Return from Exile

Chapter 11.

Near Planet Eteren, Eteren One Orbital Starbase

Mottmor System, Venddral Raidezel Sector

Date: Zeran 18, Year 4731

The Seeker idled in space, its engines silent. On the TRACE display, two RDF capital battlecruisers approached, their proximity marked by a steady beeping in the cockpit, growing faster as the contacts drew closer.

Klamarez split the forward screen, displaying the battlecruisers advancing from opposite directions, each flanked by five Verta-class fighters in tight formation. Against the backdrop of Eteren One’s constant traffic—ships moving toward the starbase or away from it—the smaller vessels seemed fragile, almost engulfed by the massive battlecruisers. A few bulky cargo ships were the only ones remotely comparable in size, but as the RDF ships closed in, surrounding vessels quickly veered off, giving them a wide berth.

"Overkill," Garen muttered. "Two battlecruisers and Verta squads?" He glanced around the Seeker’s cramped interior, reminding himself how outmatched they were.

None of them had expected such a heavy response—or any response at all. If the RDF just wanted to talk, a simple comms link would’ve sufficed. This felt like a clear show of force, as though they anticipated a threat. But the Seeker, unarmed, posed no real danger—certainly not to capital ships.

Garen saw it as an aggressive display of power. Conus, however, dismissed it as routine. Klamarez, undecided, withheld judgment for now, lacking enough information to fully grasp what they’d gotten into.

The RDF’s reaction, while heavy-handed, wasn’t entirely unexpected. They had been tracking Conus’s mission from the Rhyus System to the Chiaxten System. In recent years, the RSIA’s covert operations had increasingly drawn the RDF’s suspicion, particularly regarding security matters within the Seven Worlds. Tensions between the two organizations had grown, though it hadn’t always been that way—there was a time when the RSIA and RDF operated in unison, before certain events forced the RSIA to drastically tighten its internal security. Now, with reports of Vorcon activity at Chiex, RSIA operations, and rumors of Garen Rivers’ involvement, the RDF wasn’t taking any chances.

When the RDF realized that Chiex had become the mission’s destination, whispers of Garen’s involvement quickly spread through RDF command, drawing increased attention. Whether he had been officially recruited or simply drawn into the mission remained unclear. Most believed Garen had retired to Chiex for a quiet life, but rumors persisted. Some thought his retreat was merely a cover, while others speculated that his public outburst at the Council of Seven hearing was part of a deeper agenda to excuse him from his role as a general within the RDF. His true activities were the subject of endless speculation, difficult for many to believe.

In reality, Garen had spent the last ten years in self-imposed exile on Chiex. Though there was more to his decision than just exile, his location wasn’t exactly a secret. Those who knew him well were aware of where he had settled. Yet, the mere suggestion of his return sent ripples of concern through the Seven Worlds' power structure. Many in power didn’t want him back, fearing the trouble he might stir if he reemerged—that his mere presence alone had the potential to set off a chain of events.

The RDF had closely monitored Conus’s mission. After detecting Vorcon activity—an unsettling discovery after years of silence from the Vorcon Empire—they identified the Seeker as the only vessel leaving the area. This escalated their concerns. They had tracked an RSIA transport entering the system, only to see this unregistered, distinct vessel with Verta-class engines depart.

The Council of Seven, wary of what Garen’s return might provoke, would have preferred he remain on Chiex. But Admiral Lavont had persuaded them to allow contact with the former general.

Now, the RDF and RSIA pursued conflicting objectives. The Council had permitted the RSIA to recruit Garen for a mission, while also authorizing the RDF to monitor it, likely to appease both factions. Yet, this was the same Council that had publicly ridiculed Garen, tarnishing his name and leading him into voluntary exile.

"What do you make of this, Colonel?" Garen asked, turning to Klamarez.

Klamarez glanced at Conus, curious to hear his perspective.

"Maybe there’s been some activity in the system," Conus replied, unfazed. "The Seeker is unregistered and… unique. That probably caught their attention. Security’s tight around here," he added, referring to the strict RDF protocols around Eteren One.

