Sarah took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "What do you want to know?" she asked Inspector Vega.
"Everything," Vega replied, her eyes sharp. "Starting with how you really ended up in the Nova, and how you developed this Quantum Essence."
Sarah closed her eyes, carefully choosing her words. She didn't want to fully expose herself, but lying to Vega wasn't an option either. "I... come from a place far away," she began. "A place very different from here."
As Sarah recounted her struggle for survival in the Nova, how she learned to innovate with limited resources, and her discovery and research of Quantum Essence, Vega listened intently, nodding at times, frowning at others.
"So the Quantum Essence..." Vega began.
"Is something I developed based on knowledge I gained there, combined with the technology here," Sarah finished. "That's why I can manipulate it in ways others can't." Sarah hesitated, memories of her past in Nova flooding back. "The development of QE... it wasn't without consequences," she admitted, her voice low. "My research sparked conflicts within Nova. Some saw its potential for good, others for profit or power."
Her eyes darkened. "There was someone I thought I could trust. His name was Zephyr. He... he betrayed us, stole some of my early research. The aftermath of that betrayal is why I got stuck at the Nova Port."
Vega leaned forward, intrigued. "This Zephyr, what happened to him?"
Sarah shook her head. "I don't know. He disappeared with the stolen data. But the chaos he left behind... it's part of why I'm so cautious now. And why I'm determined to use QE for the right reasons."
Vega leaned back, digesting the information. "It certainly explains a lot," she murmured. "But it also raises more questions. Your abilities with QE are unprecedented."
Vega pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Sarah. I believe you. But from now on, we need to be more careful. Your abilities... they're both an opportunity and a potential danger."
Sarah felt a wave of relief wash over her. While she hadn't revealed the whole truth, she was no longer completely hiding her background.
"Thank you for understanding, teacher," Sarah said sincerely. "I promise I won't let you down."
Vega smiled slightly, but her expression quickly turned serious. She leaned forward, folding her hands on the desk. "Sarah, your abilities are remarkable, but they also come with great risks. I've been observing how you work with QE, and there's something we need to discuss."
Sarah tensed, sensing the shift in Vega's tone. "What do you mean, teacher?"
"The way you use Quantum Essence," Vega began, her voice low and measured. "It's incredibly reckless. I've never seen anyone interact with nanotech the way you do."
Sarah's brow furrowed in confusion. "But isn't that a good thing? I mean, it's effective..."
Vega shook her head, her eyes grave. "Effective, yes. But also extremely dangerous. There are some things I must warn you about the way you use your skill with QE."
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "I... I didn't realize. Is it really that dangerous?"
Vega nodded, her face grim. "Extremely. If a QE-infused machine malfunctions while you're manipulating it, it could cause irreversible damage to your mind."
"How do you know this?" Sarah asked cautiously.
The inspector replied, her face expressionless, "Personal experience. Just like what you did in the transfer room earlier with QE. The machine I was inspecting exploded, and my mental energy... shattered."
Sarah fell silent, feeling a chill run down her spine. Despite being scolded, she wasn't angry. The inspector's tone was harsh, but her words showed genuine concern for Sarah's well-being.
"I... I'm sorry," Sarah said softly. "I had no idea there was such a risk. Thank you for telling me this."
The inspector's expression softened slightly. "That's why I'm teaching you. We need to find a safer way to use your abilities with Quantum Essence."
Sarah nodded, suddenly realizing the importance of learning. "I'm grateful you're willing to teach me, teacher. I'll study hard."
Vega leaned forward, her eyes intense. "Sarah, you must understand. Your abilities with Quantum Essence are unprecedented. In the wrong hands, this knowledge could be catastrophic. We must be extremely careful about who knows what you can do."
Sarah felt the weight of Vega's words. "
Vega shook her head. "For now, we keep this between us. It's for your own safety, and for the safety of others."
Sarah nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Thank you, teacher. I won't let you down."
As their conversation drew to a close, Vega stood up. "Get some rest, Sarah. Your skills could revolutionize our field, but only if we can control the risks."
Sarah left Vega's office, her mind reeling from the revelations and warnings. She knew her journey in this new world was far from over. In fact, with the power and danger of Quantum Essence now fully revealed, it felt like it was just beginning.