Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12: THE VEILED STRIKEUnder the cloak of the Lumina’s self-inflicted confusion, a small, specialized Assonian strike force, spearheaded by Agent Seraph’s stealth-optimized vessel, made its silent approach. Their target: the Lumina Collective’s primary Catalyst containment facility, now a pulsating beacon of energy on their navigators.Admiral Kaelen’s USOF fleet, while ostensibly providing a diversion, was also carefully positioned to intercept any Lumina reinforcements attempting to reach the containment facility. Their agreement with Asson was a delicate dance; they would assist in breaching the outer defenses, but the Catalyst itself was to be Asson’s prize, at least for now."Lumina patrols in this sector are erratic, Chancellor," Seraph reported, her voice hushed, almost a breath. "Their sensor grids are still suffering from the cascade. We have a clear path to the outer containment layers."Thiurate, monitoring from the Royal Platform, felt the familiar surge of adrenaline. This was the moment of truth. "Proceed, Agent Seraph. Maintain strict stealth protocols. Avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary."The Assonian vessels, cloaked by advanced light-bending technology developed in the immediate aftermath of the First War, slipped through the disorganized Lumina perimeter. The containment facility itself was a fortress, shielded by multiple layers of energy fields and patrolled by a dedicated contingent of elite Lumina Sentinels."Breaching outer security perimeter," Seraph whispered, a series of soft clicks audible over the comms. "Their internal security is less affected by the network disruption, but our initial infiltrations are holding. We’re in."The Lumina, accustomed to their own impenetrable defenses and the predictable nature of their adversaries, were slow to react to the subtle intrusion. Their systems were designed to detect overt aggression, not a phantom in the machine.As Seraph’s team navigated the complex labyrinth of the facility’s outer layers, Kaelen's diversionary tactics intensified. Explosions blossomed in the distant sectors, drawing more and more Lumina resources away from the true target."Chancellor, we are approaching the Catalyst chamber," Seraph’s voice tightened with urgency. "Heavy Sentinel presence. They are aware of an intrusion now. We need a distraction."Thiurate contacted Kaelen. "Admiral, intensify your attack. Draw more attention. Agent Seraph needs a window, now!"Kaelen’s grim chuckle came over the comm. "Gladly, Chancellor. Let’s make some noise."On the holoscreens, Kaelen’s USOF fleet unleashed a devastating volley of plasma fire, engaging Lumina capital ships in a brutal, close-quarters battle. The Lumina, their systems still struggling with the network disruption, found themselves outmaneuvered, their response uncoordinated. It was a veiled strike, a symphony of deception and precision, designed to crack the Lumina’s iron grip.