The communication with the Odyssey electrified the camp. A detailed data exchange began—technical schematics for the landing site, atmospheric analyses, and cultural files to help the star-farers understand the world they were returning to.
However, the power requirements for the sustained, high-bandwidth transmission were immense, straining the facility's aging geothermal generators. The Custodian warned of an impending overload.
"We have to ration our communications," Lena advised. "A few hours a day, at most."
But then, Kael's scouts reported a worrying development. The destruction of the mountain core had not eliminated the Council. It had scattered them. Remnant forces were regrouping, and their signals indicated they were attempting to reactivate an old, pre-Filtering military defense network—a system of orbital missile platforms.
"If they gain control of that network," the Custodian stated flatly, "they can shoot down the Odyssey before it enters orbit."
They needed more power, and they needed it fast, to both maintain contact with the Odyssey and to counter this new threat. The only viable source was a derelict fusion plant fifty kilometers to the east, in the heart of a region now swarming with Council patrols.
It was a desperate gamble. A team led by Roric and Kaela embarked on the mission. The plan was to infiltrate the plant, bypass its safety protocols—a task only the Custodian could guide them through—and initiate a cold restart.
The mission was a success, but the cost was high. They managed to power up the plant, sending a surge of clean energy back to the camp. But during their retreat, Roric, covering the others' escape, was cornered and captured by Council enforcers.
His final transmission was not one of fear, but of defiance. "Tell them! Tell them we are not going back! Tell my daughter the sky is real!"
Then, silence. The power flowed, a monument to his sacrifice. The camp had gained the energy to secure their future, but had lost one of their bravest in the process. The war was demanding a heavy price.