My Tribrid System.

The group wandered through the spaceship, absorbing every detail as Tahir guided them from one section to another. He led them through the narrow corridors, pointing out security panels and explaining the intricate network of surveillance feeds.

Stopping in front of the first set of rooms, Tahir handed each of them a small, black card. "These are your room cards," he explained. "Each card is specific to your assigned room. Only you can open your door with your own card."

Jude examined the card, giving a small nod. "Impressive," he muttered, clearly impressed with the level of security.

Tahir walked them through the ship's security setup, showing them how to monitor camera feeds, lock down certain areas, and access emergency protocols. "If anything goes down and I'm not around," Tahir said, "you'll each have limited access to control certain sections. But major commands still need my clearance."

Once the tour wrapped up, Tahir led them to the central command room, where he turned to face his friends, his gaze steady. "There's something we need to talk about now that you're all here."

The others shifted, curiosity building. Tahir continued, "I've been keeping tabs on weaker factions in the area. A lot of them are barely holding on they lack resources and any real protection. For most of them, the only way to survive is to dissolve into a stronger faction that can give them some level of security."

"Let me guess, they pay a price for that protection?" Kris asked, catching on.

Tahir nodded. "Exactly. They pay a tax, usually in beast crystals, with a standard seventy-thirty split seventy to the faction they join. It's steep, but they don't have much of a choice." He paused, then added, "I want to change that. If we step in and offer the same protection at a fifty-fifty split, it'll set us apart. We'll be known for fairness, not exploitation."

Esha tilted her head. "So… you want us to recruit these factions?"

"That's the idea," Tahir replied, crossing his arms. "But it won't be that simple. Most factions won't want to dissolve unless they're sure our power is real. They'll want proof that we're strong enough to back them up."

Jude nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "So, we need to show them that the Devil's Dune is more than capable."

Tahir smirked slightly. "Right. I've already secured a location that'll serve as a base for us and a safe point along the way. Someone's already keeping it under control for us."

Kris frowned, curious. "Who's that?"

Tahir raised an eyebrow, a hint of mystery in his voice. "You'll see when we get there."

The group exchanged glances, intrigue building as they began to realize the scope of what Tahir was planning. He led them onward, showing them the weapon storage areas, where he stocked a few beast crystals and ability books. "These will come in handy," he said, glancing at them, "and I've made sure there are some for all of us. This is as much for you as it is for me."

Cassy eyed the beast crystals in his hands. "Wait, these things power the ship, too?"

Tahir nodded. "Higher-grade beast crystals can sustain the ship's energy core. It's a solid backup if things get tight, so every crystal counts."

The tour continued until Tahir stopped at a small observation deck. Beyond the glass, stars twinkled against the dark expanse of space. His friends gazed out, taking in the view before they all turned to face him once more.

Tahir finally looked at them, his expression serious. "This ship isn't just a tool for getting us from one place to another. It's the start of what we're building a place that can mean something."

The group seemed to understand, nodding silently.

Suddenly, an alert flashed on a nearby screen, the warning lights catching Tahir's eye. The screen flickered, showing movement at the edge of their radar. They all turned, tense as they waited to see what, or who, was approaching.

"Guess our little 'test' might be coming sooner than we thought," Tahir muttered, eyes narrowing as he glanced back at his friends.

A sudden transmission crackled through the command room, breaking the silence.

"This is the Crimson Vipers," a harsh voice announced. "Power down your engines and prepare to be boarded. Fail to comply, and we'll take it as a threat. You'll be shot down."

Tahir's eyes narrowed as he picked up the mic, a slight smirk on his face. "Shot down? You're trying to rob me and expect me to surrender? I won't stand down," he said calmly. "I'll give you the same option. Stand down, and I won't be the one bringing you down. This is the Devil's Dune speaking."

A scoff came through the other end, followed by a cold laugh. "Devil's Dune? Never heard of it. Some no-name faction thinking they can stand against the Crimson Vipers?" The voice sneered. "Prepare to be boarded. Your little faction's about to end."

Without missing a beat, Tahir activated the ship's defense systems, initiating an energy barrier around it. The barrier remained invisible, but it would shield them against any incoming fire and make it harder for the other ship to break through.

He glanced back at his friends, a steady determination in his eyes. "They won't get a chance to board. The barrier will hold, and they're about to learn what Devil's Dune is all about."

Jude and Kris exchanged a look, a spark of excitement on their faces. Esha steadied herself, while Cassy and Zahra prepared, ready for whatever came next.

Through the viewport, the Crimson Vipers' ship drew closer, its weapons charging. A faint hum of energy filled the air as Tahir's ship prepared for impact.

The Crimson Vipers' ship fired first, unleashing a series of shots toward Tahir's vessel. The blasts hit his ship's invisible barrier with a faint shimmer, leaving it unharmed.

"What the…?" the Viper captain muttered, taken aback as his crew stared at the untouched ship.

Tahir didn't hesitate. "You wanted proof of strength? Here it is." He activated his ship's defenses, sending a few precise blasts back. His aim was controlled, enough to jolt the Crimson Vipers' ship and leave it rattled, but without doing real damage.

Their ship wobbled, alarms blaring in the background. The captain's voice returned, unsteady. "Who are you people?"

Tahir leaned in, his voice steady. "This is the Devil's Dune. Consider this a warning."