The days leading up to the god Games were a whirlwind of focused, intense preparation. The "Odyssey" was given a complete overhaul, with Emma and Zara working side-by-side to fine-tune every system.
The Training Matrix in Outpost #7 was running twenty-four hours a day, with Ryan's chosen champions pushing themselves to their absolute limits against holographic monsters and complex strategic puzzles.
The entire Sector was buzzing with a nervous, excited energy.
It was during this busy time that a new, unexpected, and deeply annoying problem arrived.
A single, magnificent ship appeared at the edge of Sector Gamma's space. It was not a warship, but it was incredibly imposing. It was a vessel of the Technocratic Imperium, sleek and silver, designed with a cold, arrogant perfection.
It broadcasted a formal diplomatic request for an audience with Sector Lord Stone. Its passenger was a man of great importance: Lord Valerius.
