Chapter 7: Assault on Vaikuntha Space
The Rakshasa Armada descended like a storm over Vaikuntha-controlled space. Waves of Naraka Fighters tore through defense grids, and massive Rakshasa Dreadnoughts loomed behind them, their weapons raining destruction on colonies and orbital stations. Explosions lit the void, illuminating the carnage as the Dominion’s forces pushed deeper into Vaikuntha territory.
On the Amaravarti, Aarav stood on the bridge, staring at the tactical display. The map flickered with countless red markers—Dominion ships—and far fewer blue ones representing the beleaguered Vaikuntha fleet. The main frontlines were collapsing, and the scattered defensive fleets were being forced into a chaotic retreat.
“They’re hitting every colony in the Naraka Sector,” Tara Ishani said, her voice tight with urgency. “This isn’t just an invasion—it’s a massacre.”
Yuvaan stood on the opposite side of the table, his expression grim but composed. “They’re spreading us thin on purpose. Ravana wants us chasing shadows while he fortifies his position in the Maha Shunya.”
“That doesn’t make this any easier,” Tara snapped. “We can’t just abandon these colonies.”
“We don’t have the resources to defend them all,” Yuvaan countered. “If we spread ourselves too thin, we’ll lose everything.”
“And if we do nothing, we’re handing Ravana a victory,” Aarav interjected, his fists clenched. “This isn’t just about strategy—these are people we’re talking about.”
Tara nodded, her gaze hardening. “Agreed. We need to send reinforcements to at least one of the major colonies. It’s better to save some lives than none.”
Yuvaan hesitated, clearly weighing the options. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. But we prioritize what’s strategically valuable.” He gestured to the map, highlighting Bhuvanagiri, a heavily populated colony with a major Vaikuntha research facility. “If the Dominion takes this, it’ll cripple our ability to manufacture advanced tech. We focus our efforts there.”
Tara exchanged a glance with Aarav. “Do we have the forces to hold it?”
“Barely,” Yuvaan admitted. “But with Vedara leading the charge, it might buy us enough time to evacuate.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened, the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. “Then let’s move.”
The Vaikuntha Fleet arrived at Bhuvanagiri in the middle of a pitched battle. The Dominion forces had already breached the colony’s orbital defenses, and columns of black smoke rose from the surface as Naraka Fighters strafed civilian zones. The colony’s defense fleet—a patchwork of smaller ships and station-mounted cannons—was holding on by a thread.
“Status report,” Tara said as the Amaravarti exited hyperspace, its escort ships flanking it.
“Colony shields are failing,” an officer reported. “Enemy forces have landed on the surface—ground combat is ongoing. Civilian evacuation is at thirty percent.”
Tara’s expression hardened. “Get me the colony governor. Aarav, prepare to deploy.”
Aarav was already moving. “I’m on it.”
In the Amaravarti’s hangar, Vedara stood ready, its golden frame gleaming even in the dim light. Aarav climbed into the cockpit, his movements swift but deliberate. The systems roared to life around him, and the Prana Sphere pulsed with energy, its glow steady and reassuring.
“Aarav Rishi,” Maitreyi said, her voice calm but firm. “Bhuvanagiri is in chaos. You must act swiftly to prevent further destruction.”
“Got it,” Aarav muttered, gripping the controls. “Let’s do this.”
Vedara launched into the void, its golden light cutting through the darkness. The battlefield was a chaotic swirl of enemy fighters, debris, and the distant flashes of orbital cannon fire. Aarav pushed Vedara forward, its blade igniting as a squadron of Naraka Fighters closed in.
From the cockpit, the battle felt like an eternity compressed into seconds. Aarav moved with precision, each strike of Vedara’s blade calculated and deliberate. A Naraka Fighter streaked toward him, its plasma cannons blazing, but Aarav twisted the controls, guiding Vedara into a tight spin that brought him behind the enemy ship.
The golden blade cut through the fighter, which exploded in a burst of light. Aarav didn’t pause, immediately pivoting to deflect incoming fire from a Rakshasa mech that loomed ahead.
