Page 74

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."

The declaration carries absolute certainty regarding future action and pack protection through elimination of external interference.

No technological connection should supersede physical Alpha access to bonded Omega— electronic intimacy represents violation of pack exclusivity that requires correction through systematic removal and technological severance.

Maverick's response emerges with a mixture of amusement and territorial challenge that suggests equal Alpha confidence despite technological mediation rather than physical presence.

"You should tame your jealousy when you're out of here," he observes with accuracy that stings despite obvious truth regarding emotional motivation and territorial programming.

But his tone shifts with tactical urgency that transcends territorial banter to encompass immediate environmental threat and systematic pursuit.

"But if you don't move, you'll be surrounded in sixty seconds, and I can't keep hacking the system to communicate with you. So take this as a sign of grace and stop being cocky stubborn bastards."

The warning carries authority that speaks to genuine intelligence and systematic monitoring rather than emotional manipulation or territorial positioning.

Sixty seconds represents inadequate timeframe for defensive positioning or tactical preparation when carrying an unconscious Omega and navigating unfamiliar institutional architecture under hostile conditions.

"Son of a bit—" I begin with territorial fury at the electronic Alpha presuming to issue commands and tactical instruction despite external positioning and technological rather than physical presence.

But Sable's sharp intake of breath cuts through territorial response with tactical urgency that demands immediate attention.

"Footsteps approaching," he states with judicial precision that transforms warning into immediate environmental assessment. "Commanding, perfect execution ones."

Enhanced hearing confirms his observation with devastating clarity.

Multiple figures advancing with military precision and coordinated timing that speaks to professional tactical response rather than standard institutional security or systematic patrol.

Enhanced operatives or specialized forces designed specifically for recapturing escaped subjects and eliminating resistance through overwhelming tactical advantage.

The rhythmic cadence carries authority that transcends normal security protocols— coordinated assault team equipped for enhanced subject recapture and systematic neutralization of superior capabilities through professional training and specialized equipment.

With Jinx unconscious and requiring protective positioning, combat engagement against a professional team would prove tactically impossible despite enhanced capability and systematic conditioning.

Standard two-Alpha formation cannot provide adequate protection for a vulnerable Omega while maintaining combat effectiveness against a coordinated assault team equipped for enhanced subject recapture.

"Your transmitter ass better be right," I growl toward speakers with territorial fury that acknowledges tactical dependency despite continued resistance to external Alpha guidance and technological assistance.

The stairway door proves exactly where Maverick indicated—architectural navigation accurate despite territorial suspicion and tactical wariness regarding electronic Alpha motivation.

Sable adjusts Jinx's unconscious positioning for maximum mobility while maintaining protective coverage, judicial efficiency adapting to combat requirements and tactical movement under hostile conditions.

The corridor beyond extends with institutional monotony broken by regular doors marked with color coding that suggests systematic organization and architectural planning.

Black doors interspersed with standard institutional barriers— third one exactly as described through electronic communication and technological guidance.

But enhanced hearing detects additional threat signatures that electronic Alpha failed to mention in tactical briefing.

Five guards positioned between current location and objective— armed personnel with enhanced weapons designed for subject recapture and systematic neutralization of superior capabilities.

Their positioning suggests advance knowledge of escape route and tactical destination rather than random patrol or systematic security coverage.

Trap or coincidence remains unclear, but forward momentum represents the only viable option given the approaching tactical team and time limitations.

The first guard emerges from concealment with professional precision that speaks to specialized training and enhanced subject experience.

His rifle tracks toward Sable's position with accuracy that recognizes vulnerable Omega as primary tactical target— eliminate pack cohesion through strategic application of leverage rather than direct combat engagement with enhanced Alphas.

My response flows from institutional conditioning and systematic violence programming without conscious thought or tactical consideration.

Enhanced speed closes distance before weapon targeting can achieve firing solution— Alpha biology optimized for explosive movement and devastating close-quarters engagement.

My shoulder drives into his center mass with force that lifts his feet from institutional flooring, enhanced strength delivering impact that overwhelms body armor and systematic protection through pure kinetic energy transfer.

The rifle spins away from nerveless fingers as spinal compression disrupts motor control and conscious coordination.

He hits a reinforced wall with a wet crack that speaks to structural damage beyond normal healing parameters— enhanced Alpha capability versus standard human physiology resulting in predictable mechanical failure.

No time for assessment or tactical evaluation.

The second guard reacts with professional training that prioritizes tactical communication over individual engagement.

His hand moves toward his communication device with practiced efficiency— calling for backup and tactical support rather than attempting direct confrontation with an enhanced Alpha operating beyond normal combat parameters.

Cannot allow institutional reinforcement or systematic pursuit coordination.

My hand closes around his throat before communication attempt can complete— enhanced reflexes providing tactical advantage that overwhelms professional training through biological superiority and systematic conditioning.

Pressure applied with surgical precision rather than emotional violence— larynx compression that eliminates vocal capability without causing permanent structural damage or unnecessary cruelty.

His eyes roll back as oxygen deprivation overrides conscious resistance, body going limp as nervous system prioritizes survival over tactical objective.

The third guard demonstrates enhanced capability that suggests institutional conditioning and systematic improvement beyond standard security personnel.

His movement carries familiar precision— Alpha responses that speak to designation enhancement and specialized training for enhanced subject engagement.

Enhanced versus enhanced creates tactical complexity that standard engagement protocols cannot address through superior biology alone.

We circle each other with predatory grace, both recognizing opponent capability that demands respect rather than overwhelming through simple superior positioning and systematic advantage.

His strike comes with enhanced speed that matches my own reflexes—accurate assessment of capability and tactical timing that speaks to extensive combat experience against enhanced subjects.

I deflect with enhanced coordination that redirects kinetic energy rather than absorbing impact— Alpha training prioritizing tactical efficiency over brute force engagement and systematic domination.

My counterattack flows from deflection with fluid precision that seeks vulnerable pressure points rather than overwhelming through enhanced strength alone.

Elbow to solar plexus followed by knee strike to floating ribs— combination targeting that exploits enhanced anatomy knowledge and systematic weakness identification.

He absorbs impacts with enhanced resilience that speaks to conditioning beyond standard parameters, yet accumulated damage affects coordination despite superior healing capability.