Five months into the conquest, thousands of portals had already been destroyed.
Alliance forces met fierce resistance from the Thelarians, with hundreds of ships lost on both sides. Thelarians held the advantage of familiar territory, knowing every sector of the galaxy.
The Alliance, meanwhile, had to guard against sudden electric storms and The Maw—gravity wells in the Dark Galaxy capable of swallowing entire fleets.
Ships stayed close together. One that strayed far off was ambushed by the Swarmbearers, pirates. It was never heard from again.
Two vessels fell prey to Skincrawlers, forcing the crew to abandon ships.
High commanders adapted quickly. A galactic brigade fortified the outer edges of the Dark Galaxy, supported by monitoring fleets.
Scanners built by Kai and Salam pinpointed hundreds of large monoliths and thousands of portals, most clustered around Kaal's star system. Another cluster deep near the Dark Galaxy's heart.
Sectors around Kaal became priority targets.
A year later, Syndicate leader Eve called "Custard" contacted Eve, brokering a Thelarian truce.
Only Mira and Eve received the transmission.
"They won't intercept Alliance missions, but they want your word IC ships won't strike theirs. Nor would they seek their fortress."
Over dinner, they weighed the proposal.
Mira: "They're feeling the pressure."
Eve: "The mutants are as much their problem as ours. We're doing them a favor."
Mira: "Then why resist?"
Eve: "We came unannounced. It's their territory—resistance was inevitable. Now both sides have no choice but grant each other breathing room."
Mira: "You already expected this?"
Eve: "Mother Cetra foresaw it. When she leaves a clue, you wait until the moment comes. If it doesn't, it was never meant to be."
Mira: "Hard to believe you were once a Syndicate leader."
Eve: "Talcador did give us leverage."
Mira: "So how do we respond?"
A reply was sent. The truce was sealed.
Mutant attacks on Alliance colonies steadily declined as more portals and monoliths were destroyed. The truce cause internal political havoc in the committee.
Some arguing Eve's truce was holding the alliance back engaging in a battle they coud easily win... and attack the Thelerians right at its heart. The IC might not get another opportunity.
All held their lines, but greed of fame and fortune, whispered by the opponents, got to two high space commanders. They
Eve forbade them but they didn't listen. She tried to board the ship, but was rejected. She pleaded the IC governing, but her supporters said their hands were tied. They had volunteered for it.
Arrogance of committee members had a huge price.
Boths Starfleets went radio silent after the Hyperspace jump.