The Rakshasa’s claws lashed out, but Aarav anticipated the attack, raising Vedara’s shield to block the blow. He countered with a quick slash, severing the enemy mech’s weapon arm before driving his blade into its core. The Rakshasa staggered before erupting in a fiery explosion.
“You are adapting well,” Maitreyi said, her voice calm but approving.
“Not fast enough,” Aarav muttered, his eyes scanning the battlefield. The Dominion forces were relentless, their numbers overwhelming. Even with Vedara’s power, Aarav felt the strain of trying to turn the tide.
On the ground, the situation was even worse. The Dominion’s Asura Infantry had overrun several key districts, and the colony’s defenders were struggling to hold their remaining positions. Civilians crowded into evacuation shuttles, their faces pale with fear as the sounds of distant explosions grew louder.
Tara’s voice came over the comms. “Aarav, the evacuation shuttles are under fire. We need you to clear a path to the launch zone.”
“On it,” Aarav said, guiding Vedara toward the colony’s surface.
As he descended through the atmosphere, the scale of the destruction became clear. Entire districts were in ruins, their buildings reduced to rubble. Fires burned uncontrollably, and the air was thick with smoke and ash.
Vedara landed with a thunderous impact, its golden frame towering over the chaos. Aarav immediately moved to intercept a group of Rakshasa mechs that were advancing on the evacuation zone, their plasma cannons targeting the fleeing shuttles.
“Not today,” Aarav muttered, igniting Vedara’s blade.
The first Rakshasa turned toward him, its cannons charging, but Aarav was faster. Vedara surged forward, its blade slashing in a precise arc that severed the mech’s weapons. The second Rakshasa lunged with its claws, but Aarav ducked under the attack and countered with a decisive blow to its core.
“Shuttles are launching,” Tara’s voice came over the comms. “Keep them covered, Aarav.”
Above the battlefield, the Amaravarti held the line against the Dominion fleet. Tara stood on the bridge, issuing rapid-fire commands as the tactical display lit up with hostile signatures.
“Shields at forty percent!” an officer called out.
“Hold steady,” Tara ordered. “Focus fire on the Dreadnought’s forward cannons. We need to buy Aarav more time.”
The ship shuddered as another barrage struck the hull, but the Amaravarti’s weapons blazed in response, tearing through a wave of Naraka Fighters.
Back on the surface, Aarav fought like a man possessed. Vedara moved with fluid grace, its blade cutting through the Dominion forces with precision. The evacuation zone was nearly secure, but the enemy’s numbers were still overwhelming.
“You’re running out of time,” Maitreyi warned.
Aarav gritted his teeth, pushing Vedara harder. “Then let’s end this.”
The Prana Sphere flared, its golden light surging as Aarav channeled Vedara’s power into a devastating energy wave. The attack tore through the Dominion ranks, scattering their forces and giving the remaining shuttles a chance to escape.
As the last shuttle launched, Aarav exhaled, his chest heaving. The battle wasn’t over, but for now, they had won a small victory.
The battle in Bhuvanagiri’s orbit raged on, the Vaikuntha fleet struggling to hold its ground against the relentless onslaught of the Rakshasa Armada. Explosions lit the void, and the debris of shattered ships drifted like silent wreckage in the swirling expanse of Dominion-controlled space.
Aarav sat in Vedara’s cockpit, his breathing heavy as the golden astramech hovered just above the colony’s atmosphere. Sweat trickled down his face, and his hands gripped the controls tightly. The strain of the fight had pushed him to the edge, but the battle wasn’t over yet—not even close.
“Aarav Rishi,” Maitreyi’s voice echoed through the cockpit, calm but tinged with urgency. “Dominion reinforcements are en route. The Rakshasa Armada is consolidating its forces in this sector.”
“So they’re doubling down,” Aarav muttered, his jaw tightening. “We can’t hold them off forever.”
“No,” Maitreyi said. “The balance is tipping further with every passing moment. If Ravana’s forces gain complete control of this region, Vaikuntha’s hold on the sector will collapse.”