"Maybe," Garen muttered, though his instincts told him otherwise. I don’t like this.

Conus remained unbothered by the RDF’s approach.

Klamarez, scanning the feeds with his usual focus, wrinkled his nose as an ad for an Eteren One buffet flashed across his display. "Nothing new on the Intrak Network," he said, ignoring the rumble in his stomach. Nutrient paste... great choice.

The battlecruisers moved in closer.

“Recognize them, Colonel?” Klamarez asked, glancing at Conus.

Conus leaned forward, examining the signatures. “The first is the Resilience—a Templar-class battlecruiser. The other is the Arbalest, Pavilion-class.”

Garen processed the information. The names were unfamiliar. It had been ten years since the war, and many RDF vessels had either been decommissioned or upgraded. Suddenly, the fleet felt foreign to him.

The Resilience dominated the starfield, its hull stretching far across the display. Built for endurance, the 1,423-meter-long Templar-class battlecruiser was heavily armored, designed for front-line combat, and equipped with powerful weaponry—hypervelocity railguns, torpedo launchers, and a range of warheads. Though slow, its reinforced hull and adaptive shielding made it suited for prolonged engagements.

The Arbalest, smaller and faster at 1,004 meters, was built for deep-penetration missions. Its Graviton Accelerator Cannon, mounted along the spine, was engineered for long-range strikes on fortified targets. While its armor was lighter, the ship’s high-thrust engines and adaptive energy shields allowed for rapid repositioning. It was designed to strike hard and retreat quickly—unlike the Resilience, which could withstand a beating.

Flanking both ships were Verta fighters—15-meter craft in non-reflective black, with dark red accents along their edges. Armed with Radiant Laser Pulse Arrays and torpedo launchers, they were built for high-speed dogfights, piloted individually in their standard configuration, though several specialized variants existed.

Garen glanced at Conus, noticing something off in his demeanor as he intently focused on his console. What aren’t you telling me, Conus?

“They’re requesting communication,” Klamarez announced.

“What’s this about?” Garen muttered, then nodded. “Open a link.”

Klamarez gave a faint, unsure smile as he activated the channel.

A sharp, commanding female voice filled the cockpit. “You have entered Eteren Space. Identify yourselves.”

Garen’s eyes lingered on Conus for a moment before nodding at Klamarez to respond. Klamarez’s ears twitched, and he leaned into the comm. “This is the civilian vessel Seeker. What can I do for you?”

Conus frowned at Klamarez’s casual tone. That’s not how you address the RDF.

Garen allowed himself a brief smile but quickly shifted focus back to the RDF’s response.

“Seeker, this is the RDF Resilience. I am Lieutenant Rosen of the Rhyus Defense Fleet. Your ship is unregistered in our databanks, and your entry into this system is unscheduled. What is your purpose?”

“We’re headed to Eteren One,” Klamarez replied, keeping his tone neutral.

“You match a vessel reported in contact with a Vorcon ship near Chiex in the Chiexaten System. Did you depart from that system?” Rosen’s tone left no room for negotiation.

Garen's expression hardened. He exchanged a glance with Conus and Klamarez—it was clear the RDF already knew about the Vorcons. With a subtle nod, he signaled Klamarez to proceed cautiously.

“We departed from Chiex,” Klamarez confirmed cautiously.

"Remain on the link and hold position," came the terse reply.

Klamarez muted the channel.

“Makes sense now,” Garen said under his breath, referring to the RDF’s aggressive stance. “They know more than we expected, but how?”

Conus tilted his head, his thoughts racing. What else do they know? No other ships should have been nearby. This mission was supposed to be discreet. “I’m not sure,” he admitted.

“It could’ve been a covert vessel,” Klamarez suggested.

“Possible,” Conus agreed. “The RDF isn’t known for covert ops,” he added, considering the situation. “But they’ve got some low-detection ships, though I wouldn’t quite call them covert.”

