### *Tobias: Preparing for the Stars*
The Mirai Guntai base was dimly lit, the air thick with tension as Ivy’s siblings stood before a holographic projection of Miyu. Her cold, calculating gaze bore down on them, her expression unreadable.
“You’ve failed,” Miyu said, her voice sharp as a blade. “The dam remains standing, and the Penitatas continues to disrupt our operations.”
The scarred man clenched his fists. “The blackout was successful. Evergrand Island is still in chaos.”
“But temporary chaos,” Miyu replied, her tone icy. “You were supposed to destroy the dam, not simply disable it.”
The sharp-eyed woman stepped forward, her voice measured. “We encountered resistance. A Penitatas armed with a war hammer led a counterattack. He’s stronger than expected.”
“A Penitatas?” Miyu mused, raising an eyebrow. “Interesting. Tell me everything.”
---
### *Reporting on Tobias*
The scarred man recounted the events at the dam, describing Tobias’s relentless determination and his skill with the hammer. “He’s not like the others,” he said. “He fights with purpose, like he’s trying to prove something.”
“He’s been a thorn in our side for too long,” the sharp-eyed woman added. “If we don’t eliminate him, he’ll continue to interfere.”
Miyu’s gaze darkened, her holographic form flickering slightly. “The Penitatas will be dealt with in due time. For now, focus on recovering from your failures. The next phase of the plan is already in motion.”
The siblings exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. As the hologram faded, the sharp-eyed woman muttered, “Next time, the Penitatas won’t be so lucky.”
---
### *Tobias Prepares for Space*
Back on Evergrand Island, Tobias stood in Virtuoso’s base, staring at a sleek Starfleet shuttle parked on the landing pad. The trip to the main Starfleet base in space was set for the following day, and Tobias’s nerves were beginning to get the better of him.
“You’re sure about this?” Tobias asked, glancing at Virtuoso and Blueberry.
Virtuoso crossed her arms, her red eyes glowing faintly. “You’re the one who uncovered the dam sabotage and tied it to Miyu. Starfleet wants to hear from you directly.”
“And they need your insight,” Blueberry added. “Admiral Castor is sending you because she trusts you.”
Tobias’s tail flicked nervously. “It’s just... I’ve never been to space before. What if I mess this up?”
Virtuoso smirked. “Then you’ll figure it out, like you always do.”
---
### *Packing and Goodbyes*
That evening, Tobias packed his things with the help of Fiona and Rory Kain. His war hammer rested by the door, a reminder of the battles he’d fought and the ones still to come.
“You’re going to do great,” Fiona said, her sharp eyes softening as she handed Tobias a neatly folded set of clothes. “Starfleet wouldn’t send you if they didn’t think you could handle it.”
Rory grinned, ruffling Tobias’s hair. “And hey, think of all the cool stuff you’ll see up there. You’re gonna be the first Kain in space!”
Tobias chuckled despite his nerves. “Thanks, Rory.”
Martha, Bruno, and Luna stopped by later that night to say their goodbyes. Martha handed him a small device. “It’s a communicator I modified,” she explained. “If you need anything, call me.”
Bruno patted Tobias on the back, his calm demeanor reassuring. “We’ll be here when you get back.”
“And don’t forget to bring back something cool,” Luna added with a grin. “Preferably something shiny.”
Tobias smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, guys. I’ll make you proud.”
---
### *Ready for the Next Step*
As Tobias stood on the landing pad the next morning, the shuttle’s engines humming softly, he took a deep breath. The path ahead was uncertain, but he knew he couldn’t turn back. Miyu’s plans were far from over, and Starfleet needed his help to stop them.
Virtuoso placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve got this, Tobias. Remember, you’re not alone.”
Blueberry nodded, her blue eyes glowing softly. “We’ll be monitoring from here. If anything happens, we’ll be ready.”
Tobias tightened his grip on his hammer, determination flaring in his chest. “Let’s do this.”
As he boarded the shuttle, Tobias felt a mix of excitement and resolve. The fight against Miyu was taking him to the stars, and he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
