Chapter 74: Onyx Spire
Another officer spoke, his voice measured. "And if you're wrong? If Frost Fang is their real stronghold?"
He turned to the strategist. "Didn't you notice anything missing from the data?"
"Fleet compositions, troop deployments, key installations," the man replied. "Without decryption keys or alive operative, it's incomplete."
Cassian's gaze shifted back to Sylvie. "Joanne Vasiliev. You mentioned her as a potential lead."
Sylvie nodded. "Assuming they don't know I've switched sides—which I doubt—this is what I gathered about her from the Morpher-level commander I answered to at the Erythian League. She's operating on Planet Velaris at the Onyx Spire Quarter. It's a densely populated district, bustling with trade, making it the perfect place to stay hidden while coordinating operations. The Onyx Spire itself is notorious for its labyrinthine structures, designed centuries ago to confuse invaders."
Cassian didn't hesitate. "We need to stop chasing ghosts."
He paused, scanning the room. "We're not committing to Velaris until we have solid intel. If there's even a hint of them consolidating elsewhere, I want to know before we make our move. We'll play this game, but we'll do it on our terms, not theirs."
The room erupted into motion as officers hurried to carry out their assignments. Sylvie lingered by the edge of the map, her thoughts racing.
Cassian found Sylvie in one of the observation bays, the vast expanse of stars stretching endlessly before her. The faint hum of the ship's systems filled the air, but she seemed lost in her own silence, her shoulders rigid as though carrying a weight she refused to let anyone see.