The Nova’s bridge flashes violet, then the hologram locks in. Commander Vane stands amid the crew like a blade drawn from cold light, his image ragged at the edges but his stare sharp enough to cut.
Commander Vane
Diechee. You are found. Submit now, or I erase this sanctuary and everyone aboard it.
Sena shifts by the weapon console, hands hovering over armed controls. Talik glances from the red route on the star map to Diechee, jaw tight, ready to move.
Sena
He is broadcasting from the probe link. Give me one order, and I can shut his line down.
The Prophet
The choice arrives early. War follows the signal, as foretold.
Vane’s projection flickers, but his grin does not. The bridge lights stutter over his scaled features, and the hangar bay hum deepens as the Nova keeps building toward departure.
Commander Vane
Your silence ended when you answered the lure. Kneel, and your ship lives. Resist, and Tahk learns what remains of the Empire.
✓ Quest Accepted
Drive off Commander Vane's intrusion
“I tore that travesty apart with my bare hands. You really think lesser stock like you can do shit? I left so you could lick your wounds, and rethink your fallacies. I erased everything and one that led to her death, and then I left you alone. Do you really want to see how strong an Ancient gets after a few eons? I growl”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +2)
Diechee’s growl rolls through the bridge like a pressure wave. Vane’s hologram shivers, its edges tearing to static, and the commander’s smile falters for the first time.
Commander Vane
No. That power signature...
Sena kills the probe line in a snap of her hand. The projection collapses into a ragged lattice of light, but the red route on the map still burns, fed from somewhere deeper in the ship.
Sena
His mouth is gone, but the signal is still riding our systems. I can hold the line, if you give the word.
Talik
Then give it. I have the flight stack primed, and I am not letting him pin us here.
The Prophet
The trap breaks when the will breaks first. He has already felt yours.
Diechee’s answer lands in the ship’s bones. The hologram splinters into sparks and vanishes, leaving only the flicker of warning lights and Sena’s steady hands over the dead channel.
Quest Complete
Drive off Commander Vane's intrusion