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"Don't," I cut him off gently. "No fatalistic pre-mission declarations, remember? Bad luck."

Instead of responding with words, he closes the distance between us, one hand cupping my face as his lips find mine. The kiss is brief but fierce, containing everything we haven't had time to say.

"For luck, then," he says as we separate.

"Now you're just being superstitious," I tease, though the effect is somewhat undermined by my unsteady voice.

With one last look, we part, each heading toward our assigned teams. As I join the strike team, I find Vex waiting, having witnessed the exchange.

"He'll keep the child safe," he says, offering unexpected reassurance.

"I know," I respond. "And we'll destroy whatever twisted research Unity's conducting."

His wicked smile gleams in the low light. "Withextremeprejudice."

As final equipment checks commence around us, I feel a strange calm settling over me. Not resignation or acceptance, but determination. Whatever comes next—whether Haven's mysterious final protocol, Unity's corrupted Project Duality, or some third path not yet revealed—at least we're no longer running blind.

For the first time since my modifications began awakening, I'm moving toward something instead of just away from danger. Whether that's progress or just another kind of trap remains to be seen.

But at least it's my choice to make.

CHAPTER 27

Unity's researchfacility looks different when you're planning to blow it up.

From our concealed position half a kilometer away, the complex rises from the wasteland like an alien structure – gleaming white walls surrounded by security barriers, surveillance drones patrolling in precise patterns overhead. Floodlights sweep the perimeter, creating pools of harsh illumination against the pre-dawn darkness.

"Quite the fortress," Sara observes beside me, her color-shifting eyes tracking the drone movements. "Security's been heightened since your escape."

“I’ll say. Triple the standard patrol rotation," I confirm, counting the armed guards visible along the outer walls. "And those aren't regular Unity personnel. They’re modified operators."

Vex adjusts the specialized binoculars, fiery eyes narrowed in concentration. "Twelve visible, probably more inside. Early-stage modifications based on movement patterns – still adjusting to enhanced capabilities, maybe.”

Our strike team consists of eight operatives: myself, Vex, Sara, and five Haven fighters with various modificationssuited for infiltration and combat. We're positioned on a ridge with excellent sightlines to the facility, making final preparations before beginning our approach.

"Infiltration point remains viable," Marcus says through our comm units from his position coordinating both missions back at Resonance. "Maintenance tunnel shows minimal sensor coverage."

I study the location he's referencing, a drainage outlet similar to the one we used to enter Eastern Arcology. This time, however, we're not trying to sneak in and out undetected. Our mission has a more explosive conclusion planned.

"Time check," Sara requests.

"0427," comes the response from Jo at Resonance. Her distinctive voice is unmistakable even through the comm static. "Extraction team reports successful infiltration at Eastern Arcology. Phase one proceeding on schedule."

The knowledge that Trent and Lily have successfully entered the arcology brings momentary relief. Then I refocus on our own mission, every bit as dangerous and just as critical.

"Approach window opens in eight minutes," Sara announces. "Final equipment check."

We verify our gear one last time, specialized infiltration suits designed to mask thermal signatures, communication devices operating on frequencies outside Unity's standard scanning range, and most importantly, the explosive charges that are this mission's primary purpose.

My pack contains six charges, each powerful enough to destroy a significant portion of the facility's central research area. Our intelligence has identified the primary sample storage location, the heart of Unity's twisted Project Duality, containing the genetic material harvested from me during my captivity.

All of it has to burn.

"Ready?" Vex asks, his voice carrying that predatory edge it gets before combat.

"Born ready," I respond with more confidence than I feel.

Cuz, fuck, am I ever nervous.