I make my way to CDC-4 for the evening nutrition cycle, my muscles pleasantly sore from the day's exertions. The combat assessment this morning, combined with agricultural work and training, has pushed my enhanced physiology near its functional limits. Despite the aliens' modifications, fatigue still accumulates, a reminder that underneath it all, some core humanity remains.

  The corridors of Block D buzz with unusual activity, independents clustered in small groups, conversations dropping to whispers as I pass. My name, or at least my designation number, features prominently in these hushed exchanges. Nothing stays private in this closed ecosystem, especially not a combat assessment that ended with three former sponsored assets unconscious on the training room floor.

  CDC-4 is packed when I arrive, the line for nutrition allocation stretching beyond the entrance. Shatter's pragmatists occupy their usual central tables, Marcus's resistors cluster near the exit for quick departure if needed, while unaffiliated assets fill the remaining spaces based on complicated alliance calculations invisible to facility monitoring.

  When I reach the dispenser, the system scans my palm and announces: "Independent Asset 7249. Standard allocation, minus 22% sponsor enhancement factor. Combat assessment protein supplement approved."

  The small increase in protein allocation is the facility's acknowledgment of increased energy expenditure during combat, a calculated nutritional adjustment to maintain asset functionality. The gray paste that slides out looks marginally denser than usual, but remains visually unappealing.

  As I collect my tray, I survey the room, considering seating options. Every choice communicates something in the complex social language of Block D.

  Before I can decide, Iris appears beside me, her iridescent scales rippling with subtle color patterns. "Over here," she says, nodding toward a table where she sits alone near the wall. "Unless you're ready to declare faction allegiance already."

  Her position offers a perfect compromise, connection to her loose information network without formal faction alignment. I join her, setting down my tray of nutritional paste.

  "Combat assessment is the topic of the day," she observes as I sit. "Three-on-one against Crystalline Remnant members. Impressive for someone fresh to independence."

  I shrug, starting on the bland paste. "They made their point, I made mine."

  "And attracted director-level attention in the process," she adds, her scales shifting to a pattern suggesting concern. "Karis doesn't take personal interest in assets unless they fit specific parameters for her projects."

  "The Integration Program," I state rather than ask, watching her reaction.

  Iris's scales flash with surprise before settling into a more guarded pattern. "You're well-informed for someone so new. Yes, Integration, their attempt to create hybrid enhancement profiles by combining compatible ability types."

  "And telekinetics are high-priority targets," I continue, piecing together information from multiple sources.

  She nods, leaning closer. "Especially those with molecular manipulation capabilities. The program needs certain foundational abilities as building blocks for more complex integrations. Telekinesis with fine control is apparently optimal for neural integration with other enhancement types."

  This confirms what Desta mentioned and aligns with the pattern of disappearing telekinetics throughout the facility. My combat performance has potentially accelerated a timeline I wasn't fully aware of until now.

  "Options?" I ask simply, continuing to eat the protein-enhanced paste.

  Iris's scales shift through thoughtful patterns. "Faction protection offers some buffer against immediate collection. Independents with strong alliance networks require more administrative justification for reassignment than unaffiliated assets."

  "Explaining the sudden interest from both Shatter and Marcus," I observe.

  "Exactly. They recognize the signs, they've seen this pattern before with other high-value assets." Her scales darken slightly. "But faction protection isn't absolute. When Karis truly wants a specific asset for Integration, she eventually gets them, approved or not."

  Across the room, I notice a facility staff member I haven't seen before, a thin woman in administrative gray rather than security black. She watches me with clinical interest, making occasional notations on her tablet. Another sign of the increased attention following this morning's combat assessment.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "Your Null friend is another complication," Iris continues, following my gaze before returning to our conversation. "Technokinetics were high-priority for Integration before the program shifted focus to telekinetics. Your connection raises questions about potential collaboration."

  So that's another factor in the increased scrutiny, not just my combat capabilities, but my association with a former technokinetic. The facility sees patterns and connections, drawing conclusions that may or may not align with reality.

  "I'm just interested in her botanical knowledge," I reply, keeping to our established cover story.

  Iris's scales flicker with what might be amusement. "That excuse may work for now. But increased monitoring means increased scrutiny of all associations. Be careful with whatever you're actually planning with her."

