"We have twelve hardened tactical positions ready," Talia said, looking up from her display.

"See this though," added Lt Tamika "Gyro" Sinclair to Talia's side.

ISR-NET OVERWATCH

Value

Corp Assets Tracked

17 (live)

Coalition Navy Units

2 frigates (green)

Crai Squadron Vector

0.93 c – ETA 5 h 12 m

Radio Traffic

0 pkts / 60 s (silent)

Her neural interface flickered as she monitored several data streams. "We now have eyes and ears on seventeen corporate assets."

"Coalition Navy movements, and Captain Crai's approach vector?"

"Still maintaining radio silence?" Talia asked.

"Dead quiet. But her ships are burning hard. ETA six hours." Sinclair paused, frowning at her display. "Actually, make that five. She's pushing her engines."

Lev walked between the stations, watching his now full CIC work together like they'd been here for years.

RING-14 BATTLE PREPARATION

Value

Facility Status

Research → Military conversion complete

Tactical Positions

12 hardened, 4 additional installing

Personnel

289 assigned quarters and duties

Construction

Blast doors, ammunition storage, barracks

Electronic Warfare

Ghost Protocol suite online

"And our personnel status?"

"289 people, all assigned their own quarters and specific duties," Talia replied. "Security teams have been working with Dr. Chen's staff and Derek's crews to maximize speed and efficiency. There's been no conflict so far; they've worked hard together despite the vast differences in rank or trades"

RING-14 LOGISTICS SIGMA

Value

Personnel Posted

289 / 289 (0 unassigned)

Quarters Occupancy

100 % +12 % overflow beds

Rations Stock

31 d @ 500 pax (Δ–1 d / d)

Power Margin

+18 % above combat draw

"And how's morale? They're pushing limits here, right?"

"High. People know what they're here for."

"Which is?"

Talia met his gaze. "They're building something worth defending, and proving that Braker Corporation doesn't get to keep hurting people who can't fight back."

"Dr. Chen is asking for you," Sinclair said.

Lev nodded to her. "Chief, I need you in Medical Bay 7," Dr. Chen's voice echoed through the command center. "We've got incoming trauma cases. Local transport just docked."

Lev felt his stomach tighten. "What kind of trauma cases?"

Independent miners who tangled with Braker security forces in the outer asteroid belt. They're paying for treatment—and they're spreading the word that we are up and running."

"How did they find us?"

"Word travels fast when you light up a ring station and broadcast 'Last Light' in Morse code across the system."

"It's something people trust," Talia said.

"I'll be right down. Sinclair, monitor that transport—I want to know everything about how they got here."

"Already on it, Chief. No pursuit, clean approach. They came here by choice. Nyx watched them aboard."

Lev nodded to the AI, who monitored more screens than anyone else in the CIC.

"I have the CIC," he said.

En route to Medical Bay 7, Lev walked through corridors that buzzed. In Sector 12, emergency construction crews worked alongside Talia's security specialists, installing military-grade blast doors where civilian maintenance hatches had been twelve hours ago. Ammunition storage lockers lined the walls that had previously held research equipment.

"Chief," called out CWO August "Fuse" Richter from Bulwark's engineering team. "We've got the reactor feeds rerouted to support defensive systems. Ring-14 can now power full defensive grids plus life support for 500+ people indefinitely."

"Food situation?"

"Silent Thunder's supply officer coordinated with three local suppliers. We've got a month's provisions, but the galley situation..." Richter gestured toward what had been a small research facility break room. "We're feeding 489 people out of a kitchen designed for twenty."

"Solutions?"

"Converting two cargo bays into mess halls, setting up field kitchens in three locations. It'll work, but it's not pretty."

Lev nodded and continued toward the medical bay, taking note of the faces he passed. These weren't corporate employees following orders—they were people who'd chosen to be here, who believed in what Ring-14 was becoming. The exhaustion was evident, but so was their determination.

Medical Bay 7 had been a dead hub twelve hours ago. Now it resembled a sector-class trauma center, complete with advanced surgical suites and equipment that represented the cutting edge of medical technology. Medical teams worked around three patients whose neural interfaces showed telltale signs of forced consciousness extraction.

