Chapter 144: The First Step Toward War
The fortress was secured, but Raizen knew that victory meant nothing if they didn't prepare for the inevitable retaliation. The Syndicate would not let this loss stand, and their response would be swift and brutal.
Standing in the newly restored command center, Raizen observed a holographic display of the fortress and surrounding space lanes. Malakar stood at his side, arms crossed, his cybernetic eye flickering as he processed the data.
"They'll come," Malakar muttered. "It's only a matter of time."
Raizen nodded. "Let them. We'll be ready."
Liana stepped forward, tapping into the interface. "I've intercepted Syndicate communications. They're already mobilizing fleets. Best estimate? We have less than a week before they send a strike force."
Selara exhaled. "That's not a lot of time."
Raizen smirked. "It's more than enough."
Strategic Preparations
Raizen wasted no time in solidifying his hold on the fortress. The defenses were reinforced, and new defensive protocols were uploaded into the security mainframe. Automated turrets were calibrated to track incoming hostiles, and a network of hidden artillery batteries was established throughout the perimeter.
Meanwhile, Nyx scouted for potential allies, reaching out to mercenary groups and black-market traders who had their own grudges against the Syndicate.
"If we want to stand a chance," Nyx explained, "we need more than just soldiers. We need information. We need a network."
Raizen agreed. "Find them. Bring them to me."
First Strike
Just as expected, Syndicate scouts arrived at the edge of the system. They moved cautiously, probing for weaknesses. Raizen ordered a swift response, deploying strike teams to ambush them before they could report back.
In a series of precise, calculated strikes, Raizen's forces obliterated the Syndicate's recon teams before they could even send a distress signal. It was a warning—this fortress was no longer an easy target.
As he watched the destruction unfold from the command room, Raizen smirked. This was just the beginning.
The war had officially begun.