Chapter 4: Devya’s Return
The cockpit of Vedara was silent except for the steady hum of its systems and the faint crackle of static on the comms. Aarav sat in the pilot’s seat, his eyes scanning the swirling void of hyperspace outside the viewscreen. The journey to Aranya Lokan was long, and while Vedara’s systems operated smoothly, his nerves refused to settle.
Maitreyi’s holographic form appeared beside him, her serene expression offering little solace. “We are approximately six hours from the designated coordinates,” she said. “No detected anomalies in hyperspace.”
Aarav leaned back, rubbing his temples. “That’s the problem. It’s too quiet.”
“Quiet is preferable to conflict,” Maitreyi replied.
“Not when you’re used to things blowing up every five minutes,” Aarav muttered.
The words had barely left his mouth when the comms system crackled, a distorted signal cutting through the silence. Aarav straightened in his seat, his hands flying to the controls.
“Maitreyi?”
“Analyzing,” she said, her form flickering as she processed the transmission. “The signal is encoded with Dominion encryption, but it is not originating from a Dominion fleet. Decrypting now.”
Aarav’s brow furrowed. “Dominion encryption? Out here? What are they doing this deep in uncharted space?”
The signal crackled again, and a voice broke through the distortion—low, measured, and hauntingly familiar.
“Aarav Rishi.”
Aarav’s breath caught in his throat. “No way… Devya?”
The voice continued, calm and deliberate. “If you’re hearing this, then you’re not as dead as I thought. I need to speak with you. Coordinates are attached to this signal. No Dominion forces will intercept you if you come alone.”
The transmission ended abruptly, leaving the cockpit in heavy silence. Aarav stared at the console, his mind racing.
Maitreyi broke the silence, her tone unusually cautious. “The transmission appears authentic. However, I advise extreme caution. Devya Varman is a known operative of the Dominion and has previously attempted to undermine your efforts.”
Aarav exhaled sharply. “Yeah, I remember. He tried to kill me more than once. But if he’s reaching out now…”
“It could be a trap,” Maitreyi said.
“Or it could be important,” Aarav countered. “Devya doesn’t do anything without a reason. If he’s risking contacting me, there’s got to be something he wants.”
Maitreyi tilted her head. “You intend to meet him, despite the risks?”
Aarav hesitated, his fingers hovering over the controls. Every instinct screamed at him to ignore the signal and continue toward Aranya Lokan, but something about Devya’s voice gnawed at him. It wasn’t just the words—it was the tone.
“I’m going,” Aarav said finally.
Maitreyi’s hologram flickered. “I expected as much. Altering course to the provided coordinates.”
Vedara veered slightly to the left as the new route engaged, the stars shifting in the viewscreen. Aarav leaned forward, his hands gripping the controls as he prepared for whatever waited at the other end of the signal.
The transition from hyperspace to real space was seamless, and Vedara emerged in a system dominated by a dying red star. The light bathed the surrounding planets in an eerie crimson glow, casting long shadows across the astramech’s sleek frame.
A small moon loomed ahead, its surface pockmarked with craters and fissures. Aarav narrowed his eyes as he scanned the area. The coordinates pointed directly to the moon, but there was no sign of Dominion ships—or Devya.
“Maitreyi?”
“Scans indicate no active Dominion presence,” she said. “However, I am detecting faint energy signatures on the moon’s surface. It appears to be a derelict outpost.”
Aarav frowned. “A Dominion outpost?”
“Unclear,” Maitreyi replied. “The signatures are degraded. It is possible this outpost was abandoned decades ago.”
Aarav guided Vedara toward the moon, the astramech descending through its thin atmosphere. The surface came into view—an expanse of jagged rock and crumbling structures, their metal frames corroded and barely standing. A faint pulse of light flickered from one of the buildings, marking the signal’s origin.
“Looks welcoming,” Aarav said dryly.
