Chapter 22 · The Ninety Days They Stole

The countdown appeared on every surface of the Blue Heron.

NINETEEN MINUTES, FORTY-TWO SECONDS.

Red numbers crawled across the bridge glass, the navigation table, the emergency displays above the hatch. They reflected in Sera Vale’s eyes as she stood at the center of the command deck, one hand braced against the rail while the ship shuddered around her.

Beyond the forward windows, the Helios Gate opened like a wound.

Enemy vessels spilled through the blue-white aperture in layers—destroyers first, then needle-shaped interceptors, then the heavy black hulls of the Dominion carriers. Their weapons flashed before their engines cleared the gate. Green lances tore through the fleet’s outer screen, blooming against shields with silent, distant violence.

Mara Quill’s voice cracked over the command channel. “Two escort frigates are breaking formation. Their helm systems are locked. Someone is issuing separation orders under Jalen Ro’s authorization.”

“Can you block them?” Sera asked.

“I can block the orders or keep the point-defense grid alive. Pick one.”

Sera’s jaw tightened. “Keep the grid alive.”

A cruiser at the edge of the formation rolled helplessly into the enemy’s firing lane. Its shield collapsed in a white flare.