Chapter 20 - Extracting Consequences

The holographic display flickered to life in the center of the room. It cast an eerie glow across the faces of Squad 373 who had gathered for an early briefing. Commander Orfea's weathered visage stood on the platform controlling the main terminal. Her silvering hair was neatly pulled back in its usual severe bun despite the early hour.

"Three hours ago, our long-range scanners in Quadrant 4 detected an anomalous Dead Zone in sector 7-G."

She began without a preamble as the designated meeting time had ticked over. The only member missing was still on medical leave. Evander still hadn't been able to get nearly any useful information about Theia.

"Further investigation revealed a pocket of semi-stable space containing a significant deposit of Dynamis Plasma. One of the Mnemonic Crystals finally showed their worth."

A low murmur rippled through the assembled soldiers. Naia felt Poros tense beside her and Evander leaned forward. His tactical visor was already beginning to glow further with calculations. She understood everyone's suspense.

Dynamis Plasma was a highly energetic fluid crucial to powering their green-zone's side of the shielding. More of it meant more expansion of the area they could safely take in the Confluence. It meant more survivors from their universe. Orfea continued, her voice cutting through the whispers.

"This discovery could be a game-changer in our ongoing efforts. However, extraction will not be simple."

The hologram shifted to display a swirling mass of vibrant fluid contained within a jagged, crystalline structure. The Navigator saw their Shift Walker clench his fist. 

"The pocket's stability is tenuous at best. We also have reason to believe the enemy may also be aware of its existence."

Evander spoke up - his voice cool and analytical. The red haired man understood the stakes and why they were called to duty at this hour.

"What's our window for extraction, Commander?"

"Models from your fellow Tactical Omniscience ability holders suggest we have a 48-hour window before the pocket destabilizes completely. Your mission parameters are to establish a harmonized field, extract as much Dynamis Plasma as possible, and return safely. Avoid enemy detection if possible, but if not… you've all been through this before."

Naia felt the weight of expectation settle on her shoulders. She'd looked at the estimates on her terminal. Maintaining a field of that size, for that long... it would push her again. Even with the support equipment they were planning to send. The commander fixed her piercing gaze on her, likely sensing her dire cast.

"Navigator Naia. You'll be the lynchpin of this operation. Are you prepared for the strain this will place on your abilities considering your recent trouble?"

Naia straightened and pushed aside her doubts. She made sure she was being objective before meeting her eyes.

"Yes, Commander. I won't let you down."

Orfea nodded in approval.

"Good. Shift Walker Poros, you'll be the most essential in accessing the volatile pockets of plasma. Squad Leader Evander, I want you coordinating everyone from a forward command post. Your tactical insight will be crucial if we encounter any... complications."

The hologram expanded behind her to show a detailed map of the extraction site.

"You deploy in two hours. Study the terrain assessments, check your equipment, and be ready for anything. The fate of thousands from our universe may well rest on the success of this mission. Dismissed."

As the briefing room emptied, Naia looked over and caught Evander's eye. For a moment, she thought she saw concern cross his face as he looked at her. But then his professional mask slipped back into place and he turned away - already lost in tactical calculations.

Naia sighed. There would be time for personal feelings later. She pushed aside the pang in her chest. They had a job to do.

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The Harmonic Staff in her hand was gripped more tightly as a prickle of awareness crawled up her spine. Someone was approaching. She glanced towards the thick metal barrier in the rocky outcropping that Poros had phased through a minute ago… then back to the shimmering barrier that a handful of resonators were building.

A figure emerged from behind one of the twisted spires of metallic rock in this particular environment. Their weapon was raised and… searching. The soldier's uniform was unlike her own - marking him as one of *them*. An enemy combatant. A soldier from the other universe. The man's protective visor locked onto the sight of Naia and he immediately took better aim.

Her heart began to beat rapidly… but her voice that called out was steady.

"Don't. You don't want me to do this."

The soldier's finger tightened on the trigger against her warning. A burst of white energy erupted from his weapon and hurtled toward the Navigator. With a rigorously trained reaction, her cerulean shield of energy flared to life. It easily absorbed and dissipated the attack that showered from the single enemy's gun.

Naia felt the harmonics around her shift… condensing into a focused point of stability as she whistled. A lance of cerulean energy shot from her staff as it was leveled. It passed through the soldier's chest and left no wound. His eyes behind the visor went wide with shock - then blank. He crumpled to the ground, motionless.

Naia lowered her staff with a heavy sigh escaping her lips.

"I didn't want to do that again either..."

She kept her stare in the direction of the casualty, but her senses were sharp. Waiting for another presence to find their location. The sound of footsteps behind her eventually announced Poros's return. He had emerged from the metal wall in decent spirits about their mission here… but a concerned frown formed as he took in the scene.

"Naia? What happened?"

Her stony face gestured towards the fallen soldier.

"We had an uninvited guest. I took care of it."

Poros nodded, his eyes conveying understanding and a touch of sympathy. He wasn't a fan of some of the things they had to do in the line of duty either. Though they might never have met to become friends otherwise, he was even less thrilled that being at seemingly perpetual war meant she had to do the same things…

"You did what you had to. Are you alright?"

The woman's posture straightened.

"I'm fine. We should move the body and alert Evander. The extraction point might be compromised."

"Right, I'll do a quick sweep to make sure there aren't any more surprises."

As Poros set to work, Naia took a deep breath, refocusing on maintaining the harmonized field. The weight of her actions settled in her chest as a familiar burden. But there would be time to process later. For now, the mission came first.