Delta Sector Outpost 7, Imperial Periphery
A palpable tension had settled over Delta-7 in the hours following the drone confirmation. The usual lethargy of the remote outpost was replaced by a low hum of purposeful activity. Security patrols were doubled, defense turrets ran diagnostic checks with unnerving frequency, and the flow of encrypted communiques between the outpost command and Sector HQ had increased tenfold. The Red Scorpions Syndicate wasn't some ragtag pirate band; they were a serious threat, capable of fielding cruiser-class vessels and Wargod-level cultivators. Their presence this deep in the Periphery, near vital convoy routes, was alarming.
Valerius navigated the corridors towards the command center, acknowledging the curt nods of passing personnel. He felt the shift in atmosphere keenly, but beneath the surface concern, a current of cold satisfaction flowed within him. His System-aided insight had been validated, publicly undercutting the cautious, by-the-book Lieutenant Kaelen.
Inside the command center – a cramped room dominated by a large holographic display showing Grid 09 and the suspected Scorpion positions – Commander Vorlag stood grim-faced, flanked by his senior staff. Kaelen was present, looking distinctly uncomfortable, avoiding Valerius's gaze.
"Sector Command is mobilizing a rapid response fleet," Vorlag announced without preamble, his gravelly voice cutting through the low hum of the consoles. "But ETA is seventy-two standard hours, minimum. Until then, Delta-7 is the primary deterrent and observation post for this sector. Our priority is to monitor the Scorpions' movements, avoid direct engagement if possible, but be prepared to defend this outpost and relay critical intelligence."
He turned his gaze towards Valerius. "Lieutenant Valerius, your initial assessment proved accurate. Given your insight into their potential presence, you are assigned lead tactical analysis for this situation. Coordinate with intelligence, analyze potential Scorpion strategies, vector deployments, and prepare defensive contingencies. Report directly to me."
A ripple of surprise went through the other officers. It was a significant assignment for an M2-D, leapfrogging Kaelen and others. Valerius inclined his head, maintaining a neutral expression. "Understood, Commander. I will begin immediately."
Kaelen's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Vorlag dismissed the others, keeping Valerius back for a moment.
"Don't mistake this for favoritism, Lieutenant," the Commander said gruffly, his eyes sharp. "You made a good call. Now back it up with solid work. The Scorpions are dangerous; they often employ Wargods. Do not underestimate them."
"I won't, Commander," Valerius assured him.
Leaving the command center, Valerius felt the weight of the assignment settle, but it was overshadowed by the thrill of opportunity. Lead tactical analysis – access to more data streams, direct influence on outpost deployment, visibility straight to the Commander. This was precisely the kind of 'merit' that earned promotions.
He sequestered himself in a small, secondary analysis room, ostensibly to begin reviewing sensor logs and intelligence reports. Alone, he allowed himself a moment to check his internal status via the System Interface.
<
Thirty-nine days. The energy absorbed from the geothermal vein was potent, accelerating the process significantly even after just one session. He could feel the change, a density building within his core, his control over his Warrior-stage energy becoming finer, more responsive. The threshold felt tantalizingly close. He would need another trip to Sub-Level 4 soon, perhaps tonight if operational tempo allowed.
Focusing on the task at hand, he directed the System to collate all available data on the Red Scorpions – known fleet compositions, past tactics, profiles of suspected Wargod operatives, preferred ambush strategies. Information flowed into his mind, processed and cross-referenced at impossible speeds. Standard Imperial analysts would take days to sift through this volume of data; the System did it in minutes.
<
It was a classic pincer strategy, relying on the outpost overreacting to the initial feint. Valerius began drafting a concise report for Vorlag, presenting the System's conclusions as his own deductions based on 'in-depth analysis of tactical patterns and signal intelligence'. He carefully omitted any mention of probabilities or analysis speeds that would seem impossible.
Later, during a scheduled break, he visited the training hall. He needed to maintain his physical regimen and, more importantly, test the subtle enhancements the nanites provided. Selecting a high-difficulty holographic combat simulation – multiple opponents, complex environment – he began.
He moved with a fluidity and precision that surprised even himself. His reaction times were sharper, his movements more energy-efficient. When a simulated energy bolt nearly caught him, he activated a minor Nanite function mentally: 'Sensory Boost: Auditory/Tactile - Short Burst.'
For a fraction of a second, the world exploded with detail. He heard the faint whine of the projector before the bolt fully formed, felt the subtle air pressure shift as another simulated enemy moved behind a nearby obstacle. He dodged, spun, and fired, neutralizing both threats with an economy of motion that felt instinctual, yet calculated. The boost faded, leaving him momentarily disoriented by the return to normal sensory input, but the potential was intoxicating.
He finished the simulation with a record score, drawing impressed glances from the few other personnel present. He merely nodded, attributing it to 'a good session'.
As the day cycle wore on, Valerius presented his tactical assessment to Commander Vorlag. The Commander listened intently, occasionally asking sharp questions, which Valerius answered calmly, drawing on the System's comprehensive data.
"A plausible scenario, Lieutenant," Vorlag conceded, rubbing his chin. "Matches their known operational profile. Bold, risking exposure near an Imperial outpost to hit the convoy." He nodded slowly. "Alright. We proceed with your recommendations. Deploy the stealth drones towards Grid 11. Alert Sector Command to the potential ambush coordinates. Keep refining the defensive posture here."
Valerius felt another surge of satisfaction. He was shaping the outpost's strategy, influencing events far beyond his official M2-D rank. The Red Scorpions, intended as a threat, were becoming a stepping stone.
Yet, as he walked back through the corridors, the System reminded him: Estimated Time to Wargod Threshold: 38 Standard Cycles. The need for another energy infusion from the depths of Sub-Level 4 was growing stronger. The currents of power were rising within him, but they demanded feeding. The coming confrontation wasn't just a tactical challenge; it was a race against time to reach the next stage before the true battle began.