Aarav’s gaze flicked toward the tactical display. The Amaravarti was still holding its position, its shields flickering as it exchanged fire with a Dominion Dreadnought, but the rest of the fleet was buckling under the pressure. The Garuda had already been lost, its fiery remains scattered across the battlefield, and the Nandi was barely operational, its engines sputtering as it tried to retreat.
“This isn’t working,” Aarav said, his voice low. “We’re outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options.”
“Despair is not the answer,” Maitreyi said gently. “But neither is recklessness. You must think carefully.”
Aarav’s eyes narrowed as an idea began to form—a desperate, dangerous idea.
Back on the Amaravarti, Tara Ishani paced the bridge, her expression grim as she reviewed the latest reports. The ship’s shields were failing, and ammunition reserves were dangerously low.
“Status update,” she barked.
“Shields at twenty-five percent,” an officer reported. “Hull integrity is holding for now, but we’ve sustained significant damage to the aft section. Enemy forces are regrouping for another assault.”
Tara clenched her fists. “We’re running out of time. Where’s Aarav?”
“Vedara is still near the colony,” the comm officer said. “He’s holding position but hasn’t engaged the main fleet.”
Before Tara could respond, Aarav’s voice came over the comms.
“Tara, I have an idea.”
Tara frowned. “I’m listening.”
“I’m going to cut through their formation and target the Dreadnought,” Aarav said, his voice steady but intense.
Tara’s eyes widened. “That’s suicide. Their entire fleet is protecting that ship—it’s their command center.”
“Exactly,” Aarav said. “If I can take it out, the rest of their forces will fall into disarray. We can use the chaos to regroup and push them back.”
Tara hesitated, her mind racing. “You’ll never make it. Even Vedara has its limits.”
“I know,” Aarav said quietly. “But if we don’t take this gamble, the fleet’s done for.”
Tara’s jaw tightened. She knew he was right—the situation was dire, and they needed a miracle to turn the tide. But sending Aarav into the heart of the enemy fleet was almost unthinkable.
“Aarav,” she said, her voice softer now. “Are you sure about this?”
“No,” Aarav admitted. “But I’m doing it anyway.”
Tara closed her eyes for a moment before nodding. “Alright. You’ve got the green light. But you don’t take unnecessary risks, understood? You get in, hit the target, and get out.”
“Understood,” Aarav said.
Vedara surged forward, its golden light cutting through the smoke and debris of the battlefield. Aarav’s hands moved with precision on the controls, guiding the astramech toward the Dominion fleet.
The tactical display lit up with hostile signatures as the enemy forces shifted to intercept him. Naraka Fighters swarmed ahead, their plasma cannons blazing, while Rakshasa mechs moved to block his path.
“Here we go,” Aarav muttered, igniting Vedara’s blade.
The first wave of fighters closed in, their weapons firing in rapid bursts. Aarav twisted the controls, guiding Vedara into a tight barrel roll that carried it out of the line of fire. He countered with a quick slash of the golden blade, cutting through two of the fighters in one fluid motion.
The Rakshasa mechs moved in next, their massive forms flanking Vedara from both sides. Aarav spun the mech, blocking one attack with Vedara’s shield while delivering a precise strike to the other. The enemy mech staggered, its core sparking before it exploded.
“You are adapting well,” Maitreyi said, her tone calm but approving.
“Not good enough,” Aarav muttered. “I’m still outnumbered.”
Ahead, the Dominion Dreadnought loomed, its cannons charging as it locked onto Vedara. Aarav gritted his teeth, pushing the astramech’s thrusters to full power.
“Warning,” Maitreyi said. “The enemy ship’s energy output is reaching critical levels. A direct hit will be devastating.”
“Then I guess I won’t get hit,” Aarav said, his voice tight.
The Dreadnought’s main cannon fired, sending a massive beam of red energy hurtling toward Vedara. Aarav reacted instinctively, pulling the controls hard to the side. The golden mech twisted in midair, narrowly dodging the blast as it streaked past.
