Page 69

"There's more," Reid says, his expression turning grave. "Elara didn't just hide you in Unity for your protection. You were placed there specifically to eventually bridge the division between Unity and Splinter populations."

"Uh huh. And how exactly was I supposed to do that?" I ask skeptically.

"Your modifications were designed to demonstrate that genetic adaptation could be controlled, beneficial, and—most importantly—reversible if necessary," Reid explains. "Elara believed Unity's fear of genetic modification was primarily fear of irreversible change beyond their control."

"So I'm...what? A walking advertisement for the benefits of controlled modification?"

"More like proof that humanity's future lies in balanced adaptation rather than either extreme—Unity's rigid control or unregulated Splinter evolution," Nora says. "You're literally designed to bridge those worlds."

The weight of expectation settles over me like a physical burden. "Well gee. No pressure or anything."

Trent speaks for the first time since I entered. "You don't owe them anything, Zara." His voice is quiet but firm. "Not Unity, not Haven, not even your mother. Whatever purpose they designed you for, your life is your own."

His words trigger a flicker of the old connection between us. For a moment, I see the Trent I trusted completely, the man who always had my back.

Then I remember he knew all this before I did, and the moment shatters into pieces.

"Easy for you to say," I reply coolly. "You weren't engineered with a destiny."

His expression doesn't change, but something flashes in his eyes—hurt, maybe, or resignation.

"There's something else you should see," Reid says, breaking the tension. He adjusts the display to show what appears to be a map. "We've identified eleven other Haven children placed in different arcologies. Each carries unique modification patterns."

I study the glowing markers spread across what was once called Europe and North America. "Are they all still in Unity?"

"As far as we know," Nora answers. "Though without direct contact, we can't be certain."

"If they're experiencing activation like I did, Unity will hunt them down," I say, the implications hitting me. "They'll dissect them to understand the modifications."

"Which is why we need to find them first," Reid says. "Your mother built a communication protocol into all Haven children—a genetic recognition system that would allow you to identify each other if you ever made contact."

The thought of others like me—people carrying hidden modifications, their bodies waiting to transform—creates an unexpected sense of connection. I'm not alone in this experience.

"So what's the plan?" I ask. "Break into every arcology looking for people who might be changing?"

"Not exactly," Nora says. "We've been monitoring Unity communications. There are reports of 'contamination incidents' in at least three arcologies that match the activation patterns you experienced."

"They're starting to change," I realize. "Like I did."

"And Unity is taking notice," Reid confirms. "Which means we're running out of time."

Trent steps forward, looking at the map with the tactical assessment of a Sentinel. "Extraction would be nearly impossible with current resources. Unity will have increased security protocols after what happened with Zara."

"We're not suggesting a direct extraction," Nora clarifies. "But we need to establish contact—warn them what's happening, help them understand the changes."

"And how do we do that?" I ask.

"The sympathizer network extends into most arcologies," Reid explains. "We believe we can send a message through those channels that would reach the Haven children—if we craft it carefully enough that only they would recognize its significance."

"And if Unity intercepts it?"

"Then we've exposed our intentions," Trent says bluntly. "And made their hunt even more focused."

The room falls silent as we contemplate the risk. Eleven lives hanging in the balance—people like me, carryingmodifications they don't understand, isolated within Unity's rigid structure.

"I'll do it," I say finally. "Whatever message we send, it should come from me. Someone who's been through the transition."

Reid nods. "We'll need time to establish secure communication channels. In the meantime, your continued training is essential. The more you understand your capabilities, the better guidance you can offer others."