Chapter 281 Mist planet. {3}

Words : 949 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

The trader's smile faltered, but he quickly recovered, launching into a rapid-fire spiel about market fluctuations and the value of long-term partnerships. The Tyrant didn't budge. Its glowing golden visor remained fixed on the man, unblinking and unyielding. [Payment. Upfront.] The trader's confidence wavered, and he glanced nervously at his companions. One of them stepped forward, a burly figure with a cybernetic arm, and tried to assert dominance. "Listen, tin can, we've been doing this for years. You don't just—" Before he could finish, the Tyrant's massive hand shot out, grabbing the man by the front of his jacket and lifting him off the ground with terrifying ease. The feed crackled with the sound of the man's choked gasp as the Tyrant leaned in, its voice low and menacing. [Payment. Upfront. Or leave.] The trader's leader quickly intervened, waving his hands frantically. "Alright, alright! Upfront it is! No need for violence!" The Tyrant released the man, who stumbled back while clutching his chest. The leader hastily pulled out a data pad, tapping furiously to transfer the credits. The Tyrant's visor flickered as it processed the transaction, then gave a single nod. [Transaction complete. Proceed with loading.] The traders scrambled to comply, their earlier bravado replaced with hurried efficiency. The Tyrant stood watch, its imposing figure a silent reminder of who was in charge. Rex let out a low whistle while leaning back against Cleo's lap. "Well, that's one way to handle negotiations. Brutal, but effective." Cleo's fingers resumed their gentle movements through his hair, her expression one of quiet satisfaction. "Efficiency is key. The Rex Virus ensures they prioritize results without unnecessary bloodshed. And as you can see, it works." Rex chuckled while shaking his head. "I'll admit, I didn't think they'd be that... direct. But hey, if it gets the job done, who am I to argue?"@@@@ Cleo's smirk returned, her golden eyes glinting with amusement. "Exactly. And with the Tyrants handling the trade routes, we can focus on the Mist Planet without worrying about supply lines." Rex nodded, his mind already racing ahead. "Speaking of which... what's the timeline for the invasion? When do we move?" Cleo's expression turned serious, her fingers stilling for a moment. "We'll begin preparations immediately. The fleet will be ready to depart within 48 hours. Once we arrive, we'll need to move quickly, establish the perimeter, deploy the factories, and secure the warp device before anyone else does." Rex's eyes narrowed, his earlier drowsiness replaced by focused intensity. "And the mist creatures? What's the plan for dealing with them?" Cleo's fingers resumed their gentle strokes, her voice calm but firm. "We'll deploy specialized units equipped with thermal and motion sensors to track them through the mist. The factories will prioritize producing anti-mist weaponry, sonic disruptors, and EMP grenades to disorient them. And if necessary..." She paused, her gaze distant as if weighing the options. "We'll use the Tyrants to hold the line. Their armor is resistant to most forms of energy, and their firepower should be enough to keep the creatures at bay." One by one, the frigates followed, their sleek forms slicing through the waves with precision. Kilometers away, the second aircraft carrier surfaced, its towering silhouette pushing through the ocean like a mountain emerging from the sea. As the fleet ascended into open sky, Cleo's voice resonated across the command channels, calm and commanding. "Activating second defensive layer... Plasma shields deployed. Main energy shields initializing. Stand by." A faint hum vibrated through the ships as spherical blue energy fields formed around each vessel. Within seconds, the shields shimmered and faded, becoming invisible to the naked eye but their presence was undeniable, a protective barrier against any potential threats. "Defensive layers active. Preparing for warp jump." Rex exhaled slowly, his gaze sweeping over the fleet as it aligned in perfect formation. The sight was awe-inspiring, a symphony of power and precision. "3..." Cleo's voice echoed through the bridge, steady and unwavering. A low pulse reverberated through the ships, the energy fields reaching critical charge. "2..." The surrounding sky seemed to bend, the very fabric of reality warping as the fleet prepared to leap into the void. "1... Jump." In an instant, the entire fleet vanished. Streaks of light burned into the atmosphere, leaving behind a trail of brilliance as the ships propelled themselves into the unknown. A second later, the darkness returned, the ocean settling as if the fleet had never been there. High above, beyond the gravitational pull of the planet, the fleet reappeared hovering in perfect synchronization against the infinite backdrop of space. "Safe distance achieved. Initiating wormhole device activation. Estimated time until full fleet transit: three imperial minutes." The countdown had begun. Cleo stood at the center of the bridge, a commanding presence amidst a sea of hovering holo-screens. Her golden eyes flickered with intensity as they darted across endless streams of data, her mind processing calculations and strategies at lightning speed. The soft hum of the fleet's systems filled the air, a constant reminder of the power at her fingertips. The bridge was bathed in the cool, ethereal glow of tactical displays, casting an almost otherworldly light over the scene. Rex, meanwhile, made his way to his command chair with the casual swagger of a man who owned the stars. He sank into the seat with a sigh, his fingers drumming lazily against the armrest as he got comfortable. But before he could fully relax, the twins materialized on either side of him like shadows given form.

Chapter 281 Mist planet. {3}

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