The artificial lighting dims to simulate evening as the massive technological complex settles into its nocturnal cycle. Our base is secure, systems locked down while Desta works on integrating the Security Override Key into our access protocols.

  I'm reviewing tomorrow's plans when the proximity alert chimes softly, indicating movement near our perimeter. I immediately tense, hand moving to the resonance blade at my side.

  "Someone's approaching," I announce, moving to the security monitor. "Multiple signatures, maintaining distance from our defensive perimeters but definitely heading this way."

  Sera joins me, flames already dancing between her fingers. "Security drones?"

  "No," I reply, studying the readings. "Biological signatures. Another team."

  Lyra transforms her arms into defensive configurations, the bio-reactive metal gleaming beneath her skin. "Should we prepare for a confrontation?"

  I narrow my eyes, focusing on the monitor as the figures come into clearer view through our external cameras. Something about one of the human figures seems familiar.

  "Wait," I say, recognition dawning. "I know someone in that group."

  The comm system chimes with an incoming transmission request. When I accept it, an unfamiliar voice fills our command center. Deep, resonant, and clearly non-human.

  "Greetings, Team Exodus. This is Mentor Raxis of the Luminar Conclave. We seek peaceful dialogue regarding the Security Override Key."

  I exchange glances with my teammates before responding. "Approach authorized. Follow the lit path to our main entrance. Any deviation will be considered hostile."

  "How do they know we have the Key?" Sera whispers, flames intensifying between her fingers.

  "Maybe they were watching us," I suggest, watching the monitor as four figures follow our designated path.

  Minutes later, our external cameras show an imposing alien leading three humans toward our entrance. I meet them at the security checkpoint, Sera and Lyra flanking me while Desta continues her work with the Override Key.

  The security door slides open to reveal a tall, crystalline being that shimmers with inner light. Behind the alien stand three humans, and my eyes immediately lock onto a familiar face. Nova. She looks much as I remember her from the facility days, though her equipment has been upgraded since then. The luminescent patterns across her skin pulse with a soft blue glow as our eyes meet.

  "Gary," she says with a smile that brings back memories I'd rather not revisit. "It's been a while."

  "Nova," I reply, keeping my voice neutral despite the unexpected reunion. "Didn't expect to see you here."

  The crystalline alien steps forward, towering over us at nearly seven feet tall. Its body refracts light in mesmerizing patterns.

  "I am Mentor Raxis of the Luminar Conclave," it says, its voice resonating directly in our minds. "These are my apprentices, training in zone navigation and combat techniques. Nova has spoken of your previous acquaintance."

  Nova’s luminescent patterns briefly shift to a warmer hue. Behind her, the other two humans, a young man and woman who look like recent arrivals from Earth, observe our exchange with curiosity.

  "What brings you to our base?" I ask directly.

  Raxis’s crystalline form shifts, its inner light flickering with subtle shifts in color. "We were at the administration facility earlier today. Our training exercise was... less successful than anticipated."

  "You triggered the security alarm," I translate.

  "My responsibility," Raxis admits. "I overestimated my apprentices’ readiness for such an infiltration. Now we find ourselves in need of assistance."

  "You want access to the middle ring," I say. "Through our Override Key."

  The crystalline being inclines its head. "Yes. Continued training requires access to more challenging environments. The outer ring no longer provides adequate development opportunities for my apprentices."

  I study them. Raxis is clearly powerful, A-rank at minimum. The human trainees, including Nova, look solid, maybe B-rank.

  "May we discuss this inside?" Nova asks. Her eyes meet mine, and something unspoken passes between us.

  After a moment's consideration, I nod. "Weapons stay outside."

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  They comply, entering our base with respectful caution.

  Inside the command center, I introduce Sera and Lyra. The crystalline mentor eyes Desta’s setup with interest as she continues her work.

  "Fascinating integration of salvaged components," Raxis says.

  Desta doesn’t look up. "Observation accurate, but irrelevant to current priorities."

  Nova’s patterns ripple with amusement. She moves closer to me as her mentor speaks to Lyra.

  "You've done well for yourself," she says quietly. "A-rank already. I'm not surprised."

  "The Luminar Conclave," I observe. "They were your sponsor back at the facility, weren't they?"

  She nods, the light patterns on her skin shifting to a deeper blue. "I'm helping train new recruits from Earth." Her eyes meet mine. "You could have been one of us, you know. I tried to recruit you."

  "I considered it the second time," I say. "But you didn’t have room for Desta."

