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I study her more carefully now that pretense has been temporarily abandoned, noting details invisible during initial interaction.

The omega designated "Riot" carries herself with a distinctive combination of defiance and calculation that suggests prolonged institutional adaptation without corresponding psychological submission—survival requiring performance of compliance while maintaining internal resistance.

"You know I'm not Patient 495," I observe quietly, voice pitched to match her sub-monitoring threshold while maintaining clarity sufficient for direct communication.

She nods slightly, movement calibrated to remain below motion-detection parameters while conveying clear affirmation.

"I know Nyx," she confirms, the simple statement carrying significant implications regarding her involvement in events surrounding my sister's extraction. "You have her face but nothing else."

The assessment carries neither accusation nor judgment—merely factual observation delivered with precision suggesting experience with identity assessment beyond apparent designation as research subject.

"You helped her escape," I extrapolate, connecting available information points to the most probable historical narrative.

Another minimalist nod acknowledges accuracy without providing verbal confirmation that might trigger linguistic analysis protocols within monitoring systems.

"And somehow found yourself back here anyway," I continue, the observation serving both information gathering and potential alliance foundation through recognition of shared circumstance.

Something flickers across her features—a brief emotional response suppressed through practiced control before fully manifesting in observable expression. The reaction suggests a complex history regarding return to institutional containment, potentially involving elements beyond simple recapture protocols.

"Not entirely dissimilar to your own return journey," she observes with unexpected perceptiveness that suggests intelligence beyond standard omega assessment metrics. "Though I suspect with significantly different motivational parameters."

The observation confirms my initial assessment—this omega possesses analytical capabilities exceeding institutional classification, potentially representing a valuable alliance opportunity within the otherwise hostile operational environment.

Before I can formulate an appropriate response accounting for multiple strategic possibilities, a subtle shift in monitoring equipment rhythm indicates approaching surveillance cycle completion—timing requiring immediate conversation conclusion to avoid detection through standard pattern analysis.

"Return to apparent sleep," she instructs quietly, already moving toward the clinical station with practiced efficiency."We'll continue when operational parameters permit secure communication."

I allow my eyes to close as she resumes her professional position, body settling into a convincing approximation of unconsciousness developed through years of similar tactical requirements. Through careful, even breathing and controlled muscle relaxation, I continue processing acquired information while appearing to have returned to the recovery sleep phase.

Riot.

The designation echoes with unintentional synchronicity—an omega sharing a name with my alpha that I came here to reclaim, somehow connected to my sister's escape, while now assigned to my monitoring despite an apparent escape attempt of her own.

Coincidence seems statistically improbable given circumstantial parameters, suggesting a potential strategic opportunity beyond apparent happenstance.

If institutional assignment places this omega in proximity to me on regular rotation, information exchange possibilities expand significantly beyond initial operational projections.

As monitoring equipment continues its rhythmic background presence, my mind calculates potential strategic advantages while my body maintains a perfect unconscious facade.

The mirrors continue their relentless reflection of reality I've returned to after six years of external existence—my choice, my plan, my mission.

Find my alphas.

Rebuild my pack.

Complete what we started six years ago.

With an unexpected omega alliance potentially developing, operational probability metrics shift toward improved successparameters despite significant challenges remaining throughout implementation phases.

One step closer to finding Riot—my Riot—and the others waiting in the levels below.

SIX

ECHOES OF REGRET

~JINX~

Pristine white walls stare back at me with sterile indifference.