck sharper than intended.
"I chose the most stable path," Alex said evenly.
"You chose patience because you couldn't force acceleration."
The accusation hung in the air.
He stepped closer.
"I avoided destabilizing an alliance."
"You avoided risk."
"I avoided recklessness."
Her expression hardened.
"And in doing so," she said, "you delayed Akhara's advancement."
The tension shifted — no longer political, but personal.
"You think I weakened us," he said quietly.
"I think," she replied, "you accepted less than what you wanted."
"That is governance."
"That is compromise."
Their eyes locked.
Outside, the city glowed steadily.
Inside, something far less stable was forming.
The fight had begun — not over C-X9 alone, but over how far a Regent should bend before he breaks.
The silence between them grew heavier.
Sarah moved away from him and returned toward the balcony. Below them, the lights of Akhara stretched endlessly,.
Yet inside the chamber, the atmosphere was far less controlled.
"You waited twelve months," she said without turning. "Do you know what twelve months means in politics?"
Alex leaned against the long table near the center of the room.
"It means patience."
"It means opportunity," she replied. "Opportunity for others."
He said nothing.
She continued.
"Scion may have agreed today. But twelve months is a long time. Maybe they want some time to gather information about the Archive."
"They gave their word."
"So did many before them," she said calmly.
Alex looked toward her.
"This agreement was not naive."
"No?"
"They admitted Dravok influenced them before. That admission alone shows they want distance now."
"Or it shows they know exactly what you wanted to hear."
Alex's tone sharpened slightly. "You are assuming deception."
"I am assuming survival."
She finally turned toward him again.
"Scion survives by balancing power. Today they leaned toward Akhara. Tomorrow they may lean toward Dravok again."
"That is why the deal was structured carefully."
"And if Dravok pressures them before the twelfth batch?"
"They won't."
"You are certain?"
"Yes."
"And why," she asked quietly, "are you so certain?"
Alex walked slowly toward the balcony.
"Because Scion needs us now."
"For what?"
"For stability."
Sarah studied him.
"Or perhaps," she said slowly, "you need them more than they need you."
That sentence landed harder than the rest.
Alex's expression hardened slightly.
"The Archive must be tested," he said firmly. "C-X9 is the only energy source stable enough to run it."
"I know that."
"Then you understand the urgency."
"I understand it perfectly," she replied.
"Then you understand why this agreement matters."
"I understand why you accepted it," she corrected.
Their eyes met again.
"But what I do not understand," Sarah continued, "is why the most powerful Lineage in the Imperium must wait a year for something it desperately needs."
Her voice was no longer calm.
"It sounds less like strategy," she said, "and more like dependence."
Alex's patience finally began to thin.
"You think I should have forced them?"
"I think Akhara should never appear desperate."
"We were not desperate."
"We needed that C-X9."
"Yes."
"That is the definition of desperation."
The word lingered.
For the first time since he entered the room, Alex's voice carried visible irritation.
"You are simplifying a complex negotiation."
"And you are pretending it was a victory."
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
The tension had moved far beyond trade deals.
This was no longer about Scion.
It was about how Alex ruled.
And Sarah was no longer speaking to a negotiator.
She was speaking to the Regent of Akhara.
And she was not finished.
The cold wind from the high towers of Akhara moved slowly across the balcony. Neither of them spoke for a few moments. The silence between Alex and Sarah had become heavier than their argument.
Sarah looked at him again, her expression firm.
"You are looking at this as a ruler," she said.
"I am a ruler," Alex replied calmly.
"Yes," she said. "But rulers also make mistakes."
Alex folded his arms.
"You think this was a mistake."
"I think you trusted them too easily."
"They have committed twelve shipments already."
"That is not the same as trust," she said.
Alex's voice remained controlled.
"Every agreement in the Imperium begins with uncertainty."
"And the strong ones remove that uncertainty," Sarah replied.
"Akhara does not threaten allies."
"They are not allies yet."
"They will be."
"You hope they will be."
Alex exhaled slowly.
"Sarah, this negotiation was not made without thought."
"And my concern is not without reason," she answered immediately.
He looked directly at her.
"Then what would you have done?"
"Demanded the C-X9 now."
"That would have ended the negotiation."
"Then perhaps it should have ended."
Alex shook his head slightly.
"You are thinking emotionally."
"And you," she said firmly, "are thinking like a man who cannot afford to fail."
That sentence struck deeper than the rest.
Alex did not respond immediately.
For a moment, only the distant hum of Akhara's energy towers filled the air.
Sarah finally stepped back.
"I hope you are right," she said quietly.
"And if I am not?"
"Then this will not just be a delayed trade."
Her voice hardened again.
"It will be a mistake that Akhara will pay for."
Alex's expression did not change.
Sarah watched him for a moment longer.
