Europa, July 16, 2027. 0800 Hours.
Mikael Heikkinen dragged a captured NeoCorp merc into the core room, his tone sharp. “This one’s their tech lead—spill it, now!”
The merc, bruised and defiant, sneered at the crew. “You’re too late. The shard’s data is already off-world.”
John Mitchell stepped forward, his leadership a steady force, his voice cold. “Where’s it going? Talk, or we space you.”
Xiaotong Zheng analyzed the merc’s tablet, it took her a second to understand. “He’s not lying, Mitchell—data’s been sent to Saturn’s orbit.”
Rachel Voigt crossed her arms, her tone skeptical. “Saturn? That’s a long haul. Why there?”
Xiaotong glanced at Rachel, her voice calm but firm. “It’s a hub—probably a relay for their alien contacts.”
Rachel raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Aliens? You’re sure about that, Zheng?”
Xiaotong nodded, her confidence unwavering. “The shard’s logs mention ‘overseers.’ It fits.”
Rachel sighed, conceding with a nod. “Alright, I’m in—let’s chase it.”
Yuri Leonov smirked, nudging the merc with his boot. “Saturn, huh? Hope you packed for the trip, pal.”
Elias Moretti adjusted his scanner, his voice nervous. “Saturn’s moons… Titan’s got thick atmosphere. Tough landing.”
Anika Sharma reviewed the shard’s logs, intrigued. “The ‘overseers’—they’re manipulating the Sumerer. We need that data.”
Kenji Sato checked comms, his tone tense. “I’m picking up a new signal—they’re hailing us.”
Li Wei monitored the core’s systems, his expression grim. “Power’s stable, but we’re low on fuel.”
Sarah Carter patched up the merc, her tone firm. “He’ll live—just. We need answers, not bodies.”
Mitchell met Xiaotong’s gaze, trust absolute. “Zheng, trace that signal. We’re not done yet.”