"Entrée vers l'inconnu" (An Enclave Story)

[Cat]

Turbolift 1B
Battlecruiser Alsace

As Leila was carried down from the command deck towards the hangar deck, the insignia on her collar vibrated and emitted a quiet soft beep. Being alone, she tapped it to activate the miniature comlink. There were only three people who could call her. All of them her superiors, and she had just met one of them. That's why she knew what to expect: orders and instructions. Of course, she was proven right.

"Agent Celice. I assume you've been briefed on the situation. Director Coste had found that station a couple of months ago and reported its existence to me. Ever since then, we have been biding our time so as not to get noticed by our... rivals. I need this station for les Révélateurs as a research and manufacturing facility. But most importantly, I need its existence kept a secret.

There are reports of a few unsanctioned Enclave patrols heading in different directions. One of them might discover the station. I presume that Amiral Clement caught wind of this abandoned installation and sent his men to find it. That outcome is unacceptable. Here is how we prevent it:

• Director Coste will engage sub-space jammers after this comm. This will allow you to coordinate with the Alsace around the station, but any long-range signals from this area towards Bordeaux and other facilities will be rendered inefficient. It will protect our secret, but it also means I won't be able to contact you. You'll report to Director Coste for now.
  
  
• The Alsace is to ensure that anyone who might find out about the station is captured or eliminated. Since I can't command the operation due to the jammer, I'll leave the choice at the discretion of Director Coste. Just make sure you're well armed and ready for anything. Even if it means shooting Enclave personnel.

Do what must be done, Leila. Now, get aboard that station and secure it. The King commands it."

The voice on the comlink belonged to Leila's superior. He didn't ask, he didn't expect any questions — he just gave instructions. And there was only one thing that he needed to hear from Leila in reply: "His word is law."