Diego surveyed the faces around the conference table, each showing varying degrees of concern as he delivered the news about the exodus ships' accelerated timeline.

  "Luna's intel confirms it. The APU and EAAU are launching next week instead of next month." He watched their expressions shift from concern to alarm. "We need to move our people now."

  Alexis Morgan leaned forward, her combat engineer's mind already calculating. "The power grid can handle the load, but we'll need to cycle the generators between portals. Each crossing will drain significant resources."

  "Nine crossings," Olivia interjected, her hands clasped tight. "That's all we can manage with our current stabilization metals, it looks like we will get maybe 3 more out of the delivery form Tucson. Fifty people maximum per crossing, or the quantum field becomes unstable."

  Diego did the math - four hundred fifty people and maybe another hundred fifty. Not enough. His jaw clenched as he looked at Sarah Chen, who was already shaking her head at her personnel tablet.

  "We have five hundred and twelve people cleared and ready," Sarah reported. "All vetted, all with critical skills we'll need."

  Captain Johnson's voice cut through the tension. "What about the receiving end? The greenhouse isn't ready yet."

  "Two weeks minimum," Ethan responded, exchanging glances with Mei. "We can accelerate with temporary structures, but we need time to ensure food production."

  Emily's fingers danced across her tablet. "The drone network is operational. We can maintain security, but moving that many people through unknown terrain..." She left the implications hanging.

  Diego watched Jack's metallic limb drum anxiously against the ground. "The electrical system at Haven is already strained to its limits. Bringing in a population that size..." He paused, his expression grim. "We'll require those fourteen days just to boost our power infrastructure."

  Diego absorbed their reports, the weight of five hundred lives pressing down on his shoulders. The math was brutal - nine portals, fifty people each, critical infrastructure not ready.

  Diego activated his holo-display, the blue glow casting shadows across the worried faces around the conference table. He tapped the controls, bringing up a numbered list with '#1 Cycle generators between portals' appearing at the top.

  Diego squinted at the holographic display, trying to make sense of the power requirements. Engineering had never been his strong suit - give him a tactical situation or security problem any day.

  "Jack, break this down for me. How long between portal closings before we can fire it up again?"

  Jack's mechanical fingers deftly manipulated the interface on the control surface. "The Zero Point Energy generator is our primary power source for the gateway. Think of it like a massive battery that draws power from quantum fluctuations. But it's not stable enough on its own."

  "Which is where the nuclear facility comes in," Alexis cut in, her eyes fixed on her tablet. "We use it to regulate and stabilize the power flow. Without it, the portal would collapse."

  Diego nodded slowly. "And running both systems at maximum capacity?"

  "Eight hours minimum." Jack's expression was grim. "The ZPE needs time to recharge, and the nuclear cooling system has to cycle down completely. Push it harder than that, and we risk a cascade failure."

  "Eight hours." Diego ran the numbers in his head. Nine portals, eight hours between each... "That's three days just for power cycling, assuming nothing goes wrong."

  "And that's best case scenario," Alexis added. "Any fluctuation in the power grid, any hiccup in the cooling system - we'd need to extend the downtime."

  Diego leaned back, his hand rubbing his chin. The technical details might escape him, but the implications were crystal clear. Three days of portal operations, with eight-hour gaps between each crossing. Three days where anything could go wrong.

  Diego studied the fluctuating power readings on the display. The massive energy requirements for each portal opening were clear - sharp spikes followed by long valleys of recharge time. Even with both the Zero Point Energy generator and the 500-megawatt atomic plant working in tandem, they were pushing the limits of what their systems could handle.

  "Show me worst-case numbers," Diego said, his expression grim.

  Alexis pulled up another graph. "If the ZPE hits a quantum fluctuation during generation, or if the atomic plant's cooling system runs hot, we could be looking at twelve hours between portals. Maybe more."

  Diego tapped his fingers against the conference table, absorbing the technical details. His military mind processed the timing constraints like he would a tactical operation - identifying choke points, vulnerabilities, and critical paths.

  "Add it to the list," he told Luna, who input the timing restrictions into the holographic display. The blue text shimmered as new lines appeared:

  #1 Cycle generators between portals

  #2 8-12 hours between crossings

  #3 50 people max per crossing

  #4 9 crossings remaining with current materials

  "So we're looking at three to five days just for the portal operations," Diego said, his voice steady despite the pressure building in his chest. "And that's assuming everything goes perfectly."

  He studied the faces around the table - engineers, scientists, and soldiers who'd thrown their lot in with this desperate gamble. Each of them had family waiting, counting on them to make this work.

  "We'll need to prioritize," Diego continued. "Break the five hundred down into groups. Critical infrastructure personnel first - medical, engineering, agriculture. Then families with children. The rest..." He paused, knowing every choice meant leaving someone behind. "We'll have to be strategic."

  The room fell silent as the implications sank in. Diego had made hard calls before, but this was different. This wasn't just about survival - it was about who they'd become on the other side.

  "Sarah, work with Johnson to categorize the personnel lists. I want those groups defined yesterday." Diego's gaze shifted to Jack and Alexis. "You two focus on maximizing our power efficiency. If we can shave even an hour off that cycle time, it means more lives saved."

  His fingers tapped the holo-display controls, adding '#2 Stabilization metals is limiting us to 6 portal operations' to the list. The blue glow highlighted the stark reality of their situation - they needed more of everything, especially the rare earth elements required for portal stability.

