01900

"Report?" Lev moved in beside Nyx at the tactical station.

"All ships are at General Quarters, personnel are in positions, and we are ready, Chief."

"Ring‑14, you have five minutes to stand down," came the Braker Corporation's representatives echo over comms.

"Do you have a response for them?" Talia asked.

Lev shook his head. "Let them stew."

"They're broadcasting corporate seizure codes again," Commander Sinclair reported. "They're still claiming legal authority to board and confiscate all research materials."

"Legal authority, my fucking ass," Lev muttered. "Nyx, open a channel to all emergency medical frequencies."

"Open."

"To anyone listening. We're a sanctioned medical facility and are under attack from Brakers Corporation, calling in for any assistance you can provide. Article 118.T717A."

"Transmitted, Chief," Nyx confirmed. "We've a response from the Coalition, sixteen hours minimum till they can reach us. We're on our own."

"I knew that," Lev replied. "Talia, station‑wide comms."

"You're on, Chief."

"Ring-14. In four minutes, Braker Corporation is going to try to take our station. That's not happening. Every person on this station chose to be here. Every person on this station has proven they deserve their freedom. Show these corporate raiders what free people fight like."

A chorus of acknowledgments echoed through the comms, and Lev smiled.

"Lev," Dr. Chen said. "The miners are stable and mobile. Luna's asking if she can help with station defense."

"She should rest."

Dr. Chen laughed. "Try telling her that."

"Okay," Lev replied. "Put her in touch with damage control. She knows tight spaces—if boarders get inside, she can help coordinate movement through the station."

"Copy that. Chen out."

Lev switched channels. "Derek, status on the hull recovery?"

"Final ship secured and in restoration. Frost Enterprises contract will be completed in six hours, regardless of what happens here," Derek replied through the communication system. "My crew knows what they're working for."

"Which is?"

"Proving that freedom means keeping your word, even when raiders are shooting at you."

"Any word from the Iron Covenant?"

"Still en route with the mining rescue. ETA... approximately twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes after these bastards arrive. Perfect timing."

"Braker vessels are at weapons range," Talia announced. "Lead ship is powering up boarding systems. They're serious about taking this station."

Lev studied the tactical display, seeing Ring‑14's defenses against three corporate raiders equipped for intimidation rather than sustained combat. The mathematics favored the station, but corporate raiders fought with the ruthlessness of people who believed authority justified anything.

"Open communications to the Brakers lead vessel."

"Channel open."

"Braker Corporation fleet, final warning. Ring‑14 is a medical facility treating recent victims of mining accidents. Any attack on this installation will not be taken lightly."

"Ring‑14, you possess stolen Braker Corporation research data. Surrender immediately or face the consequences of harboring corporate secrets."

"Stolen research data?" Lev looked at Talia. "We're treating miners with crush injuries? What are you talking about?"

"Corporate logic," Talia said. "If it helps people, it must be stolen."

"Braker fleet, the only secrets here are evidence of negligent mining safety protocols and corporate cover‑ups. I recommend you withdraw before the Coalition investigation reveals the full scope of your operations."

Static filled the channel before the corporate commander's voice returned, colder and more determined. "Ring‑14, you have chosen corporate warfare. Prepare for boarding operations."

"Corporate warfare," Lev repeated. "We're a medical station."

"Not anymore," Talia said grimly. "Now we're a target."

The first Braker raider launched assault pods aimed at Ring‑14's docking bays, while the other two vessels moved to flanking positions designed to overwhelm the station's defensive systems. It was a textbook raid—fast, brutal, designed to seize assets before resistance could organize.

Lev found himself pacing the screens and then clocking damage reports as they started to roll in.

LIVE ENGAGEMENT 01905Z

Value

Braker Pods

6 launched → 1 destroyed → 1 hit Bay-3

Grid Nodes

94 % (Δ–3 in last 5 min)

Power Margin

+12 % over combat baseline

Station Hull Integrity

97 % (localised scorch, Section 7

Ring‑14 spewed everything it could at the Brakers raiders. Lev watched the controlled chaos of space combat. The enemy ships maneuvered for any advantage while weapons fire sliced lethal patterns across their hulls/

"Manta‑S is also engaging," Talia said, and reached to stop him from wearing a hole in the deck.

"How many per pod?"

"Twenty hostiles, with military‑grade equipment. They're moving fast."

