Chapter -16 Distant Moons, closing Shadows

Delta Sector Outpost 7, Imperial Periphery

The intelligence regarding 'Project Chimera' and the desolate moon Delta-7-Gamma gnawed at Valerius. He sat in the analysis room, the System cross-referencing the moon's coordinates with every available database – geological surveys, historical records, previous patrol logs.

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Insignificant. Overlooked. Exactly the kind of place a clandestine transfer or operation might occur. What 'manifest' were the Scorpions transferring? Weapons? Personnel? Technology? Or something related to the Chimera codename itself?

'System, task long-range observation drone Delta-Prime-3 (currently monitoring system periphery) to perform a passive, high-resolution scan of Delta-7-Gamma. Prioritize detection of artificial structures, energy signatures, and vessel activity. Maintain maximum stealth.'

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It was a long shot – passive scans at that distance were unlikely to pick up subtle activity – but it was better than nothing. He couldn't risk sending a closer, more active probe without potentially alerting the Scorpions or diverting critical resources from monitoring Grid 11.

He forwarded a carefully worded summary of the 'Chimera Manifest Transfer' intercept and the Delta-7-Gamma coordinates to Commander Vorlag, framing it as low-confidence intelligence requiring further investigation but potentially significant. Vorlag acknowledged receipt, his reply brief and preoccupied with the main fleet standoff.

The strain of the prolonged high alert was beginning to show on the outpost personnel. Tempers were shorter, movements more clipped. In the mess hall, Valerius observed two junior technicians arguing heatedly over a ration dispenser malfunction before an NCO intervened sharply. The waiting was fraying nerves.

Valerius himself felt the pressure, but the steady thrum of his Wargod power provided a core of calm focus. He retreated to his quarters during a designated rest period, not to rest, but to practice. He ran the environmental control simulation again, achieving greater stability and duration with the temperature and pressure manipulations. He then focused on his Spatial Sense, pushing its range, trying to refine the 'texture' identification of different energy signatures. He could now clearly distinguish the Commander's potent but stagnant Peak Warrior energy from Kaelen's tightly controlled Mid-Level Warrior signature down the corridor.

As he practiced, his door chimed. He smoothed his energy signature, adopted a neutral expression, and opened it. Lieutenant Kaelen stood there, his face impassive.

"Lieutenant Valerius," Kaelen began without preamble. "I've been reviewing the energy grid logs again. Specifically, the recalibration sequence from two nights ago."

Valerius kept his expression neutral. "Is there an issue, Lieutenant?"

"The logs show standard fluctuations," Kaelen conceded, his eyes sharp, "but the duration of the energy drain reported by sensors near the Sub-Level 3/4 interface conduits slightly exceeds the typical recalibration profile. Almost as if there was an additional, localized energy draw occurring simultaneously."

Valerius felt a flicker of warning from the System – Kaelen was inferring, looking for patterns beyond the explicit logs. 'System, analyze Kaelen's statement against known sensor tolerances and recalibration variance.'

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"Sensor variance in older conduits isn't uncommon, especially during recalibration stress," Valerius replied calmly, echoing the System's assessment. "Sub-Level 4's proximity likely contributes to interference noise. Did the technicians flag any operational concerns?"

"No," Kaelen admitted, clearly frustrated. "No operational concerns were flagged." He paused, his gaze unwavering. "Just… anomalous data points. Like the anomalous energy required to induce a resonance cascade in that auxiliary emitter."

The implication was clear, though indirect. Kaelen couldn't prove anything, but he was connecting dots, however faint.

"The emitter situation was addressed with the Commander," Valerius said coolly, refusing to be drawn. "If you have specific evidence of malfunction or misconduct, Lieutenant, I suggest you present it through official channels. Otherwise, I have tactical preparations to oversee."

Kaelen held his gaze for another moment, then gave a stiff nod. "Of course, Lieutenant. Carry on." He turned and walked away, his tightly controlled energy signature broadcasting frustration.

Valerius closed the door, a frown touching his lips. Kaelen was becoming more than an annoyance; he was a persistent internal risk. He would need to be dealt with eventually, but not now. Not while the Scorpions loomed.

He was about to resume his practice when a high-priority alert flashed across his internal System Interface, originating from the main command center feed he monitored passively.

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Valerius felt a surge of adrenaline. A cruiser, heading for the desolate moon. The Scorpions were making a move, splitting their forces. Was this the transfer? Or something else entirely?

He immediately accessed the command center comms remotely. "Commander Vorlag, Valerius here. Urgent tactical update regarding Grid 11…"

The calculated calm was over. The shadows were moving.