The shockwave rocked Vedara, but Aarav held steady, his focus unshaken. “Close enough,” he muttered, guiding the astramech into a dive that carried it toward the Dreadnought’s hull.
On the Vajragarjana, Devya Varman watched the battle unfold from his command deck. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp, tracking Vedara’s every movement.
“He’s making his move,” one of his officers said.
“Let him come,” Devya replied. “Vedara’s power is formidable, but its pilot is still inexperienced. He won’t make it far.”
Vedara landed on the Dreadnought’s hull with a thunderous impact, its golden blade igniting as Aarav sliced through the first row of turrets. The Dominion ship shuddered under the assault, alarms blaring as its systems struggled to compensate for the damage.
Aarav guided Vedara toward the ship’s core, his movements swift and deliberate. The enemy mechs onboard scrambled to intercept him, but he cut through them with calculated precision, his strikes clean and efficient.
“Almost there,” Aarav muttered, his eyes locked on the Dreadnought’s main reactor.
“Maitreyi, I need a way to destabilize this thing without blowing us both up,” he said.
“There is a weak point in the reactor’s containment field,” Maitreyi said. “A precise strike will trigger a chain reaction, disabling the ship without destroying it outright.”
“Got it,” Aarav said, guiding Vedara into position.
The golden blade flared brightly as Aarav lined up the strike. He took a deep breath, steadying his hands. “Here goes nothing.”
Vedara drove its blade into the reactor’s weak point, the energy surging outward in a blinding burst of light. Aarav pulled the controls hard, pushing the mech into a desperate retreat as the Dreadnought shuddered violently.
The ship’s systems failed one by one, its weapons falling silent as the reactor destabilized. The remaining Dominion forces began to pull back, their formation breaking as the Dreadnought drifted helplessly in space.
Aarav exhaled, his chest heaving. “Did we do it?”
“You succeeded,” Maitreyi said. “The Rakshasa Armada is in disarray. The balance has shifted—for now.”
The Rakshasa Dreadnought hung adrift in space, its massive frame listing as fires burned across its hull. The Dominion forces, now leaderless and scattered, faltered in their assault. Naraka Fighters retreated into disorganized squadrons, and the remaining Rakshasa mechs drifted without purpose. The tide of battle was shifting, but the battlefield was far from calm.
Inside Vedara’s cockpit, Aarav steadied himself, his chest heaving as the golden mech hovered above the shattered remnants of the enemy flagship. His grip on the controls loosened slightly, the tension in his body giving way to exhaustion.
“Maitreyi,” he said, his voice raw. “What’s the status of the fleet?”
“The Amaravarti and its escorts remain operational,” Maitreyi replied, her tone calm but tinged with urgency. “But their forces are stretched thin. The Dominion has begun a partial retreat, but their secondary wave is still inbound.”
Aarav closed his eyes briefly, his mind racing. The strike on the Dreadnought had worked, but it hadn’t broken the Dominion’s resolve. They were regrouping—stalling, but not defeated.
Before Aarav could respond, Vedara’s sensors flared. A new presence appeared on the tactical display, moving with speed and precision toward his position. The crimson silhouette of a familiar mech stood out against the chaos, its sharp angles and glowing red energy unmistakable.
“The Asura Vyala,” Maitreyi said. “Devya Varman approaches.”
Aarav’s heart sank. “Of course he does. Couldn’t let me catch my breath, huh?”
The Asura Vyala slowed as it approached Vedara, its crimson energy shimmering faintly against the backdrop of the ruined Dreadnought. In the distance, the Vaikuntha fleet regrouped, their fire focused on pushing back the scattered Dominion forces.
Aarav tensed as Devya’s voice crackled through the comms, calm and sharp as ever.
“Well done, Aarav Rishi,” Devya said. “I wasn’t sure you had it in you.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Aarav shot back, his tone laced with irritation.
“An observation,” Devya replied smoothly. “You’ve grown. I’ll admit, when we first met, I didn’t think you’d last this long. But here you are, proving me wrong.”
“Gee, thanks,” Aarav muttered, gripping the controls. “If you’re here to finish the job, get on with it.”
