The polluted area resembled a maze of ferrocrete and bent steel. Cass advanced with the stealth of a hunter his senses heightened to the utmost. Syrinx trailed behind wrapped in the coat her bare feet making no sound on the rubble. She took in every detail—the wind's whistle, through panes the glowing fungi sprouting on a cadaver the faint call of a scavenger bird far away.
"Your pulse is quickening " she said abruptly breaking the quiet. "Adrenaline and cortisol are increasing. Danger lies ahead."
He still hadn't received any news. He gave her a look. "Be silent."
"Three organisms. Biological indicators correspond to altered canid traits. Hostile. They have detected our smell. They are… surrounding us."
A deep growl resonated from a ruined shop on their left. Then a second, from the right. Luminous amber eyes emerged from the darkness. Hounds, their bodies merged with metal protrusions drooling from mouths filled with corroded steel fangs.
"Remain close, to me " Cass commanded, unsheathing his sword.
"They hunt in groups. Your defensive stance is ineffective " Syrinx remarked, walking past him.
"What are you—?"
She lifted both her hands. Now the golden glow was no longer a flicker but a radiant halo. It radiated from her a surge of power. The lead hound, ready to spring halted abruptly. Its growl caught in its throat. The other two whimpered, bowing their heads and retreating. The luminosity from Syrinx's hands grew stronger permeating the beasts. Their metallic extensions started to… shift, melting, transforming. The rage, in their eyes faded, swapped for a bewildered calm. They whimpered, sniffed the air toward her and then turned, trotting off into the ruins.
Cass looked on his sword dangling ineffectively by his side. "What have you done?"
"I… adjusted their aggression settings " she murmured, the light dimming. She wobbled as she stood her complexion shifting to grey. "It demands a lot of energy. Their physiology is… basic. The Queen's impact, on the field is… widespread." She. Cass despite all instincts grasped her arm.
Her skin felt freezing. A subtle shiver passed over her.
"You look exhausted."
"The body is frail. I need energy consumption and time for cells to renew." She glanced up at him her fractal eyes fading. "Do you understand? I am not… impervious. The information… is incorrect."
He led her to a steady concrete slab and helped her to sit. From his pack he took out a nutrient bar—chalky and bland yet packed with energy. He snapped it in two. Gave her one half.
She grabbed it inhaled its scent then nibbled a little. She masticated deliberately thoughtfully. "Composite proteins, artificial carbs, trace minerals. Efficiency: 34%. Taste: poor."
"Just eat it."
She did, observing him as he surveyed the surroundings. After a pause she spoke more her tone soft. "You said I am a weapon. For retribution. Against the Queen."
"Yes."
"And when your vengeance is complete? What is my operational parameter then?"
He avoided her gaze. "We'll deal with that bridge once it's on fire."
"Termination " she declared, not as an inquiry. As a definitive statement. She emptied her side of the bar. "Then I have to guarantee the revenge goal is never completely achieved. To protect my survival."
A cold knot formed in Cass's stomach. She was learning, adapting, far faster than any human. And she was utterly, terrifyingly logical.