The Bridge of Stars had only been operational for one cycle when the alarms started blaring. Elizabeth stood on the command deck of the Devourer, arms crossed, staring at the main holographic display.
An entire star system had appeared out of nowhere, matching the Verdant Crown down to the last orbital detail. Cities in the same positions.
Fleet formations that looked too familiar. And at the center, a power signature broadcasting imperial resonance codes—but with a different tag.
Mirror Dominion.
Elizabeth ordered a cautious advance. The Devourer and its escort fleet moved in system, weapons hot but not firing.
The Mirror forces met them at the outer gas giant, forming a clean battle line. Their flagship, a sleek dreadnought that looked like a colder copy of the Devourer, opened a direct channel.
