WOLINM

The nebula was quiet, but Admiral Elara Vance knew the silence was the calm before the storm. The enemy had retreated, but they would return. She had seen their determination, their endless hunger for conquest. The war was not over—it was merely waiting.

"Command, this is Vance. I'm beginning a patrol of the outer sector."

"Copy, Vance. Proceed with caution."

She flew through the nebula, her sensors sweeping for any sign of the enemy. The gas clouds were thick, but she had grown used to their shifting colors. The galaxy was a place of endless vigilance, of watchful waiting.

"Any c

The training ground was quiet, the sun setting behind the mountains. Sergeant First Class Marcus Webb stood at the edge, watching the new recruits run through the obstacle course. They were faster now, stronger, more confident. They had survived the crucible.

Colonel Matthews appeared beside him, his arms crossed, his face unreadable. "They're ready," he said.

Marcus nodded. "They are."

"You did good, Webb. You trained them well."

Marcus looked at the recruits, at the soldiers they had become. "They did the work. I just showed them the way."

Matthews smiled, a rare sight. "That