The opportunity presented itself two days later during a mandatory ESD briefing. Commander Elise addressed the assembled security personnel, her demeanor stern as she confirmed the dire situation. The Citadel's last viable energy reserve was dwindling, and without a resupply of industrial diesel fuel, key engineering and sanitation systems would begin to fail within a month. She announced the planning for an immediate, high-risk, four-day Deep Strike Mission into the heavily guarded Viper territory to target a known, abandoned fuel depot.
The room was filled with immediate, worried murmurs. Kael, who was present, looked grave—he understood the severity of going into the Viper heartland.
When Commander Elise asked for personnel recommendations, Lexi and I immediately stood up. The move was calculated and synchronized.
"Commander," Lexi stated, her voice clear and commanding despite the tense atmosphere. "We volunteer for the Deep Strike Mission. We offer a unique combination of skills essential for its success."
Before Elise could dismiss us, I stepped forward. "My comms monitoring confirmed heavy Viper activity around that depot's immediate access routes. I know their frequency patterns and can provide invaluable route planning and advance warning. But more importantly, Captain Marcus's team lacks the specialized field logistics needed for a high-volume, quick extraction under pressure."
Lexi took over seamlessly. "The goal is maximum payload extraction in minimum time. I can calculate the optimal load capacity for the transport vehicle, design a faster, quieter loading sequence, and rig the extraction system to secure the payload efficiently. We have already proven our ability to navigate Viper territory and clear complex obstacles silently. Our combined expertise, hardened by our recent escape, offers the highest probability of mission success."
The pitch was precise, leveraging their need and our proven track record. Commander Elise and Captain Marcus exchanged a long, analytical look. Kael, surprisingly, remained silent, his expression unreadable, suggesting the grudging respect we had earned had overcome his initial suspicion.
Commander Elise finally nodded, her decision swift. "Your confidence is either courage or foolishness, Seray. But your argument is sound. We cannot afford failure. You and Manning are in. You will report to Captain Marcus immediately. Your old team member, Jesse Jaytor, will not be joining. He is critically needed in the Infirmary."
The separation of Jesse was expected, but it reinforced the risk. We would be going back into the field without our medical lifeline. As Lexi and I walked to the planning room, the weight of the mission settled upon us. This was the ultimate test. Success meant guaranteed integration and the undeniable cementing of our partnership within the Citadel. Failure meant death in Viper territory, or, worse, separation if we were deemed disposable.