  Diego turned his attention to Emily and Olivia. "Is there anything we can do to increase mining output?"

  Emily glanced at her tablet, scrolling through drone survey data. Her usual confidence wavered. "The drones have mapped several promising deposits in Haven, but extraction and processing take time. We're looking at weeks, maybe months before we'd have usable quantities."

  Olivia gestured while speaking, her fingers punctuating each point. "These elements require flawless atomic alignment to maintain quantum balance. Any attempt to speed purification could trigger a devastating portal failure." She hesitated meaningfully. "There's no room for shortcuts here, Diego. Lives depend on precise portal transitions."

  The oppressive reality of their limitations weighed heavily. Power shortages. Dwindling supplies. Time slipping away. He studied the faces around the table, seeing his own burden mirrored in their concerned looks.

  "Which obstacles can we eliminate to accelerate mineral extraction? Should we deploy additional robots, assign more workers?" Diego looked back and forth between Emily and Alexis, hunting for answers.

  Alexis shifted her posture, sitting taller. "Our current excavation drones are rudimentary - engineered for Earth-based mineral harvesting. Adapting their core systems for Haven's environment would be necessary, though manageable. Luna has the expertise for those modifications."

  "Processing power remains our main constraint," Emily chimed in, activating a three-dimensional projection of the excavation zone. "The trio of refinement stations are operating at full capacity, but they're laboratory-grade units. Not built for large-scale production."

  Diego studied the crimson indicators pulsing on the display, each one signaling a refinery location. Not enough, too inefficient. "What's required for expansion?"

  "Commercial refinement systems." Alexis tapped her fingers on the surface rhythmically. "There's a shuttered plant near Phoenix with the perfect machinery. They closed down when the water wars bankrupted them. The systems are just gathering dust."

  Diego inclined his head, strategies already taking shape in his mind. Moving that machinery would require Mia's transportation knowledge. "What's the quantity?"

  Alexis calculated the figures. "A trio of those machines would boost production over threefold, given that they're commercial grade. Each one weighs about four thousand pounds. We'd need the heavy-lift VTOL planes."

  Diego made a note on his tablet. More equipment meant more power draw, but they needed those minerals. Another problem to solve, but at least this one had a clear solution.

  Diego added the third item to his list, watching the holographic text materialize: '#3 Food resources'. The blue glow reflected off the anxious faces around the table. His attention shifted to Ethan, Mei, and Kaito.

  "How are we doing for food stuffs and food production?"

  Ethan leaned forward, his agricultural expertise evident in his confident tone. "The greenhouse framework is complete, but we need another week minimum to get the hydroponic systems fully operational. Right now, we can support fifty people with fresh vegetables."

  "I've secured three months of emergency rations," Kaito interjected, his hologram flickering slightly. "Enough to feed five hundred people while we establish sustainable food production. The supplies are already enroute to staging areas."

  Mei adjusted her tablet, bringing up detailed agricultural projections. "Our initial crop yields should begin within six weeks of planting. The growth rates in Haven are approximately thirty percent faster than Earth standard. We've already started seedling cultivation here to transplant."

  Diego studied their faces, noting the mix of concern and determination. The food situation wasn't ideal, but it was manageable. Emergency rations would bridge the gap until production ramped up. At least that was one problem with a clear solution.

  "What's the bottleneck for getting the hydroponics online faster?" Diego asked, his fingers hovering over the holo-display, ready to note any critical needs.

  "Nutrient mixing and monitoring systems," Ethan replied. "We have the basic components, but calibrating for optimal growth takes time. Rush it, and we risk losing entire crops."

  "Alright, I'll come around later for a full briefing," Diego said. "There are additional matters I'd like to go over at that time."

  Diego nodded, processing the information. Six months of emergency rations would keep people fed, and the current vegetable production could sustain fifty people. The six-week turnaround for additional crops wasn't ideal, but it was workable. He added the fourth item to his holographic list: '#4 Haven Power Grid'.

  The blue text hung in the air like a challenge. Diego looked at Jack and Alexis, who exchanged knowing glances. The power situation in Haven had been a constant source of concern.

  "Ok, how do we fix this?" Diego asked, his attention focused on the two engineers.

  Jack leaned back in his chair, his cybernetic leg tapping against the floor. "The main issue is capacity. We've got the basic infrastructure in place, but it's barely handling our current load. Adding hundreds more people..." He shook his head.

  "The solar arrays are working at ninety percent efficiency," Alexis added, pulling up the power consumption data. "But Haven's sun is different from Earth's. We're not getting the same output we'd expect. We need to modify the panels' absorption rate."

  Diego watched the power usage graphs fluctuate across the display, each spike representing another drain on their limited resources. The situation was clear - they needed more power, and they needed it fast.

  Diego watched Jack and Alexis exchange glances before Alexis pulled up a new set of schematics on her tablet.

  "We've got three options," Alexis said, her fingers tracing the power distribution lines. "First, we can salvage the backup fusion generator from the old research facility in Nevada. It's small, but it would give us another fifteen percent capacity."

  Jack nodded, his cybernetic leg now still. "Second option is to modify our current solar arrays. The quantum frequency in Haven's sunlight is different - if we can retune the panels, we might squeeze out thirty percent more power."

  "And the third?" Diego asked, noting how both engineers shifted uncomfortably.

