Chapter 9: The Kalachakra Strikes
The void bent and rippled unnaturally as Vedara and Vyala pushed away from the shattered wreckage of the experimental astramech. Aarav’s chest heaved with exertion, his hands trembling on the controls as he guided Vedara through the chaotic expanse. The faint golden light from Vedara’s blade dimmed, its energy flickering like a candle in a storm.
“Maitreyi,” Aarav said, his voice strained but steady. “Status on Vedara’s systems.”
Maitreyi’s hologram flickered into view, her expression calm but laced with urgency. “Vedara’s core is stable, but energy reserves are critically low. Shielding is at 38 percent, and weapon systems require recalibration.”
Aarav exhaled sharply, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Not great, but we’ll manage. What about the distortion we just saw?”
“The spatial anomalies are consistent with temporal distortions caused by the activation of the Chandrakala Core,” Maitreyi replied. “The Dominion appears to have deployed localized nodes capable of manipulating time fields. These distortions are expanding.”
Devya’s voice crackled over the comms, sharp with urgency. “Localized? You’re saying Ravana’s not done with the Core? I thought we just destroyed his biggest toy!”
“This is not a direct deployment of the Chandrakala Core,” Maitreyi clarified. “Rather, these nodes are residual constructs created from fragments of its energy matrix. They appear to be amplifying its influence across the galaxy.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened. “So Ravana’s spreading chaos across Vaikuntha territory.”
“Not just Vaikuntha,” Maitreyi said. “The distortions are radiating outward, affecting neutral systems and Dominion-held sectors alike. Time itself is becoming fractured.”
The distortion ahead warped into a shimmering wave, bending light and matter as it surged toward Vedara and Vyala. Aarav’s sensors screamed with warnings, and he guided Vedara into a hard roll as the wave passed. The cockpit displays flickered erratically, the data streams scrambling as the astramech’s systems struggled to stabilize.
“What the hell was that?” Aarav shouted, his voice sharp with alarm.
“A temporal rupture,” Maitreyi said. “Localized time is fluctuating unpredictably. Prolonged exposure could result in significant damage to Vedara’s systems—and to you.”
“Great,” Aarav muttered, his hands tightening on the controls. “Just what we needed.”
Vyala maneuvered alongside Vedara, its frame sparking faintly from the residual energy of the distortion. Devya’s voice was tense but focused. “We need to get out of here. If these distortions keep spreading, we’re dead before we even see Ravana.”
Aarav shook his head. “We can’t run. If we don’t stop this here, it’s going to keep spreading until there’s nothing left.”
“And how do you plan to stop it?” Devya snapped. “Throw yourself at the distortion until it fixes itself?”
“Maitreyi,” Aarav said, ignoring Devya’s sarcasm. “Is there a way to disable the nodes causing these distortions?”
“The nodes are likely protected by advanced shielding,” she said. “However, if Vedara’s systems can synchronize with the residual Vishwaroopa energy within the nodes, it may be possible to destabilize them.”
Aarav frowned. “Synchronize? What kind of strain are we talking about?”
“Significant,” Maitreyi admitted. “The process would require precise control and may place additional stress on your neural link.”
Devya groaned over the comms. “So basically, you’re telling him to kill himself to fix Ravana’s mess. Fantastic.”
Aarav’s voice was firm, unshaken. “It doesn’t matter. If that’s what it takes to stop these distortions, I’ll do it.”
The distortion ahead shimmered again, revealing the faint outline of one of the nodes. It was a massive construct, its surface covered in glowing runes that pulsed erratically with red and gold light. The node’s energy rippled outward in waves, distorting the surrounding space and warping the distant stars into jagged streaks.
“Maitreyi, is that it?” Aarav asked, his gaze locked on the construct.
“Confirmed,” she said. “The node’s energy output is directly linked to the distortions. Disabling it will stabilize the surrounding sector.”
Aarav guided Vedara toward the node, his focus sharpening as he adjusted the astramech’s trajectory. Behind him, Vyala followed closely, its weapons primed.
“Devya, cover me,” Aarav said. “I’ll handle the node.”
“You’re insane,” Devya muttered, but Vyala moved into position regardless.
