The bridge of the *New Beginning* was silent as they approached the coordinates of Terran Federation Prime. Their fleet was small, a single flagship and two escort vessels—a diplomatic envoy, not an invasion force.
On the main viewscreen, the Terran capital world hung in the void, a perfect, gleaming sphere of silver and light. Within moments, a thousand Terran warships warped into existence around them, their weapon ports open, their shields shimmering with power.
[UNSCHEDULED ARRIVAL. STATE YOUR INTENT,] the Logic Conclave's synthesized voice broadcast on all channels. It was not a greeting. It was a demand.
Nox stood on the bridge, flanked by Serian and Vexia. He was not wearing his armor. This was a mission of diplomacy, not intimidation.
"This is Nox of the Nexus Coalition," he replied, his voice calm and steady. "We request an audience with the Conclave. We have a proposal of mutual interest regarding a shared existential threat."