  "We strip down the atomic plant here," Alexis said quietly. "Take half the reactor cores and rebuild them in Haven. It's risky, and it would limit our portal operations, but it would solve the power problem permanently."

  Diego frowned, considering each option. The fusion generator would be the easiest to acquire, but its output was minimal. Modifying the solar arrays seemed promising, but they'd need time to test the new configurations. And splitting their atomic plant - that was a last resort.

  "What's the timeline on the fusion generator?" Diego asked.

  "Three days to extract it, another two to get it operational in Haven," Jack replied. "But we'd need Mia's help with transport. That thing weighs four tons."

  "The solar modifications?" Diego turned to Alexis.

  "A week of testing here, then gradual implementation over there. Less risky than moving the fusion generator, but slower results."

  Diego studied the power graphs again, watching the usage spikes climb higher with each new system they activated in Haven. They needed a solution, and they needed it fast.

  Diego looked around the conference room, studying each face. Jack's fingers drummed against his cybernetic leg while Alexis pored over power consumption data. Emily's attention remained fixed on her drone feeds, while Olivia scrutinized the portal stability readings. The weight of their combined expertise - and their shared burden - filled the room.

  "Let's start with Solar mod and getting that fusion plant moving. We are struggling for power here already so let's not take any of that until we have to if we have the materials. Longterm we can build a ZPE after..." Diego's voice carried across the table, steady and determined.

  Diego shifted his attention to Kaito's, which flickered slightly in the blue-tinted air above the conference table. The businessman's composed expression remained unchanged, but Diego noticed the slight tightening around his eyes - a tell he'd learned to recognize over the years.

  "Kaito, can you source transportation for the ore units?"

  Kaito's leaned forward, his perfectly tailored suit rippling with the movement. "The VTOL units are difficult to acquire right now. The APU has restricted heavy transport due to the exodus preparations." He paused, fingers moving across something off-screen. "However, I maintain certain connections with private contractors. Less official channels, but reliable."

  Diego recognized the careful phrasing. Kaito's "less official channels" usually meant smugglers or black-market operators - people who wouldn't ask questions about cargo or destinations. Not ideal, but they were running out of options.

  Diego nodded at Kaito, who sat across the conference table in his perfectly pressed suit. "Ok use your resources to get the industrial ore processing units moved to here. Getting them through the portal will have priority."

  Kaito's went to work on his tablet. The soft glow illuminated the slight shadows under his eyes - evidence of the strain they were all feeling. Diego had known him long enough to read the subtle tension in his shoulders, the way his normally fluid movements had become just a fraction more rigid.

  "I'll contact my associates immediately," Kaito said, his voice carrying that familiar blend of politeness and authority. "The units can be extracted within thirty-six hours. Transport..." He paused, making a few quick calculations. "Another twenty-four to reach us, assuming we use the southern route through Sonora. The northern corridors are too heavily monitored now."

  Diego watched Kaito's expression, catching the slight tightening around his eyes that always appeared when he was calculating risks. The southern route would be more dangerous, but Kaito's smuggling contacts knew those roads well. They'd proved reliable during previous operations, though Diego preferred not to dwell on exactly how Kaito had cultivated those relationships.

  "The equipment will need to be broken down for transport through the portal," Kaito continued. "My team can handle the disassembly, but we'll need Alexis' expertise for reassembly on the other side."

  Diego turned to Sarah Chen, who sat near the end of the conference table reviewing personnel files on her tablet. The logistics coordinator's efficiency had proven invaluable over the past weeks.

  "Sarah, how many personnel will be showing up today?"

  Sarah glanced up from her tablet, her fingers still moving across the screen. "We have thirty-two people scheduled to arrive in the next four hours. That includes Captain Johnson's security team's immediate family members - all cleared and vetted." She paused, double-checking her data. "Dr. Thompson's medical team makes up the second group, along with the additional technicians Jack requested for the power grid expansion."

  Diego nodded, mentally calculating space requirements and resource allocations. The numbers aligned with their current capacity, but they'd need to accelerate preparations for the additional personnel.

  "Any red flags in the background checks?" Diego asked, knowing Sarah's thoroughness when it came to security protocols.

  "Nothing significant. Two of the technicians had minor infractions during the water riots, but that's hardly unusual these days." Sarah's expression remained professional, but Diego caught the slight edge in her voice - she'd lost family during those riots. "Everyone's been vetted through both official channels and Kaito's networks. No concerning connections or loyalties that might compromise us."

  Diego studied the personnel manifest Sarah had pulled up on the main display. Each name came with a complete profile - skills, family connections, psychological evaluations. Sarah's attention to detail showed in the thoroughness of the reports. No loose ends, no potential security risks that could jeopardize their operation.

  "Good work," Diego said, making a note on his tablet. "Have them processed through medical as soon as they arrive. I want everyone cleared before we start orientation."

  Diego stood from his chair, his cybernetic leg adjusting smoothly to the movement. The weight of command settled heavily on his shoulders as he looked around the conference room at the faces of his team - some anxious, others determined, all waiting for his next words.

  "This is our final gathering on Original Earth," he announced to the assembled team. "Step outside and make your farewells. Just mission-critical personnel will remain behind."

  The silence that followed felt thick with unspoken emotions. Diego watched as Sarah Chen clutched her tablet tighter, knuckles whitening. Jack's cybernetic leg tapped an irregular rhythm against the floor. Even Kaito's usually impassive expression showed a hint of strain around the eyes.

