The revelation spread across the Federation faster than light itself.
Every news channel, every civilian network, and every private communication terminal displayed the same horrifying footage.
One clip showed twelve Federation fleets advancing with absolute confidence.
The next showed them consumed by Void Cannons.
Another captured the terrifying silhouette of planet Zenith itself. Compared to the Federation's Titan-class warships, the imperial capital looked less like a fortress and more like a celestial kingdom built for gods.
Silence filled countless homes.
"I... I don't understand." An elderly woman stared blankly at her television.
"How can someone destroy twelve elite fleets?"
Her husband slowly lowered his cup of tea.
"I served in the Federation Navy for forty years. I've seen wars, rebellions, invasions. But this..."
He looked back at the footage.
"This wasn't war."
"It was extermination."
...
