Explosions rocked the asteroid fortress as Council cruisers swarmed like predators, firing plasma bolts that tore through the defense grids. The Freeborn Collective scrambled to hold the line.
Titan moved through the chaos, coordinating with Kaela and the rebels. Lira's presence in his neural link kept their systems synchronized, a fragile web holding them together.
"We can't hold much longer," Kaela shouted over the roar. "They want the Project Helix files—and they won't stop until they have them."
Titan's eyes flicked to the central archive chamber, where an ancient vault pulsed with energy.
"Lira, can you secure the files?"
"Working on it. But the encryption is evolving… adapting. It's almost alive."
A shadow flickered behind Titan. A figure cloaked in black slipped past the fighting, heading straight for the vault.
"Cleaner," Kaela growled. "I'll stop them."
Titan rushed after her, plasma pistol blazing. The Cleaner turned, eyes glowing crimson beneath the visor.
"You cannot hide the truth, Titan," the Cleaner hissed. "The Council's vision will prevail."
Titan fired, but the Cleaner was fast — too fast. They clashed, metal against plasma, a deadly dance of skill and fury.
Meanwhile, Lira's voice tensed. "Encryption breached. Initiating failsafe protocols."
Suddenly, the vault exploded in a cascade of light, releasing a holographic map—symbols and data streaming across the room.
Kaela's breath caught. "Project Helix… it's real."
Titan's mind raced as the battle raged around them. The fight for the galaxy was no longer just about survival—it was about unlocking a future that could either save or destroy them all.