He paced back and forth across the holodeck, watching the battle unfold time and time again. Their rivals had finally caught up to his fleet’s tactics, and something new would be required. Arist regularly led engagements against enemy fleets, but something went wrong this last time. The Machariel was obvious bait. His fleet was prepared, scoring first blood well before its backup arrived. What went wrong?

Arist took great pride in his devotion to the Dragon Labs, so this recent scrape more than just frustrated him. He treats his friends like family, and even this minor defeat felt like a betrayal to the trust invested in him. He owed the Labs his best, and he had let them down.

Late into the morning, he finally allowed himself rest. There were too many variables to be certain, but Arist had an idea.

At dawn, a dozen Dragons undocked and set out for blood. His wingmen might have already forgotten the events of yesterday, but for Arist Thadrain, redemption was in the air.