The node’s defenses activated as Vedara approached. Automated turrets emerged from its surface, their plasma cannons firing in synchronized bursts. Aarav threw Vedara into a tight roll, the astramech’s thrusters flaring as it evaded the incoming fire.
“Maitreyi, how do I synchronize with this thing?” Aarav called out, his voice strained.
“You must establish a direct link with the node’s energy matrix,” she replied. “Vedara’s blade can serve as a conduit, but you will need to maintain proximity for several seconds.”
Aarav gritted his teeth. “Several seconds while getting shot at. Got it.”
Vyala surged forward, its twin blasters roaring to life as Devya targeted the turrets. “I’ve got the guns. Just do your thing, Jeevadhara.”
Aarav didn’t waste a moment. Vedara’s blade ignited in a golden arc, its light cutting through the distortion as the astramech closed the distance. Plasma bolts streaked past, narrowly missing Vedara’s frame as Aarav guided the astramech into position.
The node pulsed violently as Vedara’s blade struck its surface, the impact sending a surge of energy rippling through the cockpit. Aarav gasped, his vision blurring as the synchronization process began.
“Maitreyi, what’s happening?” Aarav asked, his voice shaking.
“The node is resisting synchronization,” she said. “You must maintain contact to override its defenses.”
Aarav’s hands trembled on the controls, but he held Vedara steady, forcing the blade deeper into the node’s core. The astramech’s systems flared, warning indicators flashing as the strain on its energy reserves increased.
“Come on,” Aarav muttered, his focus unwavering.
The node’s energy pulsed one final time before collapsing inward, its light fading into darkness. The surrounding distortion shimmered and dissolved, the stars returning to their natural state as the sector stabilized.
Aarav exhaled shakily, his chest heaving with relief as Vedara withdrew its blade. “One down,” he said, his voice hoarse.
Devya’s voice cut through the comms, sharp but approving. “That was reckless as hell, but it worked. Now let’s hope the next one doesn’t kill us.”
Aarav smirked faintly, his resolve hardening. “We’re not stopping until they’re all gone.”
Vedara and Vyala accelerated toward the next distortion, their shared purpose pushing them forward despite the odds.
Vedara and Vyala streaked through the void, their thrusters blazing as they closed in on the second distortion node. Aarav’s mind was sharp with focus, his every movement deliberate as the astramechs weaved through debris and bursts of fractured light. The stars themselves seemed to ripple unnaturally, bending under the weight of the temporal disturbances radiating from the node.
“Maitreyi,” Aarav said, his voice tense but steady, “what’s the status on the other nodes?”
“Scans indicate three additional nodes in nearby sectors,” she replied. “Each is generating localized distortions, creating simultaneous disruptions across Vaikuntha-controlled space. The Dominion appears to be using these nodes to destabilize multiple regions at once.”
“Classic Ravana,” Devya said over the comms, his tone dry but sharp. “Spread chaos everywhere so nobody knows which fire to put out first.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened as Vedara’s sensors pinged with an alert. The second node loomed ahead, a massive, crystalline structure glowing with the same pulsating red and gold light as the first. Surrounding it were three Rakshasa III mechs, their sleek, angular frames bristling with weapons that shimmered ominously in the distortion’s light.
“Looks like they’ve upped the defenses,” Aarav muttered, his hands tightening on the controls.
“Maitreyi, any weaknesses?”
“The Rakshasa units are equipped with advanced targeting systems that synchronize with the node’s energy output,” she said. “Disrupting the node’s energy matrix will impair their coordination.”
“Which means we’ve got to fight through them to even touch the node,” Devya said, his voice grim. “Great. Just another day in paradise.”
Aarav smirked faintly. “You wanted a challenge, didn’t you?”
The Rakshasa mechs moved with calculated precision, their plasma cannons flaring to life as Vedara and Vyala approached. Aarav threw Vedara into a sharp dive, the astramech’s thrusters flaring as it evaded the incoming fire. Plasma bolts streaked past, illuminating the cockpit in bursts of blinding light.
“Devya, take the left flank,” Aarav called out. “I’ll draw their attention.”
“You’re the boss,” Devya replied, Vyala veering to the side as its blasters roared to life.
The first Rakshasa turned to intercept Vedara, its plasma sabers igniting in twin arcs of crimson light. Aarav guided Vedara into a defensive stance, the golden blade clashing against the Dominion mech’s weapons in a blinding spray of sparks.
