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[Vega star system, Sector 2828; Star 732]

—Deep Space: X'Hal's Belt

The ship of Supreme General Thal'rak was in a ready position, the mid-sized ships flanking the Bastion of Tamaran, arranged in a ring formation, the standard formation for space sieges.

The reason for this was the enormous planet-class ship of the Citadel heading towards them. The ship was spherical, its size just smaller than a moon but still surpassing the mightiest ship in the Tamaranean fleet. This ship was of the model Titanus , model developed by the Citadel scientists, the Psions, and it was the newest and most powerful.

Thal'rak, looking at the gigantic ship, along with other Leviathan-class ships flanking it, could only muster an apathetic expression.

"This is where we live or die," Thal'rak thought as he transmitted his orders to the fleet.

Thal'rak ordered the mid-sized ships to use hit-and-run tactics to last longer, while the Gordonians' ships focused on bombarding the Tamaranean ships, especially the flagship.

The battle unfolded with relentless intensity. Energy blasts crossed the blackness of space, lighting up the darkness with deadly flashes. Thal'rak's mid-sized ships moved swiftly, attacking the enemy forces and disappearing before the Gordonians could effectively retaliate. However, the Citadel's planet-class ship, imposing and relentless, continued its approach, its devastating weapons wreaking havoc on the Tamaranean fleet.

Thal'rak remained calm under pressure, his hands steady on the controls of the Bastion of Tamaran. He observed the battle unfold with sharp eyes, tactically adjusting his orders as the situation evolved. The Gordonians' numerical and technological superiority was evident, and every passing moment seemed to tip the scales in favor of the enemy.

"Prepare maximum energy shields at the front," Thal'rak ordered, his voice resonating firmly through the fleet's communication channel. "And activate the particle cannons. Let's show them we're not easy prey."

The systems of the Bastion of Tamaran responded immediately. Energy shields intensified, forming a luminous barrier in front of the ship. The particle cannons, high-powered weapons designed to pierce through the toughest defenses, began to charge, ready to unleash a devastating barrage.

Meanwhile, the Gordonians' Leviathan-class ships advanced, encircling the Tamaranean ships in a deadly grip. The ring formation, though effective for sieges, began to collapse under immense pressure. Explosions echoed through the void of space, debris floating as silent reminders of the battle's brutality.

But Thal'rak did not give up. He knew that the only chance of survival was through courage and strategy. "Attack ships, focus fire on the flanks of the planet-class ship," he commanded. "Let's try to destabilize them and create a breach."

The Tamaranean fleet responded with military precision. The attack ships converged, launching a series of coordinated strikes against the flanks of the Citadel's planet-class ship. Explosions lit up the enemy hull, and for a moment, it seemed that the tide might turn.

However, the Gordonians retaliated with renewed force. The Leviathan ships advanced, their cannons firing relentlessly. The Bastion of Tamaran shuddered under the constant impacts, and the shields began to fail.

"General, the shields are at 30%!" an officer alerted. Thal'rak knew that time was running out. "Maintain formation and keep firing," he ordered, his voice firm. "If we fall, we'll do it fighting to the end."

'I hope your plan works,' Thal'rak thought, remembering the plan he had devised with the stranger Kyra'lynn had brought.

The battlefield in X'Hal's Belt was a dreadful spectacle of destruction and bravery. Among the bright stars, the Tamaranean and Gordonian ships clashed in a titanic confrontation. Explosions of energy painted the darkness of space with vivid and deadly colors, while the debris of destroyed ships floated, witnessing the ferocity of the battle.

In the center of this chaos, the Bastion of Tamaran, Thal'rak's flagship, fought valiantly to withstand the relentless assault of the Citadel's planet-class ship and its Leviathan escorts.

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Moments before:

Thal'rak was in the strategy room of the Bastion of Tamaran, looking at a tactical hologram of the battlefield. Beside him was Kallark, a warrior brought by Kyra'lynn, whose skill and prowess had impressed one of his best warriors. Kallark studied the hologram with a serious expression, his eyes glowing with fierce intensity.

"Kallark, the Citadel fleet is overwhelmingly superior in numbers and firepower," Thal'rak began. "We need a strategy that takes advantage of our mobility and deals significant damage to the planet-class ship. What is your proposal?"

