NEW ATLANTIS AT DAWN
The storm has passed.
A golden wash spreads across glass towers.
The city looks peaceful — deceptively so.
HQ – WAR ROOM — MORNING
The dismantled cyborg floats above the table.
Madison Connor stands at the head — posture sharp, mind already five steps ahead.
Analysts scroll through corrupted logs, shaking their heads.
[Dr. Romer ]:There's no signature… no code origin, no manufacturer.
It's like the machine wasn't made — it was scrubbed.
Madison's jaw tightens.
[Madison Conner] :Whoever designed it understands our entire playbook.
And they're not done.
A heavy silence spreads in the room — anticipation of a new threat.
TRAINING BAY – SAME TIME
Jaxon Steel moves like a machine tuned for battle.
Every punch is faster. Every pivot sharper.
The Neuro-Link hums lightly under his skin — synchronized with his breath.
He strikes the reinforced combat dummy.
CRACK.
Steel freezes, eyes widening at the fractured foam.
[Agent Steel](muttering) :That's… new.
A slow, light clap echoes.
Steel turns.
Susan Thomas walks in — warm smile, soft posture, projecting calm intelligence.
[Susan Thomas] :You're adapting faster than expected.
Steel wipes sweat from his brow.
[Agent Steel] :Feels more like evolving without permission.
She steps closer — but not in a suspicious way. Supportive. Grounding.
[Dr. Susan Thomas] :Progress isn't always comfortable.
But you're in control, Jaxon. More than you think.
Steel gives a half-smile.
[Agent Steel ] : I'll pretend that makes me feel better.
Susan chuckles.
MEDICAL LAB — LATER
Steel sits on the examination chair.
Sensors track his neural activity as Susan monitors quietly.
The Neuro-Link pulses beautifully — controlled, stable.
Steel watches her work — calm, precise, gently focused.
[Agent Steel]: You've been helping me nonstop since day one.
Ever get tired of fixing me?
Susan smiles without looking up.
[Dr. Susan Thomas] : You don't need fixing.
You need guidance.
A genuine moment.
Susan studies the neural readings.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]: Your reflex acceleration increased by 11%.
That's extraordinary.
Steel exhales.
[Agent Steel]: Extraordinary usually means trouble.
[Dr. SusanThomas]:Not this time.
She places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Everything about her remains gentle, normal, believable.
MADISON'S OFFICE — SAME TIME
Madison watches the logs — not Susan, not Steel.
She studies attack patterns, breach attempts, city sensor readings.
[Madison Connor](to herself): Someone out there knew exactly where to strike.
She's worried — but only about the threat, not her team.
She glances at a monitor showing Steel's training performance stats.
A faint motherly concern softens her expression.
[Madison Connor]: You're pushing hard, kid…
Just don't break.
BIOMETRIC LOCKER ROOM /AFTERNOON
Steel opens his locker.
Inside:
— His INN ID
— Standard tactical gear
— Nothing unusual.
He sits on the bench, running a hand through his hair.
[Agent Steel](quiet) :Something's coming…
Susan appears at the doorway — this time, with a warm smile and a datapad.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]:Thought you might want your scan results.
He stands, taking the datapad.
[Agent Steel]: Thanks. You always show up at the right time.
[Dr. Susan Thomas]:Someone has to keep you operational.
Steel laughs gently.
No darkness.
No hidden meaning.
Just connection.
Susan and Steel walk down the corridor together, discussing training upgrades and neural balancing.
Madison watches from afar — proud, protective.and with trust strengthening between Steel and Susan,
and Madison anchoring the team as dangers loom outside.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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