“This might be the stupidest fucking plan I’ve ever heard of,” Inelius said. “And you’re the only one I know that might be able to pull it off.”

  Riza glanced at him from where she sat atop the cryo pod. Then she looked at Raine, sitting next to him. “What got into him? Where did his sense of fun go?”

  Inelius spoke before Raine could. “Since when are you the authority on fun, Riza?”

  Riza feigned a recoil. “I’m offended, Neels.”

  Inelius cocked an eyebrow. “Wounded, even?”

  “Hurt, Neels.”

  Riza was acting very unlike herself. She was joking more, smiling a lot—acting light-hearted despite the tension with Commandant Carnasi. And now this silly fucking plan.

  It was down right unsettling.

  But what made Inelius’ head hurt the most was that as stupid as the plan was—he was pretty sure it was going to work.

  The team was gathered in the hangar by the Ghost of Mandachor, everything was packed up and ready to leave—Elias included. His cryo pod could run for a short time on temp power, so Riza had unhooked it and moved him up to stage with everything else. It was undeniably a little strange—the way she kept him around—but Riza’s impressive skillset and reputation had earned her a few small personality quirks.

  They’d even stripped everything personal out of the repurposed freighter-turned-shuttle that Tamiyo had commandeered from Batist.

  She wasn’t going to miss it.

  Everyone was briefed on what they needed to do. Where they needed to be. It had been two days since Riza made the request to Commandant Carnasi and word of the event had spread like wildfire throughout the fleet.

  Inelius felt Raine’s hand on his shoulder—he turned his head slightly to look at her.

  “You really think you’re going to talk her out of it?” she asked with a small smile.

  “Nah,” Inelius shook his head and looked back at the group. “Not with Elias here to back her up. Hey—” he looked back at Raine. “If I die are you gonna keep on ice and carry me around?”

  “Nope,” she answered immediately with a flat smile.

  “You didn’t even consider it.”

  “Well yeah,” Raine shrugged. “I would turn you into a glass dildo and go fuck myself.”

  Inelius closed his eyes, lowered his face into a palm, and let out a noise that was half sigh, half groan.

  Soren and Brolgar were so caught off guard that their roaring laughter echoed off the hangar walls. Amalia was doubled over with tears in her eyes—Brana fell to the floor. Violet had the brim of her hat pulled down to hide her face but Inelius could see her shoulders shaking.

  They were all cackling in one way or another.

  Inelius finally stood with a smile and stretched, shaking his head. “I suppose we should go get the party started.”

  All five lacravida stood up as well, making their way to the elevator. Amalia was still trying to catch her breath between little spurts of giggling. Veolo was wrapping her hands with a grin on her face.

  The CIPHERs and d’moria stayed behind—their part of the plan required them here so they could move everything over once things popped off. If they went too early, it would ruin the plan.

  Soren walked behind Inelius, and right as they got to the elevator, things got even weirder.

  “Here,” Aurania said, holding her greataxe out to Soren.

  Inelius stopped in place, looked at the axe—then at Soren who also looked surprised—and finally back to Aurania.

  “Who are you and what have you done with Aura?” Inelius asked.

  Aurania ignored the question and spoke to Soren. “Go to the upper balcony and hold onto this until everything starts.”

  Soren did not immediately grab the axe.

  “You mean I can touch it?” His tone sounded like a child opening a new present.

  “Yes, Little Boy, you can touch my axe.”

  Well, at least they’re flirting now, so that’s progress.

  Inelius made his way past them and into the elevator.

  As they were riding up, Inelius casually asked, “What’s that axe made out of, anyway?”

  “It’s a mix of tantalum and karsanite,” Aurania answered nonchalantly. “But you’d have to ask a d’moria forgemaster for specifics.”

  “Was it forged in the heart of a dying star or something?”

  “What?” Aurania crossed her arms. “No, don’t be silly.”

  A moment passed.

  “Their forge is set up in a planetary core if I remember right.”

  “Of course,” Inelius rolled his eyes. “How could I be so foolish.”

  The elevator doors slid open to reveal a long hallway. Several turns later and they were headed right toward the double doors where the event was being held. The sound of voices grew louder as they walked down the hallway. Stepping through the doors, they entered into the largest pavilion aboard The Bastion of Libertas and were met by a massive crowd.

  Nearly 500 of the servicemembers in attendance were lacravida. Some stationed aboard The Resolute Wind, others transferred in from surrounding vessels orbiting AE-2045—their presence stood out even among the other 3,000 mixed bag of personnel in attendance. With Riza getting ready to leave, the entire LU fleet wanted to come say goodbye. She was a legend across the entire Liberty Union military, but she was even more respected amongst the lacravida.