TRIAGE BAY-7 STATUS

Value

Critical Patients

3 (spinal, crush, hypoxia)

Surgical Teams

2 active / 4 on call

Neural Stabilizers

87 % reserve

Expected Evac

80–100 miners ETA 2 h

Dr. Chen gestured toward the surgical suites. "Without our advanced trauma systems, they'd have been dead within hours."

A gruff voice called from one of the recovery beds. "You're the Chief here?"

Lev approached the speaker, an older woman with her arm in a medical brace and oxygen tubes in her nose. "I am. How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been crushed by a mountain of rock. But I'm breathing on my own again, so I'd say your doc here earned his fee." She struggled to sit up. "Name's Luna Quesada. I ran—ran—the Cali Belt Mining Cooperative."

"What happened out there?"

"Braker security showed up at our operation three days ago. We were told we were mining in corporate territory and were demanded to cease operations immediately. When we refused to abandon our equipment, they used sonic charges to 'clear the area.'" She touched her bandaged ribs. "Collapsed half our mining tunnels with people still inside."

"How many of you?"

Started with twelve. Lost four in the collapse before we could dig them out. The rest of us were trapped for eighteen hours—crushed bones, internal bleeding, oxygen poisoning from bad air." Luna's expression hardened. "We pooled our credits. Fifty thousand to get proper medical treatment. But Chief, we're not the only ones. There are at least six other mining operations in the belt that got 'cleared' this week."

"Are there people out there still?"

Luna was nodding.

Lev tapped the side of his head. "Which ship has enough crew to move now?"

Nyx only took a moment. "The Iron Covenant, most of her crew, and the captain are still aboard."

"Medical personnel?"

"Yes," he replied.

Lev leaned down to Luna. "Coordinates."

"Chief, we can't pay for that."

"Coordinates, please."

"048.891.156"

"You get that?"

"Yes, approximately 1.8 million kilometers." He paused. "Captain Keating is on comms for you now."

"Chief, what is this?"

"Rescue mission, Brakers cleared out the mining field while people were still there."

"Understood, Chief. Nyx is giving us clearance to leave."

"Godspeed, Rowan. Bring them home."

"We will, Chief. Count on it."

When Lev turned back to Luna, he noticed how quiet the room had become. Everyone was looking at him.

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"Have I got food on my shirt?"

"No," Dr. Chen said, "Cmdr, how many incoming?"

"Possibly 80 to 100. I'm not sure."

Dr. Chen looked across to Miss Avast, who stood rubbing her extremely large stomach. "Get these rooms prepped, call all staff in. We're going to need them."

"Anything else I can do?" Lev asked.

"Pray that the Iron Covenant gets to them in time."

"That I can do."

"Whatever funds they have," Luna said. "I'm sure they'd give you."

MEDICAL OPERATIONS STATUS

Value

Medical Bay 7

Sector-class trauma center operational

Current Patients

3 consciousness extraction victims

Incoming

80–100 miners (Iron Covenant rescue)

Staff

Dr. Chen + full medical team deployed

Mining Consortium

Employment contracts active

Dr. Chen put a hand on her arm. "They're independent Miners like you?"

"Yes, it's why we wouldn't just leave our equipment, that's all we have."

Lev smiled. "Nyx, could we do with some miners?"

"Of course, we need all manner of operators. What are you thinking?"

"Get me new contracts drawn up, we're hiring."

"I know where there are other mines to be had," Luna said. "We were planning to move next month."

Nyx's soft ping in his HUD prompted Lev to look at his screen. "Incoming contract, Chief, there's something else you might want to see."

"Med screen," he replied.

There, on the med screen, appeared a scrolling chat box. "What is this?"

"Miners' IM network," Luna said.

Lev noted Ring-14 pop-up several times.

"And they're talking about us?"

"I've been in this business fifty years," Luna said. "I only ever saw chat like that once before."

Lev swallowed. "Miners.... fuck."

"It was eight years ago," she said. "Three miners were trapped."

Lev couldn't look at her. "You saw the code?"

"Last-light," she said and reached out. "You're his brother, aren't you?"

Someone to his left gasped.

"Contract sent to all," Nyx said.

Lev looked back at her and held her eyes while hers misted slightly.

"Contract signed," Nyx added.

"You didn't even read it?"

"I don't need to." Then she raised her voice. "Not a single one of you will ever mention anywhere that this Ring is owned by a Haba, understood?"