  Through the conference room's windows, Diego could see the last rays of sunlight painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The same sun that had witnessed humanity's rise and eventual desperate scramble for survival. Soon, they would see a different sun rising over Haven.

  The room stirred to life as chairs scraped against the floor. Team members began moving toward the exit, some in pairs, others alone. Diego noticed how they lingered, touching familiar surfaces, taking final glances at the Earth-side facility that had been their home these past months.

  Dr. Smith caught his eye as she stood, her usual confident demeanor tempered by the gravity of the moment. She gave him a slight nod before following the others out. Diego understood - they both carried the weight of what was to come, the responsibility for hundreds of lives hanging on their decisions.

  The room gradually emptied until only the core team remained - those who would oversee the final preparations and portal activation. Diego moved to the window, watching as his people spread out across the grounds, their figures small against the darkening sky.

  Diego trailed behind Olivia as they entered the Bio-Ag Lab, where pungent earth specimens and laboratory solutions assaulted his senses. His cybernetic prosthetic hummed quietly with each footfall on the pristine flooring. Beyond the observation pane, the colony world's exotic terrain extended endlessly, its lavender-hued plant life serving as an ever-present sign of their distant journey.

  At a holographic workstation, Mei Chen leaned forward intently, her typically unflappable expression replaced by worry lines and a tight mouth. Behind her, Ethan wandered back and forth, fingers raking through his unkempt locks.

  "Our soil readings indicate unprecedented levels of..." Mei hesitated, manipulating the projection. "Substances we haven't encountered previously."

  Anxiety coiled in Diego's gut. "What's the severity?"

  "These mineral structures are unlike anything in nature," Mei explained, gesturing to an intricate atomic model suspended in the display. "The electron patterns defy terrestrial physics."

  Ethan halted his restless movement. "Our experimental plants continue developing, but their tissue composition is transforming. Responding to soil elements."

  "In what way?" Diego inquired, searching Mei's expression for clues about the consequences.

  "The vegetation is absorbing these unfamiliar minerals," Mei elaborated, displaying side-by-side images. "Growth rates exceed our baseline tests, but consumption safety remains uncertain."

  Diego observed as Olivia gravitated toward the readout, her researcher's inquisitiveness temporarily eclipsing their dire situation. Their community's survival might depend on these dirt samples' secrets.

  Diego folded his arms, his military mind weighing scenarios. The strange crystals in the projection reminded him of battlefield assessments - full of lethal unknowns requiring caution. Yet they'd already taken calculated risks.

  "We've been consuming those indigenous berries, haven't we? Do they share these chemical properties?" Diego studied the two experts' faces intently.

  Mei accessed another virtual diagram, displaying the chemical composition of the violet-hued fruit they'd named "haven-fruit" following thorough safety analysis.

  "The answer's complicated," she responded, adjusting the image to emphasize particular molecular structures. "These elements appear in the berries, but in a different configuration. The indigenous vegetation has evolved over eons to thrive in this soil."

  Ethan bobbed his head, finally ceasing his restless movement. "That's precisely what has us concerned. Our terrestrial plants are attempting to accomplish in mere weeks what native species developed across countless generations."

  "These growth patterns," Mei continued, "indicate the plants are experiencing rapid genetic adaptation. While scientifically remarkable, it's also-"

  "But we can't gamble our colony's sustenance on remarkable scientific discoveries," Diego completed her thought. His prosthetic limb hummed faintly as he redistributed his stance, an unconscious gesture he'd acquired when tackling difficult decisions.

  Diego noticed Ethan's face transform from anxious to analytical - the expression he always wore when confronting agricultural challenges. The botanist activated his data pad, his fingers darting across the screen.

  "What about starting with hardy, water-efficient strains?" Ethan displayed various crop varieties. "Species that naturally manage mineral stress might be better suited to this environment."

  Diego inclined his head, appreciating the strategy. His military background had shown him that flexible units often persisted where inflexible ones perished. "Similar to how roaches survive catastrophic events?"

  "Think more along the lines of arid-climate species," Ethan responded, still examining his pad. "Amaranth, quinoa, millet - they're incredibly resilient. We could establish trial plots, experimenting with perhaps twenty variants."

  The screen transitioned to growth projections. Diego identified several plant species from his experience in Mexico's farming regions during the conflicts over resources. Resilient vegetation that flourished in contaminated earth where other plants withered.

  "The modified seeds from Japan's vertical farming operations are also available," Ethan added, presenting additional statistics. "They were specifically designed for harsh conditions. Combining those with arid-climate crops might yield specimens that can adjust without becoming unrecognizable."

  Diego sensed his muscles relax slightly. This represented the practical approach they required. "What's the timeline for establishing test beds?"

  "With some help, we could plant the first batch tomorrow. Initial data in fourteen days, definitive results within a month."

  Diego asked, "We're maintaining the animal embryos in storage until we evaluate the safety of local food sources?"

  Diego observed the wordless communication between Mei and Ethan. Their reluctance triggered a flutter in his synthetic leg.

  "Actually..." Mei activated another hologram displaying status metrics. "Several embryos required immediate incubation."

  "What?" Diego's tone carried military authority. "I thought the plan-"

  "The storage units malfunctioned," Ethan interrupted. "Two failed during the recent power fluctuation. We faced losing them entirely or beginning incubation."

  Diego massaged his nasal bridge. "How many?"