“They might have long-range detection arrays scattered across the sector,” Garen said. “Wouldn’t put it past the RDF.” But the question remained: Why the show of force?

“It’s possible, though I doubt they extend beyond this system. My approach didn’t come close to the Mottmor system. They shouldn’t have detected me,” Conus said, his tone controlled as he methodically reviewed his flight path. How did they know?

“Someone’s been watching you,” Garen said, his mind racing through the possibilities. He studied Conus closely, trying to discern what wasn’t being said. “I feel like we don’t have all the facts here, Colonel.”

Conus paused, reflecting for a moment. “Sir, the fleet was probably tracking me from the start of my mission, when I left the Rhyus system,” he admitted, his tone resigned.

“The Fleet? Aren’t you part of the fleet?” Klamarez asked, glancing between Garen and Conus, confused.

Garen took a moment before responding. “Who are you working for, Taylen?” His voice was sharp, the question more of a statement than a request for clarification.

Klamarez watched the exchange, sensing the tension building beneath the surface.

Conus hesitated, momentarily caught off guard. "I apologize, General Rivers. Admiral Lavont instructed me to remain silent until we were clear of Chiex."

"We’ve been clear of Chiex for a while," Garen pressed.

"I was waiting for the right time."

"That’s now."

Finally, Conus exhaled. "I work for the RSIA," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret.

"The RSIA?" Garen’s frustration flared.

"Wait, what’s the RSIA?" Klamarez asked, his curiosity obvious.

"The Rhyus Strategic Intelligence Agency," Garen explained, watching Conus with a look of quiet intensity.

"I apologize, General," Conus began.

"Just following orders, Colonel Taylen? Is that it?" Garen’s irritation was unmistakable.

"Yes, General."

Garen exhaled sharply, his expression tightening. “I’ve done my time, Colonel. I know how this works. I won’t fault you for following orders—" his voice dropped to a growl—"but I don’t take well to being lied to.”

"Neither do I," Klamarez added, crossing his arms.

"I could blame someone else for this mess," Garen muttered, his thoughts drifting to Admiral Lavont. Another thought surfaced: What if Conus hadn’t shown up? What if it had only been the Vorcons? He knew he would have left Chiex regardless—but where would he have gone? "I understand Amar's ways. It’s not always easy following orders."

"Thank you, General," Conus said quietly, recognizing Garen’s understanding.

“Amar,” Garen muttered under his breath.

Klamarez turned to Conus, raising an eyebrow. "You’re not with the RDF? You lied?"

"I followed orders," Conus replied, his tone calm.

Klamarez shook his head, but before anyone could respond, an alert pierced the cockpit.

"They’ve locked weapons on us," Klamarez said, eyes widening, his ears twitching in alarm.

Immediately after, the comms activated. “Seeker, we have questions regarding your encounter with the Vorcons."

"Conus, you might want to tell them who you are," Garen suggested. "Transmit your credentials."

Conus quickly took control of the communications. "This is Colonel Conus Taylen of the RSIA. I’m transmitting my credentials now," he said, his tone steady. The crew waited for the RDF’s response as Conus sent the authorization code to the Resilience.

"Very well. We need to verify," Lieutenant Rosen replied.

"Understood," Conus responded.

Klamarez snorted. "Not very friendly, are they? If I had to choose between Caul Malocktus or Lieutenant Rosen, I’d need a minute."

"The RDF hasn’t fired on us," Conus said.

"Well, they’re thinking about it," Klamarez replied, half-joking. "Their weapons are charged and locked on us."

Garen allowed himself a faint smile but quickly brought the conversation back on track. "So, this was all Lavont’s plan?"

"Yes, General," Conus confirmed.

"Everything else you’ve told me—is it accurate? If you want me to trust you, Colonel, start now. Be honest, or Klamarez and I will drop you off at Eteren One," Garen warned.

"That was my only omission," Conus admitted.