Devya chuckled, the sound low and cold. “If I wanted you dead, Aarav, we wouldn’t be talking. No, I came here to… offer you some advice.”
Aarav blinked, caught off guard. “Advice? From you?”
“Yes,” Devya said. “Because whether you realize it or not, we’re both fighting for the same thing.”
Aarav’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve got a funny way of showing it. Last I checked, your fleet was trying to wipe out an entire colony.”
Devya sighed, his tone losing some of its sharpness. “War is messy, Aarav. You know that. But the galaxy doesn’t need more chaos—it needs order. And whether you agree with my methods or not, that’s what I’m trying to achieve.”
“By building a time-manipulating doomsday machine?” Aarav snapped. “Sounds like a great plan.”
“That machine is a means to an end,” Devya said, his voice calm but firm. “Ravana’s vision for the galaxy is flawed, yes. But Vaikuntha isn’t the answer either. They hide behind their rhetoric of balance, but they’re just as willing to sacrifice innocent lives to maintain their power.”
Aarav hesitated, the weight of Devya’s words pressing on him. He wanted to dismiss them outright, but a part of him couldn’t ignore the growing cracks in Vaikuntha’s leadership—the fractures he had seen firsthand.
“You think you’re better than them?” Aarav said finally.
“No,” Devya admitted. “But I know what’s at stake. Ravana’s plans will destroy the galaxy as we know it. If that means working with you to stop him, so be it.”
Aarav stared at the tactical display, his mind racing. Devya’s words were calculated, deliberate. He didn’t trust the man—not even for a second—but there was something about his tone that felt different this time.
“What are you really after?” Aarav asked.
“Survival,” Devya said simply. “For all of us. You’ve seen what Vedara can do, Aarav. You understand its power better than anyone. If we don’t stop Ravana, none of this will matter. Not Vaikuntha, not the Dominion—nothing.”
Aarav’s grip on the controls tightened. He wanted to argue, to reject Devya outright, but the desperation in his voice was hard to ignore.
“Why should I believe you?” Aarav asked.
Devya’s voice softened, though it still carried its usual edge. “You shouldn’t. But if you’re serious about stopping Ravana, you’ll have to take risks. Starting now.”
Before Aarav could respond, the Asura Vyala’s thrusters flared. The crimson mech moved with precision, cutting through the Dominion ranks with practiced ease. Aarav watched, stunned, as Devya turned his weapons on his own forces, clearing a path for the Vaikuntha fleet to regroup.
“What the hell is he doing?” Aarav muttered.
“He is creating an opening,” Maitreyi said, her tone calm but laced with intrigue. “But his motives remain unclear.”
On the Amaravarti, the bridge crew watched the unfolding events with disbelief. Tara stood at the helm, her expression a mix of confusion and suspicion.
“Is he… helping us?” one officer asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
“For now,” Tara said, her gaze fixed on the tactical display. “But don’t take your eyes off him. Devya Varman doesn’t do anything without an angle.”
Yuvaan, who stood nearby, scoffed. “This is a trap. He’s playing us.”
“Maybe,” Tara said. “But right now, we need every advantage we can get. If he wants to help, we’ll use him.”
Back on the battlefield, Aarav gritted his teeth as the Dominion forces began to fall back under the combined assault of Vedara and the Asura Vyala. The enemy’s formations crumbled, their retreat turning into a chaotic rout.
As the last of the Dominion ships disappeared into hyperspace, Devya’s voice came over the comms once more.
“Consider that a gesture of goodwill,” he said.
Aarav exhaled sharply, his frustration boiling over. “You can’t just show up, wreck your own fleet, and call it ‘goodwill.’ What’s your angle, Devya?”
“My angle is simple,” Devya said. “Ravana’s plans are accelerating. If you want to stop him, you’ll need more than Vedara’s power—you’ll need information. And I’m the only one who can give it to you.”
Aarav hesitated, his mind racing. “You expect me to trust you after everything you’ve done?”
“No,” Devya said. “I expect you to make a choice. The galaxy doesn’t have time for grudges, Aarav. Decide quickly.”
