Razors oldest training ground had been cleared for 271's graduation.

No banners. No holographic flags. Just clean steel walls, the black canopy of stars stretching through the observation dome above, and a ring of cadets, graduates now, standing in uniform silence.

No caps. No robes. Just the mission suits we'd bled and broken ourselves in.

I stood at attention with the others, my pulse a steady drumbeat in my ears. Doli's final diagnostic print glowed faintly at the edge of my neural feed.

Rob stood beside me. Straight-backed, jaw tight. His uniform was older, darker at the seams, worn from another life. He was meant to stand here ten years ago. Somehow, now, he got another chance.

Across the grounds, Major Ashley Kuba stepped into position beneath the overhead lighting. With her were General Torven, LTC Chezek, Professor Zhal, Sergeant Major Cotah and all the other officers and staff.

Their command blacks were sharp, medals shining, and the silver pin of the elite instructors gleaming at every collar.

Ashley's posture was composed, but I'd seen her at the end of too many missions not to recognize the fatigue she wore beneath it. She'd earned that. We all had.

"Cadets," she said. Her voice echoed around us. "From this moment, you are no longer in training."

Silence.

"You are Razor graduates. You've passed through the grind. You've walked through flame. You faced impossible tasks, and climbed every single one."

Her gaze passed along our line. For a moment, it landed on me, and then Rob.

She didn't need to say it aloud: I saw what you survived. Things the Academy never planned for.

"But let me be clear," she continued voice like orbit steel. "Graduation doesn't mean comfort. It doesn't mean peace. It means you've proven you can carry the mission—through pressure, politics, and the dark."

She looked up to the stars beyond the dome.

"You chose this. All of you."

A soft note hummed through the comms system. Barely audible at first.

The melody threaded into the silence, reverent and slow:

Into the black, we go, with only the lights from our ancestors to guide us.

We hold no fear through the darkness, feeling our way as though it blinds us.

When we can travel no further, and the light starts to fade, we will join the void with the love that you forever gave.

I'd never heard it before, but everyone else seemed to have fists to hearts, heads bowed, so I copied them.

When the final note faded, Major Kuba nodded once.

"You've walked through the Dark. You've come out the other side. Now be what we trained you to be."

She turned to the front. "When I call your name, step forward. You'll receive your clearance chip and your post assignment. There will be no applause. Your next steps will speak louder than any ceremony."

One by one, the names were called.

"Andri Boutack."

He moved with that quiet precision he always had, jaw tight. But I saw the flicker in his eyes when he spotted Kael, upright in a hover-chair, pale but alert, seated beside their mother. Her hands were clasped so tightly I could see the pressure across the knuckles from where I stood. She didn't cry. Not much. Just enough for it to count.

It wasn't Ashley who stepped forward to meet Rob. It was Lieutenant Colonel Chezek, broad-shouldered in deep navy, brass-heavy on his collar. A man who looked like he'd stared down more than a few fires and come through colder for it.

I blanked the rest of Andri's team and never heard another name. Until I heard her say, "Beta271, please step forward."

Something shifted around us, subtle but real.

"Robert Lynx."

The LTC held Rob's chip between two fingers.

"Lynx," he said, gravel-voiced, no one else heard these words, only us. "I had your name scrubbed off this list ten years ago."

Rob didn't flinch. He stood straight. Not proud, just still.

"You proved me wrong," Chezek said, and handed him the chip.

Rob took it. "Sir."

"Let's see what you do with your second chance."

When Rob moved, Ashley called. "Sylvk Haba."

Sylvk stood before the LTC, and got his chip almost about to step away, when I caught the LTCs. "Your father would be very proud of you today."

Sylvk lowered his head, and stepped into line.

Ashley called, "Kerry Hinada." Next.

Kerry was pink from head to toe, and taking her chip from the LTC she also got an extra special thanks from him.

I almost didn't hear my own name being called till Ashley had to repeat it.

"Piotr Argassa."

My legs moved before I could think. My chest felt too tight. It ached, sharp and low.

I stepped forward. The LTC held out the chip for me and I took it.

