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Story: Broken Sentinel

"You think it's a trap?" I ask, not dismissing his caution despite the apparent welcome we've received. Though for once I’d like for something tonotbe a trap.

"I think caution remains advisable," he answers carefully. "Even with Haven descendants."

"Especiallywith Haven descendants," Trent adds. "Their agenda may align with ours currently, but their ultimate goals remain unclear."

"You two are just cheerful rays of sunshine, aren't you?" I tell them.

"Realistic," Vex corrects, though a hint of amusement lightens his expression. "A quality that's kept me alive in the wasteland for many years."

"And made you an absolute joy at parties, I'm sure."

The banter feels good, a moment of normalcy amid the constantly shifting circumstances of our lives. Lily watches our exchange with evident fascination, her silver eyes tracking between us as if studying some complex social experiment.

"What about you, Lily?" I ask, drawing her into the conversation. "What's your take on all this?"

She considers the question with characteristic thoughtfulness. "The resonance feels genuine," she says finally. "I can sense the network connections, see the patterns linking us to the others. It's...beautiful, actually. Symmetrical in a way that can't be faked."

"But?" I prompt, sensing she has more to say, just like Vex did.

"But I don't think they're telling us everything," she concludes. "There's something about the final protocol they're holding back."

Food arrives before we can explore this observation further, and it’s actual fresh food, not emergency rations or Unity's processed nutrition. Vegetables from the settlement's gardens, bread still warm from baking, and what appears to be real meat, though from what animal I couldn't guess (and honestly don’t want to).

We eat with grateful enthusiasm, conversation temporarily suspended in favor of addressing basic needs too long neglected. Even Vex abandons his vigilant position to join us, apparently satisfied that the food isn't poisoned.

As sunset approaches, Trent finds a moment to pull me aside while Vex helps Lily decode some aspect of the crystal's behavior.

"You okay?" he asks quietly, hand brushing mine in a touch that feels simultaneously casual and intimate.

I consider deflecting with humor, then decide on honesty instead. "Overwhelmed. This is a fucking lot. Family I never knew existed, a genetic destiny I never asked for, missions that could determine humanity's evolutionary future." I shake my head. "When I woke up this morning, I just wanted to find shelter from the storm."

"You don't have to participate in their missions," he reminds me. "We could leave, find our own path."

The offer touches me deeply, his willingness to abandon potential safety for my comfort. The idea of the two of us running away and making a life for ourselves somewhere, something I never dared to dream about.

But I shake my head.

"We both know that's not an option," I say. "Unity won't stop hunting us, and I can't abandon the other Haven children. Especially the one already captured." I meet his eyes directly. "Could you?"

He doesn't hesitate. "No."

"Then we see this through.”

His hand finds mine fully now, fingers intertwining. "To the end.”

The moment stretches between us, heavy with everything still unspoken. Since our night at the outpost, we've had precious little time alone, circumstances conspiring to keep us focused on survival rather than exploring what's developing between us.

A soft knock interrupts before either of us can bridge that gap. Sara stands in the doorway, expression apologetic.

"Time for the briefing," she announces. "The teams are assembling."

We follow her back to the central building, now configured differently than during the council meeting. The open space contains tactical displays, equipment stations, and two distinct planning areas clearly designated for separate missions.

Marcus approaches as we enter. "We've configured two operational teams," he explains. "Extraction team for Eastern Arcology, strike team for the research facility. Based on your unique skill sets, we recommend splitting your group."

I feel immediate resistance to this suggestion. "We stay together."

"Impractical for these missions," Jo counters, joining the conversation. "Different objectives require different capabilities.Your Sentinel companion's knowledge of Eastern Arcology security systems makes him invaluable to the extraction team. Your personal experience with the research facility makes you essential to the strike mission."