The atmosphere in the warehouse crackled with a focused intensity. The intel gathered by Shift and Zip lay dissected on the makeshift planning table – Shift's transcribed comms chatter, Zip's hastily sketched layouts of Sub-Station Epsilon with potential entry points circled in red. Roric, impeccably dressed as always, had already overlaid these with detailed archival schematics of the old hydro-processing facility, his data-slate projecting a 3D holographic model that highlighted structural features, potential chokepoints, and even blind spots in a way that made Zip's sketches look amateurish, though Roric politely praised his efforts.
Kai stood before his team, the crimson and shadow jacket a bold statement. His Anima Core Stability was holding at 70%. He still had his 8 undistributed attribute points and 1 skill point. He was the designated Leader, the one who had faced Crusher, but as Roric began to speak, guiding the initial overview of the target, Kai felt a familiar sense of being one step behind Roric's already well-formed thoughts.
"Alright," Roric began, his voice calm and incisive, gesturing towards the holographic display of Sub-Station Epsilon. "Shift, Zip, your reconnaissance was… adequate. It confirms the target is occupied by approximately twenty to twenty-five Rust Phantoms. Disorganized, basic weaponry, no confirmed MOD presence. They are, as anticipated, squatters, not a professional force. However, numbers and desperation can present their own challenges."
He looked at Kai. "Leader Kai, your initial thoughts on leveraging this intel for an insertion and clearing strategy?"
All eyes turned to Kai. He felt the pressure. He was supposed to be leading this. He focused on the information, on what he'd learned about his team's D-Grade Animas. "The collapsed maintenance tunnel Zip found on the west side," Kai started, pointing to the hologram, "seems like our best bet for a low-visibility entry. Shift, you noted their comms were unencrypted and localized. If we can create a significant distraction, we might be able to breach before they can organize a defense."
"A distraction is viable," Roric interjected smoothly, before Kai could elaborate further. "The Sector G-7 power junction for Epsilon is, as I've previously researched, old and vulnerable. A targeted EMP, which I can deploy, would create a facility-wide blackout and comms disruption for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. This would be our window." He glanced at Shift. "Your Phase Spider Anima could confirm the blackout's effectiveness on their comms in real-time."
Shift nodded, her analytical gaze flicking between Roric and Kai. "A blackout would certainly sow chaos. My Anima could confirm their disarray." She seemed to direct her confirmation more towards Roric.
Kai felt a slight prickle. Roric hadn't just suggested a distraction; he'd presented a fully formed technical solution, complete with timing and a role for Shift. It was a good plan, better than what Kai had been formulating about a simple diversionary noise.
"Okay," Kai said, trying to reassert his lead. "So, Roric handles the EMP. Shift confirms. Breaker," he turned to the stoic man, "you and I will be the breach team through the tunnel during the blackout. Zip, once we're in, you'll use the darkness for rapid internal recon, identify Phantom concentrations, and guide us."
Zip gave a nervous grin. "Sounds like a plan, L-leader Kai." He too, Kai noticed, glanced at Roric as if for confirmation.
Breaker simply grunted, his gaze also lingering on Roric for a moment longer than on Kai. It was subtle, but Kai was starting to feel like he was conducting a play Roric had already written and directed.
Roric then took over again, using the holo-display to pinpoint exact routes, contingency rally points, and even potential fields of fire within Epsilon, his strategic understanding of the schematics clearly profound. "Kai and Breaker will spearhead the entry. Zip, your Dragonfly Anima's burst speed will be essential for navigating the interior once the blackout hits; focus on identifying the primary congregation point of the Phantoms – likely their common room or barracks. We want to neutralize their ability to muster a cohesive defense quickly. Shift, you and I will maintain an overwatch position, coordinating the EMP and monitoring for any external interference or unexpected Phantom responses."
Kai listened, a growing sense of unease mixing with admiration for Roric's thoroughness. Roric was assigning roles, dictating strategy with a level of detail and foresight that Kai, still new to all this, couldn't yet match. He was the "Leader," but Roric was undeniably the architect of this operation. The recruits, Kai sensed, were picking up on this too. Their questions about specific timings or equipment readiness were increasingly directed at Roric, who answered them with crisp efficiency.
Kai decided to focus on his own immediate responsibilities and strengths. He needed to be ready for the fight. He still had that skill point. 'System, allocate 1 Skill Point to Anima Channeling Efficiency.' [Skill Point Allocated. New Skill Acquired: Anima Channeling Efficiency (Rank 1/5).] The familiar subtle shift occurred. It was a small comfort.
"The plan Roric has outlined is solid," Kai finally said, stepping forward again, trying to project command. "It plays to our strengths and mitigates our current weaknesses. The blackout is key. Our entry must be swift. Are there any immediate concerns with these assignments?"
Shift looked at Roric, then at Kai. "The EMP is your specialty, Roric. If it fails, or if its duration is shorter than anticipated?"
"Contingency plans are in place for partial failure," Roric replied smoothly. "We would revert to a more cautious probe, or abort if necessary. The risk to personnel is paramount." He said "personnel," not "our team," Kai noted. It was a subtle difference, but it spoke volumes about his detached, almost corporate approach to their dangerous endeavor.
Breaker rumbled, "The tunnel. If it's trapped?"
"Zip's initial assessment showed no obvious signs," Roric said. "And Breaker, your Gorgon Anima's resilience will be the first test of any unexpected physical impediments. Kai will be your immediate backup."
It was clear to Kai, and he suspected to the others, that while he might be the one kicking down the door, Roric was the one who had already mapped the entire house, identified all the weak points, and was now calmly handing out the keys.
The System, in its own way, seemed to confirm the dynamic: [Faction Operation: 'Operation Epsilon Purge' (Final Plan). Strategic Oversight: Roric. Tactical Execution Lead: Conduit Kai. Asset Deployment: Optimized by Roric. Risk Mitigation: Comprehensive (Roric). Probability of successful facility acquisition: Moderate to High (contingent on EMP efficacy and Conduit combat performance during breach).] [Daily Quest Update: 'Collaborative Strategy' – Participate in operational planning where multiple inputs determine outcome. Reward: +40 EXP, +1 Minor Clarity Serum (Consumable – temporarily improves focus on complex tasks).]
"Collaborative strategy," the System called it. It felt more like Roric's strategy, with Kai and the others as willing, or perhaps simply outmatched, collaborators.
"Optimal window for EMP deployment is 0200 hours, tomorrow night," Roric concluded, deactivating the holo-display. "Rest, prepare. The Crimson Coil has its first significant objective."
Kai nodded, a sense of inevitability settling in. He was the Leader, the fist of The Crimson Coil. But it was becoming increasingly clear that Roric was its mind, and perhaps, its true master.