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Dreadhorse Chapter 5
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### The Quiet Guardian
Mira adjusted the delicate sensors on the lower deck of the Nexus Facility, her fingers deftly navigating the intricate circuitry. Unlike Orna and Druun, Mira preferred the shadows, her role often overlooked but crucial to the seamless operation of the complex. She was the facility’s chief technician, responsible for maintaining the myriad systems that kept their advanced research running smoothly.
Today, a subtle hum of tension underlined her routine. The data streams flowing through the central servers had been irregular for days, and while Druun and Orna pored over simulations and algorithms, Mira’s silent vigilance ensured that the foundation remained unshaken. Her workspace was a cramped alcove filled with tools, spare parts, and holographic schematics that floated gently in the air, reflecting her organized chaos.
As she tightened a connection on the mainframe, her commlink beeped softly. “Mira, any updates on the cooling systems?” Druun’s voice crackled through, steady and clear.
“All stable for now,” she replied, glancing up at the hologram projecting the facility’s status. “But there’s a minor fluctuation in Sector B. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I’ll keep an eye on it.”
“Good. Let me know if anything changes.”
Dropping the commlink, Mira returned to her work, the familiar rhythm of her tasks a comforting counterbalance to the high-stakes environment around her. She often felt like the unseen anchor, ensuring that the brilliance of her colleagues wasn’t undone by technical failures. Her contributions didn’t make headlines, but without her, the entire operation would falter.
During her routine checks, Mira noticed a slight anomaly in the backup power grid—a flicker too consistent to be random. Her brow furrowed as she delved deeper, tracing the signal through layers of code and circuitry. This wasn’t a simple glitch; it suggested interference. She cross-referenced the logs, her mind racing through possibilities. Sabotage? A hidden flaw? Or perhaps an external threat?
Deciding to inform Druun, she sent a secure message. Moments later, the door to her alcove opened, and Druun stepped in, his presence as commanding as ever. “Found something?”
Mira nodded, pointing to the anomaly on her display. “There’s a consistent flicker in the backup grid. It could be nothing, but I thought you should know.”
Druun examined the data, his eyes narrowing. “I’ll coordinate with security and Orna to investigate. Thanks for catching this.”
As Druun left, Mira felt a surge of relief. Her keen eye had potentially averted a larger issue. She returned to her work, the hum of the facility resuming its steady pace. Outside her alcove, the automated systems continued their dance, oblivious to the small dramas that occasionally threatened their harmony.
Later that evening, as the facility began to wind down, Mira took a moment to gaze out the window at the sprawling city lights beyond. She seldom took breaks, her dedication unwavering. Yet, in those rare seconds of reflection, she felt connected to something greater—a silent promise that her efforts, though unnoticed, were vital to their collective mission.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. It was Orna, her usual intensity softened by a rare moment of gratitude. “Mira, I wanted to thank you for your diligence. We might have avoided a major setback thanks to you.”
Mira offered a modest smile. “Just doing my part.”
Orna nodded, her respect evident. “Every part matters.”
As Orna left, Mira returned to her sensors, feeling a quiet pride. In the dance of data and duty, she was the guardian in the background, ensuring that the light always shone brightly for those at the forefront. And in that steady presence, she found her own sense of purpose.