  "Twelve chickens, eight goats, four pigs," Mei detailed, manipulating the display to reveal incubator readings. "Fortunately, they're developing properly despite the mineral content in their nutrient medium."

  "The same minerals concerning us in the soil?" Diego questioned.

  "Yes, though the proportions differ," Mei clarified. "The embryos appear to process them without complications."

  Diego detected a migraine forming. Each resolution seemed to create additional complications. "Status of the remaining embryos?"

  "Still preserved, but we'll need to decide soon," Ethan reported. "The other units show deterioration. We have perhaps seven to fourteen days before facing similar circumstances."

  Diego turned toward Olivia, who'd remained silent throughout the soil discussion. Her attention stayed fixed on the holograms, her forehead wrinkled in deep analysis.

  Olivia approached the incubator data, her coat whispering against the equipment. "The embryos' mineral adaptation might inform our crop modifications. Their successful integration of these elements during growth could reveal methods for safer plant adaptation."

  She displayed mineral patterns side by side. "Notice this? The embryonic cellular processing of these compounds shows greater stability than the plant samples. Understanding the mechanism might help us engineer crop solutions."

  Diego watched her confident manipulation of the holographic information. He'd come to rely on that intense focus - it typically signaled her recognition of overlooked patterns.

  "You suggest proceeding with embryo development?" Diego asked, searching her features for uncertainty.

  "It seems necessary," Olivia answered, meeting his eyes. "Both because of failing storage units and the crucial data they provide. These embryos function as microscopic research facilities, demonstrating how Earth-based organisms can integrate with Haven's environment."

  She voiced the question they'd all been avoiding: "What might this mean for human fetal development on Haven?"

  Diego's synthetic leg twitched as Olivia's words hit him like a physical blow. His mind flashed to Maria, to his grandchildren Isabella and Mateo. To all the families they planned to bring through. The implications sent a chill down his spine that had nothing to do with the lab's climate control.

  "Have you detected any signs that these minerals could be harmful to humans?" Diego kept his voice steady, though his fingers clenched involuntarily at his side.

  "We haven't seen toxicity in our initial tests," Olivia replied, adjusting her display to show cellular response data. "But fetal development is complex. The way these compounds interact with rapidly dividing cells could be unpredictable."

  Diego thought of the pregnant women among their evacuee list. Lee's wife was due in four months. The responsibility sat like lead in his gut.

  "I need options, Doc. What kind of testing can we do before we bring expecting mothers through?"

  "We can run advanced simulations using human cell cultures," Olivia said, her fingers flying across the holoscreen. "But real-world interaction might differ significantly from our models."

  Diego watched the complex molecular diagrams rotate in the air between them. He'd faced impossible choices in combat - decisions that meant life or death. But this was different. This was about bringing new life into an alien world that might fundamentally change them.

  "How long for those simulations?"

  "Three days for preliminary results. A week for more comprehensive data."

  Diego nodded slowly, already mentally revising their evacuation priorities. "Start the tests. And I want daily updates on those embryos' development patterns."

  Diego asked, "Can the growth patterns we see in the test animals tell us anything about how human babies might develop over time?"

  Diego studied Mei's face as she considered his question. The weight of countless lives pressed against his shoulders - not just the immediate evacuees, but generations yet unborn.

  "The animal embryos will provide valuable data," Mei replied, pulling up comparison charts. "Their developmental patterns share similarities with human gestation, particularly in how they process nutrients and adapt to environmental factors."

  "But they're not a perfect analogue," Olivia cut in, her fingers dancing across the holographic display. "Human fetal development is significantly more complex, especially regarding neurological growth."

  Diego's prosthetic leg hummed as he shifted his weight. "What percentage of confidence can we derive from successful animal development?"

  "I'd estimate sixty to seventy percent correlation," Mei answered, highlighting specific data points. "The goats especially - their placental structure and gestational process bear notable similarities to humans."

  "The pigs too," Ethan added, stepping closer to the display. "They're often used in medical research because their organ systems closely mirror human biology."

  Diego watched the embryonic development projections scroll past. The familiar pressure of command decisions settled in his chest - the same weight he'd carried during the resource wars. But this time, the stakes felt even higher.

  "So successful development in both species would give us our best indicator of human safety?"

  "Yes," Olivia confirmed. "Though we should still proceed with caution. The mineral integration patterns we're seeing are highly unusual."

  Diego nodded. "Alright, I'll coordinate teams to construct enclosures for the livestock." He accessed his tablet, mentally estimating required personnel. Jack and Alexis would be perfect for the electric barrier installation - they'd been itching for something different than their usual portal system work.

  "We should construct three distinct areas," Ethan indicated, highlighting zones on the hologram. "One shared space for the goats, another for the swine, and a protected pen for the poultry to guard against native hunters."

  Diego examined the suggested arrangement. The positioning was strategically sound - within safe distance of headquarters while maintaining enough separation to avoid odor problems. Memories surfaced unbidden of his abuelo's ranch in Mexico, before military conflicts had transformed such peaceful places into strategic targets.

  "I'll assign Sgt. Thompson's crew to the main construction," Diego decided, documenting the plan. "They're already alternating guard duty with Johnson's unit. Good use of their off-rotation hours."

  He turned toward Mei, who remained absorbed in calibrating the breeding equipment. "What's our timeframe for having the enclosures ready?"

