Page 48

"Recording date: August 17, 2094," the hologram announces in a crisp, clear voice. "Contingency message forsubject ZT-Seven, in the event of successful extraction from Unity placement."

The woman—my mother—looks directly at where I'm sitting, as if she could see me across the decades.

As if she can see me through time itself.

"Zara," she begins, her formal tone softening. "If you're watching this, then several things must be true: you've survived, your modifications have begun activating, and you've found your way to our people."

She smiles, and the expression transforms her face from authoritative to luminous. "First, know that sending you away was the hardest thing I've ever done. Your father and I created you not just as a scientific achievement, but as our daughter, our greatest love."

The hologram shifts as she moves, pacing as she speaks. "Second, you must understand that what's happening to your body isn't random or dangerous. Your genetic modifications were designed specifically foryou, based on your natural genetic potential. Unlike Unity's mechanical enhancements or the first-generation adaptations that produced unstable results, yours represent the pinnacle of our work, fully integrated modifications that become part of your natural development."

She stops pacing, her expression turning serious. "The key difference is that your modifications aren't static. They're adaptive, responding to environmental conditions and evolving as needed. Unity sees this as a threat because they can't control it. Their entire system is built on the premise that humanity must remain unchanged to survive. Our research proved the opposite, that continual adaptation is humanity's greatest strength."

I listen, transfixed by this woman who shares my features but whose confidence and certainty seem alien to me. My whole life has been about following rules, maintaining protocols. Elara Thorne radiates a different kind of power, theauthority of someone who makes the rules rather than follows them.

"Your specific modifications include enhanced sensory processing, accelerated neural pathways, and a unique cellular regeneration system that allows for physical adaptation to environmental changes," she continues. "As they fully activate, you'll experience capabilities beyond standard human parameters, some similar to other Splinter adaptations, others entirely unique to your design."

Design. That word again, reminding me that to her, I was partly an experiment.

"But most importantly," Elara leans closer to the recording device, her voice dropping as if sharing a secret, "you were created to bridge worlds. Your modifications appear Splinter-like but function on principles Unity could eventually accept. You represent a path forward, not Unity's static perfection or the wasteland's extreme adaptations, but a balanced approach that honors human potential without sacrificing human identity."

She straightens, something like pride filling her expression. "You were hidden in Unity not just for your safety, but because someday, when the time is right, you could help them see what we've always known—that adaptation isn't contamination. It's survival. It's the future."

The hologram flickers, and Elara's expression softens again. "I don't know what life you've lived, what person you've become. But I hope somewhere beneath Unity's conditioning, you've kept the curiosity, the determination, the fierce heart I saw in you even as a child." She smiles, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "You were quite the handful, even at four."

Her image begins to fade. "There are more messages, more information when you're ready. But for now, know this: whatever Unity told you about who and what you are—you're more. So much more."

The hologram disappears, leaving the room in silence except for my ragged breathing.

I don't know what to feel. Relief at finally having answers? Anger at being designed and deployed like some kind of science experiment? Grief for parents I barely remember? It all swirls together in a storm I can't even begin to think through.

"She loved you," Nora says softly. "Beyond the science, beyond the cause—Elara loved you desperately. I watched her record that message seven times because she kept breaking down."

I nod, not trusting my voice right now.

"We understand this is a lot to process," Reid says. "You've both had an exhausting journey. Perhaps rest would be beneficial before we continue?"

Rest sounds impossible, but my body feels suddenly leaden, the day's events catching up all at once.

"There are quarters prepared," Nora offers. "Nothing luxurious like Unity's Upper Levels, but comfortable. And private."

The way she says "private" while glancing between Trent and me suggests that our connection hasn't gone unnoticed. Outside Unity's rigid protocols, apparently, such things are accepted rather than forbidden.

"Thank you," Trent says, speaking for both of us when I remain silent. "That would be appreciated."

Lyra stands to escort us. "I'll show you the way."

As we rise to follow her, Reid steps forward. "One more thing, Zara. Now that your modifications are actively expressing, the process will continue to accelerate. You may experience discomfort as your systems recalibrate. If symptoms become overwhelming, our medical facility is equipped to help."

"And if I don't want these modifications?" The question bursts from me. "If I want to stop them?"

The Elders exchange glances again.

"That would be like trying to stop yourself from growing taller during adolescence," Nora explains gently. "These changes aren't external additions like Unity's enhancements. They're expressions of what's already in your genetic code, just amplified."

"What she means," Reid clarifies, "is that they can't be removed without fundamentally altering who you are. They're part of you, Zara. They always have been."

The knowledge settles heavily. No going back. No return to the comfortable certainty of who I thought I was.