Chapter -66: Statements Under The Scrutiny

Outer Sector Outpost 7, Imperial Periphery

The directive for statements from kinetic specialists hung in the air, a subtle but persistent pressure. Valerius knew his response would be scrutinized, not just by Lieutenant Commander Jian, but by Investigator Thorne and, indirectly, by Lieutenant Kaelen, whose theories about unconventional energies were gaining undeniable traction. Without his System to meticulously craft every word and analyze every potential interpretation, Valerius had to rely on his own intellect, his Wargod discipline, and the fragmented knowledge he retained.

He spent hours drafting his statement. He focused on established Imperial kinetic theory, discussing the known limits of energy manipulation, the potential for sensor distortion in high-energy combat environments, and the theoretical (but largely unproven within standard military doctrine) concepts of subspace harmonics. He carefully avoided any language that might hint at practical experience with such phenomena, framing his understanding as purely academic. Regarding his own actions during the battle – the 'resonance strike' on the 'Crimson Fury's heat vent and the 'kinetic pulse' that disabled Frigate Two – he reiterated his official explanations: exploiting pre-existing weaknesses, overloading emitters under duress, a degree of battlefield improvisation and fortunate coincidence. He made sure his statement was detailed enough to appear thorough, yet vague enough on the truly unconventional aspects to avoid raising new flags.

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The System's slow crawl towards even minimal functionality was a constant source of frustration. Twenty-four hours felt like an eternity when every interaction was a potential pitfall.

He submitted his statement electronically. Within hours, he observed Kaelen submitting his own – likely a far more detailed and speculative document, filled with waveform analyses and theories linking every anomaly.

The outpost settled into a new, uneasy rhythm. With Scanner Unit Two destroyed, direct investigation of the anomaly beneath Outpost 7 was on hold. All primary investigative efforts were now focused on Moon 7C, where Scanner Unit One, operating with extreme caution, continued its painstaking analysis of the Omega-734 signal and the Precursor containment vault. Thorne remained on the moon, directing the effort, while Jian managed the intelligence flow and security on Outpost 7.

Valerius noted a subtle shift in how Kaelen was treated by the Navy personnel. His theories, once on the fringe, were now central to their understanding of the interconnected mysteries. He was frequently seen in deep discussion with Jian and Navy technical analysts, his datapad always active, his energy signature practically buzzing with intellectual fervor. He was no longer just a garrison lieutenant; he was a key consultant in a high-stakes investigation.

This elevation of Kaelen was a direct threat to Valerius. Kaelen's conviction that the battle's 'sensor ghost' was a deliberate act of advanced energy manipulation, similar in type to the anomaly's defensive pulse, kept an uncomfortable spotlight near Valerius's actions.

One cycle later, Valerius was summoned by Lieutenant Commander Jian. He found Jian in a temporary office, reviewing data slates. Kaelen was also present, standing beside Jian's desk, a look of grim satisfaction on his face.

"Lieutenant Valerius," Jian began, his tone neutral. "We've reviewed your statement regarding subspace harmonics and unconventional energy signatures, as well as Lieutenant Kaelen's." He gestured towards Kaelen. "Lieutenant Kaelen's analysis of the energy signature from the Frigate Two incident remains… compelling, especially when compared to the residual harmonics from the anomaly's defensive pulse. While your explanation of an overloaded emitter is officially on record, the type of energy distortion logged by multiple independent sensors is difficult to reconcile with standard kinetic weapon failure."

Valerius kept his expression impassive. "Sensor data during extreme combat can be highly unreliable, Lieutenant Commander, prone to interference and misinterpretation. Without the full telemetry from the frigate itself, which was destroyed, definitive analysis is challenging."

"Perhaps," Jian conceded. "However, Lieutenant Kaelen has proposed a controlled experiment."

Valerius tensed internally. An experiment?

Kaelen stepped forward. "Investigator Thorne has authorized, via remote, a limited test. We have a salvaged auxiliary emitter unit, similar to the one you reportedly overloaded. We intend to replicate the power surge you described in a controlled environment, within a shielded chamber, and analyze the resulting energy signature and any subspace harmonics generated. We want to see if such an overload can indeed produce the specific distortion patterns logged during the battle."

Valerius felt a cold wave wash over him. They were going to try and replicate his fabricated explanation. If their test failed to produce the same unique energy signature – and he knew it would, because the signature wasn't from an overloaded emitter but from his Wargod power and nanite manipulation – his official story would crumble.

'System! Probability of their test replicating the battle anomaly's signature?'

A flicker of corrupted text. <<…Insufficient Data… Standard Emitter Overload Unlikely to Produce Recorded Subspace Harmonics… Probability Low…>>

"A sound scientific approach, Lieutenant Kaelen," Valerius said, his voice remarkably steady. "I trust the results will clarify the nature of the sensor readings." He had to project confidence, to appear unfazed by their test.

"We expect so," Jian said, his eyes searching Valerius's face. "The test is scheduled for tomorrow. Your presence, Lieutenant Valerius, as the officer who experienced the original event, will be required for observation and to provide input on replicating the conditions."

Required. Not requested. He was being drawn directly into the heart of their attempt to verify – or disprove – his story. The net was tightening, not with accusations, but with methodical, scientific inquiry, which, in this case, was far more dangerous. His Wargod power, his System, his secrets – all felt perilously close to exposure.