Steam rose from dozens of cups of V/O approved stimulant that sat on the briefing room's long table. The 373 sat among the scattering of other squads on the surrounding benches as senior operatives and squad leaders took the center.
Naia kept her eyes forward as Commander Orfea's hologram flickered to life at the head of the room. Evander's terminal sat closed, though his visor still glowed faintly red.
The tactician's earlier frustrated energy had smoothed into professional focus, though his fingers drummed once in rebellion against the table surface before she started speaking. The First Navigator's weathered features hardened, because of what she had to talk about.
"Intelligence has identified a research facility of particular concern. Those of you familiar with early Confluence history will recognize the Merzijan Group."
