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The display shifts, showing my sequences merging with another set—more chaotic, less structured, but somehow compatible with mine.

"They're complementary," Trent observes, scientific training evident in his quick analysis.

"More than complementary," Elle corrects. "When combined, they create something new. Something neither your mother nor Lin's faction anticipated."

"What exactly?" I ask, unease growing.

She manipulates the display, showing the merged patterns evolving rapidly. "A chain reaction. Your controlled adaptive capabilities combined with the Evolved's extreme modifications create a genetic framework that can be passed to others. Essentially, a transmissible modification pattern."

The implications strike. "A way to modify others without direct genetic intervention."

"A contagion," Trent translates grimly.

"That's what Unity wants," Vex concludes, eyes fixed on the display. "A controlled method to implement or remove modifications as they see fit."

"Exactly," Elle confirms. "Your mother designed your modifications to be stable and integrated. Lin's faction pursued the opposite approach—extreme, constantly evolving changes. Unity believes that by combining both, they can create modifications that can be activated or deactivated on command."

"The perfect weapon," I whisper. "Controllable Splinters."

"And they need me to perfect it." The knowledge settles like a stone in my stomach. "That's why they're hunting the other Haven children too—different modification patterns to incorporate into their system."

She nods. "Which brings us to the immediate problem. Unity now has samples of your genetic material. Even without you physically present, they can continue their research."

"How close are they?" Trent asks.

"Our sources indicate they're still struggling with the stabilization phase," Elle answers. "Your genetics are incredibly complex, Zara. They've only decoded portions of the adaptive sequences."

"So what's the plan?" I look between them. "Obviously we can't let Unity create this... contagion."

"We have two objectives," Elle says decisively. "First, destroy Unity's research and samples. Second, warn the remaining Haven children before they're captured."

"The facility we escaped from," Vex suggests. "That's where their primary research is happening."

"Too heavily defended now," Trent counters. "They'll have tripled security after our escape."

"What about information instead of direct assault?" I offer. "If we could access their network, inject something to corrupt their data..."

Elle raises her brows, nodding. "That might be possible. We have sympathizers with limited network access."

"It wouldn't destroy physical samples," Trent points out.

"But it would set them back significantly," Vex argues. "Give us time to locate the other Haven children."

A burst of communication from one of the monitoring stations interrupts our discussion. A young operator gestures urgently to Elle.

"Incoming transmission," she announces. "Encrypted sympathizer frequency."

We gather around the communications array as Elle activates the receiver. Static crackles, then a voice breaks through—distorted but understandable.

"Old Refuge, this is Haven's Edge. Responding to alert beacon. Status report requested on Thorne extraction."

Reid's voice. Relief floods through me at this connection to Haven's Edge.

Elle answers: "Haven's Edge, extraction successful butcompromised. Unity has genetic samples. Evolved faction alliance confirmed."

A pause, then: "Understood. Alternative communication protocol initiated. Prepare for data transmission."

The system hums as encoded data streams in. Operators work quickly to decrypt and display the incoming information.