It was clear now.
Neither of them was going to agree.
Her frustration finally overcame her patience.
"Then we have nothing more to discuss."
She turned sharply and walked away from the balcony. Her steps echoed across the marble floor as she moved toward the inner chambers.
Without looking back, she disappeared inside the residence.
The balcony fell silent again.
Alex remained where he was.
The vast planet of Akhara stretched beneath him, glowing with the power and advancement his Lineage had built over generations.
For the first time since the deal was made, the certainty in his mind began to shift slightly.
The agreement with Scion.
The twelve months.
Yet Sarah's words still lingered.
Alex rested his hands on the railing and looked across the distant skyline.
For a long moment he simply stood there, alone with his thoughts.
Wondering whether he had just secured the future of Akhara.
Or made a decision that would one day be remembered as a mistake.
Months passed after the agreement between Akhara and Scion. Across Akhara, the news of the C-X9 had spread to every district, every command center, and every research facility. The people of the Lineage spoke of it with pride, seeing it as proof that their Regent had once again secured the future of their civilization.
In the capital city, massive spacecraft's carrying the regular shipments from Scion arrived one after another. Each batch of C-X9 was received with careful precision. Scientists in the research sectors observed the containers as they were unloaded, recording the purity levels and securing them in the deep storage facilities built beneath the advancement complex.
Inside the research centers, engineers and scientists spoke with visible excitement.
"This is only the beginning," one of the senior engineers said while reviewing the storage data. "Once the final shipment arrives next year, the Archive will finally reach its true potential."
Another scientist nodded in agreement.
"The advancement team has waited decades for this moment. If the supply continues as promised, the next stage of development will begin immediately."
Similar conversations were happening in the military command structures. Officers of the Akhara fleet believed the agreement with Scion was not just a scientific victory but also a strategic one. With C-X9 in large quantities, Akhara would use their flights and spacecraft that no other Lineage could easily match.
Even the supply departments celebrated the success of the agreement. Roman Akhara, the supply lord, stood inside the logistics command hall watching the records of the shipments being updated.
"The schedule is holding perfectly," one of the officers informed him. "All batches have arrived on time so far."
Roman gave a satisfied nod.
"This deal will be remembered as one of the most important in Akhara's history."
Across the cities, ordinary citizens spoke proudly about the progress of their planet. Markets, transport systems, and public halls carried the same sentiment: confidence in the leadership and belief in the future.
Yet far from the celebrations, in the high towers of the Akhara governing complex, the Regent himself did not share the same certainty.
Alex Akhara stood alone near the large transparent window of his chamber, overlooking the endless lights of the capital. From that height, the city appeared calm and powerful, exactly as a leading Lineage should.
But his thoughts were far from calm.
The reports from the supply council lay open on the table behind him. Every document confirmed the same thing: the deal was progressing smoothly. The first shipments had arrived without delay, and the agreement with Scion appeared stable.
Still, Alex remained silent.
He folded his hands behind his back and looked out into the dark sky above Akhara.
Everyone around him believed the agreement was a success.
The people celebrated it.
The scientists praised it.
The military trusted it.
But in the quiet of his mind, the same question returned again and again.
Had he truly made the right decision... or had he just taken the first step toward a mistake he could not yet see?
The twelfth shipment from Scion had just arrived at the Akhara orbital supply port. Massive containers carrying the final regular batch of
C-X9 were being unloaded carefully under the supervision of Akhara technicians. Every container was scanned, recorded, and transported to the storage vaults below the facility.
Inside the command hall of the port, Supply Lord Roman Akhara stood near the observation window looking at the operation. A communication officer approached him.
"Supply Lord, Scion's Supply Lord Caleb is requesting communication."
Roman nodded once.
"Open the line."
A holographic projection appeared in the center of the room. Caleb Scion stood on the other side of the transmission inside Scion's resource command center.
Roman spoke first.
"The twelfth batch has been received."
Caleb replied calmly.
"I expected the confirmation."
Roman looked toward the unloading bay again.
"The quality checks are being completed. Everything appears to be in order."
Caleb nodded.
"Our extraction teams ensured that the final regular shipment met the same standards as the previous ones."
Roman turned back toward the hologram.
"For twelve months your shipments have arrived without delay."
Caleb answered evenly.
"That was our agreement."
Roman continued.
"And now the twelve regular batches are complete."
Caleb gave a small nod.
"Yes."
Roman paused for a moment before speaking again.
"Which means the next shipment is the one we originally negotiated."
Caleb understood immediately.
"The surplus batch."
Roman confirmed.
"Yes."
Caleb said.
"Our storage council has already begun preparing it."
Roman raised an eyebrow slightly.
"So the extraction has started."
Caleb replied.
