The news of Patrol F's disappearance and Kael's tentative sensing of a location had sent a fresh ripple of tension through the sanctuary. While the immediate attack had subsided, the loss of survivors and the mystery of what took them, where, weighed heavily. Captain called a hasty meeting with his key people – Elara, Gus, Everla, and others involved in defense and patrols.
The discussion was tense. Gus was immediately vocal in his opposition. "A rescue mission is madness! We lost two before just for a filter part! Now you want to risk more lives based on a child's feeling?" He gestured towards Kael, who sat quietly beside Elara, observing the heated exchange. "He's connected to them! He'll lead us into a trap!"
Everla, tough and pragmatic from years of scavenging, was wary but also desperate. Losing patrol members was a blow to their already dwindling numbers and morale. "If there's a chance... even a small one... to find them or know what happened..."
Captain listened, his face grim. He knew the risks. He knew the distrust Kael inspired. But he also saw the potential. Kael's sensing, guided by Vispera and interpreted by Elara, was their only potential source of intelligence about The Void's movements and intentions outside their walls.
"The location isn't precise," Captain stated, his voice measured. "And we don't know exactly what took them, only that it felt 'Take. Fast. Silent.' like the recent attackers." He looked at Elara. "Did Vispera indicate danger at that location, Elara? Beyond the 'Waiting. Here.'?"
Elara focused, recalling the sensation Kael had conveyed. "It felt like... expectation, Captain. Like something was still present there. Not necessarily an ambush, but... they are there. Or their lingering presence is." She looked at Kael, then back at Captain. "It's risky. But it's the only information we have."
Captain was faced with an impossible choice. Risk precious lives on uncertain information gleaned from a child with a terrifying power, or abandon the lost patrol and lose potential intel about a new, dangerous threat. The survival of the sanctuary depended on impossible gambles.
He looked at Kael, who met his gaze with wide, uncertain eyes. He couldn't recognize Captain's face, but he seemed to understand the gravity of the moment. He felt Vispera's presence within him, a steady, sad warmth that seemed to acknowledge the difficulty of the choice.
Captain made his decision. It was a calculated risk, born of desperation. "We will send a small reconnaissance team," he announced, his voice firm, silencing Gus's protests before they even fully formed. "Everla, you lead it. Two others. Stealth is paramount. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Confirm the location. Confirm the presence of the patrol or the manifestations. Report back immediately."
He looked at Elara. "Kael's sensing is too unpredictable, too costly for him to accompany the team. But... perhaps he can try to sense the team once they are out there. Know if they are safe, or if they encounter something."
Elara nodded, understanding the immense pressure. Kael's sensing ability would become their tenuous lifeline to the reconnaissance team.
Gus scoffed one last time, muttering curses about trusting a curse and leading them all to their deaths. But Captain's decision was final.
The chapter ends with a small, high-risk reconnaissance team preparing to venture out into The Void based on Kael's uncertain sensing ability, marking a new phase where Kael's power moves from being just a defense or a project to a potential, dangerous source of intelligence for the sanctuary's external operations, raising the stakes and highlighting the desperate measures they are forced to take.