  "The poultry eggs will be first," she answered, maintaining her focus on her work. "Just over two weeks. The other livestock will require several more weeks of development."

  Diego recorded the schedule. Sufficient time for establishing core structures, though they needed to begin shortly. Every Haven initiative seemed to exceed projected durations, typically because of unexpected challenges from the planet's unique characteristics.

  "We should have Emily's aerial units check the site first," Mei suggested. "To avoid any conflicts with those subterranean fungal colonies you discovered recently."

  Diego bobbed his head in agreement. "I appreciate both your efforts. Have either of you explored the possibility of using local wildlife as a food source?"

  Mei shot Ethan a brief look before addressing Diego's question. "Our initial research has focused on capturing and analyzing the smaller creatures," she explained, gesturing through the floating holograms to reveal multiple snapshots. "We've concentrated on insects, since they're plentiful and simpler to obtain."

  Diego watched as Ethan stepped forward, pointing toward a projection showing a creature that looked like a beetle with glittering wings. "This specific species," he noted, reaching out to manipulate the holographic display. "Has high levels of protein but very little fat. Initial analysis indicates humans can safely consume it. In fact, your grandchild stumbled upon this one by chance.

  Diego's brow arched at Ethan's words. His artificial limb hummed softly as he redistributed his balance, his attention now fully captured by the shimmering insect floating before them.

  "Mateo? What exactly was my grandson up to?"

  "Well, he was assisting me with collection by the fruit bushes," Ethan explained, the corners of his mouth turning upward. "The boy started feeling uhm hungry and spotted one of these on some rotting fruit. He managed to eat it before I could intervene."

  Diego's chest tightened with alarm. His military reflexes surged at the revelation of Mateo consuming unidentified extraterrestrial bugs. "You waited until now to tell me this?"

  "Your granddaughter Isabella was present - she challenged him to try it," Ethan hastily explained, lifting his palms in surrender. "Maria kept watch over them. We conducted thorough observations afterward, performing every possible examination. That's how we first learned they were safe for consumption."

  Diego massaged his forehead. It was just like his grandchildren to push xenobiology forward by snacking on space insects like they were Earth sweets. The memory clicked - no wonder Maria had shown such enthusiasm about the arthropod protein research during their previous meeting.

  "Any other discoveries I should know about? Has Isabella been feeding haven-fruit to those bird creatures?"

  "No, but she did name them," Mei chimed in. "She calls them 'sparkle-wings' because of how their feathers catch the light."

  Diego decided he needed to speak with Maria again about keeping the kids' scientific "assistance" in check. Still, he couldn't deny that Mateo's unplanned experiment could help solve their ongoing food shortage. The servos in his artificial leg hummed softly as he repositioned himself to examine the wildlife holograms of Haven.

  "Tell me two things - how large are those horse-like groups? And do they reproduce quickly enough to be a viable food source?" He observed Mei's reactions intently while she accessed the aerial surveillance of the six-legged animals they'd discovered in the settlement's outlying valleys.

  "Our drones have identified three separate groups," Mei answered, adjusting the hologram to illustrate their movement paths. "They typically contain thirty to forty grown specimens each. According to Emily's monitoring, their breeding follows seasonal patterns, with pregnancy lengths comparable to terrestrial horses."

  Ethan moved nearer to the projection, gesturing toward thermal reading clusters. "But their offspring develop more rapidly. Our research indicates they reach full growth in roughly six months. The extra set of legs appear to contribute - they're mobile and running shortly after birth."

  Diego watched recordings of the beasts sprinting across Haven's violet fields, moving gracefully despite having six legs. His pragmatic side began estimating potential food quantities, while his strategic mind weighed the difficulties of capturing prey that could outpace most of their transport.

  "The hunter-birds have successfully taken them down," Mei noted, displaying new footage. "They seem unharmed by consuming the flesh. Though their digestive processes are vastly different from human ones."

  Diego watched Ethan drop his datapad, internally wincing at the scientist's nervous energy. "Ok you two keep up the good work. Get with Sarah about the incoming personnel. We need to expand your teams handling food production."

  The young researcher nearly knocked over his device again while trying to steady it, stumbling over his words. "Really? Sarah hinted at some possibilities, but I never thought-"

  "A number of the incoming colonists have farming experience," Diego explained, hearing the faint mechanical sound as he redistributed his weight to his artificial limb.

  Across the room, Mei's hands flew across the glowing controls, calling up staff records. "The plant specialist from Singapore - was she approved?"

  Diego gave a quick nod, recalling the stellar qualifications he'd reviewed in her application. He'd seen how animated Dr. Chen had become while discussing that prospect. As he adjusted his footing, his synthetic limb made a soft mechanical sound, and he accessed the roster on his screen.

  "We've got her scheduled for the upcoming arrival. She's coming with several experienced farmers - a pair from northern New York state, another from peninsular Malaysia, and one particular individual of note from Jalisco. He's transporting roughly 500 agave pups."

  The agave reference stirred distant recollections of time spent at his abuelo's estate, where the pointed succulents had stretched endlessly into the distance. The scent of cooked pi?as and the meticulous harvesting methods flooded back to him. His grandfather would have found it darkly amusing that tequila production would outlast Earth itself, taking root in this alternate reality.

  He observed Mei's expression brighten at the news about the Malaysian addition. She rapidly accessed data about Southeast Asian multi-story growing operations on her device. Their innovative cultivation methods could be crucial for their colony's unusual environment.