"Yes. However, gathering that quantity requires time. The amount you requested is several times larger than our regular shipments."
Roman spoke firmly.
"That was part of the agreement Scion accepted."
Caleb did not argue.
"And Scion will honor it."
Roman walked slowly toward the central table.
"When will the surplus shipment be ready to depart from Scion?"
Caleb answered after a brief pause.
"The preparation has already begun. Once the reserve containers are sealed and verified, the shipment will leave our planet."
Roman looked directly at him.
"Akhara is waiting for it."
Roman as well as all the high officials were now expecting the next final batch to be sent by Scion, and by that batch a new age of tech would start.
A phenomenon known across the Imperium as Sanrekhan, a celestial event that occurred only once in many generations. On this rare day, the seven great Lineage planets—Akhara, Dravok, Solaryn, Tharvonn, Raxen, Scion, and Malrion—would align in a perfect straight formation across their star system. Scholars calculated that such a formation would not occur again for more than a century.
For the people, the alignment was more than an astronomical event. It had slowly become a tradition, a day of reflection and unity. Across the planets, it was declared a universal holiday. Cities prepared celebrations, observatories opened their towers, and families traveled great distances to witness the moment together.
On the planet Akhara, preparations were visible everywhere. Large screens were being installed in public squares to broadcast the moment of alignment. Children were learning about the event in schools, and observatory stations were preparing their telescopes.
Inside the Advancement Department Complex, work was also slowing down for the coming celebration.
A young engineer named Lina Akhara sat at her workstation finishing the last calculations for the day. She was one of the junior researchers assigned to the monitoring division of the Archive facility. The laboratory around her was unusually quiet because many workers had already left for their homes.
Lina looked at the clock displayed on the wall panel.
"Only one more day," she murmured.
Her passenger flight to her home city would depart the next morning. She had not seen her family for several months.
Her communication device vibrated on the desk.
The screen displayed the incoming call: Mother.
Lina immediately answered it.
Her mother's face appeared on the screen from their home.
"Lina, are you still at work?"
"Yes," Lina replied. "I'm finishing the final reports before the holiday begins."
Her mother smiled slightly.
"You should not stay too long today. Tomorrow you have to travel."
"I know," Lina said. "My flight leaves early in the morning."
Her mother adjusted the camera.
"Your father has been preparing the observatory roof since yesterday."
Lina laughed softly.1
"He is still doing that?"
"He says Sanrekhan must be watched properly."
Lina leaned back in her chair.
"He has always taken these things very seriously."
Her mother nodded.
"This event happens only once in a lifetime. He wants the whole family to see it together."
Lina looked out through the laboratory window toward the sky where several distant planets could already be seen faintly as bright points.
"I have studied the alignment calculations for months," Lina said. "But watching it with the family will be very different."
Her mother smiled again.
"We are waiting for you to come home."
Lina replied quietly,
"I will be there tomorrow."
The call continued as the quiet laboratory slowly dimmed its evening lights.
The communication screen remained active as Lina leaned slightly forward in her chair. Behind her, the large glass walls of the Advancement Department showed the glowing skyline of Akhara's city.
Her mother adjusted the device again.
"Your father is here," she said. "He wants to talk."
A moment later her father appeared on the screen. His hair was slightly grey, and behind him Lina could see the rooftop observatory they had built years ago.
"Lina," he said, his voice firm but warm. "You are coming tomorrow, right?"
"Yes," Lina replied. "The flight leaves at sunrise. I should reach by afternoon."
Her father nodded.
"Good. The alignment will begin to be visible a few hours after sunset."
Lina smiled.
"You already calculated it?"
"I didn't need calculations," he said. "I have been waiting for this day for my whole life."
Her mother laughed softly in the background.
"He has been telling everyone in the neighborhood about it."
Her father ignored the comment and continued speaking.
"The sky will look different. All seven planets will appear along one line. Even from our small observatory we should see most of them."
Lina glanced again toward the sky outside her window.
"Here in the capital the observatories are preparing huge viewing stations. People are talking about it everywhere."
Her father looked thoughtful.
"That is good. Events like this remind people that the Imperium is larger than their cities and planets."
Her mother then leaned into the camera again.
"And we have also prepared something special for when you arrive."
Lina raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of preparation?"
Her mother smiled.
"A small family celebration before the alignment. Your favorite dishes."
Lina laughed.
"You are doing too much."
"It is not too much," her mother replied. "You have been working for months without visiting home."
Her father spoke again.
"You work in the Advancement Department now. I heard they are doing very important projects there."
Lina hesitated slightly before answering.
"Yes. Many new systems are being developed."
Her father nodded slowly.
"Then this holiday will be good for you. You should rest your mind."
Lina leaned back again in her chair.
"I plan to. Tomorrow I will finally stop thinking about work for a while."
