Somewhere deep within Noctyrr Prime, in a towering corporate office that pierced the neon skyline, Caldero sat behind a pristine black desk, fingers steepled as holographic financial streams scrolled beside him.
He didn't look worried.
He looked prepared.
"The Galactic Empire is onto us," Caldero said calmly.
"Begin transferring assets to my secondary accounts. And get the safehouse ready."
His assistant hesitated.
"Sir… are you sure it's the Empire? The AI hasn't flagged a single report from any STF or military branch."
Caldero's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I'm sure."
He leaned back in his chair.
"Because of the one they call Shadow."
The assistant stiffened.
"Shadow was an ex-criminal. The Sixth Great dragged him out of that life." Caldero continued.
"If he's involved, then the Empire is involved, even if I can't prove it yet."
The assistant nodded and moved quickly to comply.
Across the city, unseen, the Oracle Net continued to lie.
Back on Tenrihines, inside the STF HQ Intelligence Wing, Renn Varos and Ian stood before a room filled with Nightcrew operatives. Every face was masked. Every posture disciplined.
Ian stepped forward.
"Based on intel recovered from Caldero's former assistant, we now know the company operates out of multiple office buildings across Noctyrr Prime."
A holo-map lit the room.
"Each of you will be split into teams. Your objective is simple: infiltrate your assigned building, locate the Oracle AI infrastructure, and shut it down."
Renn took over.
"Shadow and his team will hit the primary tower. Their task is to seize Caldero and extract him back here."
Another layer of the map appeared.
"Scarlet and her team will provide remote support from the Intelligence Wing, hacking systems, locking accounts, collapsing the corporate structure in real time."
Renn's voice hardened.
"Once your objectives are complete, Caldero will be interrogated. Then the Empire will move in openly and reclaim the planet."
A pause.
"Understand this: none of you will receive public credit. This division does not exist. This operation remains classified."
Ian finished.
"We move tomorrow morning. First light."
The room acknowledged as one.
The briefing ended.
Agents dispersed silently.
Later that night, Shadow met with his team one last time. No speeches. No reassurances. Just final checks.
Weapons inspected.
Comms synced.
Support team adjustments finalized.
No mistakes.
By morning, Shadow and his squad sat inside their urban-disguised transport as it slipped into hyperspace.
No banners.
No escorts.
No official record.
Just the Nightcrew