The Swarm returned, larger and more ferocious than before. Captain Elena Vasquez stood on the bridge of the Starhawk, watching the tactical display. Hundreds of enemy ships were converging on Mars.
"Command, this is Ghost Lead. We have incoming hostiles. Requesting all available units."
"Copy, Ghost Lead. Kaelen's fleet is en route. Hold the line."
Elena looked at her squadron—twelve Starhawks, their pilots tired but determined.
"This is it," she said. "We hold or we die."
The Swarm emerged from the darkness, their red lights pulsing like a heartbeat. Elena's squadron dove into