  The atmosphere was reverent—but warm. It wasn’t a party. And it wasn’t a formal event or anything. Riza had asked for something in-between, and that’s exactly what she got. Conversations hummed quietly in every corner, subdued but genuine, as soldiers from all ranks took a rare moment to breathe. The Commandant had authorized a temporary break in non-essential duties, giving his people the space to witness a farewell they all knew marked the end of something historic.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Though there were drinks being passed around and a positive social energy present, there was nothing too raucous. Some gentle music played, but nothing energetic enough for dancing. Clusters of gathered personnel exchanged stories, traded quiet salutes, and stole glances at the woman of the hour.

  Riza moved through the crowd like a storm made calm—each interaction brief, heartfelt, and impossible to forget. Murmurs and greetings settled around her like soft wind brushing over steel. LU troops both moved closer to talk with her, and parted to let her pass. No structured formation was in place, but a subtle half-circle formed around her as she walked.

  Riza met each gaze with a small nod or a firm clasp of forearms. She shared a longer, familiar interaction with a broad-shouldered woman who looked nearly her age—Inelius couldn’t hear what they said, but he guessed they were old war buddies.

  Further in, a younger human recruit stood stiffly at attention—mid-twenties—with a sniper’s badge still bright from lack of use. Her eyes tracked Riza’s every step like she was watching a story unfold.

  Riza approached her, quiet.

  The girl’s eyes darted around, trying to hold composure.

  “Name?” Riza asked gently.

  “Teru, ma’am.”

  Riza gave her a quick once-over and then extended her arm. Teru hesitated, then grasped Riza’s forearm in the traditional grip—tight, proud, shaking slightly.

  “At ease, Teru, I’m not actually part of the military anymore. And I don’t bite.”

  Teru hesitated, but did finally relax—if only a little. “Sorry ma’am. Thank you.”

  “Did your staff-NCOs grill you about what you’d say or ask me if you actually got the chance?”

  Teru laughed like she was a little caught off guard. “Yeah.”

  “And I’ll bet they only allowed some certain type of question.” Riza shook her head a little. “If we were friends, Teru, what would you ask me? Anything at all.”

  Riza pulled the girl closer, so Teru could whisper into her ear. After a moment, Riza laughed, then whispered back to the girl.

  Teru’s lips pressed together as she failed to hide a smile.

  As Riza was letting go of the girl’s arm, she said, “If any of your higher ups ask about what we discussed, tell them I ordered you not to talk about it.”

  Teru nodded warmly.

  They continued on their way, Inelius trailing slightly behind Riza. He also watched Aurania, and noticed how the crowd watched her as well. Most looks were from lacravida. Some nodded with deep respect, others offered a raised fist over heart. Her royal blood still meant something, even aboard the Liberty Union flagship.

  Violet, Veolo, and Amalia were mingling lightly—but none strayed far enough for Inelius to lose sight of them.

  For almost an hour they made their way through the crowd, heading nowhere in particular, but slowly moving closer to the stage that had been set up. Riza continued to meet and greet, see old friends, and inspire new ones.

  They finally made their way up onto the stage, built high enough so they could see across the entire crowd. It wasn’t overly fancy—a couple stone pillars anchored it in place and a row of seating was placed between them. Admiral Marrow and Commandant Carnasi were both already present.

  They met with Riza and discussed something too hushed for Inelius to hear. He stayed halfway up the ramp leading up onto the stage, back behind where Riza would be speaking. Violet, Veolo, and Amalia all stayed down on the floor, they moved to stand just below Riza’s podium.

  Marrow looked like he had no clue anything was wrong, but Carnasi seemed tense.

  Riza raised a hand as she approached the podium and the conversations hushed almost instantly. She wore her normal combat outfit that she was almost never seen out of—at least prior to Elias’ death. She had changed since then.

  No—she had changed before it.

  Not from him dying. From him living—from them loving each other.

  Riza radiated presence. Her voice carried a confidence not born from giving speeches, but from service alongside those she was about to address. Not from a dais, but in the trenches while reloading.

  “I’ve fought a lot,” Riza started. “Served in more systems than I can remember. Worn the blood of countless comrades and buried more friends than I’d wish in a hundred lifetimes.”

  Her eyes scanned the crowd.

  “The rumors are true, I know you all whisper, so let me confirm it to any who don’t know. I am indeed the Ghost of Proxinara, that’s how I came into this military. It took a lot of work—and a ton of bodies—to become known as more than just that. I’ve spent decades learning how to be good at war. But only recently did I start learning how to be whole. And how to fight for something more than orders. For life and love.”

  She paused, letting the words settle while her hand briefly touched her belly. Then she smiled softly.

  “I’m proud to have served with every one of you, no matter your world, no matter your species. I’ve bled with you. Drank with you. Grown with you.” Her voice softened.

  “But I must admit, I find myself happy to see so many of my own people in the crowd. Warriors raised from the moment they can wield a weapon to hold reverence towards sacred authority.”