Garen studied Conus for a moment, weighing his words. “All right. What’s Lavont’s role in all this? He must be part of the RSIA.”

“He’s the head of the agency,” Conus revealed, causing Garen’s eyebrows to rise.

"Amar Lavont? That’s unexpected." Garen paused, thinking. "Amar always seemed better suited to his role as Secretary of Defense." After a moment, he added, “Then again, knowing Amar, he might’ve needed a new challenge.”

“The RSIA needed him. Still does. Without his leadership, the agency might have collapsed,” Conus explained.

“Collapsed? The RSIA?” Garen drew a sharp breath. What happened while I was gone? Questions churned in his mind, deepening his uncertainty.

"It's complicated," Conus admitted.

Garen paused, thinking for a moment, and then it clicked. Whatever mission Amar Lavont had in mind for him, it was nothing like he had originally expected. This would be a covert operation. The realization left Garen feeling even more doubtful than before.

“Aren’t they taking a long time?” Klamarez interrupted.

“They are,” Garen agreed, his focus sharpening. “Is this going to cause complications, Colonel?”

“Not in this case,” Conus replied, sounding more certain. “It shouldn’t.”

“The RSIA doesn’t have any ships in the sector, right?” Garen asked.

“Not that I’m aware of, but I don’t know all RSIA operations. We’re very compartmentalized.”

“So, what’s the RDF’s stance on this? What exactly is the problem between the RDF and the RSIA?” Garen pressed, feeling increasingly frustrated by the lack of clear information.

“The RDF has grown a little suspicious of the RSIA,” Conus remarked.

Garen shook his head. “You’re telling me the branches are at odds?”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Conus replied.

“I’m sure it is, but I bet it can be explained just as simply, right?” Garen’s irritation crept into his voice.

“That’s fair,” Conus conceded.

“And now we’re caught in the middle of it,” Garen muttered. “I suppose my presence will be a nice surprise for them.” He briefly wondered, Were they monitoring Chiex before?

Klamarez grinned. “Well, I wonder what they’ll think of me.”

The comms actviated again. “We have further questions, better suited for in person. We’re sending docking instructions. Do not delay.”

“That wasn’t a request,” Klamarez quipped.

“No, not even close,” Garen agreed.

“They likely just want a report on the incident,” Conus reassured.

The Arbalest and the Verta fighter squads peeled off, resuming their patrols near Eteren, leaving only the Resilience. Garen powered the Seeker’s engines to minimal, guiding the ship toward the battlecruiser’s hangar bay, using mainly thrusters.

“It’s interesting their weapons are still locked on us,” Klamarez observed. “They can scan us—we’ve got no weapons.”

“Take it as a compliment,” Garen said.

“How’s that?” Klamarez asked, puzzled.

“They see the ship you built as a threat,” Garen chuckled.

Klamarez smirked, briefly baring the sharp tips of his fangs, mischief flickering in his eyes. But Garen, though amused, found the show of force excessive. What are they trying to prove?

“It’s standard procedure. They just want to ensure we’re no danger,” Conus explained.

“In my day, once credentials were verified, I’d unlock the weapons. Maybe. I’d go with my gut,” Garen said, his tone hardening slightly.

“There’s been some terrorist activity—or at least attempts—around here,” Conus added, trying to rationalize the RDF’s actions. “They take security seriously. Commercial ships are warned to keep clear of RDF vessels.”

The more Garen listened, the more it sounded like the RDF wasn’t exactly welcome here.

“They don’t like the RDF here?” Garen asked as he navigated the Seeker.

“Some do,” Conus replied, glancing around. “A few years ago, this system was in chaos. The RDF helped stabilize things.”

“Not sure that’s their job,” Garen muttered. With so many governments involved in the Mottmor system, it made sense that chaos could emerge.

The Seven Worlds of Rhyus had similar arrangements in other systems, but Garen could see why some locals weren’t thrilled. Eteren had essentially become an RDF base, no matter what they called it.

