The shuttle’s ascent was a jarring lurch, then a smooth climb away from the sprawling city lights, shrinking below into a miniature map of twinkling spires. Kara gripped the armrest, the low hum of the engines a constant thrum against the thinning air. Beyond the porthole, the planet curved away, a vibrant blue marble surrendering to the inky black of space. The space station loomed, a colossal wheel of gleaming metal and blinking lights.

  Landing was gentle, a barely perceptible bump. The airlock hissed open, releasing a wave of recycled air and the metallic tang of the station. Kara emerged into a maelstrom of activity–hurrying technicians, the murmur of a thousand conversations. She navigated the throng, her heels echoing faintly on the metallic floor, heading for her starfighter nestled amongst others.

  The cockpit smelled of polished metal. With a satisfying hiss, the hatch sealed shut. Her fingers, long and slender, moved with practiced grace across the control panel. A cascade of lights blinked to life, a silent symphony of preparation. Then,

  the growl–a deep, guttural roar that vibrated through the ship’s frame, shaking her in her seat.

  The holographic map flickered into life: a faint, pulsing network of star systems. With a last check of her instruments, Kara smoothly launched, her starfighter gliding from the shuttle bay like a phantom. The station receded, shrinking against the star-dusted backdrop of space. A wave of intense energy washed over the cockpit as she engaged the hyperspace drive.

  As the ship settled into hyperspace, Kara tapped the Nexband on her wrist. The holographic display flickered to life, projecting the image of her Royal Assistant, Lysander. His calm, composed face appeared, his expression shifting to one of concern as he took in her tense demeanor.

  “Lysander,” she snapped, her voice tight with barely contained urgency, “I need the best. The absolute best trainer we have. No exceptions. And make it fast.”

  There was a pause, the faint crackle of static filling the brief silence. “Understood, Your Highness,” Lysander replied, his tone professional but laced with curiosity. He knew better than to question her directly, but Kara could sense the unspoken questions in his eyes.

  She continued, her breath catching in her throat as she forced the words out. “And send a priority message to Cade Kirk. Tell him it’s vital he be at the palace within the hour. This is…critical.”

  Lysander nodded, his expression hardening as he recognized the gravity of her tone. “It will be done, Your Highness.”

  Kara ended the call with a single tap on the holo-display, the image of Lysander dissolving into nothingness. She leaned back in her seat, exhaling slowly as the weight of her mission settled over her. The hyperspace tunnel outside the viewport was a blur of light and color.

  The starfighter emerged from hyperspace with a jolt, the swirling vortex of light giving way to the familiar sight of Section 3. The planet loomed large in the viewport, its surface a patchwork of sprawling cities and lush landscapes. Kara guided the ship toward Imperial City, the capital’s skyline dominated by the towering spires of the royal palace. The starfighter descended smoothly, its landing gear deploying as it touched down on the palace’s private landing pad.

  Kara was out of the cockpit before the engines had fully powered down. The palace guards snapped to attention as she passed. Kara strode down the grand hallway of the palace, her boots echoing against the polished marble floor. The air was heavy with the weight of her thoughts, and the urgency of the matter at hand pressed against her chest like a stone. She reached the meeting room, her hand pausing on the ornate door handle for a brief moment before she pushed it open.

  Inside, Cade was waiting, seated stiffly in one of the high- backed chairs. He rose immediately as she entered, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable. “Your Highness,” he said, his voice formal but tinged with unease. “Your assistant mentioned you needed to see me urgently.”

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  Kara nodded, her gaze steady as she motioned for him to sit. “Yes, Captain. There’s an important matter I need to discuss with you.” She took her seat across from him, her hands resting lightly on the table. The room was silent except for the faint hum of the palace’s energy systems.

  Cade’s brow furrowed as he leaned forward slightly. “What is it you wish to discuss, Your Highness?”

  Kara took a deep breath, her voice calm but firm. “It’s about your son, Freddie.”

  Cade froze, his eyes narrowing in confusion. “My son?” he repeated, his tone wary. “What about him?”