"Yes, commander." She didn't stop, though.

"Instead," Lev said. "To everyone who'll listen. Ring-14 is the place where anyone hurt by corporate negligence can be healed. We're not just defending ourselves here, we're not just building Frost's Enterprises up—we're becoming the center of resistance against corporate actions that destroy lives."

"Here, here!" They reciprocated.

Nyx's voice filled his head once more. "Chief, incoming δ-Wave burst from the Faulkner. Priority encryption."

"Put it through."

"Standard transmission received. Coded format," Nyx reported and it flashed on Lev's HUD.

STANDARD TRANSMISSION

To: Frost Employee 1817

From - Chief of Engineering FK202

Nyx - Found some interesting architectural patterns in the old foundation work we discussed. Hybrid construction using merged materials from multiple sources. Industrial scale operation, military grade specifications.

Original blueprint holder still on site, level 7. Foundation completion estimated hours, not days. Structural integrity of the entire project is at risk.

Requesting consultation on demolition procedures vs salvage operations. Time sensitive.

Engineering out.

END TRANSMISSION

"Decoding now."

"What is it?" Lev asked.

"It's a consciousness extraction facility. Hybrid AI development. Dr. Martinez's location confirmed sublevel seven. Timeline critical - completion estimated hours."

Lev's fists curled, he just knew... knew he should never have left them.

"Don't be hard on yourself, look what you've done here already." Dr. Chen looked at him. "I'll come with you, give the Manta-S crew a once-over before you leave."

"Response window?" Lev asked.

"Lattice opens in six minutes," Nyx replied. "1.2 kilobytes available."

"Tell him backup is en route. ETA varies. Stay alive until we get there."

As Nyx transmitted the message, Lev headed out to the Manta-S.

He met Derek at the Manta-S's engineering bay, where the bonded crew had been working for eighteen straight hours to transform their damaged ship into something approaching military capability. "Matt's ready for advanced neural interface integration. We're about to attempt something that's never been done."

"Which is?"

"Full neural interface with medical protection technology active." Derek gestured toward the ship's bridge, which now featured integrated medical monitoring systems, advanced navigation equipment, and defensive capabilities. "If this works, Matt can interface with ship systems without the medical risks he's been facing."

"He's really doing okay, Doc?"

"We've pushed boundaries here, but he's doing extremely well." He paused. "When you leave, I should go with you to monitor him."

Lev was shaking his head.

"And when the Coalition arrives and we're all not here?"

Dr. Chen sighed. "Point taken."

"Your sister is due to arrive soon," Lev said.

Derek's lips thinned, his fists flexing. "Then I guess I finally have to face what I've been running from."

"We could leave now? Take the Manta-S and avoid the confrontation entirely."

"No." Derek put up a hand. "She's my sister, I need to deal with her. She's risking everything because she thinks I need saving. The least I can do is explain I don't."

"She might not give you the chance to explain. What if she comes in guns blazing?"

"Then I'll have to, too; you'll have to stop her." Derek waved a hand around the deck. "You've given us a chance at life, my sister, despite her faults, gave me everything she could. I'm not abandoning her because family is complicated."

Derek moved to the neural interface controls. "Besides, if Ring-14 falls, there's nowhere to run anyway. Braker Corporation won't stop with one facility."

Matt lay in the cradle-type bed, medical monitoring technology creating a buffer between his deteriorating health and the ship's systems. For the first time in months, his vital signs showed stable levels despite deep neural integration.

"How does it feel?" Lev asked through the communication system.

"Like I can actually focus without the pain interfering, Chief. The interface is a little clunky, but we can fix that as we go. I can interface with the ship's systems without my condition getting worse; that's a boon."

"Jump capability?"

"Calculating now." A pause as data flowed across the interface. "Jump drive is optimal. Navigation systems synchronized. Life support is configured for extended operations. Chief, this ship is ready for whatever comes next, and so am I."

"And the ship's crew?"

Derek stepped forward, exhaustion and pride warring in his expression. "Forty-two people who've proven they deserve their freedom. The Manta-S isn't just operational—she's better than anything Merdan Shipping ever built."

"How much better?"

"Here, I'll show you." Derek activated a holographic display.