Her mother smiled.
"We will see about that."
The conversation continued as Lina quietly imagined the next day—returning home, seeing her family, and watching the rare alignment that the entire Imperium was preparing to celebrate.
The central hall of the Advancement Department was quieter than usual. Many officials had already begun their preparations to leave for the great alignment festival. Decorations had appeared across corridors—subtle lights, ceremonial banners, and holographic projections of the seven Lineages slowly forming a straight line across the stars.
Inside one of the research bays, Lina stood near her console, finishing a final data upload before leaving the next morning.
Her communication her tablet rested on the desk. The call with her family had just ended, leaving her with a faint smile. For a moment she imagined the celebration back home—the streets glowing with lanterns, children watching the sky as the planets aligned, elders speaking of the rare celestial moment.
She exhaled quietly and began organizing her files.
Just then the door behind her opened.
A firm but calm voice spoke.
"Are the reports ready?"
She immediately turned.
Standing at the entrance was Roman. His presence carried authority, but his tone remained composed.
She straightened slightly.
"Yes, Supply Lord. The update for Project Reversal has been compiled."
Roman stepped closer, his eyes moving toward the large screen displaying research metrics.
"What is the current status of the compound compression process?"
The researcher tapped the console, bringing up the data.
"We have made progress. The molecular density of the compound has been reduced by twelve percent without losing stability."
Roman studied the figures carefully.
"That is within acceptable limits," he said. "But the target remains higher."
"Yes, Supply Lord," she replied. "We are continuing the refinement models. With the next shipment arriving soon, we expect to test a more compact containment method."
Roman nodded slowly.
"Good. The project must remain stable. The compound cannot degrade during compression."
"It will not," she assured him.
For a moment Roman remained silent, reviewing the data. Then he looked away from the screen and noticed the small travel bag placed beside her workstation.
"You are leaving for the festival tomorrow?"
"Yes, Supply Lord," she said respectfully.
Roman gave a small approving nod.
"Sanrekhan does not come often. It would be unwise to miss it."
She smiled faintly.
"My parents say the same."
Roman turned toward the door, then paused briefly.
"Enjoy the holiday," he said calmly. "When you return, the department will require your full attention again."
"I understand, Supply Lord."
Roman nodded once more before walking out of the research bay.
The room fell quiet again.
Tomorrow she would be on the flight heading home.
For now, the stars continued their silent movement.
The residential quarters of the Advancement District were quieter than usual. Many residents had already left the city to return to their home regions for the great alignment festival. The transport terminals were preparing for the heavy passenger traffic expected the next morning.
Lina walked through the corridor toward the small apartment she shared with her younger brother. She opened the door and stepped inside.
Her brother was sitting at the study table, surrounded by books and digital tablets. Several academic reports were open in front of him.
Without looking up, he said, "You are late today."
Lina placed her bag on the table.
"Work was heavy. The department was trying to close everything before the holiday."
Her brother finally looked up.
"So it is confirmed? We are leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes," Lina replied. "Morning flight."
Her brother leaned back in his chair.
"I thought you might cancel it because of work."
Lina shook her head.
"No chance. I already took leave. And the entire department is slowing down because of the festival."
He nodded.
"That makes sense."
Lina walked toward the small storage cabinet and opened it.
"Have you packed your things?"
Her brother hesitated.
"Not yet."
She turned and looked at him.
"You are serious?"
"I had assignments to finish," he replied calmly. "My professors said that the festival should not affect the academic schedule."
Lina crossed her arms.
"You had the entire week."
"I was studying."
"You were procrastinating," she corrected.
He sighed slightly.
"Fine. Maybe a little."
Lina walked closer and placed a small travel case on the table.
"We leave early tomorrow. The transport lines will be crowded."
"I know."
"So start packing now."
He looked at the bag.
"How many days are we staying?"
"Five days," Lina replied. "Maybe six if the travel stations remain busy."
"That long?"
"Our parents want us there for the entire celebration," she said. "You know how important this festival is to them."
He nodded slowly.
"Yes. They have been talking about it for months."
Lina looked around the room.
"Take your clothes, your study tablet, and the charger. Nothing else."
"I might need my research notes."
"You are not studying during the festival."
He gave a small smile.
"You underestimate my professors."
She shook her head.
"Pack only what you need."
Her brother stood up and began collecting his belongings from the table.
After a moment he spoke again.
"You look tired."
"It was a long day," Lina said. "Roman Akhara came to the department."
Her brother looked surprised.
"The Supply Lord?"
"Yes."
"What for?"
"Updates."
He placed a few books into his bag.
"That sounds serious."
"It was just a progress review."
He zipped the bag halfway.
"Then tomorrow we finally go home."
Lina nodded.
"Yes. Tomorrow we leave."
