Graveyard of Empires

Yeol, freshly promoted to Vanguard, joins a scouting mission with his friend Traq. Their group discovers a Union force of approximately 600 soldiers. Yeol wrestles with his new responsibilities and Traq receives a custom foldable weapon from Vivian, deepening their bond.

Emperor orders strikes on four Union stations after admitting imperial guilt. Commander Thane evacuates Meridian Station before its destruction. Four stations destroyed simultaneously as the empire chooses force over accountability.

*** Novum — Greenwood Facility *** Dr. Alonso Quentin The entrance to Greenwood was exactly where the sign had promised—a massive steel door set into the mountain face, scarred and rusted but still standing. Alonso had seen bunkers before, relics of old wars on colonized worlds.

Abdullah eats with enlisted men, discusses Regamon deployment with Eddie. Eddie mentions intelligence briefs about Union spymaster Maven Ophidian and Kingdom Admiral Crater. A rape is reported; Abdullah sends victim to medical and accused to brig.

Three weeks after Arcadia, Union General Darius Gray hosts Imperial Captain Andrew Jarvis for elaborate dinner, intending psychological torture and extraction. Darius reveals past: expelled from Ministry after castrating nobleman abusing toddler on Barlen.

Raiders attack Haven Station. Traq leads a counter-assault using Adeline's tunnel knowledge and basic human tactics instead of Vanguard enhancements. They save a data broker who offers intelligence about Lost Space in return.

Emperor Gaius discovers Novum truth, confronts Director Vane, refuses to suppress the evidence. Commits to transparency. Learns of approaching alien fleet and Vanguard program origins.

Maven argues with Darius and Alyssa about rebellion strategy. Plans Regamon infiltration via Silvent Academy recruits. Wager set: recruits survive Alderson facility or fleet attacks Jaril.

Vivian takes young Traq from his mother on Geid, wrestling with guilt as she loads him onto the Cudgel. During the walk through Averton, Traq's distress triggers an involuntary telekinetic discharge that scatters a fish rack.