"Team Alpha, you copy that?"

"Copy, Chief. I've got damage control teams ready to seal sections behind them if needed."

Nyx brought up views of the bay, and Lev noted that two of Alpha's men got hit with weapon fire. "Chen, we'll have wounded coming in from docking bay 3."

"Understood, Chief."

Alpha Team pushed forward and had the wounded back behind safe lines and away while repelling the enemy fast.

SECTION-7 BOARDING OPS

Value

Hostile Forces (initial)

20

Hostile Casualties Timeline

20 → 12 → 3 → 0 (neutralised in 7 min)

Friendly WIA

2 (stable, evacuated to Medical Bay 7)

Medical Bays

SECURE

Data Vaults

SECURE

Internal Status

Routes sealed, Section 7 lockdown active

"They know exactly where they're going," Talia observed.

"Inside intel?"

"Or good reconnaissance. Either way, they're not here for random intimidation."

"Medical facilities?"

"Secured. Dr. Chen's people have moved critical patients to protected areas. All research data is behind reinforced barriers."

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"Chief!" Nyx said. "Detecting massive acceleration signature. The Iron Covenant is returning at flank speed!"

"ETA?"

"Fifteen minutes. And Chief... Captain Keating is broadcasting on emergency frequencies. She's detected the battle and is requesting an immediate tactical update."

"Put her through."

Captain Keating's voice filled the command center with barely controlled fury. "Ring‑14, this is Iron Covenant. We've got 80 rescued miners aboard, and we're coming in hot. What's the tactical situation?"

"Braker Corporation raiders are attacking the station. Corporate boarders inside, three ships engaged with our defensive grid."

"Understood. Iron Covenant is combat-ready, and we're pissed. Those miners we just rescued? They're asking for weapons to defend the station that just saved them."

"Negative on arming civilians." Lev said. "But we'll take all the firepower you can throw at them."

"Copy Chief. See you in fifteen. Iron Covenant out."

"This might change things," Talia said with a grim smile. "Fresh ship, combat‑ready crew, and they're all angry about corporate raiders attacking medical facilities."

"Plus 80 miners who just saw Ring‑14 save their lives," Lev added. "They're going to have strong opinions about Braker Corporation."

"Boarding team status?"

"So far contained in Section 7, but still advancing toward Medical Bay 3," she reported. "They're going for Dr. Chen. This isn't random corporate intimidation, someone gave them detailed intelligence on our layout."

"How?" Sinclair asked. "Even I'm not 100% sure on our layout."

"Me neither," Lev said. "But we'll find them. Moles go straight out of the airlock."

"Beta Team, we're sealing secondary access routes. If they want to get to Chen, they're going to have to double back, right through us."

"Outstanding." Lev praised. "Talia, how long can we hold them?"

"Long enough for the Iron Covenant to arrive and tip the balance."

"Chief, the Manta‑S is engaging the second Brakers ship," Derek reported. "Matt's neural interface is stable. We're giving them hell out here."

FLEET STATUS 01912Z

HULL

WEAPONS

NOTES

Manta-S

84 %

Operational

Neural interface stable (Matt)

Silent Thunder

89 %

Operational

Midnight's Edge

96 %

EW Systems

Optimal

Raider-1 (Braker)

45 %

Retreated

Life support failing

Raider-2 (Braker)

8 %

Disabled

Jump drive offline

Raider-3 (Braker)

67 % → 12 %

Engaged

Extraction attempt in progress

"Casualties?"

"None on our side." He gave quite the evil chuckle. "Can't say the same for the corporate raiders."

"The hull recovery?"

"Continues regardless of boarding operations. My people know their priorities."

"Damn right they do."

Ring‑14 had become a three‑dimensional battlefield. The Manta‑S joined Silent Thunder and Midnight's Edge hitting the Braker's lead ship.

"Braker lead is taking heavy damage," Commander Sinclair reported. "They're pulling back from close engagement. Second vessel..." She paused as weapon fire intensified on the tactical display. "Second vessel disabled. Manta‑S reports successful targeting of their jump drive."

"Derek's crew?"

"All green. Matt says the neural interface is working perfectly under combat conditions."

"Third vessel?"

"Attempting to extract their boarding teams. But our people in Section 7 aren't letting them retreat so easy."

