[Kairu]

Faria: "So now what?" Meanwhile, in orbit of Eletania The Eclipse fleet had began to reorganize itself and its assets to optimize its production. The first thing they'd need to get started is finding resources. They had enough manpower, for the time being, to push back raids and smaller attack forces, but now without the close aid of the Collectors, they were virtually alone. Spectral knew this would begin to take its toll on his people if it didn't end sooner rather than later. To help correct that, he summoned his top officers aboard the Talonata. As the top officials gathered in a conference room adjacent to the Talonata's bridge, Spectral was keeping tabs on the other activities within the fleet. When everyone arrived, he seated himself in the chair at the far end of the table. He also activated the holoemitter in the middle of the table to allow Salvation to attend the meeting and for the Eclipse officers to know the presence. Spectral: "We did a good job fighting and losing anyone following us, but it's time for us to focus on building a base. What we need is a new base, chosen on Eletania. Vyus, the previous flagship should be coordinating surveys of the planet. We know the basics, but how do the mineral deposits look?" The Turian was pleased to be addressed first. In his mind, it meant that Spectral valued his input and position. Vyus: "Well, so far, we have found numerous deposits of gold and palladium. However, to make any effect base, we'll also need several other materials such as iron, platinum, element zero, iridium and titanium. I would suggest searching other planets in this system to maximize and consolidate our forces." Spectral: "We can send a ship or two to each of the other planets to help speed up this process. How do the geological readings look? Any good area to begin our construction?" Vyus passed a datapad down the line for Spectral to review. Vyus: "So far, we've found several key areas. It is my current recommendation that we build into a mountain range. It'll help us stay close to mineral deposits and give us adequate protection from both orbital and surface. After we complete a planetary survey, I will highlight the most optimal for both resources and protection." Spectral was pleased. He then focused attention to a Human sitting next to Vyus. Spectral: "What about finances, Siers?" Jost Siers was short and stocky Human. He had bushy eyebrows and brown eyes and hair. There was a large scarring from a burn on the left side of his face. He spoke in a deep, scratchy voice. Siers: "Well, leaving Omega was a poor choice. We had nearly 20% of the smuggling profits on the station. Without Omega and relocating to desolate rock, we virtually cut all of our income. Unless we find something incredible to trade or extort, we will have no way to pay for the resources we need from others." Spectral remained silent waiting for Siers to finish. Siers: "Hopefully, something of value can be found for us to exploit and monopolize, such as Element Zero." Vyus: "The large deposits of palladium and gold could be worth exploiting." Spectral: "How are the test results going?" This time, a Salarian, Somar Uzik, became the focus. He was about six foot tall with green skin. His eyes were closer together than the typical Salarian, but his mind was very sharp to make up for it. Uzik: "The teams are prepping more of these 'husks' in the main cargo hold of the flagship. We have also begun dissecting them to further breakdown and, hopefully, enhance them." Spectral: "Very good. When Vyus completes the initial surveys of the planet, we can begin the assembly for the base. I will continue to monitor the organization of the fleet and we can dismantle several ships to help in the initial outpost. We'll deploy some of our Makos to help burrow and clear out any necessary land or obstructions. Until then, continue your duty assignments and we'll begin Phase 2. You are all dismissed." Siers, Uzik, and Vyus got up to leave and return to their posts when Vyus stopped, allowing Uzik and Siers to leave. When the two left, Vyus stood patiently, his back turned to Spectral. He was gathering his thoughts, resenting the moment Spectral inquired as to why. Spectral: "Speak your mind, Vyus." Vyus: "Sir, I've begun to notice that some of the troops are concerned with leaving Omega. For them, that's all they've known. They've began to feel like you took that away from them and are reforming this gang into a political machine for personal gain." Spectral: "This gang has always been about personal gain. It'd start with the top officers gaining the most wealth and trickling down from there. I'm no stranger to this, but we will return to the Eclipse to its former glory. News will break out to the galaxy that we nearly destroyed Omega and our renown will be large. However, we'll likely be branded as terrorists and frowned upon. We can use that infamy to our advantage, harassing and intimidating smaller businesses and factions and bend them to our whim. When we've struck enough alliances, we can band together and some day, take back Omega and then we'll go for the Citadel." Spectral saw the concern in Vyus' eyes. Spectral knew that the metaphorical card he was playing was to delude Vyus into a boosted morale of grandeur, but Vyus wasn't buying it. Vyus merely let the nonsense fly and dismissed himself leaving Spectral and Salvation alone in the room. Salvation: "When you are finished testing out those husks on Humans, I suggest you begin to test out the process on that Turian along with his supporters. They seem to be a potential problem." Spectral: "I am not going to experiment on one of my top officers, not yet, at least. He still has a use and purpose." Salvation: "Do not wait too long. I have seen this before and it will happen again. He will turn against you. Be ready for that if you decide to wait." Spectral: "You don't know him. Turians are bound by honor and duty." Salvation: "Do you know him?" Spectral couldn't respond. Salvation made a point and Spectral knew that it was pointless to argue it. Salvation: "Hurry up and do what you need to. This cycle is nearly over. It'll soon be time to bring your people to its... salvation."