“Commander, we have fires in Sector Three, Five, and—dammit—Sector Seven just went dark!"
Karl stared at the tactical map. Red flares blinked in three corners of the frontier.
“This wasn't random," he muttered.
Captain Voss wiped sweat from his brow. “They struck fuel depots, med bays, and the barracks—all timed."
Karl's jaw tensed. “Supply manifests?"
“We cross-checked. No suspicious entries—except…"
Voss hesitated.
“Speak."
“Last week, your lab requisitioned blackroot powder. Bulk. Signed by the Mute."
Karl froze.
He turned, staring through the glass wall into Lia's chamber.
She was sitting on her cot, reading. Calm. Too calm.
“Secure her."
“Sir?"
He didn't answer. He was already moving.
---
The courtyard burned. Screams rang from every corridor. Civilians fled through br