Following the docking instructions, Garen guided the Seeker into the Resilience’s hangar bay. As the bay doors slid open, revealing a barrier field, he maneuvered the ship inside with steady control.

The Seeker’s landing gear extended as it touched down with a soft thud between smaller transport shuttles. Klamarez immediately set to work, shutting down the ship’s systems. Rows of Verta fighters lined the hangar, with the Resilience housing five full squads. Garen completed the final shutdown sequence while Klamarez handled the more systems at the rear. The forward display showed a quiet hangar, occupied only by shuttles and fighters.

“We should leave our weapons on the ship,” Garen suggested. “No need to give them a reason to get excited.”

Conus and Klamarez nodded in agreement.

“Good idea. They seem a little edgy,” Klamarez remarked, glancing toward the bay.

“You feel it too,” Garen noted, sensing the tension in the air.

Conus made a slight face but shrugged it off. What are they so worried about? He chalked it up to standard security protocol.

Klamarez opened a compartment, stowed their weapons, and sealed it. As the boarding ramp descended, they stepped onto the deck, where a squad of marines had just arrived. Faces hidden behind black helmets and clad in full tactical gear, the marines stood ready. The sergeant in charge barked an order through external speakers, his voice distorted but commanding.

“Hands up and stand clear of the ship!”

Garen calmly raised his hands, followed by Conus and Klamarez. Two marines stepped forward, efficiently patting them down, while others boarded the Seeker, weapons trained on the trio. Garen and Conus remained composed, though Klamarez shifted uneasily, his ears twitching, sensing the tension in the air like antennas tuning into static.

One marine scanned Conus’s credentials, cross-referencing them on a PDA. After a tense moment, a voice called from inside the ship, “All clear, Sarge!”

The marines visibly relaxed, lowering their rifles. The sergeant removed his helmet, revealing a buzz cut and steel-gray eyes lined with faint scars. His expression softened as he addressed them.

“Apologies for the caution, gentlemen,” Sergeant Wallace said in a gravelly voice. “We’re on high alert due to rumors of recent Vorcon activity.”

Klamarez glanced around, his thoughts dripping with sarcasm. Oh yeah, we look just like Vorcons.

Conus stepped forward, extending his hand. “No need to apologize, Sergeant. We understand the need for security. You can never be too careful, especially in a system like Mottmor.”

Wallace shook his hand firmly. “Thanks, Colonel. With rumors of Vorcons, we’ve got to stay sharp.”

“They’re not just rumors,” Garen growled, his eyes narrowing in challenge.

Wallace’s expression grew more guarded. “Did you encounter them?” he asked, shifting his gaze to Conus.

“We did. Had a run-in with Vorcons—both in space and on the surface. I lost my transport and my team,” Conus confirmed.

The marines listened closely, some removing their helmets as Wallace pressed on. “Who’s your commanding officer? Where do you report?”

“I report to the RSIA,” Conus responded without hesitation.

Wallace exchanged a quick glance with his team. “Ah, the RSIA. Maylone’s going to love this,” he said with a dry chuckle. “Anyway, Vorcons…”

He shook his head and shared a knowing look with the other marines. “Didn’t expect that on my rotation. Your debrief will be critical—assuming the RSIA is willing to share?”

“That won’t be a problem,” Conus assured him.

Wallace nodded and turned to his team. “Let’s give our guests some room.”

The marines eased up, lowering their weapons but staying alert. Wallace stepped closer to Garen, his eyes widening as he finally recognized him.

“General Rivers? Are you General Rivers?” Wallace asked, sounding surprised.

“Yes. Good to meet you, Sergeant Wallace,” Garen replied.

Wallace extended his hand with clear respect. “I barely recognized you. It’s an honor to have you aboard, General Rivers.”

The marines exchanged curious glances, intrigued by the unexpected presence of a legend. A few murmured among themselves, “General Garen Rivers?”

Garen offered a brief, warm smile as he accepted the handshake. “Thank you, Sergeant.”

