Chapter 5
Chapter 5: The Empath's Trial
Xander, Lena, and Ryn arrive at Garren-3 moon seeking answers at a secondary Syndicate lab. They witness their mysterious ally's ship destroyed, then fight through Syndicate forces to reach the lab. Inside, they find evidence that Kylie is being prepared for a 'final phase' weaponization on Omega-7. A former Syndicate scientist, Elara, reveals Xander's empathic resonance could destroy the facility but may cost him his life. Xander agrees to the risk, escaping with crucial data as the Syndicate closes in.
The wormhole spat them out into a dim system, the star of Garren-3 a cold orange glow. Xander pressed his palm to the viewport, feeling the faint hum of the resonance in his chest. It had grown stronger since Veridia, a constant thrum now rather than a sporadic pulse. He had tried to meditate, to block it out, but it was like trying to ignore his own heartbeat. Lena watched him from the co-pilot seat, her concern a warm presence he could feel even without his new ability.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," she said softly.
"I have to learn to control it before we reach the lab," Xander replied, not turning. "If I can't, I'll be useless."
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