Inside a virtual eting, on a secret channel of the Galactic web.
Several figures who were doing their utmost to keep their identities a secret from each other sat with their obscured avatars facing each other, sitting around a round table.
"Ever since Alex rejected the Overseer's offer, we have been facing harsher and harsher conditions!"
One of the figures blared, not speaking to anyone in particular.
"We have to determine how to deal with this situation accordingly."
The figure who spoke was actually Donald, although the others in the call didn't know that.
But even if they did, they wouldn't be surprised or act any differently regardless.
Everyone there was of high status in the Federation, so eting Donald, who was of the highest status as an S tier, was not that big of a deal to them.
"I would like to point sothing out."
One of the other figures spoke out in a calr tone.
"There was no guarantee that the Overseer's would have put a stop to this war if Alex had done what they asked. I think it is better that we are left alone to deal with this crisis ourselves, after all, is that not what the human race has been doing since our very beginnings?"
The few people present felt the pressure.
But contrary to them, Donald had a much higher understanding of the Overseers, thanks to his 'exchanges' with the Red Demons, and he knew for a fact that the Overseers had more than enough power to stop the war in an instant if they willed to do so!
Not to ntion that they were known to never renege on promises they made!
Another figure, much more passionate than Donald and the calr figure, who had just offered their opinion, spoke out in a much louder tone.
"The Human race is clearly weak on a universal scale! We only have, no… we 'had', one galaxy under our control with practically no contact with any outside races other than those who are hostile towards us."
He paused, waiting for the information he was letting out sink in for those listening.
"But what I'm most worried about is civil unrest within our own people! I've heard rumours that so citizens and even branches of the military are starting to rebel and go against the order we have fought so hard to maintain over the last few centuries. This galaxy has beco a hive for cosmic criminals…"
The figures discussed under great pressure.
They weren't worried that this unrest might co back to bite them, since they were all very powerful awakened.
But it essentially ant that the human race was splitting and weakening themselves in a ti where they needed to work together and unite the most!
Stay connected with empire
How were they supposed to win the war with the Red Demons if half the population had given up and started to kill, plunder and work for their own gain!?
"All of this because of Alex…"
Another one of the figures said.
"Now that our one chance of help has already left us, we are facing threats from multiple angles. It isn't just the Red Demons we have to worry about anymore, but even our own people!"
***
A few light years outside of the Solar system.
The laughter over the comm channels subsided, leaving only silence and the steady hum of the four ship's engines.
Alex clenched his fists as he stared at the comms panel.
He knew exactly what the voice was hinting at, but that didn't make it any better!
Mira glanced at him with her tense expression..
"They're trying to rile you up, Alex. They know what buttons to push."
The comms flared to life again, and the voice continued.
"What's the matter, Alex? No quick response? I thought the 'legendary traitor' would be a bit sharper."
"Legendary?"
Alex shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What's next? Am I supposed to feel honoured by that title?"
The unknown speaker chuckled.
"Oh, it's well-earned, Alex. You and your refusal to play by the Overseer's rules — fools like you think you're above the system. But people like ? We get rewarded for our loyalty."
Alex shot Mira a sidelong glance, frustration and disbelief battling in his expression.
"This guy's either obsessed or in way over his head."
"Let's hope for the latter."
She muttered, hands hovering over the weapon systems.
The speaker continued.
"But since you're so intent on keeping your independence, the Federation Council decided to place a hefty bounty on your head. Surrender now, and maybe I'll let you live long enough to see that judgnt."
'What the fuck is this 'Federation Council' he's talking about?? Is this a part of those riots Principal Farnes warned of? Have people really already started to try and set up their own governnts?'
But regardless of his conflicting thoughts, Alex continued speaking.
"So it's money that has you chasing down."
Alex said, his gaze hardening.
"Good to know loyalty has a price."
"Everyone has a price."
The voice replied, a sinister glee lacing his words.
"But for you, it'll cost nothing to hand you over. Though… if I kill you, they'll pay even more."
'That makes no sense, but okay…'
Alex shook his head.
"Enough of this. We didn't co here to play gas."
Alex moved his gaze over to the weapons systems, just to the right of the comms panel.
The other three ships had already made it clear with their lack of intent to keep them alive.
So why should he and Mira play their gas any longer?
With little effort, Alex moved his hands over to the weapons system of his ship, and activated them without hesitation.
'These guys must be stupid, did their bounty fail to ntion that I have my own, personal ship gifted by the very highest ranks of the military, Admiral Olgierd himself?'
Alex felt a bit of schadenfreude as he watched his ship's covers open, revealing the imposing cannons hiding under its thick shielding.
'Boy, I wish I could see the faces of those guys right now…'
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