Vedara landed with a soft thud, its massive feet kicking up dust. Aarav powered down the astramech’s primary systems but kept its defensive protocols on standby. As he stepped out of the cockpit, the oppressive silence of the moon pressed down on him.
The light from the distant red star painted the landscape in deep crimson hues, making the abandoned outpost appear even more desolate. Aarav tightened his grip on his blade, his senses on high alert as he approached the structure.
The faint pulse of light grew stronger as he neared, emanating from a console embedded in the wall. The console flickered to life as he touched it, and a holographic projection appeared—a man clad in black and crimson armor, his face partially obscured by a tactical visor.
Devya Varman.
“Nice of you to show up,” the projection said, its tone tinged with dry humor.
“Wish I could say the same,” Aarav replied, his voice sharp. “What do you want, Devya?”
The projection smirked faintly. “Straight to the point. I can appreciate that.”
“Answer the question,” Aarav snapped.
Devya’s expression darkened. “Ravana is moving forward with the Chandrakala Core.”
Aarav stiffened, the name sending a chill down his spine. “The Chandrakala Core? What are you talking about?”
“It’s a weapon,” Devya said, his voice grave. “One capable of harnessing Vishwaroopa energy on a scale you can’t imagine. Ravana’s been developing it in secret ever since Lanka Prime fell. If he completes it, the galaxy is done.”
Aarav’s mind raced. “And why are you telling me this? Since when do you care about stopping Ravana?”
Devya’s smirk returned, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just say my loyalties aren’t as clear-cut as they used to be. Ravana’s gone too far, even for me. You’re the only one who can stop him—and Vedara is the only thing capable of standing against the Core.”
Aarav’s grip on his blade tightened. “If this is a trap, I swear—”
“It’s not a trap,” Devya interrupted. “You don’t have to trust me, but you’d be an idiot to ignore this. Ravana’s Coreframe Carrier is hidden in the Maha Shunya. If you want to stop him, that’s where you’ll need to go.”
The projection flickered, and Devya’s expression turned serious. “But you’d better move fast. Ravana doesn’t wait for anyone.”
The hologram vanished, leaving Aarav alone with his thoughts. The air around him felt colder, the weight of Devya’s words pressing down on his shoulders.
“Maitreyi,” he said, his voice tight. “Did you log those coordinates?”
“They have been logged,” she replied. “However, I must reiterate—Devya’s motives remain unclear. Proceeding to the Maha Shunya could place us at significant risk.”
Aarav nodded slowly, his jaw tightening. “I know. But if Ravana’s building something that dangerous, we can’t ignore it.”
He turned and made his way back to Vedara, his resolve hardening with each step. The journey to Aranya Lokan would have to wait—there was a new target now, and time was running out.
“Let’s see what Ravana’s hiding,” Aarav muttered as he climbed into the cockpit.
Vedara’s systems roared to life, and the astramech lifted off, disappearing into the crimson sky.
The Maha Shunya. The name alone carried a sense of foreboding, as if the void itself whispered tales of ships and lives swallowed whole by its endless darkness. As Vedara streaked through hyperspace toward the coordinates Devya had provided, Aarav couldn’t shake the unease curling in his gut.
In the cockpit, Maitreyi’s voice broke the silence, her tone measured but cautious. “The Maha Shunya is a region of space that has remained largely unexplored due to its unpredictable gravitational anomalies and spatial distortions. Few who venture into it ever return.”
“Great,” Aarav muttered, his hands tightening on the controls. “And now we’re heading straight for it.”
“It is the only lead we have,” Maitreyi replied. “However, Devya’s intentions remain suspect. Trusting him may prove dangerous.”
Aarav leaned back, exhaling sharply. “Devya’s always dangerous. But if Ravana’s building something like the Chandrakala Core, we can’t ignore it. Even if this is a trap, we have to take the chance.”
The stars outside the cockpit stretched into streaks of light as Vedara exited hyperspace, emerging into the chaotic expanse of the Maha Shunya. The region was a swirling storm of gravitational distortions and shimmering light, the space itself rippling like the surface of a disturbed pond. Fragments of derelict ships floated aimlessly, their hulls twisted and broken by the region’s violent forces.
