Interstellar Spark

As Aglaia donned the guise of a Masquerade Warrior, Li Wanxiu stepped into her shoes, juggling the Federation's ceaseless demands.

Aglaia's unique "Leader Chip" had been transplanted from her nape to Li Wanxiu's, granting access to all her bespoke gear. Without it, Aglaia's private AI would've sniffed out the ruse and unleashed lethal countermeasures.

Now, atop Galaxy One in a transparent office, Li Wanxiu toiled, swamped by a blizzard of intel and orders.

After a grueling morning, she exhaled, finally free to rest. Only then did she grasp Aglaia's staggering efficiency and prowess.

The comms hood lifted from her head. Military Secretary Jonathan's voice sounded at the entrance, seeking entry. Li Wanxiu tapped a sleeve-mounted key, sliding the door open.

Tailored for the supreme leader, her sleek, fitted uniform lacked the flex-muscle's versatility and might but bristled with protective and offensive gadgets, plus a swift response system to thwart any ambush.

Before leading the Institute, Li Wanxiu had captained a flagship-class vessel. Later, her groundbreaking theories—most famously the "Soul Theorem," advancing rebirth tech—crowned her a peerless research titan, securing her the dean's seat.

Aglaia was right: only she could impersonate the Grand Consul undetected.

Jonathan strode in, saluted, and said, "Candace requests an audience, claiming urgent news."

Li Wanxiu frowned. "What's she scheming now?" A soft sigh followed. "Let her come. Stay and listen."

With masterful disguise and a frame near-identical to Aglaia's, her voice, visage, and poise were flawless—fooling even a confidant like Jonathan.

Moments later, Candace swept in, clad in a space suit. After courtesies, the Outer Space Minister, all charm and allure, announced, "Grand Consul, my fleet found a wrecked Viper warship near Scorpio Star's dust zone."

Beyond Aglaia, Candace alone commanded a flagship—Leader Two, second only to Galaxy One.

Li Wanxiu perked up. "Have they towed it back?"

Candace replied, "Most of the Viper hull's lodged in a massive asteroid within the dust zone, keeping it largely intact. Excavation's impossible there. For deeper insight, I suggest the Grand Consul see it herself."

Ever shrewd and wary, Li Wanxiu turned to Jonathan. "Has the General returned?"

She'd sent Takahashi Tomoo to Maiden's base yesterday, hence the query.

Jonathan shook his head. "Not yet."

Li Wanxiu ordered, "Hand Galaxy One's command to Fang Tianyu. Signal Major Nicole—prep an armed workship and eight escort cruisers. I'm heading to the dust zone with Candace. You're with me."

Inwardly, she mused, My crew, my ships—your tricks won't touch me. Jonathan saluted and departed.

Aglaia and Natasha's wing-car idled on the intercity energy road, queued at a checkpoint. Nearly a hundred wing-cars snaked ahead, more joining, all bound for Fallen City.

Natasha sighed, restless. "I'd love to slip out, grab a flier, and shortcut to Fallen City."

Aglaia eased the car forward. "I mulled that too, but Massimo's hunting Michael with Augment Warriors scattered everywhere. To dodge them, I scrapped the idea." She smiled faintly. "Natasha! Where's your old calm and patience?"

Natasha's flex-muscle face flushed, betraying the rosy cheeks beneath. "Yes, Michael's to blame. But he's gotten to you too. Why else would our revered Grand Consul stoop to join a grunt like me in this perilous cesspit?"