With that, the Asura Vyala turned and disappeared into the depths of space, leaving Aarav to grapple with the implications of what had just happened.
The battlefield hung in an eerie silence, broken only by the faint hum of damaged Vaikuntha ships limping through the void. Fires burned faintly on what was left of Bhuvanagiri’s orbital defenses, casting flickering orange light onto the scattered wreckage of Dominion and Vaikuntha ships alike. What should have felt like a victory instead bore the heavy weight of devastation.
Aarav guided Vedara back toward the Amaravarti, his gaze drifting over the remnants of the battle. Below him, the colony lay in ruins—smoke rising from the shattered buildings, streets littered with debris, and evacuation shuttles hastily departing for the relative safety of the fleet.
“We won,” Aarav muttered, his voice hollow. “But at what cost?”
Maitreyi’s voice came softly through the cockpit, her tone measured but tinged with solemnity. “Victory is rarely without sacrifice, Aarav Rishi. But this is not the end—it is only a step along the path.”
Aarav clenched his jaw, his hands tightening on the controls. “Feels like we’re losing more with every step.”
Vedara touched down in the Amaravarti’s hangar, its golden armor scorched and dented from the battle. Aarav climbed out of the cockpit, his movements sluggish as exhaustion dragged at his limbs. The faint cheers of the hangar crew were almost drowned out by the sound of emergency repairs and triage teams rushing to tend to the wounded.
Tara Ishani was waiting for him, her arms crossed and her expression grim. “Good work out there,” she said, though her voice lacked its usual confidence. “The colony’s evacuation was mostly successful.”
“Mostly?” Aarav asked, his eyes narrowing.
Tara hesitated, glancing at the datapad in her hand. “Eighty-five percent of the population made it to the shuttles. But the remaining fifteen percent…”
Aarav’s chest tightened. He didn’t need her to finish the sentence.
“They didn’t make it,” he said quietly, his voice heavy.
Tara nodded, her gaze steady. “We did everything we could, Aarav. But we were outnumbered and outgunned from the start. If you hadn’t taken out that Dreadnought, it would have been much worse.”
Aarav exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Tell that to the people we couldn’t save.”
Tara opened her mouth to respond, but she stopped herself. Instead, she placed a hand on Aarav’s shoulder, her grip firm. “We’ll carry this. All of it. But for now, you need to focus. Ravana isn’t going to stop, and we can’t afford to let this break us.”
Aarav nodded slowly, though the weight in his chest didn’t lift.
In the Amaravarti’s war room, the mood was no better. The senior officers stood around the central holo-table, their faces marked by exhaustion and frustration as they reviewed the fleet’s losses.
“We’ve lost the Garuda and over forty percent of our escorts,” Commander Yuvaan reported, his voice clipped. “The Nandi is barely holding together, and our supply lines have been severely disrupted.”
“And the colony?” Navya Raina asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.
“Evacuated, but it’s a total loss,” Yuvaan said. “The Dominion didn’t leave much behind.”
Raina shook her head, her frustration evident. “This is unsustainable. We’ve been bleeding resources for months, and now the Dominion’s ramping up its offensives. If Ravana finishes that Kalachakra Engine, we won’t have the strength to stop him.”
“We’ll have to make do with what we have,” Tara said firmly. “The Amaravarti’s still operational, and Vedara gives us an edge. We focus on hitting strategic targets, disrupting their supply chains, and buying time until we can find a way to stop the Engine.”
“And how exactly do we do that?” Yuvaan asked, his tone laced with skepticism. “With Lavanya’s questionable intel? Or maybe by putting our faith in the good graces of Devya Varman?”
The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air. Aarav, who had been standing quietly near the edge of the room, finally spoke.
“Devya’s up to something,” he said, his voice steady but cold. “I don’t trust him, but he made one thing clear—Ravana’s plans are accelerating. If we don’t act soon, none of this will matter.”
“And you believe him?” Raina asked, her tone incredulous.
“I don’t have to,” Aarav said. “But I’ve seen what he’s willing to do to stop Ravana. He destroyed his own forces to give us an opening. That wasn’t just for show.”
