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"I'm the judge and observer. I can see the threats around us, but my reaction time to fight won't be as fast as yours."

The logic proves sound despite territorial resistance that makes acceptance difficult.

Judicial training provides enhanced perception and analytical capability that excels at threat assessment and pattern recognition, yet lacks the combat reflexes and systematic violence that my designation specialized in through years of institutional conditioning.

He's right, and recognizing tactical superiority doesn't diminish Alpha status or pack positioning.

My enhanced capabilities serve pack protection more effectively through forward positioning and immediate threat response rather than protective carrying that limits combat effectiveness and strategic maneuverability.

The displeasure burning in my chest speaks to territorial programming rather than tactical assessment.

But arguing with sound strategic reasoning serves ego rather than pack protection—personal satisfaction over Omega safety, territorial display over tactical efficiency.

I offer no verbal argument despite biological resistance that makes acceptance taste like copper and institutional defeat. Enhanced conditioning recognizes correct tactical positioning even when Alpha biology screams against separation from vulnerable mate and protective responsibility.

But uncertainty remains regarding navigation and objective targeting without Jinx's strategic guidance and tactical assessment.

"Where do we need to go?" I ask with recognition that her unconsciousness eliminates primary source of institutional knowledge and systematic navigation that guided previous advancement through architectural complexity.

Static begins crackling through speakers mounted near the door we'd been approaching.

The electronic interference carries intentional pattern rather than random system failure—deliberate communication attempt that suggests external contact rather than institutional security or systematic monitoring.

Then an Alpha voice emerges through electrical distortion with clarity that cuts through atmospheric interference and mechanical background noise.

"You need to go down to the stairs, go down the hall to the third black door."

The instructions prove specific enough to suggest genuine tactical assistance rather than institutional misdirection or systematic deception.

Yet the unfamiliar voice providing navigation guidance triggers territorial suspicion and tactical wariness regarding potential trap or systematic manipulation disguised as helpful communication.

"Whether that path is full of security or not is not my business to figure out," the voice continues with clinical detachment that suggests external perspective rather than direct institutional involvement, "but that's the only way for you to reach the next level in this institute at your current location."

Recognition flickers as memory aligns voice signature with previous electronic intrusion during Jinx's keyword activation and pharmaceutical seizure.

This Alpha had provided override commands and systematic intervention during biological crisis, demonstrating access to institutional systems and enhanced subject conditioning that exceeded normal technological capability.

"Who is this?" I demand with authority that expects immediate identification rather than continued anonymity or systematic deflection.

Enhanced senses detect no immediate threat from electronic communication, yet an unknown Alpha providing tacticalguidance triggers territorial response that transcends rational assessment of potential assistance value.

Sable's expression shifts with understanding that predates my recognition—judicial observation identifying a pattern before tactical assessment confirms source identification.

"You're the voice that was muttering earlier," he states with characteristic precision that reduces uncertainty to factual observation. "The transmitter dude."

Territorial rage builds with volcanic intensity at confirmation that another Alpha maintains intimate technological connection with my unconscious Omega.

The electronic presence represents a constant threat to pack bonds and exclusive Alpha access—technological intimacy that transcends physical separation to provide communication and guidance beyond pack member capability.

Electronic voice responds with professional courtesy that acknowledges recognition while providing formal identification despite obvious reluctance at continued territorial assessment.

"Maverick," he states with clarity that cuts through static interference and mechanical distortion. "And I would not like to be 'the transmitter dude,' but knowing Alphas, you'll label before you give me a chance."

The presumption that designation politics determines response proves accurate despite insulting accuracy.

"Pretty much," I acknowledge with satisfaction at his recognition of territorial reality and biological programming that prioritizes pack exclusivity over external cooperation or technological assistance.

"And I have every intention of removing that stupid transmitter the moment we get out of here."