The Rakshasa pressed its attack, its strikes fast and unrelenting. Aarav’s hands moved instinctively over the controls, guiding Vedara with fluid precision as the astramech parried each blow. The cockpit shuddered with every impact, but Aarav’s focus remained unbroken.
“Maitreyi, I need an opening,” Aarav said, his voice tight.
“The Rakshasa’s right shoulder joint is exposed,” she replied. “A direct strike will disable its primary weapon system.”
“On it,” Aarav muttered, pushing Vedara into an aggressive counterstrike.
The golden blade flashed in a brilliant arc, slicing through the Rakshasa’s shoulder joint with pinpoint accuracy. The Dominion mech faltered, its plasma saber flickering as its systems sputtered. Aarav didn’t hesitate, delivering a decisive slash that severed its core.
Meanwhile, Vyala engaged the second Rakshasa, its movements swift and relentless as Devya targeted the mech’s rear thrusters. The Dominion unit attempted to counter, its plasma cannons firing in rapid bursts, but Vyala’s nimble frame darted through the onslaught with ease.
“Got you now,” Devya muttered, unleashing a barrage of missiles that struck the Rakshasa’s rear with explosive force. The mech staggered, its systems failing as it collapsed into the void.
The third Rakshasa turned its attention to Vyala, its plasma cannons charging as it prepared to fire. Aarav reacted instantly, guiding Vedara into a sprint as the golden blade ignited once more.
“Devya, keep it busy!” Aarav called out.
“Working on it!” Devya shouted, Vyala dodging a hail of plasma fire as it moved to flank the Dominion mech.
Vedara closed the distance, its blade carving through the Rakshasa’s defenses in a series of rapid strikes. Aarav’s movements were precise, his connection to Vedara seamless as the astramech delivered a final, devastating blow to the Dominion unit’s core.
With the Rakshasa units neutralized, Aarav turned his focus to the node. The crystalline structure pulsed violently, its energy output creating waves of distortion that rippled through the void.
“Maitreyi, how do we shut it down?” Aarav asked, his gaze locked on the node.
“You must establish a direct connection with the node’s energy matrix,” she said. “However, its defenses are significantly stronger than the previous node. Prolonged synchronization will be required to destabilize it.”
Aarav exhaled, his resolve hardening. “Let’s do it.”
Vedara surged toward the node, its blade igniting in a burst of golden light. The node’s defenses activated immediately, automated turrets emerging from its surface to target the astramech. Aarav pushed Vedara into an evasive roll, narrowly avoiding the incoming fire as he closed the distance.
“Devya, cover me!” Aarav shouted.
Vyala’s blasters roared to life, targeting the turrets with pinpoint precision. “You focus on the node,” Devya called out. “I’ll handle the guns!”
Aarav guided Vedara toward the node’s core, the astramech’s blade striking the surface with a blinding flash of energy. The synchronization process began, and Aarav felt the familiar surge of heat and pressure as the node’s energy resonated with Vedara’s systems.
“Maitreyi, status?” Aarav asked, his voice strained.
“The node’s defenses are resisting synchronization,” she replied. “Maintain contact to override its energy matrix.”
Aarav gritted his teeth, his hands trembling on the controls as Vedara held its position. The cockpit’s displays flared with warning indicators, but Aarav refused to let go.
“Almost there,” he muttered, his focus unwavering.
The node’s energy pulsed one final time before collapsing inward, its light fading into darkness. The surrounding distortions shimmered and dissolved, the stars returning to their natural state. Aarav exhaled shakily, his chest heaving as Vedara withdrew its blade.
“That’s two down,” Aarav said, his voice hoarse.
“And three to go,” Devya replied, his tone laced with exhaustion. “You’re gonna kill yourself doing this, you know that, right?”
Aarav smirked faintly, his resolve undiminished. “Not if we finish the job first.”
Vedara and Vyala accelerated toward the next sector, the weight of their mission driving them forward. The battle was far from over, but the galaxy’s hope burned brighter with every node they destroyed.
The third node loomed ahead, its crystalline structure glowing brighter than the previous ones. Tendrils of energy snaked outward from its surface, lashing at the surrounding void like writhing serpents. The distortions it emitted rippled across the stars, warping the fabric of space itself.
