Reborn as a Space Mercenary: From Salaryman to Galactic Legend

The tension in Valeris was palpable. Even with the immediate chaos of the Syndicate's terror attacks temporarily subsiding, the lingering dread of their next move hung in the air like smoke. Every mercenary, resistance fighter, and Federation guard walked with a nervous energy, knowing that the city remained a prime target. Ethan, however, had little time to dwell on the silence between storms. His recent investigation into the Syndicate's logistics had unearthed troubling evidence, evidence that could shatter the fragile coalition holding Kynara together.

Iris's voice broke the stillness of Ethan's ship cabin as she delivered her findings. "Ethan, the analysis is complete. The patterns you requested have revealed significant anomalies."

Ethan leaned forward, his fingers drumming the edge of the console as lines of encrypted messages scrolled across the screen. "Let's hear it," he said, his tone sharp.

"The Syndicate's logistical movements indicate bypasses of heavily monitored Federation-controlled zones," Iris explained. "The probability of this being coincidental is less than five percent. Additionally, encrypted messages embedded within their supply logs suggest insider knowledge of Federation patrol schedules."

Ethan's jaw tightened as he reviewed the data. "Someone's feeding them information."

"Correct," Iris replied. "It appears there is a mole within the Federation's Kynaran command. However, the identities or specifics remain obscured due to layered encryption. The messages reference operational codes and specific names, but without access to higher-level clearance, I cannot fully decrypt them."

The weight of the revelation settled over Ethan like a leaden cloak. A Syndicate mole within the Federation forces was a devastating prospect, one that could unravel the coalition from within.

"Send everything to Voss," Ethan said after a long pause. "We need to act on this, but carefully. If this gets out without proof, it'll tear the coalition apart."

The Guild's private meeting room was dimly lit, the air heavy with anticipation. Seated around the circular table were Darrik Voss, Kael, Eliara Venn, and Zyrix Korran. The faint hum of holographic projectors filled the silence as Ethan began his presentation.

"As you can see," Ethan said, gesturing to the glowing display, "the Syndicate's supply chains show deliberate gaps where Federation patrols should have intercepted them. The encrypted messages embedded in their logs suggest someone within the Federation is aiding their movements."

Voss leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. "A mole within the Federation," he muttered. "If this is true, it explains a lot, the precision of their attacks, the ease of their infiltration. But it's also a dangerous accusation."

Eliara studied the data with a critical eye. "It's compelling, but we can't rule out the possibility of disinformation. The Syndicate could be planting these breadcrumbs to fracture us further."

Zyrix crossed his arms, make himself more comfortable in his seat. "Either way, it warrants action. We can't ignore the possibility. Surveillance on Federation personnel should begin immediately."

Ethan nodded. "I agree, but we need to tread carefully. If we're wrong, we risk alienating our strongest ally in Valeris."

Voss sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "I'll convene an emergency meeting with Captain Thorne and Joran Kren. This needs to be handled delicately. Ethan, I want you there to present the findings. Be ready."

The emergency coalition meeting took place in a secured conference room within the Guild Hall. Captain Alrik Thorne sat at one end of the table, his Federation uniform immaculate but his expression tight with barely contained irritation. Opposite him, a holographic projection of Joran Kren flickered into existence, the Resistance leader's stern face framed by the muted lighting of his desert stronghold.

Voss opened the meeting with a summary of Ethan's findings, his tone measured but firm. As Ethan laid out the evidence, detailing the Syndicate's unchallenged movements through Federation zones and the encrypted messages, the tension in the room grew thicker with each passing moment.

When Ethan finished, Captain Thorne's response was immediate and fiery. "This is outrageous," he snapped, his voice echoing in the chamber. "You're accusing my men of treason? We've been fighting to protect this city, risking our lives every day, and now you're saying we're the problem?"

Joran Kren's hologram flickered as he leaned forward, his expression cold. "No one's accusing your entire force, Captain. But the data doesn't lie. Someone in your command is feeding the Syndicate information."

Thorne's face reddened, his fists clenching. "You don't know that. For all we know, this is another Syndicate trick. Planting false intel to sow distrust."

Joran's eyes narrowed. "Convenient excuse. The Federation's refusal to assist in mid-tier settlements already showed where your priorities lie. Now it seems your forces might be compromised as well."

The room erupted into heated arguments, voices clashing as accusations and defenses were thrown back and forth.

"Enough!" Voss's voice cut through the noise like a whip. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. "We're on the same side, dammit. Infighting is exactly what the Syndicate wants. We need to work together to root out the mole, if there is one. But we need proof before making any accusations."

Thorne sat back, his jaw tight, while Joran's hologram flickered ominously.

After the meeting, Joran requested a private word with Voss and Ethan.

"You're playing with fire, Voss," Joran said, his voice low but firm. "The Federation's always prioritized their own interests. If there's a mole, it's because they allowed one to fester. Don't trust them blindly."

Voss nodded solemnly. "I hear you, Joran. But if we act without proof, we risk breaking the coalition entirely. We'll investigate, quietly."

Meanwhile, Captain Thorne returned to the Federation barracks, pacing angrily as he spoke with his trusted lieutenant. "They dare question us after everything we've done? Fine. We'll double patrols, tighten security. Let them see how wrong they are."

Far from Valeris, in the shadows of a fortified underground facility, Raeth watched the coalition's turmoil with cold satisfaction. The command center was a dimly lit hive of activity, its walls lined with screens displaying live feeds of Syndicate operations across Kynara.

A Syndicate lieutenant approached, bowing slightly. "Commander, the coalition is fracturing as planned."

Raeth allowed a faint smile to curl across his lips. "Of course they are. Mistrust is the easiest seed to sow."

He gestured toward a screen displaying encrypted communications. "The mole set by our benefactor has been instrumental in diverting patrols and allowing our movements. Now it's time to escalate."

"What is your command, sir?" the lieutenant asked.

Raeth's smile widened, his eyes glinting with malice. "Prepare the prototypes, we need to show our leader more results. Let the coalition see what true fear looks like. And continue feeding them just enough truth to keep them chasing shadows."

As the lieutenant departed, Raeth turned to a holographic map of Kynara, his voice a cold whisper. "Let them tear themselves apart. By the time they realize the truth, it'll be too late."