They saw it first in the stars.
A subtle curvature in orbital data—gravity bends where there should be none.
Then came the noise.
Distant hums layered with static, growing louder each hour. Not from above—but around. The air itself grew tense, like it knew war before it arrived.
Mira watched from the primary observatory.
"Five vessels," she said. "Three small. Two capital-class. No banners."
Tarn leaned in. "But we know who they are."
Toren entered, eyes fixed on the sky.
He didn't ask questions.
He simply said:
"Wake everyone. We're done hiding."
The council chamber overflowed.
Civic engineers. Scout captains. Senior families. Farmers with weapons now folded into their belts like permanent limbs.
Jakel slammed a crate onto the floor—filled with old Republic blasters.
"We activate the outer defenses now."
Grum nodded. "And bait them into low orbit."
Linae frowned. "That endangers the outer villages."
Toren stepped up.
"We evacuate noncombatants to the central vaults. Anyone who stays—fights."
Mira added, "We're not defending a city. We're defending a belief."
The room quieted.
Because now it was war.
And for the first time since its founding, Aurex stood not as a secret.
But as a fortress.
At high orbit, the first contact was made.
An Aurex satellite, disguised as a mineral fragment, collided with a forward drone scout. The drone shattered. No data returned.
On the bridge of the lead Imperial ship, Captain Sorran reviewed the footage.
"Traps," he muttered.
The comms officer leaned in. "Should we wait for clearance from Arven?"
"No," Sorran growled. "He wanted a signal? Here it is."
He turned to weapons control.
"Charge the burners."
The engines pulsed.
And the fleet moved into attack formation.
In Aurex's core, Toren stared at the console as alerts flared red.
Orbital Entry Confirmed – Enemy FormationCloaked Fleet Position: 128km East Rotation Arc
DEFENSE HALO STATUS: ChargingEstimated Activation: 9 minutes 37 seconds*
He tapped the relay.
"All teams—lock phase. Ground-to-sky defenses prepare for rotation sequence."
Kora chimed in.
"System Protocol Unlocked – Force Surge Boost. Temporary combat augmentation available."
Toren didn't flinch.
He looked to Mira, to Tarn.
And said:
"Let's show them how we build kingdoms."
Outside, the first beam of energy lit the sky—
And Aurex began to fight back.