Chapter 118 Ghosts in the Machine

The air crackled with nervous anticipation aboard the retrofitted Council vessel, christened "Whisper of Rebellion" by its crew. Elara, strapped into the pilot's seat, her grip tightening around the unfamiliar controls, scanned the holographic display. The flickering image depicted a massive Council communication hub, a sprawling complex bristling with energy signatures. This was it. The first strike in their daring operation. Success here could cripple the Council's communication network and sow discord within their ranks. Failure, however, meant almost certain capture or worse. Beside her, Kai, the young engineer who had spearheaded the vessel's modifications, adjusted a series of dials, her brow furrowed in concentration. "All systems nominal, Elara. We're cloaked and ready to slip past their defenses." Elara took a deep breath, forcing down the knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. "Remember the plan. Hit them hard, hit them fast, and get out before they know what hi