Three weeks later, the Zōta Empire received a fragmentary signal.
An Earth-born attack. Unexplainable tech. Destruction of their drone.
A report landed on a general's desk.
"This is impossible. Earth isn't even Class C."
But the readings didn't lie.
"Send a Herald. Let's see who dares bark at our empire."
Back on Earth, Hong stood before a hologram of the solar system.
He marked the entry vector.
"The first alien contact is coming."
He smiled.
"And Earth will not bow.