Holographic projections of the metropolitan subterranean network hovered above the central planning console in the Citadel science ward.
Seven crimson nodes pulsed in an ominous hexagonal pattern across the city map, each marked with classified municipal serial numbers.
The scholar arranged physical structural schematics across the planning desk, securing the parchment edges with brass paperweights.
"The evidence is completely irrefutable," Vasa stated, pointing his stylus toward the pulsating holographic nodes.
"These seven installations are not stabilizing the Great Merge!"
"They are parasitic extraction rigs engineered to siphon forty thousand mana units per hour from the planet's mantle!"
"And where was that stolen energy flowing?" Sharon asked, leaning over the holographic display with a critical gaze.
"Directly into private off-world capacitor banks owned by the Directorate," Princess Serian answered, her voice laced with royal disgust.
