Page 107 of Broken Sentinel

His amber eyes catch the early light. "Fully responsive. Unity's suppressants weren't designed for my specific modifications."

"That’s lucky.”

His mouth quirks. "Your mother's design is proving far more resilient than standard modifications. You recovered faster than anyone expected, Flutterby."

Good to know.

"Security grid neutralized," Trent announces, returning to our position. "Seven-minute window before automatic reset."

"Move," Vex says simply.

We sprint across the exposed ground to the drainage tube, keeping low. The opening is larger than it appeared from a distance—big enough to enter upright, though the stench makes me wish otherwise.

"Ladies first?" Vex offers with mock gallantry.

"Age before beauty," I counter.

Trent rolls his eyes at both of us. "I'll take point. Zara center, Vex rear."

We enter in this formation, activating low-light vision enhancements as the tunnel darkens. The passage slopes gradually upward, carrying us deeper into Eastern Arcology's infrastructure. The walls glisten with moisture, and something squelches beneath our boots that I choose not to think about. Gross.

"Maintenance checkpoint in fifty meters," Trent's voice comes softly from ahead. "Access panel will require override."

"Got it," I confirm, fingering the data chip Elle provided.

We reach the checkpoint, a sealed barrier with electronic lock panel. I insert the chip, watching as it cycles through override sequences. After a tense moment, the lock flashes green and the barrier slides open.

"We're in," I whisper.

Beyond the checkpoint, the tunnel transitions to a maintenance shaft—still utilitarian but drier and marginally less disgusting. Dim emergency lighting casts long shadows as we proceed.

"Medical Division is seven levels up," Trent says, consulting the schematics on his handheld. "Isolation Unit 7 on the northeastern quadrant."

"Service lift or maintenance ladders?" I ask.

"Ladders," Vex decides. "Lifts have biometric security."

We locate the access shaft—a narrow vertical tube with metal rungs embedded in the wall, extending upward into darkness. Trent goes first again, climbing with silent efficiency. I follow, increasingly aware of Vex below me, his eyes undoubtedly having an excellent view of my backside. The thought brings unexpected heat to my cheeks.

Focus, Zara. Mission priority.

Seven levels of climbing later, muscles pleasantly taxed but not strained thanks to my enhanced strength, we reach the access point for Medical Division. Trent pauses, head cocked, listening.

"Two personnel approaching," he whispers. "Standard medical staff based on footsteps."

We press against the shaft wall, minimizing our profile as voices pass outside the thin maintenance door.

"—still showing anomalous readings in the frontal lobe," a female voice reports.

"Increase the suppression dosage," a male voice responds. "Director wants the subject stable for transport tomorrow."

"Transport to Primary Research already approved?"

"Priority order from Command. The Thorne subject's escape accelerated the timeline."

The voices fade as they move away. We exchange glances, the implications clear.

"They're moving the Haven child tomorrow," I whisper. "Our window is closing."

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