Tobias: The Truth About Salibad
The transport back to Evergrand Island hummed softly as Tobias leaned against the window, his mind racing. Meeting Danny had been surreal, but learning the truth about the GPS bomb and its intended target weighed heavily on him. The Statue of Virt wasn’t just a monument; it was a beacon of hope for Salibad, and its destruction would have sent shockwaves across the region.
As the transport landed, Tobias grabbed his belongings and hurried toward Virtuoso’s base. He had barely stepped through the entrance when Virt greeted him, her red eyes glowing faintly as she stepped forward.
“You’re back,” she said, her tone calm but with an edge of urgency. “What did Danny say?”
Tobias set his hammer against the wall and recounted the events of his visit, from the delivery to the startling revelation about the Statue of Virt. Virtuoso listened intently, her sleek black fur glinting under the light of the base’s monitors.
“Danny confirmed it,” Tobias finished. “The bomb was meant to destroy the statue and destabilize Salibad. But why? What’s so important about that city?”
Virtuoso turned to the nearest console, typing rapidly. The screens filled with maps and data streams, showing the sprawling urban expanse of Salibad and its connections to surrounding regions.
“Salibad sits at the heart of the Grand Cross Trade Route,” Virtuoso explained. “It’s a nexus of commerce and transportation that connects Evergrand Island, the Dolmen territories, and beyond. The one who controls Salibad controls the trade route—and with it, immense economic and strategic power.”
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The Grand Cross Trade Route
Tobias leaned closer, his eyes scanning the maps. The trade routes formed a star-like pattern, with Salibad at its center. Ships, trains, and caravans moved along the highlighted paths, their destinations ranging from bustling cities to remote outposts.
“So that’s why it’s a target,” Tobias said. “If someone takes over Salibad, they control all this.”
Virtuoso nodded. “Exactly. Destroying the Statue of Virt would have sown chaos and fear, weakening the Dolmen’s influence and opening the door for a hostile takeover.”
“Who would want that?” Tobias asked, his tail flicking with agitation. “Starfleet?”
“Not Starfleet as a whole,” Virtuoso clarified. “But factions within it—or external forces using Starfleet resources to achieve their goals. The corruption runs deep, Tobias, and Salibad is the prize they’re after.”
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A Dangerous Game
Tobias clenched his fists, the weight of the revelation sinking in. “So they used me to deliver the bomb, hoping it would get there unnoticed. And if I hadn’t stopped to check...”
“The consequences would have been catastrophic,” Virt said, her voice firm. “But you did stop, and you made the right choice. Now, we know what we’re up against.”
“What’s next?” Tobias asked. “We can’t just sit here and let them keep trying to take Salibad.”
“We won’t,” Virtuoso said, turning back to the console. “First, we need to identify who’s behind this. The people pulling the strings won’t stop at one failed attempt. They’ll try again, and we need to be ready.”
Tobias nodded, gripping his hammer tightly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to stop them.”
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A Moment of Resolve
As the base quieted, Tobias sat in one of the chairs, his mind still reeling from the day’s events. The image of the Grand Cross Trade Route lingered in his thoughts, a stark reminder of the stakes.
Virtuoso approached, her red eyes softening slightly. “This fight won’t be easy, Tobias. But you’ve proven you’re capable of standing up for what’s right.”
Tobias looked up, his ears perking slightly. “I’m not afraid. Salibad, the Dolmen—they deserve a chance to thrive without people trying to tear them down.”
Virtuoso placed a hand on his shoulder. “And with your help, they’ll have that chance.”
As Tobias left the base that evening, the stars above Evergrand Island seemed brighter than usual. The path ahead was uncertain, but with allies like Virtuoso and Danny, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
