46 Days Since First Strike — MOA Complex, War Room
The power flickered twice before the lights stabilized, casting the MOA Complex's war room in an eerie yellow hue. Rain lashed at the reinforced windows as Thomas stood before a massive digital map of Southern Luzon. The Iriga dead zone pulsed red at the center, and Fort Calinog blinked just west of it.
"Status update," Thomas said, voice hoarse from hours of debriefings.
Keplar tapped through multiple overlays on the holo-table. "We're tracking residual energy surges from the geothermal plant—pulsing at irregular intervals. Whatever came online after you left is still running, but we don't know what it's powering."
"Containment breached," Sato added grimly. "The host didn't survive, but his message was clear. Something is conscious. And it's learning. We're assuming it's a variant strain of the Bloom."
Thomas didn't respond right away. He stared at the blinking lights—representing enclaves, outposts, possible allies.