"You're still fixing things, Argassa," he murmured. "Just bigger things now."

I gave him a nod, I couldn't trust my voice.

Trait Progression Log: Final Integration – 95% ↑

Trigger: Acceptance of future beyond academy + irreversible commitment to Doli transfer

Function: Merge parameters fully aligned. Auto-trigger eligible under neural sync ≤15%

Status: Standby mode. Awaiting collapse or manual override.

As I turned to step back into formation, I caught Andri's eye. He was already in position a few cadets down. He gave the smallest flick of his chin. Not quite a nod. More like a signal.

You made it.

When the last team was called, and everyone stood at the front of the room. The LTC, Ashley and the staff changed positions to stand in the training grounds.

Ashley took point once more. "No salutes. No cheers," she said. "Razors doesn't graduate heroes. It graduates tools."

A beat passed.

"But you'll decide how sharp you stay. Understood?"

The lights dimmed. The dome above glowed brighter with starlight, refracting across polished metal and reinforced glass.

And once again, the into the Dark played.

Into the dark we go, with only the lights…

No one moved until it ended.

Then, one by one, we dispersed, like stars slipping into their orbits. We didn't speak. We didn't need to.

I did, however, catch the General's eye. He was staring at me all too well. I tried to keep out of his sight, but I couldn't. In the end, I made my way out into the Observation Corridor to get away.

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I lingered near the outer corridor, alone for a few minutes, watching everyone who was left still mingling. This was what graduation should have been like for me, many years ago too, and I'd never experienced it. I'd gotten to experience it once, now, with people I held the utmost respect for.

The soft whir of a hover-assist wheelchair broke my reverie.

Kael rolled into view, his chair gliding quietly beside the long glass panel. Andri walked beside him, one hand resting lightly on the backrest. He looked thinner. Pale. But not weak.

"Hey," I said.

Kael gave me a crooked smile. "Nice uniform," he said. "Better than the mechanic jumpsuit?"

I shrugged. "I like my jumpsuit."

The kids' eyes lit up. "Me too."

Kael studied me, then glanced at his brother.

"You…" Andri said softly. "You kept him alive."

Their mother moved to wheel Kael away, "Home," she said. "You've had quite enough excitement for the day."

Andi and I watched them go. Kael waving at me, tapping the side of his head.

I didn't know where to look, but I had to say something. "Doli's holo program is finished, she will be delivered to the Brakers tomorrow as planned. They'll get what they want, technically."

He looked up at me, and his brows scrunched. "Piotr…"

"It's okay," I waved at the extra security, the subdued chatter. "They know what they're doing. Trust them."

"But what about your Doli? I've…"

I stepped in closer to him. "My Doli," I said protectively, "isn't anything they think she is. She will be coming with me, off Earth."

System Mask Active: Triple Transfer Cloaking

Brakers: Holographic decoy

Coalition: Physical prototype

True Core: Faulkner-bound

Risk: Minimal – no known exposure paths

Merge Readiness: ON TRACK

"But how? They'll analyze what you give them. They'll know—"

"They'll each think they've outsmarted the other," I said quietly. "Let them. Meanwhile, the real Doli stays with me."

The silence that followed didn't feel awkward. Just full.

"You've not been posted yet?" Andri asked.

"I haven't looked," I said, and lied, knowing I was never going anywhere they'd send me, I was heading out on my ship, the C47, the Faulkner. "They're probably still debating whether to let me near anything that flies."

Andri cracked a smile. "They'll post you somewhere with a system to repair and a mess to clean up."

"I'd be disappointed if they didn't."

"You earned this," he said. "Don't let anyone make you forget it."

"I won't." For the first time in months—maybe longer, years—I believed it. "Will see you tomorrow, yeah."

"0900 sharp," he replied and made to walk away. "Piotr," he said. "I want you to know, these last few weeks, this…." He waved around the academy. "It wasn't me, what they've been doing to my family… the threats, well… when this is over, properly over, will you grab a beer with me?"

Andri reached out though I could see the slight tremble in his hand. I took hold of it. The grip wasn't strong, but it was deliberate. Grounded.