“Maitreyi, scan the area,” Aarav said, his gaze darting across the shifting void.
“Scanning,” she replied. Her holographic form flickered as Vedara’s sensors processed the chaotic data. “Multiple debris fields detected. Traces of Dominion technology are present, but no active ships in the immediate vicinity.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened. “They’re here. They wouldn’t leave something like the Chandrakala Core unguarded.”
As if on cue, the cockpit’s comm system crackled to life. A familiar voice filled the air, its tone sharp and calculating.
“Jeevadhara,” Devya said. “Right on schedule. I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind.”
Aarav narrowed his eyes. “Not much of a schedule if I didn’t even know what I was walking into.”
The transmission carried a faint chuckle. “Fair enough. I assume you’ve already noticed the… welcoming committee?”
Aarav frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Before Devya could answer, Vedara’s proximity alarms blared. Aarav’s eyes snapped to the displays, which lit up with warning markers as multiple Dominion ships emerged from the shadows of the debris field.
Three Rakshasa-class mechs stood at the vanguard, their crimson frames bristling with weapons. Behind them, a squadron of Dominion cruisers loomed, their sleek hulls glowing with the faint light of their shields.
“Figures,” Aarav muttered, gripping the controls. “Maitreyi, activate defensive systems.”
“Defensive systems engaged,” she replied. “Incoming fire detected.”
The Rakshasa mechs opened fire, their plasma cannons streaking through the void. Aarav threw Vedara into a dive, the astramech’s thrusters flaring as it weaved through the incoming barrage.
“Devya!” Aarav barked over the comms. “If this is your idea of a joke, I’m not laughing!”
“Relax, Jeevadhara,” Devya replied, his voice maddeningly calm. “I’ve got you covered.”
As if on cue, a sleek, black astramech emerged from the debris field. Its frame was angular and predatory, its movements precise as it unleashed a barrage of missiles at the Rakshasa mechs. The missiles struck true, forcing two of the Dominion mechs to scatter.
Aarav’s eyes widened. “That’s your mech?”
“Vyala,” Devya said with a note of pride. “A prototype designed to rival Vedara. Not quite as refined, but it gets the job done.”
“Great,” Aarav muttered, banking Vedara hard to the left to avoid another volley of plasma fire. “But you’re still Dominion. Why the hell should I trust you?”
“You don’t have to,” Devya replied, his tone turning serious. “But you do want to stop Ravana, don’t you?”
Aarav clenched his teeth, reluctantly acknowledging the point. “Fine. But if you pull anything—”
“I know, I know,” Devya interrupted. “You’ll cut me in half with that shiny blade of yours. Now focus. The Rakshasa units won’t back down without a fight.”
Devya’s Vyala darted through the battlefield, its movements swift and surgical as it engaged the Dominion mechs. Aarav took a deep breath, centering himself as Vedara’s targeting systems locked onto the nearest Rakshasa.
“Let’s see what you’ve got,” Aarav muttered.
Vedara surged forward, its energy blade igniting with a crackling hum. The Rakshasa mech met his charge head-on, its twin plasma sabers clashing against Vedara’s blade in a shower of sparks. Aarav gritted his teeth as the cockpit shuddered under the impact, his hands steady on the controls.
The Rakshasa lunged, its sabers slicing through the air in a flurry of strikes. Aarav countered with precision, each movement guided by the faint hum of Vedara’s systems resonating with his thoughts. The astramech’s blade arced in a golden streak, severing the Rakshasa’s arm at the joint.
The Dominion mech staggered, and Aarav capitalized on the opening, driving Vedara’s blade through its core. The Rakshasa exploded in a brilliant burst of light, its fragments scattering into the void.
“Nice work,” Devya said over the comms, his tone almost impressed.
