Artanis Mengsk's scarred face was stern and resolute. He gazed impassively at the massive starport floating in orbit, where countless starships came and went, replenishing the barren planet with vast quantities of supplies.
"Father!"
"Your Majesty!"
Several high-ranking nobles in formal attire entered the hall and bowed to Artanis.
The Emperor turned to face them. "Bad news?"
Though he phrased it as a question, his tone was certain.
The men exchanged glances. Crown Prince Valerian answered gravely, "We just received word that the Lorenkuz River System has come under attack by an alien civilization. Their target is a stellar ship. It's believed to belong to the Dragon Soul Empire!"
At the name of the Dragon Soul Empire, the Emperor furrowed his brow.
"Those savages again." He looked toward the center of the room. A servant immediately understood and activated a holographic projection: a star map of the entire Tyran Empire. The Lorenkuz River System lay right next to the Tanzania River System, the final line of defense for the capital region.
"Have you lost faith in the defenses of the Tanzania River System?" he asked casually.
Latran, the Minister of Military Affairs, broke into a slight sweat. He chose his words carefully. "Your Majesty, Dragon Soul's technology far surpasses the Empire's, and planetary weapons cannot stand against a stellar ship. The Empire needs to make preparations in advance."
Artanis said no more. He simply gazed at the Lorenkuz River System.
To protect the imperial capital and prevent a repeat of the crisis when the Queen of Blades led the Zerg in a direct assault, the Tyran Military had built a defensive belt around the Tanzania River System. The Lorenkuz River System was one of its four fortress systems.
It was an artificial wonder worthy of being called a miracle of