Oaths Are for the Obedient

[Fab]

As Dagger-2 approached the check-in office of the decaying Red Hills Boron Refinery, the crunch of gravel underfoot was the only sound accompanying the sharp wind howling through ruptured ductwork above. The facility, listed as "under decomission" for nearly a decade, loomed hollow and rust-choked -- but traces of activity could be seen.

A flickering announcement terminal, built into the outer wall, buzzed to life as they neared. Its UI was out of fashion, but still worked.

▼ Docking Record (Most Recent)
— Arrival: 3 days ago
— Vessel Class: Draugr-class Freighter
— Registration: AO3129
— Manifest: HCEC (Hazardous - High Capacity Energy Cells)
— Assigned Bay: Loading Bay 3
— Status: Docked

That tail number matched the freighter from Serrano’s footage. It was Riegel's.

Inside the office, a plastic security chair had been rotated recently. A half-full cup of coffee, still warm to the touch, rested on the desk. The terminal screen showed a log-in timeout screen.

Then, he noticed it:
A security monitor feed in the upper corner of the room, still active. One screen showed a live feed of the check-in office -- himself, stand outside the glass.

Soon after, a wall speaker crackled to life, slightly distorted.

Unknown Voice:
“Uh... hey -- are you the inspector? You’re a bit late, we figured you weren’t coming. Sorry for the cold welcome! Airlock should be cycling now. Just head on in and I’ll get to you.”

Outside, the heavy main airlock to the refinery's core structure clunked and hissed, the lights above it shifting from red to green. As the door groaned open, the stale scent of boron dust and coolant wafted out.

Waiting just beyond the threshold stood a security officer, older man, slightly off posture. His company ID badge was barely legible under scratched laminate, and his gear looked two models out of date. He stood just inside the light.

Security Officer:
“Afternoon. Wasn’t sure you were still coming. What can I do for you?”

He smiled. But didn’t blink.

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