Aarav didn’t reply, his focus shifting to the remaining mechs. One of them had turned its attention to Vyala, its plasma cannons firing relentlessly. Devya’s astramech weaved through the onslaught, returning fire with its own barrage of missiles.
The final Rakshasa rushed toward Vedara, its thrusters flaring as it swung a massive, spiked mace. Aarav braced himself, dodging the strike and retaliating with a precise slash that cleaved the weapon in two.
“Two down,” Maitreyi reported.
“Make that three,” Devya added as Vyala’s missiles tore through the last Rakshasa’s cockpit.
The battlefield fell silent, the Dominion cruisers retreating as their escorts were eliminated. Aarav exhaled, his grip on the controls loosening.
“Not bad,” Devya said, his tone light. “For a Vaikuntha pilot.”
Aarav rolled his eyes. “Save the compliments. Where’s Ravana’s Coreframe Carrier?”
Devya’s voice grew serious. “Follow me. It’s deeper in the Maha Shunya. And trust me, Jeevadhara—you’re going to want to see this.”
Vedara and Vyala moved in tandem, disappearing into the swirling shadows of the void.
The Maha Shunya swallowed them whole, its twisting darkness and rippling light distorting time and space. Vedara and Vyala glided through the void, their sleek frames cutting through the chaotic energy fields with deliberate precision. Aarav’s grip on the controls remained tight, his eyes scanning the viewscreen for any signs of an ambush.
“Is this place always like this?” Aarav asked, his voice laced with unease.
“Pretty much,” Devya replied over the comms, his tone irritatingly casual. “This isn’t your usual patch of space. The anomalies here make it nearly impossible for most ships to navigate. That’s why Ravana chose it for the Coreframe Carrier.”
Maitreyi’s voice chimed in, calm but analytical. “The gravitational distortions are unusually concentrated in this region. It is likely the Dominion is using the Chandrakala Core itself to stabilize their operations.”
Aarav frowned. “They’re using the Core to stabilize the Maha Shunya?”
“Partially,” Devya said. “But that’s not its main purpose. You’ll see soon enough.”
Ahead, the void began to shift. The rippling patterns of light and shadow condensed, revealing a massive structure floating amidst the chaos. The Coreframe Carrier was unlike any Dominion vessel Aarav had encountered—a sprawling fortress of metal and energy, its surface bristling with weapon emplacements and antennae.
At its heart was a glowing sphere encased in a lattice of jagged black metal. The sphere pulsed with a brilliant blue light, sending waves of energy rippling through the surrounding space. Aarav felt a chill run down his spine as he stared at it.
“That’s the Chandrakala Core,” Devya said, his voice uncharacteristically somber. “The Dominion’s ultimate weapon.”
Aarav swallowed hard. “What the hell is it doing?”
“The Core is a reactor,” Devya explained. “But not just any reactor. It’s designed to harness Vishwaroopa energy—the same energy Vedara uses in its most powerful mode. Ravana’s plan is to amplify that energy and use it to rewrite reality on a galactic scale.”
Aarav’s chest tightened. “Rewrite reality? You’re telling me he’s trying to play god?”
“More like trying to become one,” Devya said. “The Core can manipulate time and space, but its power comes with a price. The more it’s used, the more unstable the fabric of the galaxy becomes. If Ravana activates it fully, the ripple effects will destroy everything.”
Maitreyi’s hologram flickered as she processed the data. “This aligns with the Dominion’s known experiments on temporal energy. However, the scale of the Chandrakala Core surpasses anything previously observed.”
Aarav’s fists clenched. “And Ravana thinks this is a good idea?”
“He doesn’t care,” Devya said bitterly. “To him, destruction is just a stepping stone to control. He believes that by tearing down the galaxy’s existing structure, he can build a new one in his image.”
Aarav’s stomach churned as he stared at the glowing sphere. The energy radiating from it was palpable, a hum that resonated deep in his bones. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was staring at the heart of the storm—a force capable of unmaking everything he was trying to protect.