“Or it was,” Yuvaan said darkly. “And we’re playing right into his hands.”
“Enough,” Tara said, her voice sharp. “We don’t have time for endless debates. The priority is clear: find the Kalachakra Engine and destroy it before it becomes operational. Everything else is secondary.”
Later, Aarav sat alone in the observation deck, staring out at the swirling expanse of space. The wreckage of the battle still drifted in the distance, faint glimmers of light reflecting off twisted metal.
Maitreyi’s form appeared beside him, her golden glow casting a faint light on the darkened deck.
“You are troubled,” she said, her tone soft.
“Understatement of the year,” Aarav muttered, resting his head in his hands.
Maitreyi was silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the void beyond. “The path of dharma is not without pain, Aarav Rishi. Every choice you make carries weight—some heavier than others. But do not lose sight of the greater whole.”
Aarav looked up at her, his expression tired. “And what is the greater whole, Maitreyi? Watching people die while I try to figure out what the hell I’m even fighting for?”
“You fight for balance,” Maitreyi said simply. “For the preservation of life, even in the face of destruction. But balance is not achieved without sacrifice.”
Aarav exhaled slowly, leaning back in his seat. “It just feels like we’re losing more than we’re saving.”
“Every step forward feels like a step back,” Maitreyi said, nodding. “But remember this, Aarav Rishi: even in the darkest moments, there is light. The smallest victory can ripple outward, changing the flow of dharma in ways you cannot yet see.”
Aarav was silent, her words settling over him like a heavy blanket.
On the bridge, Tara stood at the helm, her eyes scanning the tactical map. The Dominion forces had pulled back for now, but the respite wouldn’t last. The Vaikuntha fleet was battered, their resources stretched to the breaking point.
She glanced at the faint red marker indicating the Kalachakra Engine’s location, her jaw tightening. They were running out of time, and every delay only brought Ravana closer to his goal.
“Commander,” an officer said, interrupting her thoughts. “We’ve received a message from Lavanya Surya. She says she has critical intel regarding the Engine.”
Tara’s eyes narrowed. “Bring her to the briefing room. And get Aarav—I want him there too.”
The Amaravarti’s briefing room was a stark and functional space, designed for strategy and precision rather than comfort. The room was dimly lit, with the central holo-projector casting faint blue light across the metallic walls. Tara Ishani stood at the head of the room, her arms crossed and her gaze sharp as the officers filed in. Aarav entered last, his exhaustion evident but masked by the steady resolve in his eyes.
At the center of the room sat Lavanya Surya, her wrists free but her posture radiating nonchalance. She leaned back in her chair, the faintest hint of a smirk playing at her lips as she watched the tension simmering around her.
“You’ve got our attention,” Tara said, her voice cold. “Now start talking.”
Lavanya straightened, her expression turning serious. “Ravana’s plan hinges on the Kalachakra Engine, but I assume you already know that. What you don’t know is how close he is to completing it.”
“How close?” Aarav asked, his voice steady.
Lavanya’s eyes flicked toward him. “Days. Maybe less. The last time I was on Lanka Prime, the Engine was in its final stages. Most of the assembly is complete—what’s left is integrating the Prana Sphere.”
“That’s why he’s after Vedara,” Aarav muttered, his fists clenching.
“Exactly,” Lavanya said. “The Engine’s power source was designed to interface with Vedara’s systems. Without it, the Engine can’t reach its full potential. But if he gets his hands on the Prana Sphere…”
“What happens?” Tara asked.
Lavanya hesitated, her expression darkening. “The Kalachakra Engine will give Ravana the ability to manipulate time itself. He could rewrite entire battles, undo key moments, and tilt the balance of the galaxy in his favor. But it’s not just a weapon—it’s a tool for complete domination. He doesn’t want balance. He wants control.”
The room fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on everyone.
“And you helped build it,” Yuvaan said, his tone laced with disdain.
Lavanya didn’t flinch. “I did. And I’ve been trying to stop it ever since.”