"I'd really like that," I replied and then I watched him walk away.

<<He's a good hacker,>> Doli said, <<But I hacked his systems. That beer would do you both good.>>

<<That bad?>>

<<Yes,>> she replied. <<If he ever gets to tell you, let him.>>

I didn't push, some things were meant to be told, by those who went through them, not by hacking. <<Proud of you,>> I told her. <<You really do understand people, a lot.>>

Rob, Kerry and Sylvk were waiting for me outside. Kerry tucked into Sylvk's side, his arm wrapped around her in a very over protective stance.

Wait… I approached with caution. "What's going on?" I asked.

Rob turned to meet me. "We've got new assignments," he said.

"I thought—"

Rob shook his head.

"I have to ship out tomorrow for the front line."

"What?"

"General Torven's orders." Rob confirmed.

"My parents have asked I also move tomorrow, first thing," Kerry said, and a tear dripped off her face.

"Rob?" I asked.

"General Torven has me heading out with tonight's shipment."

I was shaking my head. "No, no way."

I turned my head to see General Torven had made his way outside, two other officers I didn't know flanked either side.

I made to move, but Rob reached for me. "Wait, the LTC is heading over."

<<Doli, can you work out what they're saying.>>

<<Using Academy security cameras,>> she replied.

<<Feed it to me.>>

"—no rights to order them to move within twenty-four hours of graduating."

"This is something out of my control," General Torven replied.

"No, you've done everything you could to split that team up, don't think your alliance hasn't been noted."

"What are you accusing me of?" The General said and he took a step toward the LTC who didn't back down, but watched the two men who also stepped in closer. "Be very careful what you say next, LTC Chezek."

"Wait," Sylvk spoke out.

I turned to him, "What is it?"

"Direct orders from Grand Admiral Garth," he replied.

"Same," Rob said.

I was too engrossed on my team to hear the end of Torven and Chezek's argument.

"What is it?" I asked again.

"Due to your involvement with the DOLI program and in completing your tasks, you are to assist," Rob nodded to me. "— immediate transfer of the civilian asset known as Piotr Argassa to Port Wells under the Medical Emergency Act 2177.17. You will co-ordinate his transfer to the ship the Faulkner, with Senior Doctor Hinada and Staff-Sergeant Haba."

LTC Chezek was walking this way, leaving the General standing there fuming.

Rob stood straight as an arrow as the LTC approached. "Colonel," he said.

"At ease," Chezek said. "You received new orders?"

"Yes, Sir."

The LTC seemed relieved. "The Admiral came through for us. Good."

"We move when?"

"As soon as you can," Chezek said, and glanced to the General who was still staring our way.

We all saw the General's eyes light up, and then he turned with his boots clicking all the way out of earshot.

<<He's got Major Kuba's word about Doli-2.>> Doli informed me.

"We have a lot to do," I said. "Would you excuse us, Colonel Chezek?"

"Of course," he said, adding, as I made to move, "And Argassa."

"Yes, colonel?"

"Get Doli to the frontlines as fast as you can."

Mission Tag Added: Civilian AI Transfer Protocol (Black Classification)

Vessel: Faulkner (C47 Prototype)

Security Clearance: Level Omega

Objective: Deliver Sentient AI to Off-Earth Theaters – Untraceable

Authorized Operatives: Beta271 – Full

It was the way he said it. I smiled. "Yes, Colonel."

We stepped away from him, and we moved fast. I commed for Ashley straight away, threading her into comms with the team.

"I'm heading to the lab," I said. "The team has new orders."

"I know, I spoke with my father," she replied. "I'll meet you there."

When she cut the connection, Rob said. "Never heard of the Faulkner, but I guess it doesn't matter as long as we have clearance off this planet. Clearance to get you to the right people for treatment."

"Doli," I said. "Pass Rob the schematics for the Faulkner."

"Lieutenant Lynx, you have an incoming file,"

"Top Secret file," he raised an eyebrow, then his face fell.

"This, this…."

"Is mine too," I said. "You have to get me to her."