“We have to destroy it,” Aarav said, his voice firm.
Devya chuckled dryly. “Easier said than done. The Coreframe Carrier is surrounded by defenses, and the Core itself is protected by an energy lattice that makes it nearly invulnerable. Getting to it won’t just take firepower—it’ll take strategy.”
“Then why bring me here?” Aarav snapped.
“Because I can help you get inside,” Devya replied. “The Coreframe Carrier isn’t just a fortress—it’s a lab. Ravana’s been conducting experiments on Vishwaroopa energy, and he’s collected data on Vedara. If we can access that data, we’ll find a weakness in the Core’s defenses.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened. “And what’s stopping you from using that data for yourself?”
“Trust me,” Devya said, his tone dark. “If I wanted to destroy you, I wouldn’t need the Core’s help. Ravana’s vision goes beyond the Dominion, beyond anything I ever signed up for. This isn’t about loyalty anymore—it’s about survival.”
Aarav stared at the Coreframe Carrier, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Trusting Devya felt like walking into a trap, but the stakes were too high to ignore.
Maitreyi’s voice cut through his thoughts. “The Coreframe Carrier’s energy readings indicate that its defenses are not yet fully activated. If we act quickly, we may be able to infiltrate before Ravana’s forces become aware of our presence.”
Aarav nodded slowly. “Then we don’t have time to argue. Let’s move.”
As Vedara and Vyala approached the Coreframe Carrier, the surrounding space grew more volatile. Ripples of energy radiated from the Chandrakala Core, distorting the area like heat waves rising from the ground. Aarav gritted his teeth as Vedara’s systems struggled to compensate for the gravitational anomalies.
“Stay close to me,” Devya said. “There’s a weak point in the lattice—an access port Ravana uses for maintenance. We can get in through there.”
Aarav followed Vyala’s lead, his gaze darting to the Carrier’s weapons emplacements. The massive turrets remained silent, but their ominous presence kept him on edge.
“Why aren’t they firing?” Aarav asked.
“The Carrier’s defenses prioritize larger fleets,” Devya explained. “Two mechs don’t register as a significant threat. But the moment we’re inside, they’ll know we’re here.”
“Comforting,” Aarav muttered.
Vyala reached the access port first, its sleek frame maneuvering with precision. Devya’s voice crackled over the comms. “Hurry up, Jeevadhara. This window won’t stay open forever.”
Vedara approached the port, and Aarav activated the astramech’s thrusters, guiding it into the narrow entryway. The moment they crossed the threshold, alarms blared, and the interior of the Carrier lit up with flashing red lights.
“Looks like they noticed us,” Aarav said dryly.
“Then we’d better move fast,” Devya replied. “The data core is on the central deck. Follow my lead.”
Vedara and Vyala advanced into the labyrinthine corridors of the Carrier, their movements swift and purposeful. Aarav’s heart pounded as the distant echo of approaching Dominion forces grew louder.
The Chandrakala Core pulsed in the distance, its light casting long shadows through the Carrier’s halls.
The storm was just beginning.
The corridors of the Coreframe Carrier stretched endlessly, their metallic walls glowing with faint blue energy lines that pulsed in rhythm with the Chandrakala Core’s heartbeat. Aarav gripped Vedara’s controls tightly as he guided the astramech through the twisting passages, Vyala gliding ahead like a shadow. The echoes of the blaring alarms ricocheted through the halls, growing louder with each passing second.
“Keep moving,” Devya said over the comms, his voice clipped. “The longer we linger, the closer we are to being surrounded.”
“Why do I feel like you’re used to this?” Aarav muttered, his eyes scanning the displays for signs of movement.
“Because I am,” Devya replied with a smirk in his tone. “Try not to slow me down.”
Aarav gritted his teeth but said nothing, his focus locked on the path ahead. The Carrier’s labyrinthine corridors were a mix of advanced technology and ominous desolation, the hum of the Core’s energy a constant reminder of what was at stake.