The next morning the transport district of Akhara was crowded. Passenger shuttles were arriving and departing every few minutes. Families, workers, and students were moving toward the large spaceport that handled civilian travel between the regions of the planet.
Lina and her brother walked through the outer gate carrying their travel bags. The security lines were longer than usual because of the festival holidays.
Her brother looked around at the crowd.
"This place is more crowded than I expected."
Lina adjusted the strap of her bag.
"It will only get worse. Almost everyone is traveling today."
They joined the line for passenger verification.
After a few moments he spoke again.
"Did you pack it?"
Lina glanced at him briefly.
"Yes."
"Good."
He leaned slightly closer so that the nearby passengers could not hear.
"You didn't tell them anything, right?"
"No," Lina said quietly. "Not a single word."
He nodded.
"Good."
The line moved forward slowly.
Their parents had been asking many questions over the last few weeks. Lina had avoided answering them directly. The surprise had taken several months of preparation.
Her brother lowered his voice again.
"Do you think they will like it?"
Lina gave a small thoughtful pause.
"I think they will be shocked first."
"Shocked in a good way?"
"Yes."
He smiled slightly.
"They always said they wanted to see the capital city of Akhara."
Lina nodded.
"And now they will."
He looked at her again.
"You booked the return tickets already?"
"Yes."
"So we just need to convince them."
"That is the difficult part," Lina replied calmly.
He laughed quietly.
"That is true."
The line moved again and they stepped forward.
Her brother looked at the transport schedule board above them.
"Our flight is still on time."
"Good," Lina said.
After a short silence he asked,
"You're sure we can afford this?"
Lina gave him a firm look.
"I planned this for months. It's fine."
"But bringing them here for a full visit—"
"They deserve it," she interrupted gently.
He did not argue further.
For years their parents had worked in a small agricultural region far from the cities. They had never traveled outside their province.
Her brother adjusted his bag.
"They are going to think something is wrong when we suddenly give them travel passes."
Lina smiled slightly.
"That's why we tell them only after we reach home."
They were now approaching the security gate.
Her brother spoke again.
"You know they will refuse at first."
"I know."
"And then you will argue with them."
"Probably."
"And then mother will agree."
Lina nodded.
"That usually happens."
He looked at the busy terminal one more time.
"Well... if everything goes well, this festival will be different for them."
Lina looked ahead toward the boarding gates.
"Yes."
The morning inside the Akhara residence was calm. The large central hall was quiet except for the sound of pieces moving across a polished board placed on the low table between them.
Alex Akhara sat on one side of the table, studying the board carefully. Across from him sat his daughter Grace Akhara. On the other side of the table was his son Adrian Akhara, leaning slightly forward in concentration.
Sarah sat beside Alex, watching the board with a small smile.
The game they were playing was Star Dominion, a strategic board game designed on Akhara many years earlier. Each player controlled fleets, territories, and supply routes across a simulated planetary system. Victory came through careful positioning rather than speed.
Grace moved one of her pieces forward.
"That sector is now under my control."
Adrian looked at the board.
"You moved too early."
Grace raised an eyebrow.
"Too early?"
"Yes."
He moved two pieces across the board in a calculated motion.
"You just opened the corridor."
Grace leaned forward and studied the board again.
"That was not the corridor I was protecting."
Alex quietly observed the board.
Adrian continued.
"You protected the outer route."
Grace crossed her arms slightly.
"That route matters."
Adrian shook his head.
"Not if someone controls the inner system."
Sarah looked at the board and then at Alex.
"Are they always like this when they play?"
Alex answered calmly.
"They take strategy very seriously."
Grace moved another piece slowly.
"Your supply line is now blocked."
Adrian looked again and paused for a moment.
"That was deliberate."
Grace frowned slightly.
"You planned that?"
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
He moved one final piece across the board.
Grace stared at the board for a few seconds.
Alex leaned slightly closer to examine it.
Sarah spoke.
"Did he win?"
Grace sighed quietly.
"Yes."
Adrian leaned back in his chair.
"That took less time than usual."
Grace looked at him.
"You practiced."
"I did."
Sarah smiled.
"So this is how the future of Akhara spends its days."
Adrian replied calmly.
"It is a good training exercise."
Grace nodded slightly.
"It helps with strategic thinking."
Sarah looked at both of them.
"You both reached thirty-five years ago and you still compete like children."
Adrian responded without looking away from the board.
"Thirty-five is when the body reaches its strongest condition."
Grace added,
"That is why the Seed is given at this age."
Sarah looked at them thoughtfully.
"And yet neither of you have thought about marriage."
Grace looked at her mother.
"That topic again."
Sarah answered simply.
"It is a reasonable question."
Adrian calmly began resetting the pieces on the board.
"Marriage can wait."
Grace looked at the board again.
