"Yes." He straightened his lab coat with dignity. "My name is Dr. Vega. And I want to make this right."
Another explosion, closer this time, rocked the facility. We had minutes at most before security regrouped.
"We need to move now," I urged. "Is there another way out from this level?"
Dr. Vega nodded. "Maintenance tunnels. They lead to the surface about half a kilometer east of the main complex."
"Perfect." I turned to the children. "We're going on an adventure. The most important rule is to stay quiet and follow Dr. Vega and Kalyndi. Can you do that?"
Solemn nods answered me. These children, I realized with a pang, were used to following orders.
"What about the records?" Kalyndi asked Dr. Vega.
"In my office. One level up."
I made a quick decision. "You take the children through the tunnels. I'll get the records and meet you at the exit point."
"Too dangerous," Kalyndi protested. "We should stay together."
"The children need you," I countered. "And we need those records to find their families."
She knew I was right, though she clearly hated the separation. "Promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise." I touched her face gently. "Now go."
Dr. Vega led them to another hidden panel, revealing a narrow service corridor beyond. As Kalyndi herded the children through, she looked back at me one last time, her eyes conveying everything words couldn't in that moment.
Then they were gone, and I was racing back toward the stairwell, determined to retrieve the information that would reunite these children with their parents.
Dr. Vega's office was surprisingly easy to find, clearly labeled on Level A with his name and title: "Director of Genetic Integration." Inside, I quickly located his personal terminal.
The system required his credentials, which I didn't have. But what I had was the strength to simply remove the entire data core from the machine. I wrenched it free, tucking the small device into my pouch.
As I turned to leave, the door slid open. A woman in a Magnus Terra uniform stood there, weapon raised. Not a regular guard, her insignia marked her as high-ranking security.
"War Chief Redmon," she said, her voice cool and professional. "You've caused quite a disturbance today."
I tensed, ready to charge or dodge depending on her next move. "Just correcting a mistake Magnus Terra made when they took my mate."
"Your mate is Magnus Terra property, as designated by the matching protocols you agreed to." Her weapon remained steady. "As are the children you've stolen."
"People aren't property," I growled. "And those children belong with their parents."
"Those children are the future of both our species," she countered. "The first generation that can survive in the dead zones, that can reclaim the world we destroyed in the war."
"Without consent. Without choice."
"Choice?" She laughed bitterly. "Was there choice when the world burned? When ninety percent of all habitable land was lost? Some decisions transcend individual rights, War Chief."
"Not these decisions." I shifted slightly, preparing to move. "Not when they involve children."
Her finger tightened on the trigger. "Stand down, and perhaps we can negotiate terms for your tribe's continued autonomy."
"I don't speak for my tribe anymore," I told her honestly. "I speak only for myself, my mate, and those children."
"Then you speak for no one of consequence."
"That's where you're wrong." I smiled, showing teeth. "I speak for the future. Just not the one you planned."