"Chief, this is Team Alpha," came the gruff voice over tactical comms. "We've got the boarders pinned down in Section 7. Damage control teams have sealed their escape. They're trapped."

"Surrender?"

"Corporate raiders don't surrender. They're fighting to the last man."

"Then make sure they don't take any of our people with them."

"Copy that."

"Contact!" Nyx announced. "Iron Covenant is dropping out of jump at maximum velocity. Captain Keating is broadcasting on all frequencies."

"Put her through."

"Ring‑14. Requesting immediate tactical assignment."

"Engage the third Braker ship. They're trying to extract their boarding teams."

"Understood. Iron Covenant moving to intercept."

TACTICAL UPDATE - IRON COVENANT ARRIVAL

Iron Covenant: Hull 100% - Fresh combat entry

Ring-14 Systems: 91% operational

Braker Fleet Status:

Raider-1: Hull 45% - Withdrawing, life support critical

Raider-2: Hull 8% - DISABLED, jump drive destroyed

Raider-3: Hull 67% → 34% → 12% (attempting extraction)

Boarding Teams: ELIMINATED

Mining Personnel: 80 rescued, requesting combat roles

"Iron Covenant engaging," Captain Keating reported.

"Boarding team status?"

"Eliminated," Alpha Team's lead reported. "Section 7 is secure, medical research protected."

"Casualties?"

"Three wounded, none are fatal. We have excellent trauma care on hand."

"Luna's people know defensive engineering. Corporate raiders learned that the hard way."

"Third Braker vessel disabled," Commander Sinclair announced. "Iron Covenant reports successful targeting of their life support systems. They're surrendering."

"Surrendering, kick them out of our airspace, or destroy them." Lev said.

BATTLE RESULT 01928Z

Value

Raiders Neutralized

2 disabled / 1 surrendered

Station Hull

89 % Integrity (repairs scheduled)

Defensive Grid

87 % Operational

Friendly Casualties

3 wounded (stable in medical)

Miners Rescued

80 personnel (Iron Covenant)

Fleet Power

5 ships combat ready

Fleet Status:

Manta-S: 84% hull, full operational

Silent Thunder: 89% hull, weapons optimal

Midnight's Edge: 96% hull, EW systems active

Iron Covenant: 100% hull, crew commended

"Damage report, Nyx?"

"Minimal structural damage, no casualties beyond the three wounded in Section 7," Nyx reported. "All critical systems operational."

"Dr. Chen's research?"

"Secured and undamaged. They're ready to treat the injured from the Iron Covenant."

The screen flashed before him once again, Captain Crai was almost upon them.

So much for a break in between crisis. With their ships chasing off the Brakers, it did however leave the station on its own.

"Manta-S, RTB," he ordered.

"My sister?"

"Yes, let's get you in to sort this next mess out."

"I'm on my way." Derek replied.

INBOUND SIGMA – CAPT. CRAI

Value

Total Vessels

6 (1 Heavy Cruiser, 2 Escort Frigates, 3 Unknown Config)

Mass / Δv

Heavy / 1.1 c fractional burn

ETA to Ring-14

1 h 30 m

Intent

INTERCEPT (trajectory aligns over Raider extraction paths)

Expected Tactical Profile

Reinforcement and command contact

"This should be interesting." Lev said, stretching to ease the tension in his shoulders.

Ten minutes later, the Manta-S was docked, and Captain Crai's fleet was right in front of them.

"Incoming transmission from Captain Crai's flagship," Nyx said. "Derek is in elevator six, almost here."

"Put it through," he replied.

"Ring‑14, this is Captain Crai. I see you've had visitors, and it looks like you sent them packing."

"You're early," Lev said.

"Saw the fun," she replied. "Thought we might be in time to, you know, help out."

"We're quite capable of handling the Brakers."

"So it seems. I see you've added the Iron Covenant to your fleet. Impressive."

"What do you want, Crai?" Lev asked despite knowing the answer.

"My brother and I need to talk. Permission to dock?"

"Granted. Bay 7 is open."

When Derek graced the CIC, he moved straight to Lev, "She's on her way up." Lev said. "Your crew?"

"Sorting out damage reports, they're all good."

"She's here," Nyx said. "I've moved her to meeting room 2."

"Ready?" Lev asked Derek.

"Let's get it done."

Captain Crai was staring out the viewport video feed when they stepped inside. "Impressive defensive setup," she observed, not turning around. "This isn't the research station I was expecting to find."

