Desperation was a bitter taste in Kaelen's mouth. He isolated the Omega Frequency. To counter it, he needed processing power far beyond his console. He needed access to the Spire's own broadcast array. It was a suicide mission.
"Anya, Jax, I have a plan. But we can't do it from here."
Before they could answer, a new, unexpected signal sliced through their private channel. It was clean, professional, and utterly cold.
"Mr. Kaelen. My name is Director Valerius of Aethel-Arms. We are observing your... predicament. We can provide a mobile null-field generator, large enough to shield your pack. We can also provide the schematics for the Omega Wave's core resonator."
Anya's voice was pure ice. "And in return?"
"Simple," Valerius replied. "We want the Kronos Spire. You disable their defenses and the Omega broadcast. We handle the rest. Think of it as... urban renewal."
It was a deal with the devil. But the devil was offering a lifeline. Jax looked at his convulsing pack, at Cris who was weeping blood. His answer was a guttural snarl.
"We're in."