“Still no updates from Luna Command?” Asked Anya.

“You mean, Hermes? No. Nothing since we first asked for more information regarding our new arrivals,” said Ross who had put his feet up. “The lockdown can't be still in effect right?”

Anya began using the console and opened up the transmission from her side, attempting to connect with Hermes. “It can't hurt to chase it up,” she said.

Ross nodded, put on his headset, and waited for the connection to be accepted. Time ticked by until eventually, someone accepted their call.

“This is Luna Command, sorry for the long wait, Frontier Red. Things have only got worse since you last called us.”

“Any progress with learning who our new arrivals are?” asked Anya.

“That’s a negative -” Sudden static made it hard to hear the speaker. “When the lockdown was lifted, something had happened to those inside their bunkers. They’ve -” The sound of crackling in both their ears had them staring at each other. Ross’ fingers curled inward as the voice cut through the static. “Most of those within Lazarus are now contaminated. There’s nothing much more we can do for you. You’re on your own regarding your new arrivals. Luna Command out.”

The connection and Ross took off the headset, swearing. “It has to be the Mortalis.”

“I can only imagine what’s happening on the Moon.”

“I’ll go report this to Cain. He’s not going to like this.”

“Still no word from the miners or Black Knight?” asked Cain sitting at his desk.

“No, Outpost One attempted contact via Aether transmission but no one is responding. We have the weapons, maybe a more direct approach is necessary.”

Cain put the tips of his fingers together and looked past the small holo-projection of Giovanni to the rest of the Security Operations Centre. The place was a hive of activity, as his people managed the day-to-day running of the facility, from resource gathering to disputes. Some days were mercifully quieter than others but with recent happenings on the Moon. He had some of his people try and figure out what was going on. “I would rather not lose more men. We’ll prep another smaller team to go only as far as the entrance. It could just be because of how deep they are that communication is difficult.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“Aether comms aren’t exactly known to struggle at depths.”

“I still would rather not commit men to what was already become an expensive expedition.”

Giovanni chuckled. “Now you’re starting to sound like the Overseer.”

Cain cracked a smile.“I’ll be in touch, Gio. Keep me updated if things change.”

Before Cain could relax another familiar face appeared outside of his office. The communications officer, Ross had the look of a man possessed. Cain pressed the button on his desk that allowed the glass door to slide open. He stepped in and Cain gestured for him to take a seat in the black chair opposite. “Had a feeling you would come with an update.”

“Luna Command got back to us.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“No, they’ve been compromised. Whatever happened after the lockdown, it led to people being infected with the Mortalis.”

Cain sat forward. “That puts us in an extra tricky position. The Moon was our primary means of importing resources. If it’s lost, things could become quite dire over here.”

“I think the Black Knight group were connected.”

“Same, but you needn’t worry about them, they are currently preoccupied with something deep below us.”

Ross straightened at that. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing to concern you. There is only one other matter I need to talk to you about.”

“What is that? Chief.”

“For wasting the Overseer’s time, he wasn’t too happy about it.”

“So I’ll be written up?”

Cain shook his head. “No, that would be silly. My concerns relate to the shifting balance of power. Look around this sector, how many do you truly think are aligned with Lazarus? We have people from all walks of life here.”

“You think once word spreads, we’ll be pitted against each other.”

“The Private Sector only cares about its investment, the people not so much. Honestly, I’ve long thought Raine was a bit directionless.”

“So-”

“When the time comes, Ross. I want to know I can count on you.”

“Of course, Chief. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Good, keep an eye on your colleague for me, too will you? She’s not all that she seems.”

Ross leant forward at that. “She seems pretty normal.”

“Oh she probably is, but she’s working with them, the ones who set this ball in motion. If she does anything out of the ordinary, let me know.”

“I will, sir.”

“Good, you’re dismissed.”