Page 35 of Broken Sentinel

"I've observed nothing unusual about Kaplan beyond standard Lower Arcology inefficiency," I respond. "If you suspect him of sympathizer activities, perhaps more direct surveillance would be appropriate."

Reyes' cybernetic eye whirs as it adjusts focus. "Direct surveillance has limitations. Sympathizers have developed countermeasures. Which is why we rely on field operatives like you to identify suspicious behaviors that automated systems might miss."

Translation: They don't trust their machines to catch everything, so they need humans to do the dirty work. The great Unity paradox—technology worship alongside deep suspicion of anything that might grant too much autonomy, whether to machines or people.

As Reyes continues her methodical questioning, something shifts in my hearing. The suppression injection must be wearing off early. Suddenly I can detect conversations beyond the sealed room from maintenance workers in the corridor, administrative staff in adjacent offices, and something else.

Something more interesting.

"—shouldn't be here," a male voice whispers urgentlyfrom somewhere outside. "Director Voss ordered the extraction tonight."

"Too risky with Intelligence already in the sector," responds another voice, barely audible even to my enhanced hearing. "Thorne's showing symptoms. If they get her to Medical?—"

"They won't. Vanguard has contingencies in place."

The voices move away, fading beyond even my enhanced range, but I've heard enough to send adrenaline surging through my system.

They know about me. They're planning to take me in tonight.

And somehow, Trent has anticipated this too.

"Sentinel Thorne?" Reyes' sharp voice pulls me back. "I asked about your observations regarding resource allocation discrepancies in Sector 19."

I refocus, fighting to keep my expression neutral despite the bombshell I've just overheard. "Standard inefficiency. Materials requisitioned often don't match actual needs due to outdated projections from Upper Administration."

Nice touch, I think. Blame the bureaucracy. Everyone in Unity understands bureaucratic inefficiency, even while pretending their system is perfect.

Reyes makes another note, seemingly unconvinced but unable to disprove without more evidence. "One final question. Have you observed any unusual physical or behavioral changes in your partner during this assignment?"

The question catches me off guard. They're watching Trent too.

"None beyond standard adaptation to cover requirements," I say, perhaps too quickly. "Sentinel Vanguard maintains optimal performance metrics even in suboptimal conditions."

"And yourself? Any unusual symptoms or sensory experiences?"

Here it is, the trap carefully laid throughout this seemingly routine debriefing. They're fishing for confirmation of what they already suspect: that something is happening to me, something that shouldn't be possible within Unity's carefully controlled parameters.

"Nothing beyond standard enhancement fluctuation during extended undercover operations," I reply, reciting the explanation Trent had prepared. "My upcoming medical evaluation should resolve any temporary irregularities."

Reyes studies me for a long moment, her augmented eye making that subtle whirring sound again. Then she nods once and closes her tablet.

"That will be all for now, Sentinel Thorne. Return to your assigned duties. Intelligence may have additional questions as we continue monitoring the sympathizer situation."

I rise, maintaining the perfect posture expected of a Sentinel despite the churning anxiety in my gut. "For Unity's continued security, Officer Reyes."

"Indeed," she responds, the ritual acknowledgment sounding hollow in the sterile interrogation room. "For Unity."

As I exit into the corridor, I spot Trent waiting at the junction point, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert. He's positioned himself perfectly, visible enough to explain his presence if questioned, but with clear sightlines to all approach vectors.

"Maintenance cycle complete?" he asks as I approach, the casual question carrying our coded check-in protocol.

"System functioning within parameters," I respond, confirming I haven't been compromised. "Though efficiency could be improved with updated components."

His eyes flick to mine, understanding my warning immediately. We continue walking, maintaining the casual pace of maintenance workers headed back to their assigned section.

"Officer Reyes has interesting perspectives on resource allocation," I say once we're alone in the transport tube.

"I imagine she would," Trent responds neutrally, aware of potential surveillance even here.

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