FLEET DEPLOYMENT STATUS

Value

Manta-S

95 % operational, neural interface stable

Matt's Condition

Stable integration, pain-free

Crew

42 personnel, freedom-proven

Jump Capability

Optimal, ready for Kepler deployment

Medical Monitoring

Revolutionary breakthrough achieved

"Medical monitoring integration," he pointed. "Advanced navigation, and defensive capabilities that can hold their own against most corporate raiders."

"Chief, we've got problems." Commander Sinclair said. "Three Braker Corporation vessels entered the system, bearing directly for Ring-14. They're not trying to hide their approach."

"On my way," Lev said. "Doc, see that they do all get a good look over, then let them get rest till we can leave."

Derek was about to shake his head. "No, that's an order, you need downtime."

"Come to me when my sister gets here."

Lev dipped his head and left at a jog. Ring-14 was huge, and some of the transport elevators weren't working yet. It was a long walk.

Back in the command center, Commander Sinclair looked up from her intelligence station as he stepped in.

"You ran?" Talia asked.

"Gotta sort out the gravity difference," he said. "That was tough going."

He panted slightly, but was soon breathing normally again.

"I've got more intel on Captain Crai's approach," Sinclair informed him. "She's not just accelerating—she's changed course twice in the past hour."

"Evasive maneuvers?"

"Tactical positioning I believe. She's adjusting her approach vector so that she can intercept the Brakers ships if they move to attack Ring-14."

Talia joined them at the tactical display. "That's not standard pirate behavior. Pirates avoid corporate fleets; they don't position themselves to intercept them."

"Unless family is involved," Sinclair added. "I'm also picking up encrypted transmissions between her ships. High-level tactical coordination, not just merchant raiding."

"What kind of coordination?"

"Her five ships are splitting into two attack formations. Three ships configured for fleet engagement, two ships optimized for boarding operations." Vale highlighted the formation patterns. "Captain Crai isn't just coming to collect her brother—she's coming prepared for a fight."

"Against whom? Us or the Braker Corporation?"

"That's the question, isn't it?" Talia studied the display. "But if I had to guess, I'd say she's positioning to protect Ring-14 from Braker Corporation while she handles the Derek situation personally."

"Her crew?"

Vale pulled up additional intelligence. "Eighty-seven personnel across five ships. A mix of ex-military personnel, corporate defectors, and professional pirates. They've been operating together for six years—long enough to develop serious unit cohesion."

"Combat record?"

"Impressive. They've successfully engaged Coalition Navy patrols, corporate security fleets, and rival pirate groups. No major defeats, several tactical victories against superior numbers."

Lev studied the tactical situation. "The Braker ships?"

"ETA?" he asked.

"Three hours," Vale replied. "And they're transmitting legal documentation claiming Ring-14 violates corporate territorial agreements."

"What kind of agreements?"

"Braker Corporation claims this system falls under their research jurisdiction."

"Bullshit," Lev said.

"They're demanding immediate evacuation and surrender of all our tech."

"They're trying to beat Captain Crai to the prize," Talia said and tapped the screen, zooming into their ships. "Eliminate Ring-14 before she can interfere with their operation."

THREAT ASSESSMENT

Value

Incoming Hostiles

3 corporate vessels

Legal Claims

FABRICATED — No territorial authority

Demands

Immediate evacuation, research surrender

Time to Contact

3 hours

Ring-14 Response

All ships combat positions

"Defensive preparations?"

"Our four ships are moving to combat positions. Midnight's Edge is handling electronic warfare coordination, Ghost Protocol has point defense coverage and Silent Thunder is positioning for heavy engagement." Talia pulled up weapons status displays. "We'll be ready."

"Personal weapons?"

"Every person on this station is armed and assigned to defensive positions. Bulkheads are sealed, ammunition distributed, and medical teams positioned to handle casualties." Talia's expression was grim but confident. "If Braker Corporation wants Ring-14, they're going to pay for it."

"Options?"

"Fight or flee. The defensive grid can handle three corporate raiders, but it'll be bloody. Alternatively, we evacuate to the fleet and fight a running battle."

"Casualties?"

"Moderate to heavy on both sides," Talia replied. "Alternatively, we evacuate to the fleet and fight a running battle."

"What about Captain Crai?"

"Still two hours out. If Braker attacks before she arrives, she'll find either a victory or wreckage."

"Nyx, their legal claim?"

