Page 158

Something passes across her face—concern, perhaps, or deeper emotion. "He's still recovering. The protocol affected him differently."

"How?" I press, sensing there's more she isn't saying.

Lily hesitates. "His electrical capabilities...changed during the protocol. Expanded. He can't fully control them yet."

I remember the metallic filaments beneath his skin, glowing brightly as he channeled the resonance field. "Is he in danger?"

"Not exactly. But he's better off here, where Dr. Reid can help him stabilize."

There's protective concern in her voice that strikes me asboth touching and strangely mature for someone her age. Something more than friendship connects these two Haven children—a shared experience of Unity's captivity, perhaps, or deeper understanding through the resonance network.

"Let's find the others," I say, reaching for the clothes someone has left folded beside my bed. "Time to plan our approach."

The planning sessiontakes place in a larger tent that serves as command center for the temporary camp. Maps and tactical displays show Resonance's layout, now marked with Unity patrol routes and security checkpoints based on the limited intelligence available.

Jo has assembled our rescue team as promised—five survivors with combat experience plus herself, Lily, and me. A motley crew compared to Unity's trained forces, but determination counts for something.

"Unity has established three security perimeters," Marcus explains, indicating concentric circles on the main display. "Outer patrol grid here, inner checkpoints here, and core security around the central structures where prisoners are being held."

"Troop strength?" I ask, automatically falling into Sentinel assessment mode.

"Approximately one hundred twenty operators in total," Jo answers. "Forty percent showing signs of early-stage modification. The rest standard Unity security personnel."

"Modified operators will have enhanced sensory capabilities," I note. "Standard stealth approaches won't be sufficient."

"Which is why we won't use standard approaches," comesa new voice. Sara enters the command tent, her color-shifting eyes finding mine. "We'll use the resonance network."

"The network is what allowed Unity to find Resonance in the first place," I point out. "Using it again would only draw their attention."

"Not necessarily," Marcus counters, bringing up a new display. "The final protocol changed the network's fundamental frequency. Unity's tracking systems would be calibrated to the old signature patterns."

"And even if they detect something," Sara adds, "they'll be looking for the full network activation, not the limited connection we're proposing."

I lean forward, intrigued despite my skepticism. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"A focused connection between compatible signatures," Sara explains. "You, Lily, and myself linked through modified crystals. It would allow us to synchronize our movements with Unity's patrol rotations, essentially becoming invisible to their security grid."

"Would that work?" I ask, looking between them.

"Theoretically," Marcus acknowledges. "The resonance network in its completed state operated on quantum principles beyond conventional detection. A limited connection should function similarly, just at reduced power and range."

It's a crazy idea. Also possibly brilliant. "What's the catch?"

"Maintaining the connection requires concentration," Sara explains. "Especially for you, as your system is still recovering from the protocol strain."

"I can help with that," Lily interjects. "My perception abilities can shoulder part of the load."

"And the limited connection won't mask conventional detection methods," Jo cautions. "Physical barriers, visual surveillance, and standard security protocols will still apply."

I consider the options. A frontal approach against Unity's forces would be suicide with our limited numbers. Standard infiltration would likely fail against modified operators with enhanced senses. This resonance connection, risky as it might be, offers our best chance at reaching the prisoners undetected.

"Alright," I decide. "We use the resonance connection for approach and infiltration. But we need a backup plan for extraction, when we'll have non-modified prisoners with us."

"An old maintenance tunnel," one of the fighters suggests, pointing to a location on the map. "Extends beyond Unity's current patrol perimeter. If we can reach it, it provides a relatively clear extraction route."

I study the indicated path. "That could work. What about transport once we clear the area?"

"We have two vehicles positioned here," Marcus indicates a point several kilometers from Resonance. "Fast, modified for wasteland terrain, with sufficient capacity for the expected number of rescues."