  Before I can respond, Volt approaches our table, electrical energy crackling subtly around her. "Mind if I join?" she asks, already setting down her tray.

  Iris nods, her scales shifting to a more neutral pattern, maintaining the appearance of casual independent socializing rather than strategic information exchange.

  "Marcus asked me to confirm tonight's meeting," Volt says without preamble. "Junction L-19, 2300 hours. Important after this morning's developments."

  "Still considering options," I reply, continuing to eat.

  Volt creates a small electromagnetic distortion field, just enough to mask our conversation from immediate audio surveillance. "Not just about faction recruitment anymore. Director Karis has scheduled an official assessment meeting with you tomorrow. Requested your presence in Administrative Sector 3 at 1100 hours."

  That's significant new information, how did they find out about it before me, the person who's supposed to go to this meeting? "Purpose specified?"

  "Advanced ability assessment," Volt replies, the electricity around her fingers intensifying slightly with tension. "Standard preliminary step before potential program reassignment."

  "Integration candidacy," Iris translates, her scales darkening further. "Moving faster than usual. Your combat performance must have checked multiple boxes on their selection criteria."

  The implications are clear, the timeline has accelerated significantly. Whatever the Integration Program represents, I've been flagged as a potential candidate far sooner than anticipated.

  "Tonight's meeting will cover options," Volt continues. "Marcus has information about the Integration Program from assets who escaped initial processing. Things you need to know before tomorrow's assessment meeting."

  The electromagnetic field dissipates as a facility staff member walks nearby. Our conversation shifts seamlessly to mundane topics, training routines and nutrition supplements, until they pass.

  As I finish my meal, I weigh the competing priorities. The administrative summons creates new urgency, potentially threatening not just my independent status but my entire development path. The neural repair work with Desta becomes both more valuable and more risky in this accelerated timeline. Marcus's meeting might provide crucial information for navigating tomorrow's assessment.

  "I'll be there," I tell Volt, making my decision. "Junction L-19, 2300 hours."

  She nods, satisfaction briefly crossing her face before returning to neutral. "Good. Come alone and use the maintenance tunnel access from Block D-East. Security sweeps have increased in the western sections."

  As I leave CDC-4, the administrative observer continues tracking my movements, her clinical gaze following me to the exit. Another data point in what's clearly becoming a comprehensive assessment of my potential value to whatever the Integration Program represents.

  The fact that I’m being watched so closely only reinforces the truth, I’m already part of the system, whether I like it or not. So should I align myself with a faction? Independence offers freedom, but in a place like this, isolation is just another vulnerability. The facility may categorize us as independent assets, but in reality, we’re all forced to navigate a hierarchy of power, whether we acknowledge it or not.

  The cramped space of my quarters feels both confining and secure as I enter,the one place where I can briefly let my guard down and think clearly. I sit on my thin mattress, extending my telekinetic awareness to check for any new surveillance devices. Finding none, I allow myself to analyze the reality of my situation.

  My choices are between Marcus’ Resistors, Shatter’s Pragmatists, and maybe Helena. I don't know if she has a solution to my current predicament or not, but it would most likely involve sponsorship from Tesseract. Actually, I could go beg the Crystal Consortium for sponsorship again, maybe they'll take me.

  No, that is not an option. I don't want to be some alien's pet!

  Then my only choices are between Marcus and Shatter.

  But even if I join one of them I wouldn't necessarily be safe, as Iris pointed out. When Director Karis truly wants a specific asset for Integration, factional affiliation only buys time rather than permanent security.

  There must be another option! I just need time to think this through.

  I check the time on my tablet, still several hours before Marcus's meeting at Junction L-19. Enough time for rest and preparation before navigating the increasingly dangerous territory between independence and whatever the Integration Program represents.

  Tomorrow's assessment with Director Karis clearly marks a critical juncture. The combat performance this morning accelerated a timeline I wasn't fully prepared for, bringing administrative attention sooner than anticipated. Whatever information Marcus provides tonight might prove crucial for navigating that assessment without surrendering my autonomy.

  I lie back on my mattress, allowing my muscles to relax while maintaining mental alertness. A brief rest period before tonight's meeting will optimize physical functioning without surrendering the psychological edge I'll need for whatever comes next.