Vedara’s systems flared with proximity alerts as Aarav guided the astramech into position. His hands trembled slightly on the controls, the strain of synchronization from the previous nodes beginning to take its toll.
“Maitreyi,” Aarav said, his voice steady but tired. “Give me a read on this one. What are we dealing with?”
“The third node’s energy output is significantly higher than the previous two,” Maitreyi replied. “Its distortions are affecting local gravitational fields, creating hazardous zones that will complicate your approach.”
“Of course it is,” Aarav muttered. “Any signs of hostiles?”
“Confirmed,” Maitreyi said. “Two Rakshasa III mechs and a newly identified variant—designated Rakshasa IV. The latter is equipped with advanced shielding and enhanced energy weapons.”
Devya’s voice cut through the comms, sharp and incredulous. “A Rakshasa IV? You’re kidding, right? Those things are supposed to be prototypes!”
“Well, it looks like Ravana upgraded his toys,” Aarav said, his jaw tightening. “We’ll just have to break it anyway.”
Vyala moved into formation beside Vedara, its blasters glowing faintly as Devya spoke again. “Alright, genius, how do you want to play this?”
Aarav’s gaze locked on the node, his resolve hardening. “We split their focus. You keep the Rakshasa III units busy, and I’ll deal with the big guy. Once I take it down, I’ll move on to the node.”
Devya let out a sharp laugh. “You’re really out here calling dibs on the murder machine? Fine, but don’t get yourself killed. I’d hate to clean up your mess alone.”
The Rakshasa IV turned toward them as they approached, its angular frame crackling with arcs of crimson and gold energy. Its shields shimmered faintly, a visible reminder of the advanced defenses protecting its core. Behind it, the two Rakshasa III mechs took flanking positions, their plasma cannons primed and ready.
“Maitreyi,” Aarav said, his voice calm despite the rising tension, “what’s the weak point on the Rakshasa IV?”
“The shielding is strongest at the front and sides,” she replied. “Targeting the rear power conduit will bypass its defenses and destabilize its systems.”
“Got it,” Aarav said, guiding Vedara into a sharp dive as the Rakshasa IV’s cannons roared to life.
The cockpit shuddered as plasma bolts streaked past, illuminating the void in bursts of blinding light. Aarav gritted his teeth, his hands moving with practiced precision as Vedara weaved through the onslaught.
“Devya, keep those other mechs off me!” Aarav called out.
“Already on it!” Devya shouted, Vyala darting toward the Rakshasa III units with guns blazing.
The Rakshasa IV charged, its movements unnervingly fluid as it closed the distance. Vedara’s blade ignited in a brilliant golden arc, its glow cutting through the distortion as Aarav met the Dominion mech head-on.
The first clash was deafening, sparks flying as the astramechs’ weapons collided in a blinding burst of energy. The Rakshasa IV pressed its attack, its strikes heavy and relentless. Aarav guided Vedara into a defensive stance, deflecting each blow with calculated precision, but the sheer force of the attacks pushed the astramech to its limits.
“Maitreyi, I need a window,” Aarav said, his voice tight.
“The Rakshasa IV’s energy output is increasing,” she replied. “Its systems are attempting to compensate for your movements. Maintain evasive maneuvers and target the rear conduit.”
Aarav smirked faintly, his focus narrowing. “Easier said than done.”
The Rakshasa IV unleashed a devastating energy blast, the beam tearing through the void as Aarav threw Vedara into a hard roll. The astramech’s shields flared under the strain, warning indicators lighting up across the cockpit. Aarav’s chest tightened as the heat in the cockpit grew stifling, but he pushed forward, guiding Vedara into position behind the Dominion mech.
The rear conduit came into view, its faint glow a stark contrast to the armored frame surrounding it. Aarav didn’t hesitate—Vedara’s blade struck with pinpoint accuracy, slicing through the conduit in a burst of sparks.
The Rakshasa IV staggered, its movements faltering as its systems began to fail. Aarav pressed the advantage, delivering a series of rapid strikes that severed its core. The Dominion mech collapsed, its frame crumpling into the void as the light in its eyes faded.
Meanwhile, Vyala darted between the two Rakshasa III units, its blasters firing in rapid bursts as Devya kept the mechs distracted. The Dominion units struggled to adapt, their coordination breaking down as Vyala’s missiles tore through their defenses.
