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I remember my mother's words from the archive recording:Not forced modification as Unity fears, but offered potential, accepted or declined by individual choice.

"You're talking about voluntary evolution," I say, understanding dawning. "People choosing to activate adaptive capabilities."

"Precisely," Naomi confirms. "What Unity could never accept. That stability might come through managed change rather than rigid control."

"And this requires all twelve Haven children?" Vex asks.

"The original design specified full network activation," Marcus explains. "Twelve distinct genetic signatures creating a complete harmonic pattern."

"But we're down one if Unity has captured a Haven child," I point out.

“Yes. Hence the urgency of our extraction mission," Jo says. "We deploy tomorrow at first light."

The timeline sends a jolt through me. No rest, no time to process everything we've learned. Just straight back into danger.

Story of my life lately.

"I want in," I declare. "On both missions. The extraction and the facility neutralization."

"Anticipated," Naomi says with a slight smile. "Teams are already configured to include you. Your knowledge of Unity protocols and personal experience with the research facility makes you invaluable."

"We'll need detailed briefing on both objectives," Trentsays, automatically shifting to mission preparation mode. "Security systems, personnel deployments, extraction routes."

"All prepared," Marcus assures him. "Though we hadn't counted on Sentinel participation."

"Where she goes, I go," Trent states simply.

I feel a rush of warmth despite the tension of the situation.

At least some things remain constant.

"And the Splinter with predator adaptations?" Jo asks, black eyes studying Vex with open curiosity.

"Same answer," Vex says, surprising me. "Package deal."

Naomi observes this exchange with obvious interest. "Unusual alliance. Haven, Sentinel, and Splinter working together." Her mismatched eyes focus on me. "Perhaps your mother's vision of bridging worlds wasn't so far-fetched after all."

The council session concludes with arrangements for detailed mission briefings later that evening. As the members disperse, Sara approaches us.

"You'll want to rest before tonight," she says. "I'll show you to your quarters."

We follow her through the settlement, my mind still processing everything we've learned. The resonance network, the final protocol, Unity's twisted Project Duality—layers of complexity I'm still struggling to untangle.

The quarters provided are surprisingly comfortable, a small housing unit with actual beds, clean linens, and bathing facilities that use heated spring water. After weeks of caves, bunkers, and wilderness camping, it feels almost decadently civilized.

"Food will be brought shortly," Sara informs us. "The briefing begins at sunset in the central hall." She pauses at the door. "And Zara? Whatever you decide about tomorrow's missions, know that you're among family here. We know you had no choice in what you became. No one will force any path on you."

After she leaves, I sink onto one of the beds, suddenly overwhelmed by fatigue. Lily explores the space with wide-eyed curiosity, clearly impressed by accommodations that would seem primitive by Unity standards but represent luxury after our recent experiences.

"Actual beds," she says wonderingly. "With pillows."

"Try not to get too excited," I tease.

Vex claims a spot by the window, amber eyes vigilantly scanning the settlement beyond. "Well-organized facility," he comments. “Pretty impressive resource management for wasteland conditions."

"But?" Trent prompts, recognizing the reservation in his tone.

"But convenient timing," Vex says. "Unity accelerates Project Duality just as we're brought to the final sanctuary, ready to implement some mysterious 'final protocol.'"