The ruined street was dead silent save for the pathetic mechanical whining of the Vultun Herald's failing armor.
Zarek lay on the ash-covered asphalt. His left leg was completely pulverized and his once-pristine silver suit was coated in the grime of a world he had dared to call a primitive resource node.
Behind Vahn, Aria let out a long shuddering breath. Her hands trembled as she lowered her wooden staff.
She had fully expected to watch the man she loved be vaporized by the alien's overwhelming barrage. Instead she had witnessed a display of dominance so absolute it defied human comprehension.
"Are you taking notes, Sister-in-Law?" Hana's cheerful voice broke the tension.
The younger girl was leaning casually against a shattered concrete pillar. Her Sun-Silk Aegis shimmered flawlessly.
"Because I'm pretty sure my brother just styled on an alien invader without even taking his hands out of his pockets."