We split up as we got to the lab, I went straight for the printing chamber, where Doli's new body was taking shape beneath the molecular assemblers. The empty vessel waited—separate from both the holographic version for the Brakers and the physical decoy that the Coalition believed was the real thing.

So, I dug in, while I had the chance, and with some quick thinking and fast fingers I had the process up just a little bit in time.

<<I may begin the neural transfer at 01.00 instead of 04.00,>> Doli said, referring to the third, true integration that neither the Brakers nor the Coalition knew about.

Trait Progression: Distributed Core Anchoring – 84% ↑

Trigger: Neural pathway stabilization at 83%+

Function: Body and consciousness bond now partially permanent

Risk: Early failure would result in cascade loop. Proceed with caution.

"That was a good increase. If only I could get you in before midnight."

<<The body needs time to stabilize the quantum pathways. Too soon and the integration fails.>>

Nothing else I did could speed up the final stages though.

"You still working?" Ashley's voice came from behind me, startling me from my thoughts.

"Hey," I said, quickly closing several screens. "Just making sure everything is going well, and all our work is backed up."

She moved to my side, peering over my shoulder at the display. I turned that screen off as well and pulled her into my lap in one smooth motion.

"Now that you're here," I said, "it would be wrong to keep working."

"The transfers are all queued," Doli said. "Holographic for the Brakers, physical decoy for anyone watching too closely, and the true integration for later tonight."

Ashley's eyes met mine, searching. "Have you eaten?"

I checked the time on my HUD. "Not yet."

"Then dinner," she said decisively. "Off base."

"Off base?" I repeated, surprised. "You still want our date, is that wise?"

She pulled a bag from behind her and placed it on the desk. "Yes. I want a proper date with you tonight, no uniforms, just us."

My throat tightened at the implications. A real date. A last night together before everything changed. "That's serious," I said, peeking into the bag and smiling at the clothes she'd chosen. "You wearing a dress?"

"You'll have to wait and see," she said with a small smile. "Be ready in twenty."

"Doli, continue preparing all three transfers while I'm gone," I said, gathering the clothes Ashley had brought.

"Of course, Captain," she replied. "The holographic model is already staged for morning delivery to the Brakers, and I'm finalizing the physical decoy parameters. The new body's integration pathways will be ready for your return."

I changed out of my uniform and into the soft threads Ashley had brought for me. It was a suit like I'd never owned, silk, fit perfectly. I gave myself a quick once over.

"What do you think?" I asked Doli.

"Perfect," she replied.

When the door opened and Ashley returned, I had to do a double-take. She wore a simple black dress that fell above her knees, her dark hair loose and flowing over one shoulder instead of in its usual severe bun. With her military bearing temporarily shed, she looked both vulnerable and stunning.

"Do we have to go out?" I asked, stepping close and wrapping my arms around her waist. "I'd be happy to stay right here."

"Yes" she whispered against my neck, a slight tremor in her voice betraying her worry. "I want one good night—us—you know."

"What abou—"

Trait Progression: Emotional Sovereignty – 72% ↑

Trigger: Doli initiates emotional privacy buffer for Piotr + Ashley

Function: Autonomous empathy module deployed. Doli now mirrors human connection protocols proactively

Note: No prior human instruction required

"I will be watching," Doli said. "Rob and Sylvk will be close by, this is a secured high powered restaurant."

"We're safe?"

"Yes, General Torven believes he's getting the holographic version, the Coalition thinks they're watching for the physical prototype, and no one knows about what's really happening. We've covered all angles."

I pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "Good," I said softly. "No talk about tomorrow. Just tonight."

"Agreed."

One of Ashley's lower-ranking officers waited for us outside the building, standing at attention beside a sleek black transport. Even he couldn't hide his double-take as we approached, Ashley's transformation from a Major to a civilian woman clearly caught him off guard.

"One ride to Le Palma's City Center," he said professionally, opening the door for us.

System Advisory: Collapse Clock – Critical

Neural Sync: 18%

Merge Auto-Trigger at: ≤15% or unconscious event

Estimated Time Remaining (Uninterrupted): 8–12 hours

Note: Tonight may be the last uninterrupted moment. Doli transfer locked for 01:00.

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