“Vorcons and General Rivers—seems fitting,” Wallace remarked with a nod and a faint smile.

Garen let out a quiet laugh. “I suppose it does,” he said.

Wallace glanced back at his team, who were visibly more relaxed, though their curiosity lingered. One of the younger marines, a woman with short-cropped blonde hair, couldn’t hold back any longer.

“The Battle of Markarnes Station, General—you have to tell me about it,” she blurted, eyes wide with anticipation.

Wallace shook his head, a hint of embarrassment crossing his face.

Garen’s smile widened briefly before fading. “Maybe later. It’s been a long journey for us.”

“Of course, General. We’ll get you settled in. I’m sure General Maylone will make sure you’re comfortable aboard the Resilience,” Wallace replied.

Excitement rippled through some of the marines, though others remained more reserved. Garen’s reputation wasn’t universally admired. While many respected his service, the way his career had ended left a complicated legacy. The whispers grew into a soft buzz as a few marines stepped forward, eager to shake hands with the former general.

Admiration spread through the group, but Garen barely moved, a rigid discomfort settling over him under their watchful eyes. They looked at him like a legend, yet all he could think was, That’s not who I am anymore. Not even close.

A sharp voice cut through the hangar. “What’s going on here?” Colonel Nolvin barked, his tone biting. The marines quickly parted as he strode forward, his uniform immaculate, every detail in perfect order, from his neatly trimmed mustache to his spotless boots. Slender, with prominent cheekbones and a pointed chin, Nolvin swiftly directed the marines back to their posts. Clear dissatisfaction in his eyes—little seemed to meet his standards.

At first, Nolvin avoided eye contact with the newcomers, but eventually, his attention shifted to Garen, Conus, and Klamarez. “Are our new arrivals secured?” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” Wallace replied, unfazed by Nolvin’s stern tone.

“I expected a report on the secure hangar bay, Wallace. And instead, I find chatter?” Nolvin’s voice snapped with sharp disapproval.

“My apologies, sir,” Wallace responded calmly.

Nolvin gave a slight shake of his head, clearly unimpressed.

After Wallace briefed him on the identities of the arrivals, including Conus’s affiliation with the RSIA, Nolvin’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Garen’s name. He glanced sideways at Garen before shaking hands with Conus and Klamarez—his manner professional but distant. When it came time to greet Garen, the handshake was brief, almost dismissive. Nolvin observed Garen’s beard and worn clothing.

What’s this guy’s problem? Klamarez wondered.

Nolvin turned to Conus, his focus shifting to the Colonel’s augments. “Colonel Taylen, is it?”

“Yes, Colonel.”

“You’re RSIA?” Nolvin asked, a hint of distaste in his voice. “Who’s your commanding officer?”

“Admiral Lavont,” Conus replied.

“You report directly to the Admiral?” Nolvin asked, his suspicion clear.

Conus hesitated. “My direct superior is General Terra Anteia, but I’ve received orders for this mission from Admiral Lavont.”

“I see,” Nolvin said, his expression unreadable.

At the mention of Terra, a heaviness settled over Garen. Deep down he knew if Amar was with the RSIA, so was Terra. Leaving his home, battling Vorcons, facing Caul Malocktus, and now being back on an RDF ship—all of it had already been overwhelming. But the thought of seeing Terra again stirred something deeper. Does she even want to see me? he wondered.

Nolvin excused himself, pulling out his Rem-Link as he stepped behind the Seeker to make a private call. Conus, with his augmented hearing, caught Nolvin’s low conversation despite his attempt at discretion.

“We have a heavily augmented Colonel from the RSIA, a Camerian, and it looks like the reports were correct. Garen Rivers is aboard the craft,” Nolvin said.

“You’re sure?” came the reply.

“I am.”

There was a brief pause.

"Bring them to my office," the voice instructed.

"Understood, General," Nolvin replied.

When he returned, his expression remained cold. “Follow me,” he ordered curtly. “General Maylone is expecting a briefing. She’s eager to speak with you.”