Kallark crossed his arms, reflecting for a moment before responding. "We need to create a distraction big enough for me to infiltrate the planet-class ship. Once inside, I can use my equipment to hack their systems and turn it against the rest of their fleet."

Thal'rak nodded. "I understand. And how do you suggest we create this distraction?"

Kallark pointed to the hologram. "We will divide our fleet into two main forces. The first force, composed of mid-sized ships, will carry out quick and scattered attacks, using hit-and-run tactics to keep the Gordonian ships occupied. The second force, led by the Bastion of Tamaran, will maintain a defensive formation, drawing the focus of the planet-class ship."

He paused, observing Thal'rak's reaction. "Meanwhile, I will infiltrate the planet-class ship. Alone, I'll be faster. We need to time this perfectly. When the planet-class ship is focused on the Bastion, I'll enter quickly enough to avoid attention."

"Kyra'lynn said you are capable of flying and surviving in the vacuum of space, and strong enough to destroy Leviathan-class ships. Why not simply destroy the ships?" Thal'rak asked, wanting to know why not just end it quickly.

"Yes, I could destroy their fleet ships, but while I do that, the Gordonians would use heavy weaponry, and your fleet would likely be heavily attacked in the process. My plan will get you a powerful ship and slightly reduce their resources," Kallark explained his intention.

"Hmm... I see. You still haven't told me why you decided to help us," Thal'rak remembered.

Kallark stopped looking at the maps and stared at Thal'rak, who was ten centimeters taller than him. The intensity in his eyes increased, and he took a deep breath before responding.

"I... used to be a hero for my people," Kallark began. "I defended a vast and powerful empire against unimaginable threats. I defeated monsters, saved worlds, and inspired generations. But everything changed when I faced an overwhelming force. I was defeated and, somehow, ended up in this sector, far from everything I knew."

Thal'rak listened attentively, seeing the pain and determination in Kallark's eyes. "And now, you are here, amidst our fight. Why did you decide to help us?"

Kallark looked away for a moment, as if searching for words that could explain the inexplicable. "When I was transported to the Vega Sector, I realized that despite being far from my world, I still had power that could be used for good. I saw the oppression and injustice that plagued this sector. I saw innocents suffering and being exploited. And something inside me couldn't just ignore that."

He looked back at Thal'rak, his face now serious and resolute. "I could use my strength to destroy the Gordonian ships one by one, but that would put you at risk. My infiltration plan is riskier for me, but it offers a chance to turn the tide in your favor without causing unnecessary destruction."

Thal'rak nodded slowly, beginning to understand the deep motivation behind Kallark's actions. "You do this because you know you can make a difference, even if it's difficult and dangerous."

Kallark gave a slight smile. "Exactly. I can't live knowing that I could have done good and didn't. Even in a place where doing good seems to bring more harm than good to those who do it, I can't stop trying. Helping you is my way of redeeming what I lost and continuing to be who I am, regardless of where I am."

Thal'rak approached and placed a firm hand on Kallark's shoulder. "Then let's do this together. Your strength and courage, combined with our determination, can change the fate of this battle. May your ability to hack the planet-class ship's systems bring the victory we need."

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Back to the present:

Kallark was flying at an incredible speed, moving like an arrow, aiming for a blind spot on the planet-class ship. He had studied the ship's schematics and knew exactly where to strike. As he crossed the vacuum of space, he could feel the pressure, but his advanced physiology and rigorous training allowed him to withstand the extreme conditions effortlessly.

The planet-class ship was a colossus on the horizon, its metallic surface reflecting the explosions and energy beams that crisscrossed the battlefield. Kallark was closing in fast, each second bringing him closer to the infiltration point. He dodged defensive beams and floating debris with impressive agility, his movements precise and calculated.

Impacting the ship with the force of a meteor, Kallark created a breach in the metallic surface, making an opening large enough for him to pass through. Internal alarms sounded immediately, indicating a security breach, but Kallark was already inside, moving with speed and precision.

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I've been mulling over this for a while now, giving your opinion on the plan, and if possible a review on my other story.