As they rounded a corner, Vedara’s sensors pinged a warning. Aarav’s heart jumped as several Dominion drones materialized from hidden compartments in the walls, their sleek forms bristling with plasma weapons.
“Drones incoming!” Aarav shouted, throwing Vedara into a defensive stance.
The drones opened fire, plasma bolts streaking through the corridor. Aarav reacted instantly, maneuvering Vedara with precision as its energy blade ignited in a blaze of golden light. The astramech surged forward, slicing through the nearest drone with a single, fluid strike.
Vyala darted to the side, its twin blasters lighting up the narrow passage as it picked off the remaining drones with ruthless efficiency. The skirmish was over in seconds, the drones reduced to smoldering wreckage.
“You’re welcome,” Devya said, his voice dripping with mock arrogance.
Aarav rolled his eyes. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Maybe a little,” Devya admitted. “Now let’s keep moving. The data core isn’t far.”
Minutes later, they arrived at a massive chamber deep within the Carrier. The room was dominated by a towering cylindrical structure that pulsed with the same blue light as the Chandrakala Core. Data streams flowed like rivers along its surface, the energy crackling faintly as it coursed through the network.
“This is it,” Devya said, his tone serious. “The data core. If Ravana has anything on Vedara or the Core’s defenses, it’ll be here.”
Vedara and Vyala stepped into the chamber, their movements slow and deliberate. Aarav scanned the room, his instincts screaming that something wasn’t right.
“This feels too easy,” he said, his voice low.
“It always does,” Devya replied. “That’s why you keep your guard up.”
Vyala moved toward the data core, its sleek form blending almost seamlessly with the shadows. A compartment on its arm opened, and a series of thin cables extended toward the core’s surface, latching on with a faint click.
“I’ll extract the data,” Devya said. “Cover me.”
Aarav braced Vedara, its systems scanning for any signs of incoming threats. The room remained eerily silent, save for the faint hum of the data core. Aarav’s unease deepened with each passing moment.
“Maitreyi,” he said quietly. “Anything on the sensors?”
“Negative,” Maitreyi replied. “However, the Chandrakala Core’s energy output is increasing. It is possible the Carrier’s defenses are being redirected elsewhere.”
“Elsewhere?” Aarav frowned. “What does that mean?”
Before Maitreyi could answer, the room’s alarms blared to life, and the chamber was bathed in crimson light. Aarav’s displays lit up with proximity warnings as Dominion mechs stormed into the chamber, their weapons locking onto Vedara and Vyala.
“Guess we found the defenses,” Aarav muttered.
“Hold them off!” Devya barked. “I’m almost done!”
The Dominion mechs opened fire, plasma bolts and missiles streaking toward Vedara. Aarav reacted instinctively, throwing Vedara into a defensive roll as its energy shield flared to life. The astramech’s blade ignited in a golden arc, deflecting incoming projectiles as it charged into the fray.
Vedara’s movements were a blur of precision and power. Aarav guided it with practiced ease, its blade slicing through the first mech in a brilliant flash of light. The Dominion forces pressed forward, their numbers overwhelming, but Aarav refused to falter.
“Maitreyi, how are we doing?” he asked, his voice strained.
“Vedara’s systems are holding steady,” Maitreyi replied. “However, the Dominion reinforcements are converging on our position. Time is of the essence.”
“No kidding,” Aarav muttered, driving Vedara’s blade through another mech.
Across the chamber, Vyala fought with equal ferocity. Devya’s mech was a whirlwind of calculated strikes, its twin blasters and retractable blades working in perfect harmony. Despite the odds, the two astramechs held their ground, their combined might carving through the Dominion forces like a scythe through wheat.
“Got it!” Devya shouted suddenly.
Vyala disengaged from the data core, the cables retracting as it turned to face the remaining enemies. Aarav spared a glance at the core, its surface flickering erratically as though damaged by the extraction.
“What did you find?” Aarav asked, his blade cutting through another mech.
