"Get a grip. Nothing has happened yet."
The Deputy Commander's voice was steady, cutting through Orion's panic. "This is the Valkorath Realm. This is the Commander's turf. You are not alone out here. The entire Champions Alliance has your six."
The Deputy Commander seemed to see right through him, his tone softening just enough to ground Orion without coddling him. He knew that when it came to his wife and child, Orion was compromised—his usual cool demeanor replaced by the frantic energy of a man with everything to lose.
"Deputy Commander... what's the play?" Orion asked, his voice tight.
"Why don't you double-check the catalyst?"
It worked. The task gave Orion a moment to focus. He reached into his inventory and equipped the Spring of Life, thrusting it toward Edward. "Can you verify this one last time?"
