Chapter 4: The Long Goodbye

War begins as Destiny and the allied fleet make a slow, calculated advance from Eden, using themselves as bait to lure drone forces away from the planet. Eli deploys thousands of custom-built guardian drones—designed with Ursini, Ancient, and human technology—to shield the entire fleet in a perfect defensive sphere. As the waves of enemy drones intensify, the Hopebringer battleship reveals its devastating power, obliterating multiple drone carrier ships without taking a single hit.

Meanwhile, Eden—the planet that served as their sanctuary for 15 years—begins to shut down. Cities dim block by block, artificial systems powering off as the planet enters its final phase. Its star, once stable and life-giving, begins an unnatural, deliberate dimming. Eli realizes Eden and the star were never meant to function without Destiny. The entire system was designed to support life only when the ship remained in orbit. With Destiny gone, the loop is broken—and the star begins to collapse.

As the Nakai fleet arrives to claim Destiny, Eden’s star goes supernova, destroying the Nakai battalion. The Destiny fleet escapes through FTL just in time, mourning the loss of their home.

While in transit, crewmembers reflect on Eden—what it gave, and what it meant. Relationships deepen, grief is shared, and resolve is strengthened.

Upon arrival at the drone homeworld, they find a planet-sized mechanical construct surrounded by weaponized moons, carrier drones, and a field of wreckage. But instead of attacking, the drones halt. A test is issued in ancient language. Eli answers, invoking the legacy of the four great races: the Ancients, Asgard, Nox, and Furlings.

A mysterious vessel appears with a new message: “I am curious. Let’s chat.”

Elsewhere, deep in the uncharted void, a hidden intelligence awakens—ancient, powerful, and now watching Destiny. The question resurfaces:
“Who controls the end?”