SHADOW DIVISION HQ / TECH LAB
The implant continues hovering above the case, glowing softly.
The room feels quieter — like everyone is waiting for something to decide their next move.
Steel stands still, watching it.
A faint pulse matches his heartbeat.
Susan notices — gently steps closer.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]:Your nervous system is stabilizing. Whatever connection it formed isn't harming you.(soft, reassuring)
Steel lets out a slow breath.
[Agent Steel] : Feels like it's thinking.
Susan smiles faintly — a warmth that feels disarming.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: Maybe it is.
Madison observes them — her expression unreadable at first.
But there's something different now in her eyes:
Not suspicion.
Something almost protective.
Almost… maternal.
[Madison Connor] : Steel.. You're done here for now. The lab will secure the implant for analysis.(quiet but firm)
Steel nods, relieved to step away from the intensity.
As he turns to leave — Susan lightly touches his arm.
Not flirtatious.
Human.
Grounding.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: Don't shut down what you're feeling. Your instincts matter.
Steel holds her gaze.
And for a moment — the world shrinks to just the two of them.
[Agent Steel] :I don't trust this thing.(soft, honest)
Susan's eyes soften.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: You don't have to. Not yet.
Madison steps forward, interrupting gently — like a mother stepping between fear and confusion.
[Madison Connor] :Agent Steel — walk with me.
HQ HALLWAY — WALKING / DAY
The hallway is quieter now. The chaos of the lab feels miles away.
Steel walks beside Madison.
She doesn't bark orders.
She doesn't critique.
She just walks.
Finally—
she speaks.
[Madison Connor] : You handled yourself well. Better than expected.
Steel looks at her — surprised.
[Agent Steel] :Is that your version of a compliment?
Madison slightly smiled
[Madison Connor] : Don't get used to it.
They stop near a large reinforced window overlooking the city — sunrise creeping over New Atlantis.
Madison folds her arms.
[Madison Connor] : When you joined INN, I didn't expect you to… matter this quickly. (quiet, softer than we've ever heard)
Steel frowns.
[Agent Steel] : Matter?
Madison nods — eyes fixed on the horizon.
[Madison Connor] :There's a difference between agents who follow orders… and agents who change things.
She finally meets his eyes.
[Madison Connor] : This case — this technology — it chose you. That means responsibility. And whether you like it or not…
She pauses — voice gentler.
[Madison Connor] : You're not alone in this.
Steel doesn't answer — but something in him settles.
He nods.
A quiet understanding.
NEW ATLANTIS MARKET STREET - LATER
Steel walks outside HQ alone for the first time since the incident.
The city feels louder now — alive.
Vendors call out.
People talk.
Life continues despite world-changing events deep underground.
Steel blends in, hoodie up.
Two men's pass him in conversation:
(Tom) : They're saying someone hacked the power grid last night.
(Mia) : "Nah, government test. Always something with this city."
Steel half-smirks.
Neither of them has any idea how close they are.
He stops at a small street vendor cart.
Vendor (Alex) : "Coffee? Tea? Something stronger?"
Steel points.
[Agent Steel] : Black. No sugar.
Alex noded
(Alex) :Tough morning?
Steel huffs softly.
[Agent Steel] : You have no idea.
As Alex prepares the coffee — a familiar lavender scent drifts close.
Steel turns—
Susan Thomas stands beside him.
[Agent Steel]:You followed me? (surprised)
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: No... (then, softer)
I checked where you'd go if you weren't pretending you were fine."
Steel freezes.
She sees right through him.
Alex places two coffees forward.
Susan picks one up — takes a small sip.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: You're scared. You should be.
Steel looks down — vulnerable for the first time.
[Agent Steel] : I didn't ask for this.
Susan's voice goes softer —
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: Most people never do.But sometimes… the thing we didn't choose ends up being the thing that defines us.
Steel looks up.
Their eyes meet.
Something shifts.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: Whatever happens next… you won't face it alone.
Steel nods once — slow.
SHADOW DIVISION HQ — OBSERVATION ROOM — SAME TIME
Madison stands alone — watching surveillance footage of Steel and Susan through a silent monitor feed.
She doesn't interfere.
She just watches.
Her expression:
Not jealousy.
Not suspicion.
Something else.
A mix of concern, protectiveness, and the fear of losing a soldier she's starting to care about.
She whispers — barely audible.
[Madison Connor] : Be careful, Steel…
She paused...
[Madison Connor] : The world isn't as kind as she is.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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