“That’s one down!” Devya called out as the first Rakshasa III exploded in a fiery burst.
The second mech turned to retaliate, its plasma cannons charging, but Vedara struck before it could fire. Aarav’s blade ignited in a golden arc, cutting cleanly through the Rakshasa’s frame.
The battlefield fell silent, the shattered remnants of the Dominion mechs drifting aimlessly in the void.
Aarav turned his attention to the node, its energy pulsing erratically as the distortions grew more violent. Vedara’s sensors lit up with warnings, and Maitreyi’s voice carried a note of urgency.
“The node is nearing critical output,” she said. “Immediate synchronization is required to stabilize the sector.”
Aarav exhaled, his hands steady on the controls. “Let’s finish this.”
Vedara surged forward, its blade striking the node’s surface in a burst of light. The synchronization process began, and Aarav felt the now-familiar surge of heat and pressure as Vedara’s systems resonated with the node’s energy.
“Maitreyi, status?” Aarav asked, his voice strained.
“The node’s defenses are stronger than anticipated,” she replied. “Maintain contact for several more seconds.”
Aarav gritted his teeth, his chest heaving as the strain intensified. The cockpit’s displays flared with warnings, but Aarav refused to let go.
Finally, the node’s energy collapsed inward, its light fading into darkness. The distortions dissolved, the stars returning to their natural state. Aarav exhaled shakily, his chest rising and falling as Vedara withdrew its blade.
“That’s three,” Aarav said, his voice hoarse.
“And we’re still alive,” Devya added, his tone a mix of exhaustion and relief. “Let’s not push our luck.”
Vedara and Vyala accelerated toward the next sector, the weight of the mission pressing down on them. Aarav’s body was nearing its limit, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.
The glow of the third node’s destruction still lingered in the distance, a fading reminder of their hard-fought victory, but there was no time to celebrate. Vedara and Vyala moved through the void like shadows, their battered frames illuminated by the faint light of distant stars. Aarav’s chest heaved as he leaned back in the cockpit, every muscle in his body screaming for relief.
“Maitreyi,” Aarav said, his voice hoarse, “how close are we to the next node?”
“Approximately 40,000 kilometers,” Maitreyi replied. “However, energy readings indicate increased Dominion activity in the surrounding area. Ravana’s forces are concentrating their defenses.”
Aarav’s jaw tightened as he straightened in his seat. “He knows we’re coming.”
Devya’s voice cut through the comms, sharp with frustration. “Of course he does. We’ve taken out three nodes already. You think Ravana’s just sitting there, twiddling his thumbs?”
“He wants us to come to him,” Aarav muttered, his gaze hardening. “He’s baiting us, just like before.”
Maitreyi’s holographic form flickered into view, her tone calm but grave. “The increased defenses suggest that Ravana anticipates your arrival. However, the remaining nodes must be neutralized to stabilize the distortions.”
Aarav exhaled sharply, his hands tightening on the controls. “Then we push forward. No matter what.”
The sensors flared suddenly, and the cockpit’s displays filled with a series of rapid warnings. Aarav’s heart sank as a massive energy signature appeared ahead, its size and intensity far exceeding anything they had encountered before.
“Maitreyi, what am I looking at?” Aarav asked, his voice sharp.
“The energy signature is consistent with an astramech,” she replied. “However, its output far exceeds standard specifications. Scans indicate heavy modifications to its core systems.”
Devya groaned over the comms. “Let me guess—another one of Ravana’s pet projects?”
As if in answer, the astramech emerged from the swirling void of distortions. Its frame was massive, nearly twice the size of Vedara, with blackened armor that seemed to absorb the light around it. Its arms bristled with weaponry, and its chest pulsed with a glowing red core that pulsed in rhythm with the distortions.
Aarav’s sensors identified the mech instantly: Lankeshvara.
“Ravana,” Aarav said through clenched teeth.
The astramech raised its head, and Ravana’s voice echoed through the comms, calm yet filled with a quiet menace. “Jeevadhara. You’ve been busy.”
Aarav’s hands tightened on the controls as he stared down the massive astramech. “Ravana. I should’ve known you wouldn’t let us finish this without showing up.”
