The office was cold, sterile, and dimly lit by the bluish reflections of a distant star. Smooth, decoration-free walls emanated an aura of industrial perfection, each surface meticulously designed to convey order and control. A long onyx table dominated the center of the room, and behind it stood an enigmatic figure: a Xerithian with velvety gray skin, abyssal black eyes, and an expression devoid of emotion. Clad in an impeccably tailored black suit with faintly glowing edges, he exuded authority.
The door to the office opened soundlessly, and another Xerithian entered. This one was younger, with lighter gray skin and a tense demeanor. He stopped respectfully three paces from the table, attempting to mask his nervousness.
"Mr. Tharix, the reports from the Xyphera sector have arrived," the Manager began, striving to keep his tone steady.
The Xerithian behind the desk raised his gaze, his black eyes scanning the newcomer like a machine.
"Detail them, Ikaris. No circumlocution."
Ikaris swallowed hard and activated a portable holographic device. Above the table, a three-dimensional projection displayed a representation of the asteroid Xyphera and details of its mining operations.
"We secured 20 kilograms of Elythron in the latest shipment, but the losses exceeded projections. Infrastructure sabotage has caused instability in sector operations, and the intervention of the Argos team has complicated matters. They restored part of the station's systems, forcing us to abandon the operation. The remaining precious metal has fallen into the hands of the Interstellar Council."
Tharix rested his elbows on the table, interlacing his long, slender fingers in a gesture of concentration. His face remained impassive, but the tension in the room thickened.
"The Argos team? Who led the intervention?"
"Jack Done, the Martian we've been hearing about more frequently," replied Ikaris, pulling up a set of images. The projections showed a man with sharp features accompanied by a Rysal, a human woman, and an advanced android.
"Aetherion," Tharix murmured, almost inaudibly. "And what other losses have we sustained?"
Ikaris hesitated briefly but continued.
"Losses are estimated at five million units, primarily from destroyed safety systems and compromised mineral resources. Additional costs include personnel and the setup of the mining station. Furthermore, the incident has stirred tensions in the sector due to disgruntled miners."
A cold smile appeared on Tharix's face.
"Tensions, you say? Perfect. Let them believe the sabotage was orchestrated by humans. Division among species remains advantageous to us. The 20 kilograms are worth far more than that."
Ikaris nodded but highlighted another concern.
"However, sir, there is an increasing risk of exposure. Collected data suggests Jack Done and his team have uncovered evidence of our involvement. It's not impossible that this information could reach the Interstellar Diplomatic Council."
Tharix's black eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle sign of discomfort.
"That would be inconvenient but not insurmountable. Orith Nexis has sufficient leverage within the Council to mitigate the impact of any accusations. The real problem is Aetherion. Jack Done represents an uncontrollable variable. He must be neutralized."
Encouraged, Ikaris ventured a suggestion.
"Sir, the levers of influence are becoming harder to operate. The Hytari's growing presence is proving more disruptive than anticipated. Perhaps we should consider alternative measures?"
Tharix nodded slowly but firmly.
"A solid idea. Prepare a candidate. Ensure they are capable of manipulating emotions without arousing suspicion. And, above all, ensure no discernible connection to us."
He stood, radiating an aura of absolute authority.
"Elythron is the key to galactic control. I will not allow a Martian and his improvised group to jeopardize our plans. Continue monitoring them. I want daily reports."
Ikaris saluted respectfully and exited the office, leaving Tharix alone. The Xerithian turned to the massive window, gazing at the star illuminating the cosmic scene outside. His thoughts were clear but ruthless. Aetherion must be controlled or destroyed. And Jack Done would be eliminated, one way or another.
The shadows on the cold walls of the office seemed to deepen, foreshadowing the conflicts to come.