Thomir stepped away from the bustling command center, retreating to her personal office. Here, she could still monitor the situation through her holographic displays, but it gave her a semblance of solitude. Everyone knew better than to disturb these precious minutes she took to collect her thoughts.
Commander Thomir's eyes scan over her dashboard, divided into three pulsating sections, each demanding immediate attention. The left screen displays the containment progress of the phenomenon within the Regenesis building, the red flow patterns eerily mesmerizing. Floors and ventilation systems are divided into isolated sections. The center screen details the communication lockdown protocols, ensuring no information about the crisis leaks out to minimize the risk of widespread panic. On the right, a countdown timer ticks away, less than eight hours until the hauler's scheduled arrival. Each passing second tightens the knot of urgency in her chest.
Her hands grip the edges of the desk, knuckles pale beneath thin fur. The eerie beeping of incoming notifications fills the room. Each one is a reminder of the escalating crisis. A nuisance that cannot be avoided or ignored. She closes her eyes, taking several deep breaths, attempting to center herself.
“EDI,” she begins, her voice steady but tinged with an underlying tension. “Transparency has always been the hallmark of my career. It's how I've built trust and maintained stability. But today, for the first time, I have to shift to a different strategy. We need to prevent further panic and avoid economic collapse.”
“I understand, Commander,” EDI responds, tone neutral but attentive.
“I'm prioritizing containment and damage control,” Thomir continues. “We cannot afford to have this crisis escalate and spread beyond the station. Maintain compartmentalized communication and ensure no unauthorized information about the phenomenon leaks out. This is critical.”
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“Compartmentalizing communications and securing information,” EDI acknowledges the order, reciting back in abbreviated terms.
She rolls her eyes, shaking her head, hating every word coming out of her mouth. “EDI, contact the Legion and request he drafts a statement regarding the situation. I need his influence over the Emporium Press to calm any potential uproar.” Bitter. All her words tasted bitter in her mouth.
“Requesting Legion's statement,” EDI confirms.
Her eyes dart back to the main display, the chaotic scene in the Regenesis building glaring back at her. She steadies herself, preparing for the next series of decisions that would shape the outcome of this crisis.
No. Not yet. Focus. Assess.
She adjusts her attention for a moment to turn to the ytterpulse on her screen. “EDI, four haulers are charging their quantum drives right now. We will not stop them. Inform the StarShade CLC Supervisor to continue business as usual. This is a direct command, regardless of any gossip. Ensure the message is clear and assertive—no questioning. I'll explain to him later.”
“Contacting the StarShade CLC Supervisor now,” EDI confirms. “I will relay your command immediately.”
Thomir exhales slowly, the gravity of her decision settling in.
“Commander,” EDI's voice cut through her thoughts, “the StarShade RAD Supervisor has been informed of your command. The command has been acknowledged and will be enacted.”
“Good,” Thomir replies, her resolve hardening. “Monitor the situation closely. If there is any sign of an external breach, we lock down all outgoing communications. Understood?”
“Understood, Commander,” EDI continues in her duty.
Thomir now fixes her eyes on the chaotic displays. “EDI, ensure that no admirals or military supervisors are informed of the current situation until I disseminate the information on a need-to-know basis. This is an internal matter, and it will stay that way. The military's role remains to secure and patrol for the haulers and nothing more. No deviations. Make it clear—this is a directive from command.”
“Understood, Commander.”