  She turned toward Aurania. “I am honored to serve with and live beside War-Chieftess Aurania Enderchild. Our people have respected the Enderchild line for centuries. It is not mere tradition that binds us—it is spirit. She is someone who carries her oaths—her loyalty to her home and people—in her very blood.”

  Riza turned back to the crowd. “Her bloodline commands reverence. But her leadership earns it.”

  A quiet ripple moved through the lacravida in the crowd. A cultural chord had been struck—because Riza had aimed for it.

  Carnasi shifted where he sat, his face tightening.

  “I want to thank the Liberty Union for everything—especially you, Commandant Carnasi.” Riza turned back to face him. “You gave us sanctuary when we had nowhere else to turn. I’ll never forget that.”

  She looked him in the eyes sincerely. “And you’ve been a good friend over the years.”

  Despite her words, the tension in the air was palpable.

  Carnasi’s face grew more serious by the moment, trying to decipher what they were pulling.

  She watched him a moment longer, then faced back to the crowd. “I’ve been put in an impossible situation, my friends. The bureaucracy that helps keep The Liberty Union free from corruption also means that important matters take time. Our planet is in danger, and time is the one thing we simply do not have.”

  The Commandant stood slowly. “Riza… what are you doing?”

  She ignored him. “I would never ask any of you to betray your oaths. But at the same time, I have to do what is best for my home.”

  “Riza!” The Commandant shouted at her.

  She looked over her shoulder. “I need that ship, Kade.”

  “What?! It doesn’t even run!”

  “Incorrect. I’m taking it and heading straight into Conservatory space to get what I need.”

  Inelius keyed up his comm, keeping an eye out to make sure no one tried storming up the ramp. “Tamiyo. Move the gear. Go now.”

  They could have tried to take it quietly—probably would have gotten away too. But the ship’s advanced design was already part of the Liberty Union’s official record. If Carnasi gave it to them by will, or if it was stolen quietly out from under his nose, they chanced putting him at risk for being stripped of command.

  And Riza wouldn’t do that to her old friend.

  No one would question losing to her in a fight, though.

  Carnasi’s brow furrowed. “That ship is one of the most advanced pieces of technology in existence! I’d give it to you if I could, but you know I can’t!”

  A small smile appeared on Riza’s lips. “I know.”

  Inelius blinked and Riza was standing behind the Commandant.

  Her dagger was held to his throat.

  The whole crowd gasped.

  Admiral Marrow stood and shouted, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

  Aurania put herself between Marrow and the Commandant.

  “I’m covering your ass Kade,” Riza said.

  Carnasi didn’t answer right away—he was connecting the dots in his head.

  Admiral Marrow screamed, “Your Commandant is under attack! Are you blind?! To arms—!”

  “Lacravida!” Aurania cut off the Admiral. “Disarm anyone holding a gun!”

  The crowd shifted—air electric. The lacravida servicemembers were torn between military discipline and cultural reverence.

  A flash of silver caught Inelius’ attention as the greataxe flew through the air, embedding into one of the pillars with a loud SHUNK.

  The air froze for an instant.

  “Arrest them,” Carnasi said in a tone like surrender.

  The crowd moved.

  Aurania screamed like thunder.

  “Volkara!”

  All hell broke loose.

  ??

  "The Mission Begins"

  Thank you so much for sticking with me through this journey! Let's see where we're at so far:

  ?? 207,000+ Words Read?? ? 60 Chapters Complete (+5 Bonus Scenes???)

  If you have not done so already, it would mean the world to me if you could take the time to leave an Advanced Review! Your detailed feedback helps other readers discover this epic space opera.

  If you have already left a review, a dozen thanks and blessings to you. ???? It means a lot to me that my first book ever has made an impression.

  For those who've been following silently, consider creating an account to bookmark your progress as we move forward. Each rating and review helps other readers discover this universe we're building together.

  What's next? There's no 0-100 with Book 3—it starts off at 110, kicking off immediately following Aurania's order. The team strikes out on their own and soon dives headfirst into Conservatory territory. They grow closer, stronger, and overcome greater losses and challenges.

  There is also a LitRPG Novella side-story that takes place simultaneously, it'll be marked when the appropriate time comes if you want to read them in parallel. Want to read ahead and find out what happens early? Consider

  Looking to the future: There will be 2 sequels for this team, they are already in the works. There is also a prequel in progress, as well as some fun side story ideas I have floating around (like someone trying to earn permission to breed with Samara).

  I would also love to turn Cradles of Gravity into a webcomic and possibly ?? get it animated one day, we'll see what happens!

  If you'd like to , we'd love to have you! There you can discuss chapters, share theories, and connect with other readers.

  Thanks for reading, and see you in Book 3! ??