The next morning, I wake early despite our late night. Sunlight filters through the room's ambient lighting system, giving the illusion of dawn. I sit up, careful not to wake my teammates who are still crashed out after yesterday's exhausting run.

  Meeting Marcus again has left me with a knot in my stomach. Seeing him give up his revolutionary ideals and just... accept everything he once fought against bothers me more than I expected. It's like watching a fire slowly die out.

  I find Desta in the common area, already at her workstation with her eyes doing that freaky code-flicker thing as she works on her upgraded system. She barely looks up when I enter.

  "You're up early," I say, keeping my voice down.

  Her eyes briefly focus on me before returning to their code-state. "Sleep inefficiency threshold reached at 87% system optimization. Remaining recovery attainable through minimal rest periods while quantum core integration stabilizes."

  "So you were too excited about your new tech to sleep," I translate.

  The corner of Desta's mouth twitches in what might almost be a smile. "Affirmative."

  I grab some water and sit across from her, watching complex holograms dance above her wrist unit. The quantum power source has seriously boosted her system's capabilities.

  "What are you working on?" I ask.

  "Quantum Nexus environmental parameters analysis," she replies, fingers moving through invisible interfaces. "Historical data indicates highly unstable reality architecture with phase-shifted spatial configurations. Optimal navigation requires predictive modeling."

  "Any word from Zix about when we can try to enter?" I ask.

  "Sponsor indicated minimum 48-hour preparation window," Desta answers without looking up. "Nexus Override Module requires calibration to specific user biometric parameters."

  "So we have two days," I conclude, already thinking about how to use that time.

  Desta's eyes clear momentarily. "Query: previous associate's behavioral deviation causing concern?"

  I'm surprised she picked up on that. "Marcus was never the type to just accept things. Seeing him give in doesn't feel right."

  "Psychological adaptation mechanisms vary significantly between individuals," Desta observes. "Resistance conversion represents common outcome parameter within controlled environments."

  "You think everyone eventually surrenders to the system?" I ask.

  Her eyes flicker briefly. "Statistical probability approaches certainty given sufficient time variable. System design specifically optimizes compliance through progressive reward/consequence architecture."

  Maybe that’s just how things work here.

  I sit in silence, watching holograms dance above Desta’s wrist unit. As she works, a question that's been on my mind since Ember and Eli left suddenly surfaces.

  "Desta," I ask, "why did you stay with me? When Ember and Eli left, you could have gone with another sponsor. Probably one with better resources than what I had at the time."

  Her fingers pause over her holographic interface, eyes clearing from their code-state to look at me directly.

  "Query requires complex response parameters," she says after a moment.

  "Take your time," I reply, genuinely curious about her answer.

  "Initial analysis suggested multiple viable sponsorship configurations with potentially superior resource allocation metrics," she begins, her clinical tone unchanged but something different in her eyes.

  "So logically, you should have left," I say.

  "Affirmative." She pauses, looking almost uncomfortable, an expression I've rarely seen on her face. "However, final decision architecture did not prioritize logical optimization protocols."

  This catches me off guard. "You're saying you didn't make the decision based on logic?"

  Her eyes flicker briefly, but not with code this time. "Despite operational communication methodologies suggesting contrary behavioral patterns, decision to maintain Team Exodus affiliation was based on... preference variables."

  I wait, sensing there's more.

  Desta meets my gaze, her expression still neutral but somehow more open than usual. "I... liked being on the team. Did not want to leave."

  The simple statement, so unlike her typical elaborate technical speech, hits me harder than I expected. For all her analytical approach to everything, she made this choice based on something as simple as wanting to stay.

  "Well," I finally say, finding myself oddly touched by her honesty, "I'm glad you stayed."

  Desta gives a small nod, something that might almost be a smile briefly touching her lips before her eyes return to their code-state, the moment of personal connection passing as quickly as it came.

  I sit back, watching her work and seeing her a little differently now. Behind all the technical speech and analytical processing, Desta has her own kind of loyalty, one that runs deeper than pure logic would dictate.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Sera emerges from her quarters looking surprisingly alert, platinum hair pulled back, small flames already dancing between her fingers as she flops into a chair.

  "You two are up disgustingly early," she says. "Please tell me there's food coming."

  "Nutritional delivery scheduled for 0730 hours," Desta replies without looking up.

  "That means breakfast in twenty minutes," I translate unnecessarily.

  Sera smirks. "I know what she meant. I'm picking up the robot-speak." She looks at me with sharper eyes. "You look like you've been chewing on something all night. Still thinking about your revolutionary friend?"

  I nod. "Marcus was the most determined person I knew at the facility. Seeing him just... accept all this feels wrong."

  "People adapt to survive," Sera says with a shrug. "Maybe he just realized there are different ways to fight."

  "Or maybe he's not as resigned as he seems," I suggest. "Marcus never did anything without layers of strategy."

  "Recommending caution regarding previous associates," Desta interjects, briefly focusing on our conversation. "Established motivational parameters may not remain consistent following significant environmental transition."

  "She means people change when their circumstances do," Sera translates. "Maybe don't trust him too quickly."

  Lyra bursts from her quarters, stretching like a cat waking from a nap. Her silver hair shimmers as she practically bounces into the common area, radiating morning energy that makes me want to crawl back into bed.

