Chapter 3 Infiltration and truths.

Max and Zara made their way back to the Xalan Empire, eager to inform them of their findings. Max couldn't shake the feeling that the space hub they had visited was a trap, and he urged the Xalan leaders to be cautious.

"We can't afford to take any chances," Max said. "The Zarokians are devious, and they've already proven that they'll stop at nothing to achieve their goals."

The Xalan leaders agreed, and they devised a plan to launch a raid on the space hub while the Xalan fleet drew the defenses' attention. Max and Zara would infiltrate the station and gather as much information as they could about the Zarokians' plans.

As they made their way to the space hub, Max couldn't help but think about the planet he had visited in his previous life - the frozen world where he had encountered the Archivist and the remnants of the Phalaxians.

"I have a feeling that the key to stopping the Zarokians might be on that planet," Max said to Zara. "I need to go there and investigate."

Zara looked at Max skeptically. "That planet is in the heart of Zarokian territory. It's too dangerous."

Max nodded. "I know, but it's a risk I have to take. Besides, I won't be going alone."

With that, Max and Zara infiltrated the space hub, taking out the guards and gathering intelligence on the Zarokians' plans. Max discovered that Vex was planning to launch a massive assault on the Xalan Empire, using a new weapon that he had developed.

"We need to act fast," Max said. "We can't let Vex get his hands on that weapon."

As they made their way back to the Xalan Empire, Max couldn't shake the feeling of mistrust that still lingered between him and the Xalan leaders.

"I know you're hesitant to trust me," Max said. "But you have to understand, I've been betrayed before. I can't afford to take any chances."

The Xalan leaders nodded, understanding the weight of Max's words.

Once they arrived back at the Xalan Empire, Max asked for permission to go to the frozen planet and investigate. The Xalan leaders were hesitant, but they knew that time was of the essence.

Max and Zara set out for the frozen world, navigating through treacherous space and evading Zarokian patrols. When they arrived on the planet, they found themselves in the midst of a frozen wasteland, with only the ruins of an ancient civilization for company.

As they made their way deeper into the ruins, Max couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. He remembered the battle of Eridanus, and the strange frozen world where he had met the Archivist.

Suddenly, they heard a sound - the clanking of metal on stone. Max and Zara froze, readying their weapons.

To be continued...