“Everything we need,” Devya replied. “The Core’s energy lattice has a weak point—if we overload it, the whole system will collapse.”
Aarav’s heart leapt. “Then let’s get out of here!”
Vyala and Vedara fought their way toward the chamber’s exit, the Dominion forces pursuing them relentlessly. The halls of the Carrier were a chaotic blur of flashing lights and roaring weapons fire, but Aarav’s focus never wavered.
As they neared the hangar bay, Devya’s voice cut through the comms. “You’re starting to grow on me, Jeevadhara. You’re not half bad in a fight.”
“Don’t get used to it,” Aarav shot back. “I’m still not sure I trust you.”
“Fair enough,” Devya said with a faint chuckle. “But you’ll want to keep me around for what comes next.”
They burst into the hangar, their thrusters flaring as they launched into the void. Behind them, the Coreframe Carrier loomed, its massive structure glowing ominously as the Chandrakala Core pulsed with energy.
As Vedara and Vyala retreated into the swirling chaos of the Maha Shunya, Aarav’s thoughts raced. The information Devya had extracted could turn the tide—but at what cost?
Trusting Devya had paid off this time. But Aarav couldn’t shake the feeling that this alliance was a double-edged sword.
The vast expanse of the Maha Shunya stretched endlessly before them, an ocean of shimmering distortions and faintly glowing debris. Vedara and Vyala moved in tandem, their thrusters flaring as they navigated the chaotic void. Behind them, the Coreframe Carrier loomed like a distant nightmare, its glowing heart pulsing faintly in the distance.
Aarav exhaled slowly, his hands still firm on Vedara’s controls. The adrenaline of the battle hadn’t yet faded, and his thoughts churned with the weight of what they’d just uncovered.
“The Chandrakala Core,” Aarav muttered, his voice low. “A reactor that can tear the galaxy apart.”
“And now we know how to stop it,” Devya said over the comms, his tone laced with cautious optimism. “That energy lattice? If we overload it, the Core will collapse on itself.”
Aarav frowned, his skepticism evident. “And what happens when it collapses? That thing’s radiating enough power to destabilize an entire region of space. Overloading it might just take half the galaxy with it.”
Devya’s voice turned serious. “The data suggests that if the overload is timed right, the Core’s power will implode rather than explode. It’ll take out the Carrier, sure—but it won’t spiral out of control.”
“That’s a lot of ‘ifs,’” Aarav replied.
“Welcome to war,” Devya said with a grim chuckle.
Aarav leaned back in his seat, the faint hum of Vedara’s systems filling the cockpit. Maitreyi’s holographic form flickered into view, her serene expression a stark contrast to the tension in his voice.
“Devya’s analysis aligns with the data extracted from the Coreframe Carrier,” Maitreyi said. “However, the margin for error is minimal. Successfully overloading the Core will require precise synchronization.”
“Great,” Aarav muttered. “So, no pressure.”
Vyala drifted closer, its sleek frame moving with calculated grace. “You’ve got Vedara,” Devya said. “If anyone can pull this off, it’s you.”
Aarav turned his gaze toward Vyala, his unease simmering beneath the surface. “Why are you really helping me, Devya? You’re Dominion. You’ve been Ravana’s right hand for years. What changed?”
There was a long pause before Devya spoke again. His voice was quieter this time, tinged with something that almost sounded like regret.
“Ravana changed,” he said. “When I joined him, I thought he wanted the same thing I did—a stronger galaxy, united under one vision. But the Chandrakala Core? That’s not about unity. That’s about power, at any cost.”
Aarav narrowed his eyes. “And you just now figured that out?”
Devya’s tone hardened. “I didn’t sign up to watch the galaxy burn, Rishi. You don’t have to trust me, but Ravana’s gone too far. If we don’t stop him, there won’t be anything left to fight for.”
The comms fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Aarav’s fingers tightened on the controls as he processed Devya’s answer. Trusting him felt like walking a razor’s edge, but the information he’d provided was too critical to ignore.