"Plans changed," Lev said.

She finally turned, and Lev saw her eyes lock onto Derek immediately. For a long moment, neither sibling moved. Derek stood straighter, his jaw set in the stubborn line Lev had seen when he refused to abandon his crew.

"Feath," he finally said.

"You look tired," she replied, stepping closer. "Thinner than when you left."

"I'm fine."

"Are you?" Her voice cracked slightly, and she glanced at Lev who didn't look away. "Three years, Derek. Three years without a word. Do you know what that's done to me?"

Derek also tried to seek out assurances, but this was his fight, Lev couldn't interfere. "I couldn't—"

"Couldn't what? Even send me a message? Let me know you were alive?" She was close enough to touch him now, her hand half-raised before dropping back to her side. "I raised you. After Mom and Dad died, I gave up everything to keep us together. And you just... you just left me."

"You weren't listening to me about Tim," Derek said, his voice getting sharper. "You couldn't see what he was doing to you, what he was turning you into."

"Tim? This is about Tim?" Captain Crai's professional mask slipped completely. "He's been helping me build something, Derek. A real operation, real security—"

"Real slavery," Derek cut her off. "He had you running Braker Corporation's dirty work. Making you complicit in things that would have made Mom sick."

"Don't you dare bring her into this."

"She taught us to help people, not hurt them. And Tim had you doing exactly the opposite."

Captain Crai's hands clenched into fists. "Tim showed me how to survive in a sector where corporations crush independents. Where was your better way, Derek? Hiding in mining ships?"

"Working for people who don't treat human beings like disposable assets," Derek shot back. "Learning skills that matter. Building something instead of taking it."

"Building what? Look where it got you—bonded labor, barely surviving—"

"I wasn't surviving, I was dying," Derek's voice went quiet, deadly serious. "The neural damage, the constant pain, watching my crew get picked off one by one. Frosts saved our lives. These people gave us a future."

Captain Crai looked forlorn. "And what about us?" she whispered. "What about our future?"

"Come with me," Derek said suddenly. "See what they're building here. Help us instead of helping Braker Corporation."

"I can't abandon everything I've built."

"Like I did?"

The words hung in the air between them. Captain Crai's breath caught, and for a moment she looked like a teenager who'd suddenly found herself responsible for a grieving little brother. "That's not fair."

"Neither was you choosing Tim over family," Derek replied. "Neither was you becoming exactly what Mom and Dad died fighting against."

"They died in a mining accident."

"They died because Braker Corporation cut safety protocols to save money. And Tim had you helping them do the same thing to other miners."

Captain Crai stepped back as if he'd struck her. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know that Ring-14 saved 80 miners from the same kind of 'accident' that killed our parents. I know that Dr. Chen is treating people who were injured by the same corporate negligence that we grew up hating. And I know that he has you so twisted around that you can't see Braker Corporation for what it really is."

"Time cares about me."

"Tim only cares about having a pirate captain who'll do anything he asks without questioning why." Derek's voice softened. "Feath, you're smarter than this. I know you are."

Captain Crai went quiet, so very quiet When she spoke again, her voice was small. "Where does that leave us?"

"It leaves us with a choice," Derek said. "You can keep working for the people who killed our parents, or you can help me stop them from killing anyone else's."

"And if I choose wrong?"

Derek looked at his sister—really looked at her—seeing past the pirate captain to the scared girl who'd held their family together after losing everything.

"Then we'll still be family," he said quietly. "But we'll be family on opposite sides of something that matters."

Captain Crai closed her eyes. When she opened them, Lev saw something different there—not the professional pirate captain, but someone seeing clearly for the first time in years.

"Tell me about Tim."

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything. Every job he gave me, every favor he asked for, every time he said it was for our own good." Her voice grew steadier. "Because if you're right... if I've been helping them..."

"Then we figure out how to fix it," Derek said. "Together."

For the first time since entering the Ring, Captain Crai smiled—a real smile.

"Like when we were kids?"

"Like when we were kids," he confirmed. "Except this time… We're not fighting to survive. We're fighting to make sure other families don't go through what we did."

"All right," Captain Crai said, her voice carrying new resolve. "Tell me about this medical mission. Tell me what Ring-14 is really doing. And then we'll figure out how to make Braker Corporation pay for what they did to our family."

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