  "Good morning, teammates!" she practically sings. "I've been practicing transformations all night! Want to see?"

  Without waiting for an answer, her arm morphs into a perfect copy of my resonance blade, down to the energy patterns pulsing along its surface. The metal we found gleams beneath her skin, making the transformation eerily accurate.

  "Impressive," I say, genuinely surprised. "How did you get that level of detail?"

  Her face lights up with pride. "I've been studying you! The way your blade connects to your telekinetic field, the energy patterns, everything!" She shifts her arm back, silver patterns briefly visible beneath her skin. "This new metal makes everything so much clearer. It's like having an extra sense!"

  "Let's hope it makes you equally good in a fight," Sera comments, though I catch the hint of a smile.

  Lyra nods eagerly. "That's why I've been practicing! I want to create the perfect defensive formations for our next mission!"

  Her enthusiasm lightens my mood a bit. This is Team Exodus now, Lyra's endless energy, Sera's sharp wit, Desta's brilliant mind, and... whatever I've become in this strange new world.

  "Speaking of our next mission," I say, "we need to prepare for the zone. Desta says we have about two days before the Module's ready."

  "EXACTLY RIGHT!" Zix'ilit bounces through the doorway, frill expanded with excitement. "Preparation time super important! The Quantum Nexus WAY more dangerous than Labyrinth!"

  He hops toward us, projector already extending from his equipment. "Brought all the info you need! Maps! Danger spots! Everything for Team Exodus to succeed!"

  The holographic display expands to show a three-dimensional representation of what looks like a massive technological complex, suspended platforms of advanced machinery interconnected by bridges of energy that flicker and destabilize. Sections of the map glow in different colors, indicating varying security levels.

  "The Quantum Nexus isn't just a facility," Zix explains, his frill rippling with serious blues. "It's an abandoned research hub where technology evolved beyond control! Different sections run on different operating systems! Power fluctuations, security protocols gone rogue, mechanical assemblies that build and rebuild themselves!"

  The projection zooms in to show what appears to be a central processing core surrounded by layers of security barriers and defensive systems.

  "Nexus divided into three security rings," Zix continues, highlighting each section. "Outer ring has lowest security, C-rank threats, mostly automated defenses. Middle ring upgrades to B-rank security with advanced Sentinel units. Inner core?" His frill flashes with warning oranges. "A-rank security protocols! Teams without proper clearance get demolished instantly!"

  The display shifts to show mechanical entities patrolling the different areas, smaller drones in the outer ring, more advanced units in the middle, and massive security constructs protecting the core.

  "Sentinel units get more dangerous as you go deeper!" Zix explains. "Outer ring has basic maintenance bots, middle ring has combat units, inner core has integrated defense systems that coordinate like one mind!"

  "So where's the Integration Circuit?" I ask, studying the heavily fortified core.

  "Right at the center, of course!" Zix points to the innermost section. "Primary fabrication matrix houses Quantum Integration Circuit! But impossible to access without proper clearance!"

  "And the Module gets us that clearance?" Sera asks, eyebrow raised.

  Zix's frill shifts to a more measured pattern. "Not exactly! Nexus Override Module only grants access to outer ring! Enough to establish base camp, gather basic resources, maybe upgrade some equipment!"

  "For middle ring access, need Security Override Key that can only be found in outer ring facilities! And for core access?" His bouncing intensifies with excitement. "Need Command Authentication Protocol hidden somewhere in middle ring!"

  "Graduated authorization structure requires sequential clearance progression," Desta observes, her eyes flickering as she processes the information.

  "Exactly!" Zix confirms. "Can't just rush to center! Need to explore each ring, find access keys, establish forward positions, gather resources along the way!"

  I study the map more carefully, assessing the challenge. "So first we access the outer ring with the Module, find the key to the middle ring, then locate the Protocol to reach the core?"

  "Correct! Each section provides resources and technology for next challenge!" Zix's frill pulses with enthusiastic colors. "Outer ring has basic salvage materials, middle ring contains advanced components, core houses most valuable technology!"

  "It's not just about finding the Integration Circuit," I say, thinking through the implications. "We should gather technology from each section to strengthen the team as we go."

  "Precisely!" Zix beams. "Quantum Nexus designed as progressive challenge with corresponding reward structure! Perfect opportunity for Team Exodus to grow stronger!"

  Lyra, who has been quietly absorbing the information, finally speaks up. "Are there any areas particularly dangerous for shapeshifters? Places I should avoid?"

  Zix's frill ripples with thoughtful blues. "Middle ring contains bio-scanning security measures! Might register shapeshifting as unauthorized reconfiguration! Best to maintain consistent form in those areas!"

  "Desta's powers will be crucial here," I realize. "She can use her quantum computer to interface with the security systems."

  Desta nods slightly. "Quantum computational architecture enables interaction with higher-tier security networks. Essential for progression beyond initial access parameters."

  "In normal human speak: her fancy computer upgrade will help us hack our way deeper," Sera translates, a small flame dancing between her fingers.

  As Zix continues his briefing, showing us the known patrol patterns and potential resource caches, I push my concerns about Marcus aside. Whatever game he might be playing will have to wait. Right now, we need to focus on the Quantum Nexus and its layered challenges.

  One more piece for the Crown, along with technology that could give us the edge we need. For now, that has to be enough.