  Against the display terminal, Ethan was already mapping potential growing areas in the hologram. Though the young man's practical experience needed guidance at times, his passionate approach was contagious. His blend of old-world farming wisdom with cutting-edge innovations had already shown success in their experimental fields.

  Diego observed Mei and Ethan clustering around their screens, their animated discussion of planting cycles and animal husbandry dissolving into specialized terminology. He exchanged glances with Olivia and gestured toward the exit. She picked up on his signal instantly, collecting her device with the effortless poise that decades of navigating academic environments had instilled.

  They made their way out of the research space while the pair of researchers remained engrossed in their analysis. The mechanical components in Diego's prosthetic limb hummed quietly as they traversed the passageway, the noise bouncing off the metallic surfaces.

  A smile touched his words as Diego noted, "Those two are acting like I just gave them each a wrapped present!" Through the years, he'd come to appreciate his team's unbridled enthusiasm, despite how it occasionally challenged his disciplined military mindset.

  "It's what drives their success," Olivia commented, matching his stride. Her white coat rustled against the hallway's sides. "Though I wasn't prepared for Mateo becoming our inaugural culinary guinea pig."

  Diego sighed and shook his head. "That kid's going to age me prematurely." His artificial leg made a distinct sound as he stopped at a hallway junction. "Maria insists he inherited Isabella's inquisitiveness, but I recall his mom doing exactly the same things when she was young."

  "The power fluctuations are getting worse," Jack said, pausing at a junction box. "We're pulling more juice than these converters were meant to handle." He yanked open the panel, revealing a maze of cables and crystalline power nodes.

  Diego watched Alexis crouch beside Jack, her tools already in hand. "The mineral deposits we found could work as replacements," she said, "but we'd need to modify the entire grid to handle the different energy signature."

  "How long?" Diego asked, noting the way the lights dimmed momentarily. Through the station's viewport, he could see Olivia consulting her tablet, her brow furrowed as she studied the power readings.

  Jack's hand brushed against his cybernetic leg - an old nervous habit. "Three days minimum, assuming everything goes right. But we'd need to shut down the grid completely during the conversion."

  "That's not an option," Olivia called from her station. "We need that that power to help with portal stabilization."

  Diego felt like he was navigating a minefield. The power grid had to remain stable for the next wave of arrivals, but they couldn't risk triggering their only escape route to Earth. He watched another surge ripple through the system, causing the lights to flicker ominously.

  "What about running a parallel system?" Alexis suggested, pulling up schematics on her tablet. "We could build a secondary grid using the new minerals, test it thoroughly, then switch over once it's stable."

  Jack shook his head. "We don't have enough components for redundant systems. Unless..." He trailed off, looking at Diego with that familiar glint in his eye that usually preceded either brilliance or disaster.

  Diego recognized that look on Jack's face - the same expression he'd worn before jury-rigging a broken radio with spare parts during their military days. "Out with it, Sparky. What's cooking in that twisted mind of yours?"

  Jack's cybernetic leg tapped against the floor as he warmed to his idea. "The old facility on Earth - we're abandoning it anyway, right? Those power converters in Pyre HQ are practically identical to what we need here. We could salvage them during the next supply run."

  Diego glanced at Alexis, who was already running calculations on her tablet. "The voltage is different," she said, "but if we modify the arrays..." She trailed off, muttering technical specifications under her breath.

  "The stabilizers in Cove HQ are overkill for what they're doing," Jack continued. "We could strip those too. Hell, half that equipment is just gathering dust since we moved most operations here."

  Diego considered the logistics. They'd need to coordinate with Kaito's team for the salvage operation, but the components would be worth the effort. Better to put them to use than leave them behind. "How many people would you need?"

  "Just me and Alexis," Jack said. "We know those systems inside and out. Two hours tops to extract what we need."

  "And you're sure these parts will work?"

  Alexis looked up from her tablet. "With some modifications, yes. The basic architecture is compatible. We'd just need to adjust the power flow to account for the different energy density."

  Diego nodded, impressed by their quick problem-solving. These two never failed to amaze him with their technical ingenuity. "Good thinking, both of you. Make sure you coordinate any cut overs with Olivia and Luna."

  "There's something else you need to know," Alexis said, her expression turning serious as she switched screens on her tablet. "The water recyclers are showing signs of strain. The mineral content in Haven's groundwater is different from Earth's. It's causing buildup in the filtration systems faster than we anticipated."

  Diego frowned. They'd known Haven's environment would present challenges, but water was critical - especially with more people arriving soon. "How bad?"

  "We're looking at maybe seventy percent efficiency right now," Alexis said, showing him the performance graphs. "The sediment filters are clogging every thirty-six hours instead of the usual week. We've been cleaning them manually, but that's just a stopgap."

  "And before you ask," Jack chimed in, "we can't just use Earth's water forever. The transport costs alone would be insane, not to mention the portal's power requirements for moving that much mass."

  "Okay, you two are our resident miracle workers," Olivia said, tapping her tablet against her palm. "Give me options for the water situation. Real ones, not just temporary fixes."

  Jack ran a hand through his hair, exchanging glances with Alexis. Diego recognized their silent communication - the kind that came from years of solving problems together under pressure.

  "We could redesign the filtration system," Alexis said, pulling up schematics on her tablet. "Build something specifically calibrated to Haven's mineral content."

