Ethan walked through the expansive corridors of the Unified Kynaran Defense Forces (UKDF) headquarters, his eyes scanning the facility's sleek metallic walls and high-tech interfaces. Every detail reflected the sheer scale of Ashen Prime's investment in Kynara's future.
It was impossible not to be impressed.
This was not the hastily assembled command posts of the old coalition, where war rooms had been crammed into abandoned buildings or hidden underground bunkers. Those had been places of survival, of desperation, where plans had been drawn up on scavenged data terminals, and supply shortages had dictated every move.
But now?
Now, the UKDF headquarters stood as a testament to order and stability. A fully operational military facility designed to forge a new era of planetary defense.
Through the large, reinforced windows, Ethan observed yet another regiment of soldiers drilling in perfect formation. Their movements were sharp, deliberate, precise, far better than the bands of fighters that had once made up the coalition.
A group of Federation-trained instructors moved between them, correcting stances, barking orders in clipped, authoritative tones.
The difference was night and day.
"They're coming along faster than I expected," Ethan admitted.
Beside him, Lirien Vossel walked with her arms crossed, her gaze sharp and assessing as she watched the training exercise unfold.
"They have to," she said flatly. "The moment we show weakness, someone will try to exploit it."
Ethan glanced at her. She wasn't wrong.
For all the progress Kynara had made, the threats hadn't disappeared. The Black Sun syndicate may have been crushed, but remnants still lurked in the shadows. Bandit warlords, space pirates, criminal gangs, and rogue mercs. There were always those who thrived on instability.
As they continued down the corridor, the full transformation of the UKDF became evident.
This was no longer just a collection of former resistance fighters and underfunded local militia guard force scraping by with help from the mercenary guild.
This was a true, structured, professional military force.
With the addition of highly trained Federation soldiers and top-class instructors from Ashen Prime, the UKDF was evolving into something far more formidable. They weren't just defenders anymore, they were a force being molded for long-term stability.
Soon, they would be stationed across Kynara, deployed to protect settlements, maintain order, and eliminate any lingering criminal threats before they could fester into something worse.
But despite the rapid progress, Ethan couldn't shake a lingering thought.
Strength wasn't just about discipline or advanced weaponry.
It was about leadership. Unity. Purpose.
Kynara's greatest test wouldn't come from an external invasion or a resurgent criminal syndicate.
It would come from within, from maintaining the very spirit of unity and purpose that had driven the coalition to victory against the Black Sun.
Because winning a war was one thing.
Keeping the peace?
That was an entirely different battle.
Their tour of the UKDF headquarters eventually led them to the cafeteria. A surprisingly spacious, well-lit common area where off-duty personnel gathered for meals and brief reprieves from their grueling training schedules. The design was efficient but welcoming, with long metallic tables, interactive holo-screens displaying recent news, and large reinforced windows that overlooked the sprawling training yard outside.
The scent of hot meals and strong drinks filled the air, mingling with the low hum of quiet conversation. Even in a military facility, people needed moments of normalcy.
At the counter, Lirien Vossel grabbed three steaming cups of a dark, alien coffee-like beverage from a sleek metal dispenser and handed one to Ethan Walker with a knowing smirk.
"You'll like this," she said. "Stronger than anything you'll find in Kynara."
Ethan accepted the cup, taking a slow sip. The moment the liquid touched his tongue, a bold, bitter flavor hit instantly, deep and rich, warming him from the inside. It wasn't just strong, it carried a distinct kick, one that lingered long after the first taste.
He exhaled slightly, nodding in approval. "Not bad." He was a coffee enthusiast back on Earth and this stuff was definitely better than anything he had before.
Marik Vos chuckled, blowing gently on his cup. "They call it Harkesh Black. Comes from the Aldaron Sector. Supposedly it keeps soldiers alert for sixteen hours straight."
Ethan arched a brow, taking another sip. "Remind me to stock up before I leave." He also remembered that Kara had said before that she was an Aldaron native. He understood now why she never was impressed by the drinks served here.
They made their way to a quiet corner of the cafeteria, settling near one of the wide windows that overlooked the training yard. From here, they could see UKDF recruits running drills under the watchful eyes of Federation instructors, their formations crisp, their movements disciplined.
For a while, they simply sat there, drinking in silence. But it wasn't an awkward silence, it was the kind that carried the weight of everything they'd been through together.
Lirien was the first to speak, her voice quiet but firm.
"We're not going to let this fall apart."
Ethan glanced at her. Her jaw was set, her expression resolute, her grip on the coffee cup just a little too tight.
Across from them, Marik leaned back, turning his cup in his hands. "We gave too much to let Kynara slip back into chaos. No warlords. No syndicates ruling the streets, kidnapping civilians and destroying settlements. This place is going to be different."
Ethan studied their faces, the determination in their eyes, the conviction in their words.
They meant it.
Setting his cup down, he met their gazes, his voice steady.
"You will," he said firmly. "Because you're the right people for this. And because too many fought and died for this new era to let it be wasted."
Lirien and Marik remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Ethan took a slow breath, choosing his next words carefully.
"Captain Alrik Thorne of the Kynaran Federation Guard. Resistance leader Joran Kren. Vice-leader Tara. And the countless members of the Coalition who didn't make it.
They didn't fight for power.
They fought for Kynara's future."
His words lingered in the air, heavy yet unshakable.
Marik exhaled, his grip tightening around the cup. At the mention of Tara and Joran Kren...his father figure, his mentor, his leader. He closed his eyes briefly before nodding.
"We won't ever forget them."
Lirien's fingers clenched slightly at the mention of Thorne, her former commander. A flicker of emotion crossed her face. Grief, respect, and something deeper before she set her cup down with quiet finality.
"We'll honor them the only way we can," she said. "By making sure Kynara never needs another war to survive."
Ethan leaned back slightly, letting their words settle.
"Then you already know what to do."
There was no need for further speeches.
No need for more reassurances.
They understood.
As they finished their drinks, the weight of the conversation lifted slightly.
The discussion turned to lighter topics. The future of Kynara, how trade routes were reopening, how cities and outposts were rebuilding.
Marik, ever the strategist, joked about the logistical nightmares of forming a new military force, while Lirien mused about training the next generation of leaders.
Eventually, the topic shifted to Ethan.
"So," Lirien said, setting down her empty cup. "What's next for you?"
Ethan let out a soft chuckle. "Ashen Prime first. Then? Who knows."
Marik smiled. "You never stay in one place too long, do you?"
"Not my style."
They all stood, leaving their cups behind as they made their way back toward the facility's entrance.
Ethan paused for a moment, taking one final look at the headquarters.
The UKDF insignia emblazoned on the walls. The soldiers moving through the halls. The sounds of training drills in the distance.
This was no longer his fight.
Lirien and Marik were the ones shaping Kynara now.
But as Ethan prepared to leave, a quiet thought remained at the back of his mind:
Kynara's future was still uncertain.
It would be up to the new guard to hold the line.