The 13th Elder's office is a fortress of holo-screens and starlit windows, nebulae swirling beyond. I'm Alex, standing with Squad Zero—Fiona, Dmitri, Lyra, and Kaelis—fresh off our bruising capture of Rykor in Habitat-733. Our Eldari cover keeps our human roots hidden, and we're here to report, our upgraded gear still humming from the fight—my power fist, Fiona's staff, Dmitri's spear, Lyra's scanner, Kaelis's hacking tool. Rykor, bound but smug, stands nearby, his optics glinting.
I step forward, grinning. "Mission done, boss. Rykor's bagged, no harm."
The 13th Elder's metallic frame looms behind his desk, optics like twin stars. "Squad Zero, your teamwork is unmatched. Five A-rank operatives, now complete with Kaelis—you've proven the 13th's strength."
Fiona nudges me, whispering, "Gym squad goals, Coach."
I wink. "Top of the leaderboard, babe."
Dmitri grunts, spear resting. "Took all five of us to nab that ghost."
Lyra smirks at him. "You hit the floor hard, fire guy."
Kaelis's optics flash. "My stun patch sealed it."
The elder's voice rumbles. "Your unity is your power. As a five-member team, you need a larger base. I've arranged a new penthouse—spacious, suited for you all to stay together."
I whistle. "Bigger digs? Like upgrading to a cosmic gym."
Fiona's eyes light up. "More room for strategy sessions."
Dmitri nods. "Sounds good. We're in."
Lyra laughs. "I get first pick of the view."
Kaelis grins. "I'll take the tech hub."
I clap my hands. "Deal. One big squad house."
The elder turns to Rykor. "Speak. What will you tell the 4th Elder?"
Rykor's optics narrow, but he nods. "Your team's strong—five A-ranks, relentless, clever. They took me down fair. The 13th's got muscle."
The elder's frame hums. "Good. I'll meet the 4th Elder now. Squad, rest."
We teleport to our current penthouse, holo-screens idling, starlight pouring in. Fiona flops onto a couch, staff beside her. "New place, huh? More space for us."
I sit next to her, arm brushing hers. "Like a team locker room, but fancier."
Dmitri leans against a wall. "Better have a good training setup."
Lyra teases, "You'll need it after Rykor smoked you, fire guy."
He smirks. "You weren't exactly dancing, quickshot."
Kaelis pulls up a holo-map. "New penthouse means better systems. I'll wire it up."
Meanwhile, the 13th Elder meets the 4th Elder in a council chamber, holo-screens showing Arkvault trade routes. The 4th, a hulking alien with a voice like gravel, listens as Rykor reports via holo-call. "Squad Zero's the real deal," Rykor says. "Took me out, no kills. Strength worth respecting."
The 4th Elder's optics gleam. "Impressive. Your team's power convinces me, 13th. I'm in—alliance sealed."
The 13th Elder's frame straightens, optics bright. "A wise choice. Together, we shift the council's balance."
Back at our penthouse, we get the ping—alliance confirmed. I grin at Fiona. "We just made the 13th a heavyweight."
She laughs, leaning closer. "Team effort, hero."
Dmitri raises a fist. "13th's got three elders now—5th, 9th, 4th."
Lyra nods. "First Elder's next on the chopping block."
Kaelis's tool beeps, showing the new penthouse layout. "This place is huge. We're set."
The elder's voice crackles through our bracelets. "Squad Zero, your work's tipped the scales. The 13th stands equal to the 1st Elder, with three elders' backing. Prepare—the council's top seat is next."
I high-five Fiona. "Like winning the cosmic playoffs."
She smirks. "Just wait for the championship, Coach."
The Arkvault's power games are peaking, the 13th Elder ready to challenge the 1st, and Squad Zero's tighter than ever, itching for the next move.