  “Freddie has enrolled in the Guardian Junior Program,” Kara said, her words deliberate. “He’s now part of a team with seven other members.”

  For a moment, Cade said nothing. Then he let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but my son is not… material for the Guardians’ program. He’s not cut out for that kind of life.”

  Kara’s expression didn’t waver. “And why not?” she asked, her voice cool. “I believe he has the potential to become a great Guardian. Don’t you?”

  Cade’s jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists on the table. “No,” he said sharply. “I don’t. He’s weak. Useless. All he does is cause trouble. He’ll fail—I can guarantee you that.”

  Kara leaned back in her chair, her gaze piercing. “Well, I disagree. I believe he has what it takes.”

  Cade’s face flushed with anger, his composure cracking. “How can this be happening?” he muttered, more to himself than to her. Then his eyes narrowed, and he slammed a hand on the table. “It must be that boy he’s always with—Roger, Robert, whatever his name is. That boy put him up to this, didn’t he? Well, he’ll hear from me—”

  “Captain,” Kara interrupted, her voice sharp and commanding. “Calm yourself.”

  But Cade was beyond reason. He shot to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “YOU DON’T UNDER- STAND!” he roared, his voice echoing off the walls. “HE RUINS EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES DON’T BE STUPID!”

  Kara stood in one swift motion, her presence suddenly towering despite her stature. “SILENCE!” she thundered, her voice cutting through the room like a whip. “HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN SUCH A MANNER? I SHOULD HAVE YOU STRIPPED OF YOUR RANK FOR THIS DISRESPECT!”

  Cade froze, his chest heaving, the color draining from his face. For a moment, the room was utterly still, the tension so thick it felt suffocating. Then, slowly, he sank back into his chair, his hands trembling.

  Kara straightened, her breathing steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She walked to the side of the room, her movements deliberate, and retrieved a holo-tablet from a sleek console. Her fingers moved across the display with precision, pulling up a document that glowed faintly in the dim light. She turned and placed the tablet in front of Cade.

  “What is this?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “A custody transfer form,” Kara said, her tone icy. “It will make me Freddie’s legal guardian.”

  Cade stared at her, his eyes wide with disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I am entirely serious,” Kara replied, her gaze unwavering. “Sign it.”

  Cade’s hands clenched again, his voice rising in desperation. “And if I refuse?”

  Kara leaned forward, her palms flat on the table, her eyes blazing with authority. “If you refuse,” she said, her voice low and dangerous, “I will take this matter to the High Council. You will not only lose custody of your son, but you will also be expelled from the Rangers. And I will ensure you never hold a position within the Dominion government again. Do you understand me, Captain?”

  Cade’s face went pale, his defiance crumbling under the weight of her words. He looked down at the holo-tablet, his hand shaking as he reached for the stylus. For a moment, it appeared he might resist, but then he signed his name with a quick, angry stroke. He shoved the tablet back toward her and stood, his movements stiff with barely contained rage.

  Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the room; the door slamming shut behind him.

  Kara exhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging slightly as the adrenaline ebbed. She sank back into her chair, her fingers pressing against her temples. The room felt eerily quiet now, the echoes of their confrontation lingering in the air.

  A soft knock at the door broke the silence. “Your Highness?” Lysander’s voice called from the other side.

  “Come in,” Kara said, her voice weary but composed.

  Lysander entered, his expression concerned. “Is everything all right? Would you like a glass of water?”

  Kara shook her head, forcing a small smile. “No, thank you, Lysander. What is it?”

  “I’ve found a trainer,” he said, his tone brightening slightly. “Ronna Pierce. Brother of Commander Alexander Pierce. Former Lieutenant of the Vanguard, now a full-time trainer.” Kara’s face relaxed, a hint of relief breaking through her exhaustion. “Perfect,” she said. “Please send them to Base Nine-Eight-Four immediately and prepared the Royal shuttle too. ”

  “Right away, Your Highness,” Lysander said with a bow before exiting the room.

  Alone once more, Kara leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. This was not as easy as she had thought.