Ravana chuckled, a low, calculated sound. “And why would I? You’ve destroyed three of my precious nodes, but you’ve only delayed the inevitable. The distortions are far beyond your control now. Even if you destroy the rest, you cannot stop what has already begun.”
Vyala hovered beside Vedara, its blasters primed and ready. Devya’s voice crackled over the comms, sharp with defiance. “Big talk for someone hiding behind another oversized toy. You think we’re just going to roll over?”
“Devya Varman,” Ravana said, his tone laced with disdain. “The traitor. I should have expected you to side with the weak and desperate. Tell me, does your new friend know what you’ve done? The lives you’ve taken in my name?”
“Shut up,” Devya snapped, his voice taut with anger.
Aarav cut in, his tone cold and unyielding. “Whatever he’s done, it’s nothing compared to what you’re trying to do. You think you can rewrite the galaxy, force it into your vision of ‘order’? You’re insane.”
“Am I?” Ravana said, his voice rising slightly. “The galaxy is broken, Jeevadhara. Endless war. Endless chaos. The Vishwaroopa energy was not meant to preserve balance—it was meant to shape it. To create something better. Something lasting.”
“And you’re the one to decide what’s better?” Aarav shot back. “You’re not a god, Ravana.”
Ravana’s voice grew colder, sharper. “No. But I will become one. You, of all people, should understand the weight of power, Aarav Rishi. You wield Vedara, yet you are afraid to use it to its full potential. You cling to the illusion of balance, even as the galaxy burns around you. Pathetic.”
The tension between them crackled like static, the weight of Ravana’s words hanging in the air. Aarav’s mind churned, but his resolve remained unshaken.
“You don’t get it, do you?” Aarav said, his voice steady. “Balance isn’t weakness. It’s the only reason we’re still here. You destroy that, and you destroy everything.”
Ravana’s laughter echoed through the comms, cold and unfeeling. “Then perhaps it’s time for everything to end.”
Lankeshvara moved suddenly, its massive frame surging forward with a speed that belied its size. Aarav’s sensors screamed with warnings as the astramech raised one massive arm, energy gathering in its palm.
“Devya, move!” Aarav shouted, throwing Vedara into a hard dive as a beam of searing red energy tore through the space they had occupied.
Vyala darted to the side, its thrusters flaring as Devya shouted over the comms. “You just had to piss him off, didn’t you?”
“He’s been pissed off,” Aarav muttered, his focus sharpening. “Let’s take him down.”
Vedara’s blade ignited in a golden arc, its light cutting through the darkness as Aarav guided the astramech toward Lankeshvara. The enemy astramech turned to meet him, its massive arm swinging in a devastating arc. Aarav parried the strike, the cockpit shuddering under the force of the impact as sparks flew from the clash of energy.
“Maitreyi, give me a weak point!” Aarav called out, his voice tight with effort.
“Lankeshvara’s core is overclocked,” she replied. “Targeting it directly will destabilize its systems, but its shielding is significantly reinforced.”
“Figures,” Aarav muttered.
Vyala flanked Lankeshvara, its blasters firing in rapid bursts that forced the massive astramech to shift its focus. Devya’s voice was sharp and focused. “Keep him busy! I’ll see if I can crack that shield!”
Aarav gritted his teeth, guiding Vedara into a series of rapid strikes that tested Lankeshvara’s defenses. The massive astramech retaliated with brutal efficiency, its movements fluid and relentless as it pressed the attack.
The battle raged, the void alight with bursts of energy and the clash of blades. Aarav’s body screamed in protest, but his focus remained unbroken.
This was the fight they had been building toward, the fight they couldn’t afford to lose.
The battle against Lankeshvara raged with an intensity that seemed to warp the very fabric of reality. The void was alive with light and fury, the clash of Vedara’s golden blade against Lankeshvara’s overwhelming strength echoing across the desolate expanse. Aarav’s breath came in sharp bursts, his body fighting against exhaustion as he guided Vedara through the relentless onslaught.
“Maitreyi, how’s that shield holding up?” Aarav asked through gritted teeth, narrowly avoiding a devastating swipe from Lankeshvara’s massive arm.
“Lankeshvara’s shielding is maintaining structural integrity at 82 percent,” she replied. “The core’s overclocking is sustaining the defenses. You must weaken the energy output to create an opening.”