"Another round."
Alex finally spoke after quietly watching the entire game.
"You lost because you rushed the middle formation."
Grace looked at him.
"You noticed that?"
Alex nodded once.
"You assumed Adrian would defend the outer routes."
Adrian looked at Alex.
"That is exactly what I expected her to assume."
Grace leaned back slightly.
"Then this game was unfair."
Adrian replied calmly.
"No."
"It was predictable."
Sarah looked between them and shook her head slightly.
"This family discusses a board game like a military campaign."
Alex gave a small quiet smile.
"Strategy does not change just because the battlefield is smaller."
Grace moved the first piece for the new round.
"Then let us see who controls the system this time."
The game of Star Dominion continued on the polished table. The pieces moved slowly across the board as each player studied the system carefully.
Grace adjusted one of her fleet markers.
"You are repeating the same opening again."
Adrian looked at the board.
"Only because it works."
Alex leaned slightly back in his chair while Sarah spoke to him quietly.
"You should not let them play every day. They treat it like a real campaign."
Alex answered calmly.
"It is good practice."
At that moment the large doors of the hall opened.
Army Marshal Veyron Akhara stepped inside. His posture was firm and formal as always.
He stopped a few steps away from the table.
"Regent."
Alex briefly glanced at him but did not move from his seat.
"Yes."
Veyron spoke in a steady tone.
"There has been a plane crash in the southern sector of the planet."
Grace and Adrian both looked up from the board.
Alex, however, remained calm. His attention was still partly on Sarah.
Sarah looked at him.
"A plane crash?"
Alex replied casually.
"Civilian flight?"
Veyron nodded.
"Yes."
Alex waved his hand slightly.
"Send emergency teams."
Veyron continued.
"Rescue units are already preparing."
Alex spoke again without concern.
"Send medical aid, evacuation ships, and engineering teams."
"Assist the survivors."
Veyron nodded once.
"It will be done."
Alex then turned back toward Sarah as if the matter had already been settled.
"You were saying something earlier."
Sarah looked at him for a moment.
"I was saying that the children should think about their future."
Adrian quietly moved another piece on the board.
"My future is already decided."
Grace spoke without looking away from the game.
"So is mine."
Sarah shook her head slightly.
"That is exactly the problem."
Alex leaned slightly closer toward her.
"They will decide their own lives."
Sarah looked at him carefully.
"You always say that."
Across the table Adrian studied the board.
Grace spoke quietly.
"You just lost another supply line."
Adrian raised his eyes slightly.
"That was intentional."
Grace frowned.
Veyron remained standing for a moment, observing the calm scene. The news he had delivered seemed insignificant compared to the quiet family discussion continuing in the room.
Alex noticed him still standing there.
"You may proceed, Marshal."
Veyron nodded.
"Yes, Regent."
He turned and walked out of the hall.
Behind him, the doors closed quietly.
Inside the room the conversation continued as if nothing unusual had happened.
Grace moved another piece across the board.
"Your move."
Lina's flight moved steadily through the sky.
Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was quiet. Most passengers had already relaxed into their seats as the flight continued its early climb.
Lina sat near the window. Beside her was her younger brother.
He leaned back in his seat, adjusting the strap across his chest.
"You packed everything?"
Lina looked at him with a small smile.
"I asked you that ten times yesterday."
"I know," he replied calmly. "But you also forgot your tablet charger."
Lina sighed.
"I remembered it later."
Her brother looked out of the small oval window.
The surface of Akhara was slowly shrinking beneath the clouds.
"You think they will be surprised?"
Lina smiled again, softer this time.
Her brother nodded.
"Mother will start crying first."
"Of course she will," Lina said quietly.
For a moment both of them sat silently, watching the clouds pass outside.
The engines hummed steadily.
Her brother spoke again.
"Father will probably act serious first."
"Then he will smile."
Her brother laughed quietly.
Lina rested her head lightly against the seat.
"It's been too long since we went home."
The plane continued forward through the sky.
Five minutes had passed since takeoff.
Then—
A sudden violent vibration shook the aircraft.
Passengers looked around in confusion.
The engine noise changed.
Lina frowned.
"What was that?"
Her brother straightened in his seat.
"I don't know."
The plane shook again—this time much harder.
The lights inside the cabin flickered.
Someone in the back shouted.
Another passenger gripped the armrest.
The aircraft suddenly tilted sharply.
The hum of the engines turned into a loud, uneven roar.
Lina grabbed the edge of her seat.
"Something is wrong."
Her brother looked toward the aisle.
Flight attendants were rushing forward.
A loud metallic bang echoed through the cabin.
The aircraft dropped suddenly.
People screamed.
The overhead compartments rattled violently.
Lina held her brother's arm tightly.
"Stay calm."
But even her voice was shaking now.
