Chapter -13 Calculated Calm
Delta Sector Outpost 7, Imperial Periphery
The faint, lingering scent of ozone and decay finally faded as Valerius completed the meticulous cleaning of his combat armor. The physical evidence of his illicit journey into the outpost's bowels was gone, but the memory of the interference pulse remained – a chilling undercurrent beneath the immediate tension of the Red Scorpion standoff.
He reviewed the System's analysis again in the privacy of his quarters. Psionic resonance. High-order spatial warping. Concepts that belonged to theoretical physics discussions or fragmented legends of the Ancient Ones, not the practical realities of a remote Imperial outpost. Whatever lurked in the deeper levels was ancient, powerful, and potentially hostile to the very technology integrated into his being.
<
The System's logic was sound. The anomaly was a problem for the future, a dangerous variable to be logged and avoided. The Scorpions were the clear and present danger. He compartmentalized the unease, locking it away behind the cold focus his ambition demanded.
With the immediate physical clean-up complete, he turned his attention inward. The energy absorbed during his descent had settled, the chaotic edge of the breakthrough smoothed away by the nanites. His Beginner Wargod power felt stable, integrated, a solid foundation humming beneath his skin.
He spent nearly an hour in focused practice, pushing the boundaries of his new abilities within the confines of his room. His Spatial Sense extended further now, reaching down the corridor with greater clarity. He could distinguish between individuals based on the strength and 'texture' of their genetic energy signatures – the dull thrum of baseline humans, the sharper flicker of low-level cultivators, the steady flame of fellow Warriors. He briefly 'touched' Lieutenant Kaelen's signature several doors down – a tight, controlled energy, currently agitated. Interesting.
He revisited the environmental manipulation, following the System's simulation guidance. This time, he sustained a focused cold spot on his desk for nearly thirty seconds, frost forming and remaining until he released his concentration. He managed a small, contained pressure increase in a sealed ration container, making the lid bulge slightly. Minor feats, but the control was improving rapidly. Each successful manipulation reinforced his confidence, solidifying his mastery over this new tier of power.
Later that morning, Valerius attended the command briefing. The atmosphere remained tense, the waiting game stretching nerves thin. Commander Vorlag requested updates.
"The micro-probes deployed near the nebula in Grid 11 have yielded results, Commander," Valerius reported, bringing up the relevant data. "Intermittent, encrypted signals consistent with Red Scorpion scout drone telemetry have been confirmed. They appear to be conducting passive surveillance of the system's periphery, likely monitoring for the Sector Command fleet's arrival vector."
"Any indication of movement from the main Scorpion fleet?" Vorlag asked.
"Negative, Commander. They remain heavily fortified within the interdictor field and mine cluster. Their posture is unchanged – defensive, prepared."
Lieutenant Kaelen cleared his throat. "Commander, regarding outpost energy grid stability… were there any reported fluctuations during the third cycle last night? Specifically around the Sub-Level 3 maintenance conduits?"
Valerius met Kaelen's gaze coolly. The probe was obvious. 'System, correlate Kaelen's query time with standard grid maintenance logs.'
<
"There was a standard grid recalibration sequence initiated around 02:40, Lieutenant," Valerius answered smoothly, before the energy technicians could even check their logs. "It affects the lower levels periodically. Standard procedure, shouldn't cause any operational concerns."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed slightly, but he couldn't refute a documented, routine event. "Of course, Lieutenant. Just ensuring all systems remain optimal during high alert." He fell silent, thwarted for the moment.
Valerius knew Kaelen wouldn't give up easily. Back in his quarters, he implemented a countermeasure. Accessing the maintenance network logs via the System's privileged interface, he located Kaelen's access records for the damaged auxiliary emitter file.
'System Task: Insert corrupted data string (Error Code 7734 - known emitter defect, batch inconsistency) into engineering diagnostic logs for Auxiliary Emitter Unit 77-B, timestamped prior to the recent engagement. Ensure data corruption appears consistent with minor system glitches. Mask insertion protocol.'
<
It wasn't foolproof, but it created a plausible, mundane explanation for the emitter's failure under stress, diverting suspicion away from Valerius's actions. A dead end for Kaelen's investigation, bought with a few lines of corrupted code.
With that handled, Valerius reviewed the timeline. Approximately forty-six hours until the Sector Command fleet arrived. Forty-six hours for the Scorpions to act, or for Delta-7 to gather more critical intelligence. Forty-six hours for him to further hone his Wargod abilities.
He settled back, feeling the stable power within him. The outpost waited under a tense, calculated calm. Outside, the Red Scorpions waited in their fortified position. Below, the unknown anomaly pulsed in the darkness. And within him, the power of a Wargod consolidated, readying itself for the inevitable storm. The wait was almost as dangerous as the battle itself, a test of nerve and preparation. He would use every moment.