"Fabricated," Nyx reported. "This system has no corporate territorial designations. They're attempting intimidation based on false authority."

"Combat capability?"

"Three modified corporate raiders against our defensive grid, plus five military vessels. Tactical advantage: Ring-14. Casualty estimates: moderate to heavy on both sides."

Dr. Chen's voice filled the command center. "Lev, if Braker Corporation gains control of Ring-14, they get 200 medical specialists plus all my life's work. We can't let that happen."

"Alternatives?"

"We could destroy the research data rather than let them have it." Dr. Chen's voice was quiet.

Lev felt the weight of 489 lives, the future of all those people Dr. Chen would save, and the broader war with Admiral Kuba. Fight and risk everything, or flee and abandon the victims who needed their help.

"Talia, honest assessment. Can we win?"

"Against three corporate raiders? Yes. Against the political fallout of destroying Braker Corporation's assets? Unknown. We'll be painting a target on Ring-14 that every corporate security force in Coalition space can see."

"And if we lose?"

"Braker Corporation gains everything we've built, plus proof that consciousness theft can be reversed. They'll use our own research to perfect their harvesting operations."

The command center fell silent as Lev weighed the options that would determine the future of everyone who had chosen to stand against corporate consciousness theft. Through the observation windows, he could see the controlled activity of 489 people who'd committed their lives to building something worth defending.

"Commander Sinclair, open a channel to the Braker fleet."

"Channel open."

"Braker Corporation fleet, this is Chief Lev Vaytas, Ring-14 Installation. You are approaching a legitimate medical and research facility operating under Coalition charter. State your business."

The response carried corporate arrogance. "Ring-14 Installation, you are in violation of Braker Corporation's territorial jurisdiction. Prepare for immediate evacuation and surrender of all research materials. Compliance is not optional."

"Braker Corporation fleet, Ring-14 Installation is a sovereign facility operating under legal charter. Your territorial claims are invalid. Recommend you reverse course and file appropriate legal documentation through Coalition authorities."

"Ring-14, you have thirty minutes to begin evacuation. After that, we will board your facility and take possession of all research materials. This is your final warning."

Lev looked around the command center, and everyone stared back. These weren't just soldiers or employees following orders—they were people who'd chosen to stand with him and he liked that, a lot.

"What's the call, Chief?"

"Defensive positions. All ships to combat readiness."

Talia dipped her head. "Aye, aye, Master Chief.

Lev tapped his comms. "Chen, secure the research and your friends. Derek, get the Manta-S ready for emergency departure if needed."

"And if they attack?" Sinclair asked.

"Then we prove that people who choose to be free are worth more than corporate profits."

"Chief," Nyx announced. "Incoming δ-Wave burst from the outer system. Captain Crai's fleet is maintaining approach speed. ETA: four hours. She may have detected the Braker vessels but isn't changing course."

CONTACT TIMELINE

Value

Crai Squadron

5 ships — ETA 4 h 15 m

Braker Raiders

3 ships — ETA 3 h 02 m

Battle Window

1 h 13 m

"Can you intercept her communications?"

"No, she's too far out. But her transmission fragments suggest she's... displeased with Braker Corporation's presence in her operating area."

Talia smiled grimly. "Pirates don't like corporate competition. She's too far out to intervene, but she'll arrive to whatever's left."

"All stations. General Quarters. Combat readiness, ten minutes," Lev announced.

RING-14 TACTICAL READINESS

Value

Battle Stations

All personnel positioned

Defensive Grid

100 % operational

Fleet Status

5 ships combat ready

Personal Weapons

All crew armed

Medical Teams

Casualty stations prepared

"Can you intercept her communications?"

"Maybe. But the transmission fragments suggest she's... displeased with Braker Corporation's presence in her operating area."

Talia smiled grimly. "Pirates don't like corporate competition. Especially when it threatens family."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning Captain Crai might arrive to find Braker Corporation attacking the facility where her brother is. That changes her tactical equation significantly."

"All stations. General Quarters. Combat readiness, ten minutes," Lev announced.

RING-14 TACTICAL READINESS

Value

Battle Stations

All personnel positioned

Defensive Grid

100 % operational

Fleet Status

5 ships combat ready

Personal Weapons

All crew armed

Medical Teams

Casualty stations prepared

Captain Crai ETA

2 hours (intercepting Brakers)

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