Months had passed since the war ended, but trust between Earth and Aldoria was still fragile. Captain Elara Vance stood on the bridge of the Odyssey, watching a joint fleet exercise. Tensions were high, and old suspicions lingered.
"Command, this is Vance. The exercise is proceeding."
"Copy, Vance. Keep a close watch."
Kaelen appeared on the viewscreen, his expression serious. "Some of my officers are uneasy. They fear this is a trap."
"The same on my side," Elara admitted. "We need to show them that we can work together."
A simulation began—an attack by an unknown enemy. Both