The penthouse is our hub, space windows framing a starry void, holo-screens idling with mission logs. I'm Alex, lounging with Squad Zero—Fiona, Dmitri, Lyra—our bracelets humming with S-level access from the Graxon brawl and Fiona's recovery. Fiona's twirling her staff, smirking at me, Dmitri's polishing his spear, and Lyra's pacing, her Veltari agility itching for action. Our Eldari cover keeps our human roots buried, but the Arkvault's power games are always buzzing.
My bracelet pings—a message from the 13th Elder: Squad Zero, my office. Urgent. I glance at Fiona. "Boss wants us."
She nods, staff ready. "Another shadow play?"
Dmitri grunts, spear in hand. "Let's hear it."
Lyra's eyes flash. "I'm ready to move."
We teleport to the elder's office, holo-screens displaying ship schematics, space windows showing nebulae. The elder's metallic frame leans over a desk, voice like a busted engine. Varkis stands nearby, armor glinting.
"Squad Zero," the elder says. "The 5th Elder's breaking our deal. He swore council votes, but he's sabotaging my habitat projects and whispering to allies."
I cross my arms, power fist flexing. "Dirty move after we pinned him with the pirate proof."
Fiona's staff shifts. "Guy's got no shame."
Dmitri's shield twitches. "What's the plan?"
Lyra's poised to bolt. "Sneak or smack?"
The elder's optics narrow. "We hit back—quietly. Confront him in his territory, use the proof to force full submission. No council exposure."
I nod. "Like a gym rematch with extra stakes. We're the muscle?"
"Exactly," the elder says. "Look tough. Varkis guides."
Varkis's voice is sharp. "S-level chips crack his security. Stay sharp."
Fiona tilts her head. "If he fights?"
Dmitri grunts. "We end it."
Lyra smirks. "I'll make it quick."
We teleport to the 5th Elder's territory, a sector of gold-trimmed corridors and holo-statues of snarling beasts. His office is a fortress—marble desk, starfield ceiling, guards with laser staffs. Varkis hacks a door, and we slip in, the elder leading, us flanking like cosmic enforcers, our Eldari cover tight.
The 5th Elder, wiry and scaled, looks up, optics widening. "13th? With your Eldari crew? What's this?"
The elder tosses the data chip from the pirate heist. "Your sabotage—habitat failures, council whispers. You swore loyalty. But you lied."
The 5th's scales rattle. "That's not true!"
A holo-screen flares, showing comms—ship "Habitat-317 Camera footages. "Proof's real," the elder says. "Submit fully—every vote, no tricks—or the council sees this."
I step forward, pistol ready. "Don't push it, mate."
Fiona's staff hums. "We're not here to chat."
Dmitri's spear shifts. "Back off or get burned."
Lyra's stance tightens. "Your call, scaley."
The 5th's guards tense, but he waves them down, scales paling. "Fine. Full support. No more games."
The elder's smirk is cold. "Betray me again, and you're done."
We teleport back to his office, the elder's optics gleaming. "His votes are mine. The council's balance shifts."
I high-five Fiona. "We just tipped the cosmic scales."
She winks, nudging me. "Nice flex, Coach."
Dmitri nods. "He's locked in now."
Lyra laughs. "That was too easy."
The elder's voice softens. "Rest, Squad Zero. More work soon."
Back in the penthouse, Fiona leans close, her breath warm. "Solid hustle, hero."
I grin. "All for you, babe."
Dmitri eyes Lyra. "Think the 5th's really tamed?"
Lyra's eyes flash. "Not a chance, fire man."
The Arkvault's power plays are heating up, and Squad Zero's ready, bracelets humming with secrets, poised for the next cosmic throwdown.