The cargo docks, the last Syndicate-controlled area, a maze of crates, hidden escape routes, and freighters ready for departure. The station’s artificial lights flicker, the air thick with the hum of departing ships and smuggling operations.

The hazard teams stand ready, their tactical gear secured for the final confrontation. The Syndicate’s grip on Hecate Station had been unraveling, their footing lost deck by deck due to Starfleet’s well-coordinated operations.

Domam stood with his phaser rifle ready, scanning his team before giving the final order. “Get ready. We’re moving in to take down Malur Rigel and his goons.”

His team responded with silent determination, they knew this was it.

“Well spoken,” came a voice that made heads turn.

Sazra walked past them, fully suited in tactical gear, a phaser in hand, her presence radiating command. “Time to clean out the pests,” she muttered, looking down at the docking area. Then, she turned back to Domam. “Take lead. We move.”

Domam nodded and pressed his earpiece. “All teams, move. Arrest the Syndicate operatives. Operations, lock the doors.”

As the reinforced forcefields flickered into place, security teams surged forward. Syndicate enforcers, caught off guard, scrambled for cover. Phaser fire lit up the dock, explosions rippled through the air as the battle erupted in full force.

Syndicate Control Operations Hub

Amid the chaos of the docks, Sazra and Domam pushed forward, forcing their way into a secure docking control station. Malur Rigel stood there, barking orders, only to turn as the doors burst open, revealing Starfleet weapons locked on him.

He barely had time to react before his enforcers were cut down in a swift, coordinated takedown. Sparks erupted as a console exploded nearby, the room filling with smoke.

Malur growled, his sharp green eyes narrowing at the two officers stepping toward him. “You…”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mister Rigel,” Sazra said smoothly, stopping a meter away. “My name is Sazra Kobahl. I’m the new Commanding Officer of Hecate Station.” She offered a small, calculated smile. “We’re here to resolve some… issues.”

Malur’s expression twisted as he straightened his coat. “I was wondering what happened to Captain Balorin.” He locked eyes with Sazra, his demeanor shifting into his usual silver-tongued act. “But I’m always open to new deals with you Starfleet types. Something that could benefit us both.”

Sazra’s grip on her phaser tightened.

“Captain Balorin served Starfleet well. He’s been reassigned to a more suitable location. Additionally, I’ve cleaned house, certain officers who found your… offers too tempting have been dealt with accordingly.”

Her red eyes glowed faintly, an eerie effect lingering from Operation Blood Dilithium. “As for your deal, as charming and tempting as it may sound, I don’t make deals with those who exploit others for personal gain.”

Malur chuckled, though there was a nervous edge to it. “Personal gain? That’s rich, Captain.” He glanced at Domam, who remained stone-faced, then back at Sazra. “You’re just a piece in a bigger game. It would be in your best interest to submit to our bidding, like your officers before you.”

Outside the control room, a small freighter broke through the forcefield, attempting to flee. Malur smirked, until a shadow passed overhead.

The USS Gemini, its weapons locked on the escaping ship.

Malur’s smirk vanished. He turned back to Sazra, eyes wide.

“It seems you don’t understand your position, Mister Rigel,” Sazra said coldly.

He stumbled backward, realizing for the first time in his life that fear had crept into his chest.

“You lost control of the Lower Decks. We seized your warehouses, smuggling routes, and stolen Starfleet materials. Most of your enforcers are in custody.” Sazra stepped forward, her voice steady, unwavering.

“It’s over. Hecate belongs to us again.”

Malur’s breath hitched. His eyes darted around, looking for any possible escape route.

Then, his gaze locked onto Sazra’s glowing red irises.

“Demon…” he muttered under his breath, stepping back, too far.

He lost his balance, his heel catching on the shattered remains of the control console.

With a shout, Malur fell backward through the broken window, plummeting fifteen meters to the cargo deck below.

The sickening thud echoed through the now-silent control room.

Sazra stared down at his motionless body, her face impassive.

She could have saved him. But her mind flashed to the countless civilians who had suffered under his rule. The tube rats forced into labor, the people beaten for debts they could never repay.

Her jaw tightened.

“Well,” she muttered, “it seems the problem took care of itself.”

Domam exhaled, looking from the broken window to Sazra. While this wasn’t the cleanest form of justice, it felt… right.

“Lieutenant,” Sazra said, finally turning away from Malur’s body, “wrap up the operation.”

Domam gave a curt nod, then barked the order. “Move!”

The Syndicate’s reign had ended.

Merchant Council Chambers – Promenade

A repurposed conference hall near the Promenade, once used for routine station logistics, now serves a greater purpose, the first meeting of the Merchant Council.

The room is simple but functional, with a long central table surrounded by holographic displays showcasing trade routes, economic projections, and new security measures. The Starfleet emblem and the merchant guild’s insignia share space on a prominent display, symbolizing the station’s new partnership.

The atmosphere is cautious yet hopeful, the room filled with merchants of all backgrounds, their faces a mixture of relief, determination, and skepticism. For the first time in years, they are making decisions for themselves, without the Syndicate’s shadow looming over them.

At the center of it all stood Hirni, now a recognized leader, acting as the official liaison between Starfleet and the merchants. Once just a shopkeeper, she had become the voice of resistance.

Standing more at the side of the room, Sazra, now in her duty uniform, offered a small nod in Hirni’s direction.

“She’ll do fine,” Sazra murmured. “Without her, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Palema, standing nearby, smiled. “I tend to agree, Captain.” She excused herself, moving to join Hirni’s discussion with the merchants.

K’Nala folded her arms, tail flicking slightly. “Will this be enough, Captain? Rigel said there’s morrre…”

Sazra’s expression darkened slightly. “We’ve made a start.” She turned to K’Nala, her tone firm but confident. “Our work isn’t done, but we’ve sent a clear message. We are not going to sit back and let them control this station again.”

She placed a hand on K’Nala’s shoulder. “Learn from this experience. You did well. The next battle is earning back the people’s trust, and that will take time.”

K’Nala gave a firm nod. “We’ll be ready forrr anything.”