*Meanwhile, from the Spine
The constant beeping of the data terminals filled the confined space of the command vehicle, creating an almost rhythmic noise that echoed through the steel interior.
Messages from each scouting party flooded in one after another, their data streams transmitted directly to Gelhyne and the spies assigned to interpret them.
Holographic screens flickered alive, filled with coordinates, environmental readings, and fragmented voice transmissions—an overwhelming flow of information that painted a digital picture of the ruins ahead.
But amidst all the incoming reports, one transmission took priority.
It came from Jack—Gelhyne's most trusted spy and the appointed overseer of Rox's specialized scouting team, the one sent furthest ahead.
The moment her data pad registered Jack's encrypted signal, the red notification pulsed sharply against the dark display.
Gelhyne's eyes narrowed.
