Page 144 of Broken Sentinel

Sara distributes additional weapons from the transport's storage, specialized stun devices designed to work against modified physiology. I take one, appreciating the elegant design. Definitly not Unity tech.

"Haven design," Sara explains, noting my interest. "Disrupts neural patterns in modified subjects without permanent damage."

"How efficient," Vex comments, examining his own device with professional appreciation.

"We've had thirty years to perfect our technology," Saraexplains with a touch of pride in her voice. "While Unity focused on control, we focused on liberation."

The distinction strikes me as particularly significant right now, as we race to liberate those who matter most to me.

After what feels like both forever and not long enough, the transport slows, approaching the deployment point. Through the viewport, I can see our destination, a sprawling complex of damaged buildings that might once have been a manufacturing center. Pale smoke rises from one section, suggesting recent combat.

"Thermal scan shows multiple contacts," the driver reports. "Twenty-plus Unity signatures approaching from the northeast. Four signatures in the central structure—likely your team."

Four, not three. They found the Haven child, then. At least that part of the mission succeeded.

"Drop point in thirty seconds," Sara announces. "Weapons hot, use non-lethal protocols unless absolutely necessary."

The transport touches down briefly, side door sliding open before we've fully stopped. We exit in practiced formation—Sara and two fighters taking point while Vex and I, along with the third fighter, form the second unit.

"Two Ks to target," Vex confirms, checking his tracker. "Movement patterns suggest Unity forces establishing containment perimeter."

"Standard protocol," I say, recognition flaring. "They'll secure all escape vectors before committing main force."

"Then we need to break through before they complete the perimeter," Sara decides. "Direct approach, maximum speed."

We move immediately, using the broken urban landscape for cover when possible but prioritizing speed over stealth. My enhanced senses track Unity movements ahead, the distinctive rhythm of coordinated forces, the faint electronic signature of their communication equipment.

"We'll hit their line in approximately ninety seconds," Iwarn, hearing the Unity communications even at this distance. "At least eight operators at the intercept point."

Sara nods, her color-shifting eyes reflecting determination. "Disruptor pattern on my mark. Three-point engagement, then straight through to the central structure."

We adjust formation slightly, organizing into the strike pattern she's described. The Unity perimeter appears ahead, modified operators taking position along a broken wall that once might have been a security boundary for the manufacturing complex.

"Mark," Sara says quietly.

We move as one, synchronized despite our limited time working together. Sara's fighters deploy disruptor devices at precise angles, creating a triangulated field that momentarily incapacitates the modified operators. The effect lasts only seconds—these aren't standard Unity personnel, but enhanced soldiers with accelerated recovery capabilities.

But seconds are all we need. I follow Vex through the gap we've created, moving at speeds that would have been impossible before my modifications awakened. Behind us, Sara and her fighters engage the recovering operators, creating the diversion we need to reach the central structure.

Inside the complex, evidence of recent fighting is everywhere—scorch marks from weapons discharge, scattered debris from forced entry points, the lingering scent of suppression compounds. My heart pounds as I follow the familiar signature I'd know anywhere, Trent's distinctive heartbeat, slightly faster than normal but strong.

"This way," I tell Vex, leading him down a collapsed corridor toward what was once a central processing area.

We round a corner and finally see them—Trent, Lily, and two others in defensive position behind overturned machinery. One appears to be the rescued Haven child, a boy perhaps Lily's age with pale skin and what looks like metallic filaments running just beneath his skin surface. Thefourth is a Haven fighter I don't recognize, wounded but still alert.

Trent spots us first, eyes widening with a mixture of relief and alarm. "Zara! Get down!"

I drop instinctively, Vex following suit as suppression rounds impact the wall where we'd been standing. Unity forces have breached the opposite entrance, using the distraction of our arrival to push forward.

"Six operators," Trent reports as I crawl into position beside him. "Modified, heavy suppression equipment. They've been hunting us for the past hour."

"Rescue party reporting for duty," I say, unable to keep the relief from my voice despite the danger. "Fashionably late, as usual."

A ghost of a smile touches his battered face. "Your timing could use work."

Lily beams at me despite the chaos, silver eyes bright with genuine joy. "You came back!"

"Of course I did. I told you you'd hit your rescue quota for the month." I glance at the rescued child beside her. "New friend?"

---