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His eyes study me with intensity that transcends standard assessment, gaze moving across features with analytical precision that feels simultaneously invasive and affirming.

When he finally speaks, his voice emerges surprisingly soft despite surrounding evidence of lethal capability—low tenor with distinctive cadence that suggests careful selection of each syllable.

"Blackwood omega," he states, the simple acknowledgment carrying weight beyond its component words. "Unexpected variation from standard protocol parameters."

Despite how secretive these levels seem to be, it’s interesting how word spreads fast like a wildly lit fire.

I maintain the position at the safety line, recognizing opportunity while calculating associated risks.

"Blood Prophet," I respond, matching his formal designation with appropriate acknowledgment. "Your capabilities exceed documented assessment metrics."

A smile touches his lips—subtle expression that transforms clinical features into something unexpectedly human. The change reveals aspects of institutional documentation likely neglected—capacity for humor, for connection, for emotional engagement, carefully concealed beneath performance parameters they measure and record.

"As do yours," he observes quietly, gaze flicking briefly toward the researcher still engaged in communication before returning to me. "Probability mapping indicates purpose beyond apparent compliance motivation."

The statement confirms my initial assessment—he sees through the constructed persona to the strategic objective beneath. His understanding represents both opportunity and potential threat, depending on how he chooses to utilize this information.

I have to think and speak in a way they can understand. Scientifically, with benefits no different from all these researchers who bribe and continue to demonstrate power.

It seemed to become my new personality, and yet...

"Would knowledge of such a purpose interest you?" I ask carefully, testing parameters of potential alliance while maintaining plausible deniability, should our interaction be monitored more closely than apparent supervision suggests.

His expression doesn't change, yet something shifts in his eyes—intensity focusing like sunlight through a magnifying glass, bringing heightened clarity to the connection forming between us.

"Current institutional parameters provide an inadequate framework for optimal functionality," he states, words carrying precise meaning beneath apparent clinical detachment. "Alternative structural organization with appropriate leadership component represents significant probability improvement."

He's offering an alliance.

The realization forms with perfect clarity despite oblique phrasing designed to evade monitoring interpretation. This alpha—this Blood Prophet—has evaluated whatever he perceives in me and determined strategic advantage in potential cooperation despite institutional barriers designed to prevent exactly such a connection.

"Such leadership component would require specialized operational assets with diverse capability matrices," I respond, matching his obfuscated communication methodology while conveying essential strategic information.

"Assets currently under evaluation," he acknowledges with a slight nod that confirms understanding of my implied meaning. "Preliminary assessment indicates complementary functionality across required parameters."

My mind races with implications—he's already identified Riot and Sable as components in whatever strategy he perceives forming around my presence. His awareness transcends institutional separation designed specifically to prevent sucha connection, suggesting an information network extending beyond apparent containment limitations.

"Comprehensive integration would require a specialized designation framework," I note, testing the depth of his strategic understanding while maintaining plausible deniability.

His response carries unexpected directness that momentarily disrupts the carefully constructed communication pattern.

Suddenly, I understand what he’s trying to elude.

"You require permanent marking."

The statement falls between us with startling simplicity, cutting through layers of strategic obfuscation to a fundamental truth I hadn't consciously acknowledged. Designation requires visible confirmation—something that transcends institutional record-keeping to mark chosen alphas as mine and me as theirs, regardless of physical separation or experimental interference.

"Institutional protocols prohibit unauthorized modification," I observe, the objection serving as a test of problem-solving capacity rather than actual resistance to the concept.

His smile returns, carrying an edge that suggests confidence rather than arrogance.

"Would you accept my challenge?" he asks, voice low and deliberate. "Despite operational risks?"

I study him across the barrier, weighing tactical advantage against potential consequences. A mark visible to institutional personnel carries significant risk, yet provides confirmation of connection that transcends electronic records they could easily manipulate or delete.

Rebellious.

Spontaneous.