  Her patterns dim a little. "And now we need your help."

  "Access to the middle ring."

  "Not just for me." Nova replies, glancing toward the other members of her team before meeting my eyes again. "For the others. They’re good people, Gary. They deserve a chance to grow."

  "And why should I help the Conclave? They’ve done nothing for Team Exodus."

  Nova's luminescent patterns shift to a deeper blue. "I can offer something in exchange. Information."

  "What sort of information?" I ask, feeling curious.

  She leans closer. "The Override Key doesn't just grant access to the middle ring. It can also open a treasure vault that contains rare technology and resources."

  This catches my interest. "What kind of vault?"

  "Special cache area," she explains. "The location changes every reset, but with the right data, you can find it. The Conclave has been mapping these for years."

  "And you'd share this information?" I ask skeptically.

  "In exchange for shared access, yes." She nods, stepping closer, but then sighs. "Maybe I should have tried harder. If I'd known just how far you'd go, how strong you'd become..."

  "If I’d taken your offer, I wouldn’t be the same person."

  "You’d be stronger," she says.

  I raise an eyebrow. "Is that a recruitment pitch?"

  "The door’s open," she says with a faint smile. "Advanced training, specialized gear, your own apprentices eventually."

  "I’m good where I am," I reply firmly.

  Her eyes flicker with disappointment before taking on a mischievious light. "Is it the three girls following you around that's keeping you satisfied with your current situation?" Her eyes move meaningfully toward Sera and Lyra across the room. "Is that why you no longer want me?"

  I frown at the implication. "That’s not—"

  "I'm just teasing," she interrupts, though her patterns suggest otherwise. "But seriously, what's holding you back? You could have so much more."

  "Nothing the aliens give comes without strings," I tell her directly. "There's always a price to be paid. I've seen what happens to assets who surrender their autonomy."

  Nova studies me for a long moment. "You've changed, Gary. Back at the facility, you were more... carefree, still finding your way. Now there's a hardness to you."

  "Override Key integration completed," Desta announces from across the command center, her timing impeccable as always. "Access to middle ring confirmed."

  I look at Nova, weighing the request against potential problems. The middle ring is vast. Letting them in won’t interfere with our plans, and the information about the treasure vault could be valuable.

  "We operate separately," I say slowly. "Make sure your training exercises don't interfere with our objectives."

  "Agreed," she says. "Raxis is very strict about maintaining proper boundaries."

  I sigh, making my decision. "Desta?"

  "Affirmative, Security Override Key permits multiple authorized users," she confirms. "Seventeen minutes required."

  Nova’s relief is obvious. "Thank you, Gary. I mean it."

  "Don't make me regret this," I warn her.

  As Desta works, Raxis approaches. "Your generosity is noted and appreciated. The Luminar Conclave values cooperation even with assets from competing sponsors."

  "It's getting late," Nova observes, glancing at her teammates who are clearly tired from a day of fighting. "We should find somewhere to set up camp for the night."

  "You can stay here tonight," I offer, somewhat to my own surprise. "We have a secondary storage area that's secure and has enough space for the four of you."

  Raxis inclines what passes for a head. "Most gracious. We accept your hospitality and will depart at first light, taking a path that will not intersect with your planned operations."

  As we set up their accommodations, Nova pulls me aside.

  "Before I forget," she says, transferring a data packet to my communications device. "The vault locations for the next three resets. As promised."

  "Thanks," I reply, genuinely surprised she delivered on the offer so quickly.

  Her glow softens. "We could have been good together, you know. Not just that night, but as a team."

  "Maybe in another life." I reply.

  “Maybe I should have joined your team instead of forming my own,” she says with a small smile.

  “You never seemed like much of a follower,” I reply. “I don’t think you would have liked it.”

  “Do you think I’m any happier where I am now?” She asks.

  I pause, thinking back to her talks of rebellion all that time ago, now just another asset for her alien sponsors. “This was the choice you made, wasn’t it?”

  “I suppose it was,” she gives me a long look, then her patterns brighten with forced cheer. "Well, you know where to find me. If you change your mind."

  "Good night, Nova." I say with a small smile despite myself.

  Later, as the night cycle deepens, I find myself at the viewport again, watching the glow of the middle ring.

  Nova’s team won’t cross our path, I tell myself. The middle ring is vast.

  But something about tonight felt like more than coincidence.

  Whatever comes next, Team Exodus has its own mission. The path forward remains the same, even with old threads resurfacing.