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Marcus approaches as we enter. "We've configured two operational teams," he explains. "Extraction team for Eastern Arcology, strike team for the research facility. Based on your unique skill sets, we recommend splitting your group."

I feel immediate resistance to this suggestion. "We stay together."

"Impractical for these missions," Jo counters, joining the conversation.

"Different objectives require different capabilities.

Your Sentinel companion's knowledge of Eastern Arcology security systems makes him invaluable to the extraction team.

Your personal experience with the research facility makes you essential to the strike mission. "

"And the child requires protection," Marcus adds, nodding toward Lily. "Her perceptive abilities will be crucial for locating the captured Haven child within the arcology complex."

The tactical logic is sound, but something in me rebels against separation. We've survived thus far by sticking together, watching each other's backs.

"What about Vex?" I ask.

"His predator adaptations would be most effective with the strike team," Jo assesses. "The research facility will have heavier exterior defenses, requiring stealth capabilities beyond standard parameters."

I look to my companions, seeing my own reluctance in their expressions. Yet the mission requirements are clear—our skills distributed across both objectives would maximize chances of success.

"Two hours," I negotiate. "Give us two hours to review both mission parameters before we decide."

Marcus nods. "Acceptable. Complete briefing packages are available at both planning stations. Mission deployment remains scheduled for dawn."

As they move away to address other team members, I turn to find Trent, Vex, and Lily watching me expectantly.

"What's the play, Flutterby?" Vex asks.

I take a deep breath, leadership settling on my shoulders whether I want it or not. "We review both missions. Identify critical vulnerabilities, contingency requirements, extraction protocols. Then we decide—together—how to proceed."

Trent nods approval. "Thorough assessment before commitment. Sounds like standard Sentinel protocol to me.”

"I never thought I'd miss the days when our biggest worry was a rogue drone in Maintenance Sector 12," I say with a wry smile.

"Simpler times," he agrees, returning the smile briefly before he refocuses. "Let's get to work."

For the next two hours, we immerse ourselves in mission preparations—studying facility layouts, security protocols, personnel rotations, extraction routes.

The Haven teams have gathered impressive intelligence on both targets, suggesting established infiltration of Unity systems beyond anything I imagined possible.

As the settlement quiets outside, night falling fully over the valley, we reach our decision point.

The tactical reality is unavoidable—separation maximizes mission success probability.

The extraction team needs Trent's Sentinel knowledge and Lily's perceptive abilities.

The strike team needs my experience with the research facility and Vex's superior infiltration capabilities.

But logic doesn't make it any easier to accept.

"Twelve hours," Trent says as we gather one last time before joining our respective teams. "Both missions converge at the extraction rendezvous by 1800 hours tomorrow."

"Assuming everything goes according to plan," I note skeptically.

"When does that ever happen?" Vex asks with dark humor.

Lily looks between us, silver eyes troubled despite her obvious determination to contribute. "We'll find the captured child," she promises me. "And get out safely."

"You better," I tell her, surprised by how protective I feel toward this girl I've known for such a short time. "Or I'll have to come rescue you, and I've hit my rescue quota for the month."

A small smile touches her lips. "No more rescues. Got it."

As the final briefings begin, we're forced to separate, each joining our assigned teams. The extraction group gathers near the northern exit, while the strike team assembles at the southern edge of the settlement, specialized equipment already being distributed.

Just before we part, Trent pulls me aside one last time.

"Be careful," he says simply, though his eyes communicate volumes more.

"You too," I respond, voice catching slightly. "Don't do anything stupidly heroic."

"Says the woman heading to blow up Unity's primary research facility."

I shrug, giving him a coy smile.

We stand at the precipice of something neither of us planned or expected—separation when we've only just found each other in a new way. Time seems to suspend as soldiers and operatives move around us, final preparations underway for tomorrow's dual missions.

"Zara," he begins, that particular tone that makes my heart race. "If anything happens?—"

"Don't," I cut him off gently. "No fatalistic pre-mission declarations, remember? Bad luck."

Instead of responding with words, he closes the distance between us, one hand cupping my face as his lips find mine. The kiss is brief but fierce, containing everything we haven't had time to say.

"For luck, then," he says as we separate.

"Now you're just being superstitious," I tease, though the effect is somewhat undermined by my unsteady voice.

With one last look, we part, each heading toward our assigned teams. As I join the strike team, I find Vex waiting, having witnessed the exchange.

"He'll keep the child safe," he says, offering unexpected reassurance.

"I know," I respond. "And we'll destroy whatever twisted research Unity's conducting. "

His wicked smile gleams in the low light. "With extreme prejudice."

As final equipment checks commence around us, I feel a strange calm settling over me.

Not resignation or acceptance, but determination.

Whatever comes next—whether Haven's mysterious final protocol, Unity's corrupted Project Duality, or some third path not yet revealed—at least we're no longer running blind.

For the first time since my modifications began awakening, I'm moving toward something instead of just away from danger. Whether that's progress or just another kind of trap remains to be seen.

But at least it's my choice to make.