CHAPTER 10 (THE IMPOSSIBLE BARGAIN)

CHAPTER 10: THE IMPOSSIBLE BARGAINThiurate studied the holographic schematic. Kaelen’s data was surprisingly detailed, corroborating much of what Seraph’s team had uncovered through their silent infiltration. The Lumina’s Catalyst containment was indeed an impressive feat of engineering, but it relied on predictable, layered defenses."Your proposal, Admiral?" Thiurate finally asked, cutting to the chase."We want the Catalyst removed from Lumina control," Kaelen stated plainly. "Permanently. Whether it is destroyed, or brought under the joint stewardship of our two powers… that can be negotiated later. For now, the objective is singular: to break the Lumina’s stranglehold."Thiurate felt a chill. Destroying the Catalyst was a horrific thought, yet allowing the USOF to simply seize it was equally unacceptable. This was the impossible bargain."And what do you offer in return for Asson’s involvement?" Thiurate pressed. "Beyond shared grievances, I mean. Your forces were responsible for the deaths of thousands of our citizens."Kaelen’s eyes hardened. "I offer the only thing that matters right now, Chancellor: a path to regaining your autonomy. My faction controls significant resources within the USOF – what remains of our fleet, our research facilities. We can provide the tactical support, the diversions, and the heavy firepower needed to breach their outer defenses. Your people," he glanced at Seraph, "possess the unique ability to penetrate their internal networks, to exploit their blind spots. And you, Chancellor, are the only one who has ever truly mastered the Catalyst. Your knowledge of its properties is invaluable."Thiurate looked at Arcan, who gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod. The logic was cold, brutal, but undeniably sound. They were both trapped in the Lumina’s cage, and this was the only key."This is not an alliance of trust, Admiral," Thiurate said, his voice firm. "It is a temporary convergence of desperation. Every move will be monitored. Every commitment will be verified. Any deviation, any attempt at treachery, and Asson will withdraw, regardless of the consequences."Kaelen’s lips thinned into a grim smile. "Agreed, Chancellor. Desperation can forge the strongest bonds. We will provide the hammer. You will provide the scalpel. Together, we will shatter the Lumina’s false peace."He extended a gauntleted hand. Thiurate hesitated for a long moment, the history of their conflict, the pain and the loss, flashing before his eyes. But the image of the Lumina’s ever-present ships, the feeling of their invisible chains, overshadowed all else. He took Kaelen’s hand. The cold metal of the Admiral's glove felt like a pact with the devil."Then let us begin," Thiurate said, his voice barely a whisper. "How do we strike at the heart of their control?"Kaelen’s eyes gleamed with a predatory satisfaction. He pointed to a small, isolated node on the holographic map, deep within the Lumina’s carefully constructed network. "We begin," he said, "by striking at the very system that regulates their omnipresent Sentinel fleet. We create chaos, Chancellor. And then, in the ensuing confusion, we move for the Catalyst. The attack will commence in three cycles, during the Lumina’s solar flare recalibration sequence. They will be momentarily vulnerable."Thiurate felt a surge of dread and a chilling excitement. The plan was audacious, suicidal even. But if it worked, if they could truly destabilize the Lumina’s control, the galaxy would never be the same. The alliance, born of bitter necessity, was set. The Cosmic Divide was about to explode into open war once more, this time with unimaginable stakes, and two former enemies poised to unleash a storm none could predict.