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"This is Michael. Haven designation MC-Six." She speaks with proud formality. "We found him in the isolation chamber, just like we planned."

The boy watches our exchange with wary eyes that occasionally flicker with electrical discharges, subtle but definitely not standard human. Another modified child, his abilities still developing despite Unity's suppression protocols.

"Exit strategy?" Vex asks Trent, ever practical even as suppression rounds continue to impact around our position.

"Northeast maintenance shaft," Trent answers, gesturing toward a narrow passage half-hidden behind damaged equipment. "Leads to vehicle bay. Transport waiting, but we can't reach it with Unity forces blocking the route."

I assess the situation quickly. Six modified operators usingthe broken structure for cover, methodically tightening their perimeter around our position. Our disruptors will work, but we need a more comprehensive solution than simply fighting through, especially with an injured fighter and two children to protect.

"Vex, how much of that fancy explosive do you have left?" I ask, an idea forming.

He pats his equipment pouch. "Two charges. Smaller than what we used on the facility, but enough for localized structural damage."

"The support columns," I suggest, pointing to the massive structures still partially holding up the damaged ceiling. "We could bring down this whole section, block their approach."

Trent follows my thinking immediately. "Create a barrier between us and them, giving us time to reach the transport."

"While potentially dropping the ceiling on our heads," Vex points out, though I can tell he's already calculating angles.

"Not if we time it right," I counter. "Place charges on the far columns only. Staged collapse."

Trent studies the structural layout, Sentinel assessment kicking in. "It could work, but we'll need to move the moment the charges detonate. No hesitation."

“And I can’t say no to more bombs,” says Vex.

“The children go first,” the wounded fighter insists, struggling to sit straighter despite the obvious pain. “I’ll cover the retreat.”

“We all go,” I say firmly. “No one gets left behind.”

Vex is already moving, using the cover of our position to reach the first support column. I watch with admiration as he places the charge with expert precision, then slides to the second column with predatory grace that even the pursuing operators can’t track effectively.

“Charges set,” he confirms upon return. “Remote detonation, thirty-second delay.”

“Alright,” I say, looking at our small group. “Lily, Michael,you stay between Trent and me. Vex covers our six. When the charges blow, we run straight for the maintenance shaft, no stopping no matter what happens.”

The children nod solemnly, their eyes reflecting an understanding far beyond their years. Both have lived through Unity’s idea of “care”—they know what’s at stake if we’re captured.

“Twenty seconds,” Vex warns, detonator ready.

Trent moves closer to me, our shoulders touching briefly. “Just like Maintenance Sector 12,” he says quietly.

The reference to our earlier mission—a lifetime ago, it seems—brings an unexpected smile. “Except with more explosions and genetic experiments.”

“Details,” he dismisses with that subtle warmth in his eyes that’s only ever been for me.

“Ten seconds,” Vex announces. “Everyone ready to move.”

I position myself protectively near the children, body coiled for instant action. The wounded fighter grips his weapon more firmly, determination overriding pain.

“Five. Four. Three.”

I reach out, squeezing Lily’s shoulder reassuringly. Her silver eyes meet mine, trust shining through the fear.

“Two. One. Now!”

CHAPTER 29

The detonation is precisely controlled,not a massive explosion, but a focused disruption of the support columns' integrity. For a heartbeat, nothing happens. Then a groaning sound echoes through the structure as metal and concrete begin to give way.