The plane tilted further.
Outside the window, the sky suddenly spun as the aircraft began losing control.
The plane descended rapidly.
Then—
A blinding flash of light.
A deafening explosion tore through the aircraft.
Across the capital city of Akhara...
Inside the royal residence, the family hall remained quiet.
Grace studied the board carefully.
"You just lost your defense line."
Adrian leaned forward.
"That was temporary."
Sarah looked at Alex again.
"You always avoid serious discussions."
Alex replied calmly.
"We are having a peacefu...."
A distant thunderous blast shook the air outside.
The windows vibrated slightly.
Grace stopped moving her piece.
Adrian lifted his head.
"What was that?"
Sarah looked toward the large balcony doors.
Alex turned his head toward the sound.
Far away , a large column of black smoke was beginning to rise.
The moment the distant smoke appeared in the sky, everything inside the hall changed.
Grace stood up first.
"What was that?"
Adrian had already walked toward the balcony doors.
Alex moved quickly behind him.
Sarah followed silently.
The large glass doors slid open and the cold morning air rushed inside.
All four of them stepped onto the balcony.
A massive column of black smoke was rising into the sky.
The smoke twisted slowly as flames burned somewhere far below.
For a moment no one spoke.
Grace whispered first.
"That... looks like an aircraft crash."
Adrian narrowed his eyes.
"It's near the northern air corridor."
Alex remained silent.
His eyes were fixed on the smoke.
Only a few minutes ago he had casually told the army marshal to send aid.
Sarah spoke quietly.
"How could something like this happen?"
Before Alex could answer—
A sudden roaring sound cut through the air above them.
Everyone looked up.
Another aircraft was flying extremely low across the capital.
Too low.
The engines sounded unstable.
The plane was shaking.
Grace stepped forward in disbelief.
"Why is that plane flying so low?"
Adrian's voice became tense.
"That aircraft is losing control."
The aircraft tilted slightly.
For a moment it tried to stabilize.
But it couldn't.
The entire aircraft began descending rapidly.
Right toward the capital center.
Right toward the palace.
Sarah's voice trembled.
"No... no...no...."
The aircraft dropped lower.
A deafening explosion.
The aircraft crashed violently into the ground just outside the palace grounds.
A massive fireball erupted into the air.
The blast wave shook the balcony.
Flames rose into the sky.
Pieces of metal scattered across the palace gardens.
Grace instinctively covered her mouth.
"Oh my God..."
Adrian stepped back in shock.
The burning wreckage was visible right in front of them.
Smoke and fire were everywhere.
Sirens began echoing across the capital.
Alex stood completely still.
His face had gone pale.
Just minutes ago he had dismissed the first crash as a distant incident.
Now the disaster had arrived at his doorstep.
The burning remains of the aircraft lit the evening sky with orange flames.
Sarah spoke softly, almost in disbelief.
"Those people..."
Her voice broke.
"They were just traveling home."
At that moment hurried footsteps echoed from inside the palace.
The balcony doors burst open.
Army Marshal Veyron Akhara rushed in, breathing heavily.
"Regent!"
Alex slowly turned toward him.
Veyron looked toward the burning wreckage below the palace.
His face hardened.
"This is not a coincidence."
Alex spoke quietly.
"What do you mean?"
Veyron stepped closer to the balcony edge.
His voice was tense.
"We just received emergency reports."
He paused.
"There are multiple aircraft failures happening across Akhara."
Grace looked at him in shock.
"Multiple?"
Veyron nodded.
"Passenger flights. Spacecraft and every other transport."
Adrian clenched his fists.
"How many?"
Veyron answered slowly.
"Five confirmed... and more losing contact."
The flames from the crashed aircraft were still rising into the night sky.
Emergency sirens had begun echoing across the capital. Fire response vehicles were already rushing toward the wreckage outside the palace grounds.
Alex stood at the edge of the balcony, staring at the burning metal scattered across the gardens.
His voice was low but firm.
"Veyron."
The army marshal stepped closer.
"Yes, Regent."
Alex did not take his eyes off the smoke.
"Stop every flight."
Veyron looked at him carefully.
"All of them?"
Alex nodded slowly.
"Every passenger flight, cargo flight, military transport. Ground them immediately."
Grace turned toward him.
"You think something is wrong with the aircraft systems?"
Before Alex could answer—
Another distant roar cut through the sky.
Everyone looked up again.
A third aircraft.
It was far away this time.
But something was wrong.
The plane suddenly dipped downward.
For a moment it struggled to stabilize.
Then the engine stopped.
Grace whispered in fear.
"No..."
A bright flash appeared in the sky.
Seconds later a distant explosion echoed across the city.
Another aircraft had crashed.
Alex's face hardened instantly.
His voice rose sharply now.
"VEYRON!"
