Location: Abandoned Power Plant – Minor Rift Site
Mission: Investigate a low-level Void energy flare reported by Zevor.Expected Danger: Minimal.Complication: Lira.
Kael: "Okay, team. Quick in-and-out sweep. Let's not turn this into another lockdown situation."
Zayn (mumbling): "She wasn't supposed to be here…"
Despite everyone's protests, Lira had insisted on joining, claiming she could "be helpful" and brought snacks "in case they got hungry during hero stuff."
Jett: "She brought granola bars and a whistle. Totally mission-ready."
As the team explored the plant's cracked hallways, Lyra and Rayna took point. Kael scanned for energy spikes. Jett kept an eye on their surroundings. Zayn, unfortunately, kept an eye on Lira.
She tripped over wires.
She mistook a Void scanner for a selfie stick.
She pressed a button that turned off all the lights.
Lira: "Oops! Did I do that?"
Rayna (deadpan): "You definitely did."
Suddenly, a small Void creature—a slug-like thing with too many teeth—slithered from a vent and leapt toward Lira.
Lira (screaming): "AAAH! It has a face! On its butt!"
Zayn blasted it midair with a Nova pulse.
Kael (sighing): "Mission accomplished. Let's get out of here before she hugs something else with teeth."
Back at Nova Base – Later
Zevor (projecting calmly): "The human known as Lira has witnessed sensitive Nova tech and combat. A protocol decision is required."
The room went quiet. Lira stood awkwardly near the exit, chewing on a granola bar.
Zayn (hesitant): "She didn't mean harm. But… she knows too much now."
Rayna: "She's reckless. Sweet, maybe—but reckless."
Lyra (softly): "But she's also loyal. She didn't run when things got dangerous."
Jett: "You're all assuming she's staying quiet. What if she doesn't?"
Zevor pulsed with a soft hum.
Zevor: "There are two options:A) Initiate memory suppression protocol.B) Allow monitored integration… under restricted access."
All eyes turned to Zayn.
Kael: "It's your call, man."
Zayn looked at Lira. She gave him a hopeful smile—and mouthed, "I can help… I promise."
The air was quiet. Heavy.
Zevor's projection hovered in the center of the room, its voice low and clear.
Zevor: "Memory suppression will be swift. She will retain no knowledge of the Nova Force, the base, or her contact with the Void."
Lira stood off to the side, still smiling faintly—though her eyes betrayed the truth. She wasn't clueless. She had heard the tone. She understood more than they thought.
Zayn stepped forward, arms crossed tightly, eyes avoiding hers.
Lira (softly): "So… this is goodbye?"
Zayn: "It's not because we don't trust you. It's because this world… what we face… it's dangerous. We can't take chances. I'm sorry."
Lira (half-laughing): "Guess I was a lot more trouble than help, huh?"
Lyra (gentle): "You were brave. Clumsy, but brave."
Kael: "And you kept things interesting. That's rare."
Rayna gave a small nod. Even Jett offered a grin.
Jett: "For the record, you handled the slug monster better than I expected."
Zevor's projection moved closer.
Zevor: "Subject: Lira. Please step forward."
She did, hesitating only a moment. Zayn looked up. Their eyes met.
Lira (quietly): "You'll forget I ever made you smile… huh?"
Zayn's voice cracked slightly.
Zayn: "Not all of it. Not everything fades."
Lira closed her eyes.
A beam of soft white light surrounded her. Nova pulses shimmered gently, then faded. Her body swayed slightly—then she blinked.
Lira: "...Whoa. Where am I? Did I get lost coming from science class?"
Zayn caught her gently and guided her toward the exit.
Zayn (gently): "You just got turned around. I'll walk you out."
She gave him a small, confused smile.
Lira: "Thanks… You seem familiar. Weird, huh?"
Zayn (smiling faintly): "Yeah. Weird."
Back Inside Nova Base – Moments Later
Lyra (softly): "You okay?"
Zayn (quietly): "We can save the world… but we can't keep everyone close."
They stood in silence, watching the now-closed doors.
Rayna: "Then we just make sure it's worth it."
To Be Continued…