Chapter 20 – Embers of Betrayal
(~2,000 words; Talia crosses the line, rebellion ignites, Shawn senses the fracture)
Citadel – Tactical Chamber
Shawn stood before the galaxy-wide display. Each star system flickered red or green depending on loyalty.
Too many were now pulsing red.
Venom draped herself over the back of his throne, her tongue flicking across her teeth.
"You should burn them. Demonstrate you will not be defied."
Talia stepped forward, her posture crisp.
"Some of these worlds can still be brought into compliance without further violence. My intelligence suggests—"
Shawn lifted a hand, silencing her.
"You are dismissed for now."
Venom's grin widened as Talia's jaw tightened. She bowed and retreated, her heart hammering.
Rhade – Resistance Command Post
In an underground bunker, holo-screens displayed the Citadel's schematics.
The black-armored courier had delivered Talia's first transmission.
"…power relays here," her voice crackled. "A coordinated strike will cripple the Citadel's planetary control grid. If you succeed, Earth's forces will have an opening."
The militia leader leaned over the table, her face grim.
"She risks everything by sending this."
Her second-in-command whispered, "And if it's a trap?"
"Then we die trying."
Citadel – Talia's Quarters
Talia sealed the door and activated her encryption layer.
I am now beyond the point of return, she thought.
A part of her still hoped she could save Shawn from the abyss. But another part—colder, more pragmatic—understood she was also saving herself.
She began the second transmission.
Earth – Avengers Tower
Tony Stark reviewed the new schematics.
"This is everything," he muttered. "Power distribution, clone barracks, even the Titan slipspace calibration."
Natasha studied him warily.
"You think it's genuine?"
He looked up, eyes hard.
"If it is, we have a chance. If it's a trick…he'll incinerate the planet."
Steve placed a hand on the table.
"Then we prepare for both."
Citadel – Throne Room
Shawn's eyes closed as he focused, searching the currents of chakra, the magnetic pulse of every Citadel system.
He sensed a flicker—like a candle guttering.
Betrayal.
His Sharingan spun slowly.
"Talia," he whispered into the silence.
Venom's silhouette shifted behind him.
"You feel it."
"Yes."
"Then you know what must be done."
Nerissa's Chamber
Nerissa sat bolt upright, gasping.
Her eyes, wide and black, brimmed with tears.
"Father…"
Her voice broke as she clutched her tiny hands over her heart.
"You're breaking…"
Outer Colonies – Vireen Uprising
The first rebellion erupted like wildfire.
Clone soldiers found themselves ambushed in their own barracks. Power stations detonated.
In the chaos, the rebel leader broadcast a single, defiant message:
We will not kneel.
Citadel – War Council
Alarms blared as reports came in.
Talia entered last, her expression carefully blank.
"Vireen has declared independence," she announced.
Venom's gaze flicked to Shawn, predatory.
"You see? Let me extinguish this before it spreads."
Shawn studied Talia's face.
For a long moment, no one breathed.
Then he spoke, voice soft as falling ash.
"Send a Titan."
END OF CHAPTER 20