Aarav cursed under his breath as he pushed Vedara into another evasive maneuver. “Devya, I need that shield down! What’s your status?”
Devya’s voice crackled over the comms, sharp and urgent. “Working on it! This thing’s packing enough power to level a planet! Just keep it busy!”
Vyala darted around Lankeshvara’s massive frame, its blasters firing in controlled bursts that targeted the astramech’s joints and exposed conduits. The Dominion monstrosity staggered slightly, its focus splitting between the two astramechs as its shielding absorbed the hits.
Aarav seized the moment, guiding Vedara into a rapid charge. The golden blade ignited in a brilliant arc, its light cutting through the swirling distortions around Lankeshvara. Aarav struck with precision, targeting the joints of the massive astramech’s arm. Sparks erupted as Vedara’s blade connected, carving through layers of armor and disrupting the flow of energy to Lankeshvara’s weapons.
The Dominion astramech retaliated instantly, its other arm swinging in a brutal arc. Aarav barely had time to react, throwing Vedara into a desperate roll to avoid the strike. The edge of the attack grazed Vedara’s frame, sending a shudder through the cockpit as warning indicators lit up across Aarav’s displays.
“Shields down to 22 percent,” Maitreyi said, her tone urgent. “Prolonged engagement will result in critical system failure.”
“Noted,” Aarav muttered, his jaw tightening.
Lankeshvara unleashed another devastating attack, a pulse of raw energy erupting from its core. The wave tore through the void, distorting light and matter as it surged toward Vedara and Vyala.
“Move!” Aarav shouted, throwing Vedara into a hard dive.
Vyala darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast as the wave passed, leaving faint ripples in its wake. Devya’s voice cut through the comms, sharp with frustration. “This is getting ridiculous! Maitreyi, tell me you’ve got a plan, because we’re running out of time!”
Maitreyi’s hologram flickered into view, her expression calm but resolute. “Lankeshvara’s energy output is nearing critical levels. Sustained pressure on its shielding will force an overload, creating an opportunity to target the core.”
Aarav exhaled sharply, his focus sharpening. “Then we push harder. Devya, hit it with everything you’ve got.”
“You better not miss your shot, Rishi,” Devya replied, Vyala’s weapons charging to full power.
Vyala unleashed a barrage of missiles and plasma bolts, the coordinated assault hammering Lankeshvara’s shielding with relentless force. The Dominion astramech staggered under the onslaught, its movements faltering as its systems struggled to compensate for the damage.
“Maitreyi, now!” Aarav shouted.
“The shielding is destabilizing,” she confirmed. “Target the core immediately!”
Aarav guided Vedara into position, the golden blade glowing brighter than ever as it surged toward Lankeshvara’s chest. The massive astramech raised its arms in a desperate attempt to defend itself, but Aarav was faster.
Vedara’s blade struck the core with a blinding flash of light, the impact sending a shockwave rippling through the void. Lankeshvara’s movements grew erratic, its systems sparking and faltering as the core began to collapse.
Ravana’s voice echoed through the comms, calm yet filled with an edge of menace. “Impressive, Jeevadhara. But this changes nothing. The galaxy’s fate is already sealed.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Aarav shot back, his voice steady.
Lankeshvara’s core erupted in a violent explosion, the force tearing through its frame and sending fragments of the massive astramech spiraling into the void. Aarav guided Vedara away from the blast, his heart pounding as the light of the explosion faded.
“Maitreyi, status?” Aarav asked, his voice hoarse.
“The distortions in this sector are stabilizing,” she replied. “Lankeshvara’s destruction has significantly weakened the Dominion’s influence on this region.”
Aarav exhaled shakily, his chest heaving with relief. “Good. That’s one less problem to deal with.”
Devya’s voice crackled over the comms, laced with exhaustion. “We just took down Ravana’s biggest gun, and you’re already thinking about the next fight? You’re insane, Rishi.”
“Maybe,” Aarav said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “But we’re not done yet.”
Vedara and Vyala drifted through the fading remnants of the battle, the weight of their victory tempered by the knowledge of what still lay ahead. Ravana’s warning echoed in Aarav’s mind, a reminder of the stakes they were fighting for.
The galaxy’s fate hung by a thread, and the next battle would decide everything.