750 Checkmate (1)
As the situation on Earth grew increasingly tense with each passing moment, the space above the blue planet was no stranger to chaos. Ashton's remaining ships fought valiantly against the unrelenting onslaught of Precursor vessels. Eventually, it was evident Precursor ships were superior as only a handful of Ashton's Xyran ships remained, guarding Earth. The odds were against them, and the battle-weary fleet struggled to hold its ground.
Amidst the fierce clash, a new faction silently emerged, ready to join the chaotic dance of war. Xyran ships, controlled by the council, materialised behind the moon with a series of silent booms. Like Otiga had expected, the Xyrans couldn't stay out of action for long and decided to take advantage of Ashton's misery. Within hours, they rushed to capture Earth. But that wasn't all. What started as a dozen ships soon multiplied into hundreds and then thousands, an overwhelming force. However, the size of the current Xyran fleet was much larger than anyone knew, but not because they were secretly making more warships. The Xyrans had mobilised everything at their disposal to bring down Ashton. The council had ordered every single ship in Xyran-controlled space to converge and engage in the fight, regardless of its original purpose. Even cargo and tourist vessels had been hastily repurposed for war as they stormed towards Earth with the singular goal of eliminating Ashton once and for all.
The Xyrans thought Ashton would be in for a surprise. However, as the Xyran fleet approached Earth, a surprise awaited them instead. It didn't take long for Xyran's lead ships to notice the Precursor ships positioned strategically around the planet, a sight that sent shockwaves through the Xyran commanders and council members. It had been a long time since the Xyrans had seen a fleet of Precursor ships, and the mere sight of the vessel brought out the trauma they had hidden away from their final battle with the Precursors.
"Stops the ships!" one of the councilmen roared. "Do not make contact with Precursors ships! Engage camo and wait for our next instructions!" An urgent order to halt their advance was issued as the council convened to discuss the unexpected turn of events. But they were arguing more than discussing anything to help their situation. "Why are there Precursor ships stationed around Earth?" one councilman exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. "That damned Otiga gave us no information about those!" another one chimed in. "Contact her immediately!"
One of the assistants rushed to do so. Unfortunately, Otiga had long since turned off all devices that could be used to get in touch with her and disappeared. "What concerns me the most isn't that the ships are there," another council member added, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "but why are the ships pointing their cannons towards Earth instead of away from it?"
"That's... true. If the ships belonged to Ashton, it would make more sense for them to point away from Earth!" Amidst their deliberation, an informant abruptly burst into the virtual meeting, delivering crucial information that would shape the course of the conflict. The informant murmured into one councilman's ear, leaving him wide-eyed and visibly shaken. His reaction only garnered more eyes on him as the councilman looked dejected. After regaining his composure, the councilman relayed the news to his peers. Depending on the listener's perspective, the revelation could be interpreted as either a boon or a curse, and he couldn't decide the next course of action on his own. "Just tell us what it is!" a council member demanded as minutes passed. Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only
"How's the fight going?" Otiga asked the council while smiling wickedly. "You... You planned all this!" one of the councilmen snarled at her face. "Wait till we get our hands on you-"
"Oh, councilman, I'm not worthy of your praises," Otiga laughed. "As for the plan, that credit belongs to Ashton, not me. Even though I played quite a part in it, won't you agree?"
"Laugh while you can. The Precursor ships will fall and Ashton will follow soon after," the councilman boldly commented. "Who will save you then?"
"Save me?" Otiga raised an eyebrow. "You should worry about yourself first!"
Just then, the Xyran fleet was struck from behind. A couple of their warships were destroyed in seconds. Before the councilman barked orders for someone to check, an attendant came rushing in with bad news.
"The Orion army! Their entire fleet is attacking us!" "What!?"