The air in the central command chamber of the Krill lunar headquarters was thick with a tension that even the efficient atmospheric processors struggled to dissipate. Holographic projections of Earth and its surrounding orbital zones flickered erratically, painting a grim tableau of their recent, humiliating defeat. Most harvest leaders, admirals, and generals of the Krill forces assigned to Earth were gathered, their scales duller than usual, their posture tense, a collective wound of pride still festering.
Chancellor Shuha'dar, surveyed the grim faces before him. His own expression was a mask of controlled frustration, his eyes scanning the room, lingering on the glaring absences. Several command stations, usually bustling with activity, stood empty, their consoles dark.