Tara stepped forward, her gaze hard. “How do we destroy it?”
“There’s a vulnerability in the Engine’s core,” Lavanya said. “The integration process between the Prana Sphere and the Engine’s systems is unstable—it was never meant to be used this way. If you can overload the core during that process, the entire structure will collapse.”
“And where exactly is this core?” Aarav asked.
Lavanya activated the holo-projector, bringing up a detailed schematic of Lanka Prime, Ravana’s fortress and the Dominion’s most heavily defended stronghold. The Kalachakra Engine was located deep within the fortress, surrounded by layers of defenses, including Rakshasa mechs and automated turrets.
“You’ll have to fight your way through this,” Lavanya said, pointing to the main entrance. “And even if you make it inside, the core is buried beneath layers of shielding. You’ll need Vedara’s power to breach it.”
Tara frowned. “This isn’t just a strike mission. It’s a full-scale assault.”
“Which is exactly what Ravana’s prepared for,” Lavanya said. “He’s counting on you to hesitate. But if you don’t stop him now, you won’t get another chance.”
After the briefing, Aarav found himself back in the Amaravarti’s hangar, standing in front of Vedara. The golden astramech loomed over him, its armor gleaming faintly in the dim light. Aarav reached out, his hand resting against the cold metal.
“You don’t have to carry this alone.”
Aarav turned to see Tara approaching, her expression softer than usual. She stopped beside him, her gaze fixed on Vedara.
“I wasn’t expecting you to show up for a pep talk,” Aarav said with a faint smile.
Tara smirked. “Don’t get used to it. I just thought you could use some perspective.”
“Perspective?” Aarav asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tara nodded. “Vedara’s power is incredible, but it’s also dangerous. You’re not just a pilot, Aarav—you’re a steward. The choices you make with this mech will shape the galaxy, whether you like it or not.”
Aarav sighed, his shoulders slumping. “No pressure, right?”
Tara’s expression turned serious. “You’ve proven yourself in every battle so far. But this mission… it’s going to push you to your limits. Physically, mentally, spiritually. Vedara is powerful, but it’s not invincible. And neither are you.”
Aarav nodded slowly, her words settling over him. “I’ll do what I have to. I just hope it’s enough.”
“It will be,” Tara said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Because you won’t be doing it alone.”
As the Amaravarti prepared for the assault on Lanka Prime, Aarav retreated to Vedara’s cockpit. The familiar hum of the Prana Sphere surrounded him, its rhythmic energy both calming and unsettling.
Maitreyi’s form appeared beside him, her golden glow blending seamlessly with the cockpit’s dim light.
“You are troubled,” she said, her voice calm.
“Understatement of the year,” Aarav muttered, leaning back in his seat. “Every time I think I’m starting to figure this out, the stakes get higher. Ravana’s got an entire army, and we’re barely holding it together.”
“The path of dharma is rarely easy,” Maitreyi said. “But remember, Aarav Rishi: balance is not achieved through force alone. It is a reflection of intent, of purpose. Your choices will guide the flow of this battle.”
Aarav stared at her, his expression hardening. “And what if I make the wrong choice?”
Maitreyi’s gaze softened. “Then you will learn from it, as all do. But know this: Vedara chose you for a reason. The balance of the galaxy rests not only on its power but on your ability to wield it with wisdom and compassion.”
Aarav nodded, his resolve solidifying. “Then let’s make sure Ravana doesn’t get his hands on it.”
The Amaravarti and its fleet gathered at the edge of Dominion-controlled space, their engines glowing as they prepared to make the final jump to Lanka Prime. Aarav stood on the bridge with Tara, the tension thick in the air as the crew made their final preparations.
“This is it,” Tara said quietly. “The battle that decides everything.”
“No pressure,” Aarav said, his tone dry but his expression serious.
Tara smirked faintly. “We’re counting on you, Aarav. Don’t let us down.”
As the fleet began its jump, Aarav’s gaze drifted to the swirling expanse of space beyond the viewport. The cost of the coming battle would be high—he knew that. But for the first time, he felt ready to face it.