Maitreyi’s voice broke the silence. “Approaching the designated coordinates.”
Vedara’s sensors lit up as a massive debris field came into view. The jagged remains of destroyed ships and stations floated aimlessly, their surfaces glinting faintly in the distorted light of the void. Aarav frowned as he guided Vedara closer, the astramech’s movements careful and deliberate.
“What is this place?” he asked.
“A graveyard,” Devya replied. “Ravana’s been testing the Core’s power for years, using it to bend space and time. This is what’s left of everything that didn’t survive the experiments.”
Aarav’s stomach churned as he scanned the wreckage. Some of the ships bore the markings of the Vaikuntha fleet, their hulls shattered beyond recognition. Others were Dominion vessels, twisted into grotesque shapes by the Core’s energy.
“He’s been testing it on his own people?” Aarav said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
“Nothing’s off-limits to Ravana,” Devya said bitterly. “That’s why we have to stop him.”
Vedara and Vyala moved through the graveyard, their sensors on high alert. The debris field was dense, the wreckage forming a labyrinth of jagged edges and narrow passageways. Aarav’s hands moved deftly over the controls, guiding Vedara through the maze with precision.
“This isn’t just a graveyard,” Maitreyi said, her tone laced with caution. “I’m detecting faint energy signatures—consistent with active Dominion systems.”
“Ambush?” Aarav asked, his voice sharp.
“Possible,” she replied.
Devya’s voice crackled over the comms. “We need to stay sharp. Ravana wouldn’t leave this place unguarded.”
As if on cue, Vedara’s proximity alarms blared. Aarav’s heart jumped as his displays lit up with incoming threats. Emerging from the shadows of the wreckage were a pair of Rakshasa II mechs, their sleek, crimson frames bristling with weapons.
“Looks like we found the guards,” Aarav muttered, his hand flying to the blade controls.
The Rakshasa II mechs wasted no time, their plasma cannons lighting up the void as they unleashed a barrage of fire. Aarav threw Vedara into a sharp dive, the astramech’s thrusters flaring as it narrowly avoided the incoming blasts.
“Devya, a little help here!” Aarav shouted.
Vyala darted into action, its movements swift and calculated. The prototype astramech unleashed a volley of missiles, forcing the Rakshasa mechs to split their focus. Aarav seized the opening, guiding Vedara into a tight roll before activating its energy blade.
The first Rakshasa II charged him, its twin plasma sabers igniting in a brilliant flash. Aarav met its attack head-on, Vedara’s blade colliding with the sabers in a shower of sparks. The cockpit shuddered with the force of the impact, but Aarav held firm, his reflexes honed by countless battles.
Vyala engaged the second Rakshasa, its twin blasters cutting through the void with ruthless precision. The Dominion mech countered with a flurry of strikes, its movements aggressive and relentless.
“Maitreyi, status report!” Aarav called out, his voice strained.
“Vedara’s systems are stable,” she replied. “However, the Rakshasa units are coordinating their attacks. Prolonged engagement is not advisable.”
“Noted,” Aarav muttered, driving Vedara’s blade through the first Rakshasa’s shoulder joint. The mech staggered, its arm severed in a burst of energy.
“Nice hit,” Devya said, his voice tight with focus. “Let’s wrap this up before more show up.”
Vyala delivered the finishing blow to the second Rakshasa, its missiles striking the mech’s cockpit with pinpoint accuracy. The explosion sent fragments spiraling into the void, the wreckage joining the rest of the graveyard.
The battlefield fell silent once more, the faint hum of the Maha Shunya the only sound. Aarav exhaled, his hands trembling slightly as he steadied himself.
“We’re not done yet,” Devya said. “The Core’s still out there. And Ravana’s not going to let us get any closer without a fight.”
Aarav glanced at the glowing wreckage around them, his resolve hardening. “Let him try.”
Vedara and Vyala pressed onward, disappearing into the swirling shadows of the void