The AI didn't finish his sentence.
Because even before the words came out, the warrior already knew the answer.
"Yes," the AI said flatly. "Opening communication will confirm this sector's survival. This could lead to reclassification by external monitoring systems. The risk is significant."
The man leaned against the side of the console. His legs were still stiff. His muscles were still half-asleep. His mind… even more so.
But he wasn't stupid.
This wasn't the time for impulse.
He breathed out through his nose and closed his eyes for a second. Then he turned toward the ceiling, where the soft blue light was glowing.
"Then what now?" he asked. "You woke me up. Gave me the rank. What do you want me to do with it?"
The AI didn't speak for a moment.
Then came the answer, emotionless but not cold.
"Most ship protocols are locked. Systems are below the required threshold to execute high-level commands.
