The corridors feel different as I make my way toward Administrative Sector 3, more surveillance, fewer independents moving freely, an atmosphere of heightened tension that suggests increased security throughout the facility. Several patrol drones track my movement more aggressively than usual, their scanning beams lingering longer than standard identification protocols require.

  Security Checkpoint A marks the boundary between independent blocks and administrative sectors. As I approach, the reinforced door slides open to reveal three facility guards rather than the standard two, their specialized black uniforms designed to intimidate as much as protect.

  "Independent Asset 7249," one states mechanically. "Present palm for verification."

  I comply, placing my hand against the scanner's surface. The device pulses with blue light as it reads my biometric signature and confirms my identity against facility records.

  "Identity confirmed. Authorized for administrative access. Enhanced security scanning required."

  The second guard activates a more comprehensive scanning device that emits a series of pulses as it moves over my body from head to toe. This scan feels more invasive than previous security checks, a deeper penetration that suggests searching for concealed abilities rather than just weapons or contraband.

  "Neural signature recorded. Telekinetic capability assessment in progress. Stand by."

  I maintain perfect external calm while internally activating the neural camouflage architecture. The false enhancement pathways light up exactly as expected, showing plateaued telekinetic development consistent with my recent training demonstrations. My actual abilities remain hidden beneath microscopic energy fields that present standard neurological tissue to external scanning.

  After several seconds, the scanner emits a soft tone. "Baseline confirmed. Proceed to Director Karis, Administrative Suite 17."

  The guards escort me through a series of corridors significantly different from independent sectors. The utilitarian aesthetic gives way to more refined design, polished surfaces, improved lighting, and environmental systems that maintain perfect temperature and humidity. The administrative heart of the facility reflects the hierarchy of control through physical comfort unavailable to assets of lower classification.

  Administrative Suite 17 comes into view, the same location as my initial assessment. The polished door slides open silently as we approach, revealing the comfortable living area with its tasteful furnishings and ambient lighting designed to create false sense of ease.

  Director Karis rises from her chair as I enter, her silver hair and amber eyes exactly as I remember. Her tailored gray suit with subtle woven patterns projects authority without need for explicit uniform or insignia.

  "Asset 7249," she greets me, her voice carrying that unusual resonance designed to put listeners at ease. "Thank you for your punctuality. Please, have a seat." She gestures toward the same comfortable chair positioned opposite her own.

  The guards remain at the entrance as I take the indicated seat, their alert presence suggesting heightened security protocols compared to my previous visit. Perhaps standard procedure for final consideration meetings, or specific response to recent collection resistance throughout independent blocks.

  "Your consideration period concludes today," Karis begins, studying me with those unusual amber eyes. "Have you reached a decision regarding participation in the Advanced Integration Development program?"

  "I've considered the opportunity carefully," I respond, maintaining direct eye contact. "While I appreciate the resources and advancement potential offered, I've decided to decline participation at this time."

  Karis shows no surprise at this response, suggesting she anticipated rejection based on my recent behavior patterns and neural pathway readings. "May I ask your reasoning? The program offers significant advantages over independent development, more control over your developmental path. Even if you are pursuing power over control, your current slow progress could be vastly improved with direct guidance."

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Hm, interesting. So they interpreted my fake enhancement pathways as plateaued development. I suppose I have not put any effort into growing those pathways outside of showing flawed development patterns. Thankfully that did not appear suspicious to them.

  "My independent classification allows for self-directed enhancement at a pace and direction that feels more natural to my particular neural architecture," I explain, providing plausible justification rather than direct challenge. "While I trust your expertise in this matter, I believe I've found what personally works best for me."

  As I speak, I detect subtle energy shift in the room, not visible, but perceptible to enhanced awareness. Telepathic assessment has begun, though not from Karis herself. Likely a specialized operative positioned in adjacent space, conducting scan through connecting wall to maintain appearance of private conversation.

  I activate the full neural deception architecture, allowing the telepathic probe to discover exactly what I want it to find, surface thoughts consistent with independent asset protecting modest abilities, misplaced pride in self-direction despite obvious limitations, and genuine belief that current development represents optimal capacity rather than imposed restriction.

  "I understand your position," Karis responds after a moment, her slight pause suggesting receipt of initial telepathic assessment results. "Independence represents significant value to many assets, even when it limits ultimate enhancement potential."

  She activates a holographic display between us, showing my recent performance metrics and neural development patterns, all reflecting the shifting capabilities of my surface pathways.

  "However, I should note that your recent performance trends suggest diminishing returns from self-directed enhancement," she continues, highlighting the apparent stagnation in my telekinetic development. "While your current capabilities remain valuable, facility projections indicate limited future advancement without specialized protocols."

  The telepathic assessment continues with increasing intensity, no longer casual scan but focused probing seeking deception indicators or inconsistent neural patterns. My camouflage architecture responds accordingly, presenting coherent but unremarkable enhancement pathways consistent with flawed telekinetic development.

  "I'm comfortable with my current capabilities," I respond, allowing appropriate disappointment to color my surface thoughts while maintaining perfect neural discipline beneath. "Power offers its own advantages in practical application."

  Karis studies me with those unusual amber eyes, likely receiving continued telepathic assessment results through some form of silent communication. After several seconds of evaluation, she deactivates the holographic display.

  "The Integration Program respects asset autonomy within established parameters," she says finally. "Your decision to decline participation has been recorded. You will maintain independent classification with standard resource allocation appropriate to your ability level."

  The lack of resistance to my rejection suggests my deception has succeeded, the flawed development making me less valuable for immediate collection despite previous interest. Not worthless, but no longer priority target for Integration templates.

  "However," Karis continues, "should your development patterns change or you reconsider participation benefits, the option remains available through standard application protocols. The facility supports enhancement optimization through multiple pathways."

  Translation: they'll continue monitoring for signs of renewed development or deception discovery, maintaining me as potential future candidate rather than immediate collection target.

  "Thank you for the consideration," I respond with appropriate professional gratitude. "I appreciate the facility's support for diverse enhancement approaches."

  Karis rises, signaling conclusion of our meeting. "You will maintain current scheduling and assignment parameters appropriate to independent classification. Your labor cooperation with Null Asset N-4186 has been noted in your file as productivity-enhancing and will continue as currently arranged."

  This explicit acknowledgment of my work with Desta suggests they've incorporated our psychological support narrative into official records, providing continued cover for neural repair sessions while under standard monitoring.

  "The guards will escort you back to independent sectors," Karis concludes. "Thank you for your participation in the assessment process."

  As I rise to leave, the telepathic assessment finally withdraws, returning to normal environmental awareness after the intense scrutiny of the past several minutes. The neural camouflage has performed exactly as designed, presenting false enhancement architecture that validated their assumptions about plateaued development.

  The guards step forward to escort me back through administrative sectors toward independent blocks. As we exit Administrative Suite 17, I maintain neural discipline while allowing appropriate surface relief at avoiding immediate collection. To monitoring systems, I'll appear as an independent asset who rejected Integration due to misplaced pride in modest abilities, unexceptional but unthreatening.

  The deception worked. For now.