The Valorians had assembled outside Dr. Litene’s office, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and readiness. Inside, Dr. Litene stood behind her desk, her posture calm but commanding as she addressed them.
"Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice firm yet thoughtful. "As Commander Valis suspected, the beam ejected by the Cuboid didn’t just radiate energy—it marked a path for us, one that led to a specific location before the signal faded."
A ripple of murmurs passed through the group, and Dr. Litene paused, letting them process the weight of this revelation. Her gaze swept over the Valorians, all listening intently.
"This is our chance to investigate what lies at that location," she continued. "However, I must stress this: the beam likely revealed this location to other parties as well. We may not be the only ones on the move."
At that, Midas straightened, his voice steady as he asked, "So, what are our orders, ma’am?"
"Commander Valis will be briefing the Guardians, who will be working closely with you on this mission," she replied. "As Valorians, you will be instrumental in supporting them. For now, prepare yourselves. Gear up, and stand by for further instructions."
The Valorians nodded, their commitment evident in their focused expressions. Dr. Litene offered them a rare smile of encouragement before dismissing them. As the group turned to leave, Ryon lingered, his gaze distant, as if his mind had wandered.
"Ryon?" Dr. Litene’s voice was soft, a hint of concern seeping through her otherwise professional tone. "Everything alright?"
Ryon blinked, snapping back to attention. "Yes, ma’am," he replied quickly, then hesitated. "Just… taking it all in."
She gave him a reassuring smile. "Good. Keep that focus—it’ll serve you well out there."
Ryon nodded, a slight flush on his cheeks, and quickly left to catch up with his comrades. Dr. Litene watched him go, a thoughtful look on her face. She hoped whatever weighed on him was nothing serious, trusting he would find his footing soon enough.
---
At the North Crucifix Building, the Valorians entered their assigned room, Crucifix IV, a secure armory and prep station. This room held all they would need for the mission ahead: weapons, gear, and a heavy atmosphere of anticipation.
Each Valorian donned the standard under-armor—a blend of reinforced carbon and nanotubes designed for durability and flexibility. The armor’s sleek gray color was interrupted by flashes of yellow, giving them an imposing look. Over this, they fitted the Dome Standard V5 helmets, leaving only narrow slits for the eyes and nostrils.
Ryon looked around at his teammates, each of them now an armored figure ready for battle. He murmured, almost to himself, "Feels like we’re on the edge of something big."
Midas, overhearing, gave him a nod. "Let’s keep that edge sharp. We’re Valorians—this is what we’re made for."
They moved to the weapons rack, where each Valorian was handed a ST18 Moss Shotgun, a Red Fiarglow heavy rifle, and a high-frequency blade. They checked their weapons carefully, stacking ammunition in their webbing and conducting each other’s NSP checks in a brisk, practiced manner.
As they prepared to head out, the Valorians’ presence was imposing enough to part a crowd. Soldiers lining the corridors watched in silence, some saluting, others nodding respectfully as the Valorians marched by.
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---
In the briefing hall, Commander Valis stood at the front with a few of his trusted executive officers flanking him, their faces stern and focused. The Guardians—the elite force of Oxorn—stood in disciplined ranks, every eye locked on the Commander as he began.
"Guardians," Valis said, his voice carrying a weight of authority and experience. "Today, we stand on the brink of something unknown. As you all know, the beam’s origin was the Cuboid, but it’s now pointed us to a precise location. This event has transformed into a race, and you can be certain we aren’t the only ones running it."
A ripple of tension passed through the room, and Valis continued. "The beam wasn’t subtle. It’s probable, even likely, that other colonies, forces, or even independent factions out there noticed it and are mobilizing."
One of the officers, a seasoned woman named Major Talvoss, spoke up, stepping forward. "We have to assume that anyone who saw that beam will be drawn to the coordinates it marked, just as we are. But understand this: the unknown means danger. Those out there might see us as allies—or they might see us as targets. We’re preparing for both possibilities."
Another officer, Lieutenant Commander Oran, who was known for his tactical mind, chimed in. "Our mission has two objectives: secure the location and assess the artifact. If other forces arrive with similar intentions, we must ensure Oxorn is in control. If we can’t secure it peacefully, then we intercept and neutralize any threats."
Valis nodded, his eyes sweeping over the Guardians with a fierce glint. "Contain, protect, and, if necessary, conquer," he summarized. "Failure is not an option here, Guardians."
A Guardian in the front row, younger and newer to the unit, raised his voice. "Commander, do we have any intel on what we might face out there, or is this pure speculation?"
Valis’ gaze settled on him, unreadable. "No intel beyond the fact that the Cuboid’s energy is unknown in its origin and volatile in its nature. Speculation, yes—but informed speculation."
Major Talvoss added, "And that means staying vigilant. Expect the unexpected. This artifact could be anything—from a power source to a weapon, to something we can’t imagine. It’s not only our task to capture it, but to ensure it doesn’t fall into hands that would misuse it."
Valis took a step closer, locking eyes with several Guardians as he spoke. "Guardians, this is our charge: we find it, and we secure it. Anything, or anyone, who stands in our way will face the full might of Oxorn. No exceptions."
Lieutenant Commander Oran issued the final words of strategy. "We move out in twenty minutes. Dr. Litene’s Valorians will be our Instruments. They’ll support the mission directly, providing secondary firepower and specialist skills as needed. Treat them as equals on the field—they’re trained for this."
The Guardians acknowledged, their voices strong and unified. "Understood, sir!"
Valis, clearly satisfied, allowed a hint of a smile. "Then prepare. This mission could make history—for Oxorn, for each of you. Now go and arm yourselves. Dismissed!"
As the Guardians filed out to the Crucifix, readying themselves for the mission, the tension was almost palpable. This was more than a typical operation—it was a moment that could define their legacy. Each Guardian moved with a sharpened sense of purpose, the weight of their commander's words echoing in their minds.
---
Far beyond the confines of Oxorn’s military base, the beam’s journey through the cosmos had not gone unnoticed. Across distant territories, factions of various kinds had tracked the anomaly, each now moving to deploy search parties.
Yet, among these groups, one faction stood out—a dark, covert fleet moving silently through space, following the beam’s last known coordinates. At the helm of the lead ship, a figure loomed—tall, imposing, and clad in shadowy armor that seemed to drink in the light around it. The figure’s gaze was fixed on the beam’s remnants, which had finally faded, leaving only a memory in the night sky.
"My Lord," a servant voice with a kowtowed bow, "we’re locked onto the trajectory."
His eyes narrowed, glowing with a fierce, neon-orange light that hinted at a relentless ambition. "Then set course," he intoned, his voice cold and calculating. "I will claim what is set before me. And if anything gets in my way—" His tone then darkened, "—we will destroy them."
The fleet shifted into formation, engines humming with barely-contained power as they advanced toward their destination. The ruler stood silently, eyes fixed on the path ahead, as though he could already see the prize that awaited.
The race had begun, and no mercy would be given.