My Tribrid System.

As Tahir's ship sailed steadily through the skies, a calm sense of accomplishment settled over him and his new ally, Rian, the representative from Two Fang. The alliance had been a success, and Tahir's focus was now on securing their next recruit.

Rian, still adjusting to his new role, cast a nervous glance out the window, trying to take in the reality of his journey with Devil's Dune. Just as Tahir was about to give him a reassuring word, an alarm blared on the ship's radar.

Tahir's gaze shifted sharply to the screen. "Unexpected company," he muttered. "We're in a clear flight path. No reason for anyone else to be out here." The radar revealed a small, agile ship gaining on them fast.

As the enemy craft drew closer, Tahir activated his communicator. "This is Tahir of Devil's Dune. Identify yourself and state your purpose."

There was a crackle, followed by a low, rough voice. "Tahir, you know what's good for you? Then cut ties with Two Fang and turn that ship around."

The threat was clear, and Tahir's expression turned serious. Whoever this was, they weren't here by accident. Tahir kept his calm, scanning the other ship. "If you've got business with me, how about we land and settle it?" He paused, giving the words some weight. "Or are you just here to take potshots?"

A chuckle sounded over the communicator. "Oh, we'll settle it alright. You're a little too late to back out now."

Without warning, the enemy ship fired, the blast narrowly missing their bow. Tahir acted fast, raising the shields as the ship jolted from the impact. Rian gripped his seat, alarmed but following Tahir's lead.

"Hold on," Tahir said, swiftly maneuvering the ship out of the line of fire. "They're not giving us a choice. Let's see if they can handle some resistance."

The attacker's ship continued to fire, a series of quick, precise shots aimed to disorient and drive Tahir off course. Tahir kept his grip steady, diving and twisting as he evaded each strike. The shield hummed under the impact of near-misses, but Tahir's flying skills kept them just out of reach.

When the attacker closed in for another round, Tahir took his chance, angling their ship sharply and unleashing a blast directly at the enemy. The shot connected, causing the ship to stutter, its systems faltering as it spun sideways.

Tahir used the pause to issue another challenge over the communicator. "You can keep firing, but if you're serious, let's settle this on the ground. We'll talk or fight it out there—your choice."

A frustrated growl came through the line, but the attacker wasn't backing down. The enemy ship stabilized and resumed its assault, though its aim was slightly off, the previous hit having damaged one of its stabilizers.

"Alright, you had your chance," Tahir muttered, setting his sights firmly on the faltering craft. With a calm focus, he fired a second shot, this one targeting the attacker's main engine.

The blast hit its mark, sending the enemy ship spiraling downwards, smoke and sparks trailing from its engines. Tahir kept his gaze on the screen, watching as the ship dipped lower, clearly unable to maintain altitude. After a few tense moments, the craft vanished from view, its signal disappearing from the radar entirely.

Rian let out a breath, visibly relieved. "Do you think that's the last of them?" he asked.

"Hard to say," Tahir replied, his voice steady. "But it's clear someone doesn't want us making alliances. We'll have to be ready if more of them come looking."

As they resumed their journey, Tahir kept his senses sharp, knowing full well that this attack might only be the beginning. But for now, he and Rian pressed onward, determined to reach their next destination and secure another ally for Devil's Dune.

Tahir quickly scanned the ship's systems, a slight frown crossing his face as he spotted the tracker's signal. "Looks like they managed to stick a tracker on us," he muttered to Rian. Tahir kept his voice steady, shifting his gaze to Cassy, Kris, Jude, Esha, and Zahra.

He lowered his tone but spoke with calm confidence. "We're going to play along and lead them back to our first foothold. We'll make sure they get exactly what they're asking for."

Cassy gave a nod, her face set in determination, while Kris clenched his fists, eager for the confrontation. Esha and Zahra exchanged glances, both readying themselves mentally for whatever lay ahead. Jude stayed quiet, but Tahir could see a spark of resolve in his eyes.

Rian glanced over, piecing together the plan as Tahir set their course toward the foothold. "So, we're drawing them into familiar territory?"

Tahir nodded, keeping his focus on the path ahead. "That's right. Once we're there, we'll make sure they regret following us."

After the rough landing, the captain climbed out of the grounded ship, dusting himself off and steadying his breath. He looked around at his crew, all shaken but still ready. They hadn't expected Tahir to put up such resistance, but he had a plan in place.

The captain held up a small tracking device, a sly grin spreading across his face. "We managed to get a tracker onto his ship before he brought us down."

The crew exchanged glances, their frustration easing as they realized they still had a way to stay on Tahir's trail.

"So he thinks he's lost us," one of the officers remarked, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "But he's in for a surprise if he thinks we're done."

"Exactly." The captain nodded, his resolve clear. "We'll continue the pursuit on land. He'll lead us right where we need to go."

One of the crew checked his weapon, determination hardening his expression. "So, we keep following him?"

The captain gave a firm nod. "We do. We move now and don't lose ground. He thinks he's given us the slip, but he's in for a rude awakening."

With the order given, the crew readied their equipment and set off, keeping close to the signal from the tracker as they began their pursuit of Tahir on foot.