Outer Sector Outpost 7, Imperial Periphery
Kaelen's departure left Valerius standing in the silence of his quarters, the implications of their conversation settling like radioactive dust. Kaelen hadn't just stumbled upon a clue; he had inadvertently forged a link between the mystery on Moon 7C and the anomaly deep beneath Outpost 7 – a link Valerius knew, thanks to the System, was terrifyingly real. Worse, Kaelen had presented this link, however speculatively, to the Navy.
'System, re-assess probability of expedited deep-penetration scan beneath Outpost 7 based on Kaelen's resonance theory presentation to Navy Intelligence.'
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Forty-five percent. Nearly even odds that Navy equipment far more sensitive than anything the outpost possessed would soon be probing the very depths Valerius had used for energy absorption, potentially detecting residual traces of his passage, the geothermal vein itself, or the anomaly's true nature. And if they scanned deep enough, could they detect the unstable core hidden beneath his bunk, even shielded? Unlikely, but the possibility added another layer of cold dread.
He needed to consolidate the power he had gained, pushing his Wargod abilities further, focusing on control and sensory acuity. He spent hours in deep focus, refining his Spatial Sense. He practiced extending it subtly, mapping the command center remotely, identifying the energy signatures of Jian and Thorne as they conferred, trying to gauge their reactions to Kaelen's theory through the faint emotional 'texture' carried on their disciplined energy fields – a difficult, imprecise art. He sensed heightened interest, analytical focus, but no immediate alarm.
He also ran simulations for stealth and evasion, programming the System to create scenarios where he had to navigate sensor grids or avoid detection by cultivators with senses superior to his own. He needed countermeasures ready if the investigation turned directly towards him.
The System's search for alternative energy sources remained frustratingly negative regarding safe options. Scavenging minor power cells or tapping secondary conduits offered negligible gains compared to the risks involved under Navy scrutiny. The unstable plasma core remained his only significant asset for advancement, currently locked away by circumstance. The 35% progress towards Mid-Level Wargod felt like a pittance against the looming threats.
Later that cycle, Lieutenant Commander Jian summoned him again. Valerius went, ensuring his energy signature was perfectly suppressed, his demeanor professionally calm. Investigator Thorne was present via holographic comm-link from Moon 7C, her image sharp against the backdrop of the ruined crater.
"Lieutenant Valerius," Jian began, gesturing towards Thorne's image. "Investigator Thorne confirms Lieutenant Kaelen's analysis regarding the resonance characteristics. While faint, there is a statistically significant harmonic correlation between the 'Omega-734' signal beneath Crater EC-117 and the subspace anomaly detected beneath this outpost during the initial security sweep."
Thorne's holographic image nodded curtly. "The correlation is tenuous, based on heavily degraded signals, but undeniable. It suggests a potential link between whatever the Scorpions were involved with on the moon and this outpost's deeper levels. We cannot ignore it."
"Therefore," Jian continued, "Captain Rostova has authorized Investigator Thorne's request. Once the specialized deep-penetration scanners arrive with the main supply convoy – ETA approximately 18 hours – and after initial deployment on Moon 7C, a secondary unit will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive scan beneath Outpost 7, focusing on the anomaly's location and characteristics."
Valerius kept his expression neutral, absorbing the confirmation. Eighteen hours until the scanners arrived, then deployment time on the moon first… it bought him perhaps a day, maybe two, before they turned their attention downwards here. A small window, but better than nothing.
"Understood, Lieutenant Commander," Valerius replied. "Will this affect outpost operations?"
"Minimal impact expected on upper levels," Jian assured him. "Lower level access may be restricted during the scan itself. We'll coordinate with Commander Vorlag." He paused, his analytical gaze fixing on Valerius. "Lieutenant Kaelen also theorized a possible link between these resonance signals and the anomalous energy readings logged during the battle – specifically the event that disabled Frigate Two."
Valerius met Jian's gaze. "As I stated previously, Lieutenant Commander, battlefield conditions create unpredictable sensor phenomena. Attributing sensor ghosts to Precursor-level spatial resonance seems highly speculative without concrete evidence." He subtly shifted the focus back to evidence, implying Kaelen lacked it.
Thorne's holographic image spoke, her voice crisp. "Speculative, perhaps, Lieutenant Valerius. But Intelligence deals in possibilities as well as proofs. The confluence of events – the Scorpions, the Void Stone residue, the Omega marker, the resonance link, your… effective tactical maneuvers – warrants thorough investigation. We will proceed methodically."
It wasn't an accusation, but it wasn't dismissal either. They were acknowledging the possibility, however remote, that his actions might be connected to the larger mystery. The net wasn't just tightening; it was becoming more complexly woven.
"Of course, Investigator," Valerius said smoothly. "I trust the Navy's investigation will uncover the truth. I remain available to provide any further assistance required."
He was dismissed shortly after. Walking back to his quarters, the pressure felt immense. The deep scan was coming. Kaelen's suspicion had inadvertently accelerated the timeline. He had perhaps one, maybe two days at most before Navy sensors potentially exposed everything – the geothermal vein, the anomaly, maybe even residual traces of his own forbidden power. He needed a plan, not just for power, but for survival and concealment. The unstable core beneath his bunk felt heavier than ever.