"There must be fifty people here," I whispered to Redmon.
His hand found mine in the darkness, squeezing gently. "More. I count at least thirty from my tribe alone."
They transformed the mill into a makeshift command center. Tables covered with maps and documents filled the open space. Humans and monsters worked side by side, their former animosity apparently set aside in pursuit of a common goal.
A tall mapinguari with silver-streaked fur approached us, his single eye widening at the sight of Redmon. "Commander. You survived."
"Marok." Redmon clasped the elder's arm in greeting. "I didn't expect to find you leading a rebellion."
"Not leading," Marok corrected. "Advising. The young ones do the fighting now."
A human woman organizing documents at a central table caught my attention. She looked up, her dark eyes locking with mine.
"You must be Kalyndi," she said, approaching with purposeful strides. "I'm Elara. Former Magnus Terra genetic analyst. Now, apparently, a traitor to the regime."
"You worked for them?" I couldn't keep the accusation from my voice.
"Until I discovered what they were really doing with my research." Her expression hardened. "I thought we were creating better medical treatments. Instead, they were building weapons."
"The children," I said.
She nodded. "Not just radiation-resistant. The latest generation shows signs of telepathic abilities, enhanced strength, accelerated healing, traits that make them perfect soldiers. They're creating an army loyal only to Magnus Terra."
Redmon growled low in his throat. "Using our genetic material without consent."
"Exactly." Elara gestured to the data chip in my hand. "That's why what you've brought is so valuable. It provides proof of what many have suspected but couldn't verify."
For the next hour, we worked together, downloading the stolen data and combining it with Elara's research. The picture that emerged was more disturbing than I'd imagined, decades of planning, hundreds of matched pairs selected for specific genetic markers, children separated from parents and raised in specialized facilities.
"We need to distribute this information widely," I said, looking up from the terminal where we'd compiled everything. "Every terramares, every monster tribe needs to know."
"We've prepared for that," Elara explained. "We have a network of couriers ready to deliver evidence packages throughout both territories. Once people see the truth..."
"They'll resist," Redmon finished. "But Magnus Terra won't surrender their program easily."
Marok nodded grimly. "Which is why we must act quickly. Already, other matched pairs are joining us. Some have escaped like you did. Others remain in place, gathering intelligence."
"How many?" I asked.
"Twenty-three pairs so far," Elara replied. "With more coming forward each day as word spreads."
A young human man approached our table, his expression urgent. "Scouts report Magnus Terra officials approaching from the south. At least two transports."
Tension rippled through the room. Redmon moved instinctively closer to me, his muscled body radiating protective energy.
"They must have tracked us here," I said, guilt washing over me. "We've led them straight to you."
"No," Elara shook her head. "This was anticipated. We've been monitoring their communications. They're conducting a sweep of all boundary areas following your escape. It's not targeted."
"Yet," Redmon added grimly.
Marok turned to address the room. "Evacuation protocol. Take only essential equipment. Rendezvous at the secondary location within two hours."
As the others began dismantling the command center with practiced efficiency, Elara handed me a small communication device. "Take this. It's secure, untraceable. We'll contact you when it's safe."
"What about the evidence distribution?" I asked.
"Already in motion." She gestured to several humans and monsters slipping out through side exits, each carrying packets of information. "By morning, every major settlement will have copies."