Nolvin led them briskly through the corridors of the Resilience, with Wallace and his marines trailing behind, their weapons held loosely but ready. As they walked, anticipation stirred within Garen—he hadn’t been aboard a capital battlecruiser in years.

They reached a lift and ascended to the command level. After navigating a few more corridors, they arrived at a door marked General Maylone’s Office. Garen instinctively straightened, old habits from his command days kicking in.

The door slid open, revealing a spacious, brightly lit office. General Maylone stood behind a large, polished desk. Dressed in her dark navy RDF uniform, she appeared to be in her forties—physically fit, with dark hair neatly tied back. Her sharp brown eyes studied them intently. Though her stern expression softened slightly, her posture remained firm.

The marines stayed outside as they entered the room.

Floor-to-ceiling viewports provided a sweeping view of the surrounding space. The Resilience had moved closer to Eteren, its emerald curve visible through the windows. In the distance, another RDF battlecruiser and two squads of Verta fighters patrolled. The office walls were lined with display screens showing sensor data and tactical feeds, overseen by a humanoid Synthetic with metallic features, silently monitoring the information. A portrait of General Maylone with her family hung on one wall.

“Welcome aboard the Resilience. I’m General Maylone,” she greeted warmly, shaking each of their hands. She gestured to the seats in front of her desk before sitting down. Behind her, Colonel Nolvin remained standing, his posture tense, watching them with barely concealed skepticism.

“Thank you, General,” Garen replied as they took their seats.

“I understand you had a significant encounter on Chiex?” General Maylone asked, turning to Conus.

Conus recounted the encounter with the Vorcons, handing over a data drive containing readings from the event. "This intelligence should assist HQ’s analysis, General," he said confidently.

Colonel Nolvin passed the drive to General Maylone, who examined it carefully. "Thank you, Colonel Taylen. Our surveillance station detected your ship, which led us to send a follow-up vessel. It seems the RSIA could use the RDF’s support," she remarked.

Garen listened closely, sensing that the tension between the RDF and the RSIA was more serious than he had anticipated. He trusted Lavont, despite everything, but what about Terra? Did she even want him involved? Too many unanswered questions lingered. When Conus had mentioned the falling out between the two factions earlier, Garen thought it might have been exaggerated. Now, however, he could see the divide firsthand.

Nolvin added, "Better coordination with the RSIA would benefit the fleet. The RSIA was created to provide intelligence for the RDF, not to keep us in the dark about system security. They’ve got a small fleet of highly advanced covert craft."

General Maylone shot him a sharp look, signaling him to stop. Still, Garen suspected that despite her outward disapproval, she privately shared some of Nolvin’s concerns.

"I’ll inform Admiral Lavont of your situation and ensure your safety," General Maylone said, though Garen sensed she intended to consult RDF Command first. "The RSIA has its own protocols, I understand that. But we’re here to assist. We all serve the Seven Worlds of Rhyus—whether in the Rhyus Defense Fleet or the Rhyus Strategic Intelligence Agency. I’ll have rooms arranged for you. Feel free to use the Resilience’s common areas. You’re our guests."

Klamarez seized the moment to ask a pressing question. "Excuse me, General, but are the Vorcons still in the Chiex system? Is Calio Landing safe?"

"They’ve left the system. Calio Landing is secure," Maylone replied with certainty.

Klamarez nodded, relief softening his expression. With that, General Maylone concluded the meeting, shaking hands with each of them before they exited her office.

Outside, Sergeant Wallace and his squad stood ready to escort them to their quarters. Wallace led them through the corridors of the Resilience, pointing out key areas and amenities along the way.

Upon reaching their assigned rooms, Wallace handed over keycards and gave a brief overview. "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask," he said.

Garen, Conus, and Klamarez entered their respective rooms, the doors sliding shut behind them.

As Garen sat on the edge of his bed, the weight of the past and the uncertainty of what lay ahead filled his thoughts. He realized he had no idea what the current state of the Seven Worlds was.