The army marshal straightened.
"Stop everything."
Alex pointed toward the sky.
His voice grew even stronger.
"And stop every transport until we know what is happening."
Veyron nodded immediately.
"Yes, Regent."
He turned toward his communication device and began issuing commands rapidly.
"Central command, this is Army Marshal Veyron. Initiate emergency protocol."
His voice became fast and precise.
"All transports is to be grounded immediately. Repeat—ground every transport currently on departure schedule."
He paused for a response.
Then continued.
"Close the southern and northern flight corridors. Halt cargo launches and passenger departures."
Another pause.
"Notify all spaceport authorities and civilian airports. No vehicle leaves the ground until further orders."
Adrian listened as the commands continued.
Within moments the emergency network had activated.
Transport authorities...
Military command centers...
Civilian airports...
All receiving the same instruction.
Stop everything.
Veyron finished the final command and turned back to Alex.
"The shutdown order is in effect."
Alex nodded slowly.
The screams of emergency responders could faintly be heard below.
Alex spoke again.
"Find out who the fuck did this."
Veyron's expression turned serious.
"We will investigate every system."
Alex looked directly at him.
"As soon as possible."
There was a brief silence.
Then Alex added quietly,
"If this is an accident, we fix it."
His voice grew colder.
"And if it is not..."
He didn't finish the sentence.
Veyron understood.
"Yes, Regent."
He bowed slightly and turned toward the doors.
"I will report back the moment we know anything."
Without another word, the army marshal hurried out of the hall.
The balcony doors closed behind him.
Alex remained standing there, staring at the burning wreckage below.
Above the capital—
For the first time in decades—
The skies of Akhara had gone completely silent.
Smoke still drifted across the night sky. Emergency sirens continued to echo.
Sarah watched the sky with worry.
Five minutes passed.
Then—
The balcony doors opened again.
Veyron entered quickly.
But he was not alone.
Behind him stood Roman Akhara, the Supply Lord.
Roman's face looked pale.
Alex immediately turned.
"What is it?"
Veyron did not answer immediately. He looked at Roman.
Roman stepped forward slowly.
His voice was heavy.
"We have found the reason for the crashes."
Alex frowned.
"What reason?"
Roman took a breath.
"It is the C-X9."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Alex's expression hardened.
"What about it?"
Roman continued carefully.
"The C-X9 we received... was altered."
Grace looked confused.
"Altered?"
Roman nodded.
"Yes."
Adrian crossed his arms.
"How could we not detect that?"
Roman answered immediately.
"That is the problem."
He looked directly at Alex.
"During testing... nothing appeared wrong."
Alex's voice grew sharper.
"Explain."
Roman swallowed.
"The fuel looked completely stable."
He continued,
"All our chemical analysis showed normal composition."
"But the internal energy density was reduced."
Grace whispered,
"How much reduced?"
Roman answered quietly.
"A lot."
He looked at the burning sky.
"The C-X9 inside the engines was supposed to power a flight for three thousand kilometers."
Alex's eyes narrowed.
Roman continued.
"But after the alteration... the energy collapses almost immediately."
Adrian spoke.
"How far?"
Roman answered slowly.
"Less than fifty kilometers."
Silence.
Grace stared at him.
"Fifty...?"
Roman nodded.
"Yes."
"The aircraft believes it has enough fuel."
"But after around fifty kilometers... the C-X9 loses its energy output."
"And the engine shuts down."
Sarah covered her mouth.
"Oh my God..."
Alex's hands slowly tightened.
"So the planes simply... fall."
Roman nodded quietly.
"Yes."
The burning wreckage below suddenly felt much heavier.
Alex's voice became low.
"Who altered it?"
Roman did not hesitate.
"The shipments came from Scion."
The word hung in the air.
Grace looked shocked.
"The Scions?"
Adrian spoke coldly.
"They tampered with the fuel?"
Roman nodded.
"The alteration was extremely sophisticated."
"It would pass normal testing."
"But during real operation the energy collapse happens."
Alex looked away toward the fires again.
His face was tense.
Anger was building inside him.
But another thought came first.
He turned toward Veyron.
"How many?"
Veyron understood the question immediately.
He spoke quietly.
"We are still counting."
Alex stared at him.
"How many, Veyron."
The army marshal answered directly.
"87 aircraft accidents so far."
Sarah gasped.
Grace stepped back slightly.
Alex's voice became strained.
"And the casualties?"
Veyron hesitated for a moment.
Then answered.
"More than 35,000 people are already reported dead."
No one moved.
Veyron finished the sentence slowly.
"And the number is still increasing."
The fires in the distance continued to burn.
For the first time—
Alex Akhara did not look like a ruler.
He looked like a man who had just realized that thousands of his people had died because of a desperate decision he made.