Page 61 of New World

Beside him, Cassa walked with measured precision. She was battle-worn but steady, her dark hair pulled back, her sharp expression unreadable. She was more than a skilled operative; she was a leader, one of the few people Josh trusted implicitly and loved completely.

As they reached the entrance to the war room, the massive doors slid open with a hiss, revealing a large, circular chamber carved into the stone. A long table sat at the center, surrounded by holo-projectors, tactical displays, and communication terminals.

Inside, General Hutu Gomerant, the towering leader of the Torrian rebellion, stood at the head of the table, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His red skin gleamed under the dim lights, the intricate tribal tattoos across his arms and neck shifting as he moved. His presence commanded respect.

To his right sat Kubo Gomerant, his blind, elderly father—a former Gallant Knight, now a legend among the rebellion. Though his milky-white eyes stared unseeing ahead, Josh had no doubt he perceived more than most in the room. He wore the ceremonial robes of the Gallant Knights, his silver Staff resting at his side.

General Natta Gomerant, Hutu’s younger sister, stood beside Kubo, her lean, muscular frame tense. The tribal tattoos adorning her red skin mirrored her brother’s, though hers were newer, still dark against her skin. She was young, fiery, and still eager to prove herself, which she had when she and her squadron engaged the Legion forces long enough to allow Josh, Cassa, Roan, and the others to escape after they blew up the space lab that would have destroyed Tesla Terra.

Josh and Cassa took their places as Hutu gestured toward the central holomap. The glowing blue projection of the sector flickered to life, showing Cryon II, its orbits marked with commercial trade movements.

The comm terminal to the left of the room crackled, and a deep, Russian-accented voice cut through the chamber.

“Josh. It looks like we have another problem.”

Josh exchanged a glance with Cassa before leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. “Go ahead, Sergi.”

The holo-image flickered, and Sergi Lazaroff’s face appeared, his features grim. La’Rue stood slightly behind him, arms crossed, her usually cool expression tight with concern.

“Legion Battle Cruisers. A lot of them,” Sergi said. “Crock and the other freighter captains picked them up moving toward Cryon II. Guess who’s leading them?”

Josh’s fingers curled into fists against the table. “Andri Andronikos.”

Sergi nodded. “Da. And he’s not just bringing a few ships—he’s bringing nearly the entire Legion armada.”

The room fell silent for half a heartbeat. Josh inhaled deeply, his eyes flicking toward the fleet trajectory on the map. He already knew what this meant.

La’Rue confirmed his worst fear. “Andri’s not just going after Dorane.” Her voice was cool, controlled. “He’s going after Ash, Julia, and Roan.”

Josh’s chest tightened and he curled his fingers to keep from hitting the table in frustration. He relaxed when Cassa casually reached over and laid her hand over his. She gave him a small, knowing smile before she pulled her hand back and focused on the screen.

Josh breathed out a calming breath. They needed to warn Ash and Roan, but they weren’t the only ones. “Mei’s there, too.”

Sergi ran a hand down his face, muttered a low curse in Russian, and closed his eyes briefly as Josh’s quiet words sunk in, relief flooding his face and the tension visibly leaving his shoulders. He released a harsh chuckle and shook his head.

“Perhaps it is the Legion we should warn. She is well, yes?” Sergi breathed out as he bowed his head and gave Josh a small smile of thanks for the good news.

Josh had sensed the deep bond formed between them during their time on the Gliese, a connection forged in shared experiences and quiet understanding. He sensed no romantic spark between them; their interactions felt more like a playful rivalry, a competitive dance between siblings. He knew Sergi felt fiercely protective of Mei and his constant teasing had worked to break through Mei’s reserve.

“She’s good. According to Ash, she is fitting right in. Mei was on Cryon II when he arrived, though neither of them realized it.” He exhaled sharply. “Things could get very interesting. We have Dorane, three Ancient Knights, a Turbinta assassin intent on killing them, and a Legion armada arriving in the same place at the same time.”

Sergi snorted with a laugh and ran his hand down over his face. “Da. What could go wrong?”

Josh forced himself to think, to push down the immediate fear tightening his ribs. He wouldn’t lose his crew—his friends—now, after everything they had been through. He looked over at Hutu when the Torrian exhaled through his nose, his deep voice resonating through the chamber.

“This isn’t just an attack. This is a kill order. That’s all Andri knows.”

Cassa crossed her arms. “If Andri succeeds, he’ll wipe out LeGaugh’s forces, kill three Ancient Knights, and cripple trade across the sector.” She glanced toward the Torrians, her voice quieter. “And if Zoak really is there too, Andri would want him dead as well if the rumors are true and Coleridge put a bounty on his own brother.”

Kubo, who had remained silent, finally spoke. Josh felt the shift in the room as it quieted whenever the old Torrian spoke. He could understand why Ash spoke of the man with a slightly reverent tone. Kubo’s presence projected power and wisdom.

“This will create a power vacuum.” His voice was smooth, unshaken. “If Dorane falls, the rebellion loses one of its most vital armies. If the Ancient Knights fall, the hope they have begun to inspire will shatter.”

Josh’s throat tightened.

Sergi’s voice cut in again. “Crock and the other freighter captains are moving to intercept, but they’re outnumbered and outpowered. We sent a warning to LeGaugh’s people, but even with their defenses, Cryon II is in danger. If it had been what we faced before, a few Legion Battle Cruisers and fighters, it would be different, but it is almost like Andronikos is doing ‘a Holy Mary’?”

“Hail Mary,” Josh corrected.

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