  "Using what?" Jack challenged, but Diego noticed his cybernetic leg had stopped tapping - a sign he was already working through solutions. "We'd need specialized materials we don't have."

  "What about those crystalline formations we found in the northern caves?" Olivia asked. "The ones with similar properties to the resin in an old style water softener?"

  Diego noticed Alexis' expression brighten with excitement. "That's a possibility. Stacking them in the right sequence could create something similar to a traditional disk filter - maybe even more effective at processing the mineral levels than our existing system." Her hands moved rapidly over her tablet screen as she began drafting the design.

  "And," Jack added, warming to the idea, "and we might be able to come up with a use for those minerals once we can do a proper analysis on them." He grinned, the expression Diego had learned to both welcome and fear. "Though we'd need to test the crystals thoroughly before implementing anything."

  "How long for a prototype?" Olivia asked.

  Diego watched Jack turn toward Alexis, their eyes meeting in that familiar way that told him they were already three steps ahead in their minds. He'd seen that look countless times in the field - right before they'd pull off something that should've been impossible.

  The corner of Jack's mouth twitched up as he absently adjusted his cybernetic leg. Alexis was already pulling up a new set of calculations on her tablet, her fingers moving with practiced precision.

  Diego recognized their silence for what it was - not hesitation, but rapid mental computation. He'd learned to trust these moments, even if they made others uncomfortable. These two had saved his team more times than he could count with their unorthodox solutions.

  Diego watched Alexis' frustration bubble to the surface as she jabbed her finger at the tablet. Her usual composure cracked under the weight of their mounting challenges.

  "Look, it wouldn't take but a few days to get the prototype up and running," Alexis said, running a hand through her hair. "But we are only two engineers. We need to keep the portal running. We need to get the grid stabilized." She fixed Diego with a hard stare. "YOU need to get some more engineers that we can put to work."

  Diego felt the weight of her words. He'd seen that same desperate look in her eyes during their military days when the demands exceeded their capabilities. She was right - they were stretching Jack and Alexis too thin. The portal, the power grid, the water system - it was too much for just two engineers, no matter how brilliant they might be.

  He looked over at Jack, who had paused tinkering with his artificial limb. The characteristic spark of playfulness in Jack's expression had given way to weariness. The pair had been working nonstop lately, laboring to maintain operations while tackling the constant stream of emerging challenges. Simply put, they were as drained as he was.

  Diego pulled out his datapad, scanning through the list of new arrivals scheduled for today. His jaw tightened as he noted the technical specialties - three power systems engineers from an APU facility in Seattle, a water treatment specialist from Vancouver, and two materials scientists who'd worked on the exodus ships before being cut from the program. Good people, all of them. The kind of expertise they desperately needed.

  He glanced back at Jack and Alexis, both still absorbed in their calculations. The dark circles under their eyes spoke volumes about the strain they'd been under. These new engineers would help ease their workload, assuming they could integrate them quickly into the operation.

  The manifest showed family members too - spouses, children, even a few elderly parents who'd made the cut based on their practical skills. Diego noted Dr. Chen's mother was among them, her background in traditional medicine and herbology potentially valuable given Haven's unique flora.

  His finger paused over a familiar name - Sarah Martinez, his sister-in-law. Manuel had finally convinced her to come, along with her expertise in hydroponics. That would be crucial for their food production plans. The thought of having more family close by lifted some weight from his shoulders.

  "We've got six engineers arriving in today's group," Diego said, drawing Jack and Alexis' attention. "Think you two can handle showing them the ropes while you work on these upgrades?"

  Alexis' face lit up with relief, though Diego noticed she tried to hide it behind her usual professional demeanor. "Six? That's... that would help. A lot." She tapped her tablet, probably already planning how to divide the workload. "Any of them have quantum engineering experience?"

  "Two worked on the exodus ships," Diego said. "Designing power systems for long-term space travel. Figure that's close enough."

  Jack let out a theatrical groan, his cybernetic leg tapping against the floor. "Great, more space jockeys. Just what we need - people who think everything needs triple redundancy and fourteen approval forms."

  Diego caught the hint of a smile tugging at Jack's mouth though. The man might complain, but having more hands would mean he could finally focus on the projects he actually enjoyed instead of running himself ragged with maintenance.

  "Hey, those 'space jockeys' kept their crews alive in the void," Alexis shot back, but there was no heat in her words. "Besides, we could use some of that obsessive documentation right about now. Your idea of notes is a bunch of diagrams scrawled on whatever surface was handy."

  "Those diagrams are perfectly clear," Jack protested, patting his cybernetic leg. "And I haven't lost a limb in at least three years, so I must be doing something right."

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  Diego watched the familiar banter with relief. If these two could still joke, they weren't as close to burning out as he'd feared. Still, the sooner they got the new engineers integrated into the team, the better.

  Diego watched Jack and Alexis dive back into their work, already sketching out plans for training the new engineers. The familiar sight of Jack gesturing with a wrench while Alexis typed furiously on her tablet assured him they'd handle the transition.

  "We should head to the arrival point," Olivia said beside him, checking the time on her datapad. "The first group will be coming through in twenty minutes."

  Diego nodded, falling into step beside her as they headed toward the portal area. The rhythmic sound of their boots thumping against the ground brought back memories of countless military operations. But this was different - they weren't moving troops or equipment. These were families, engineers, doctors - people who'd chosen to leave everything behind for a chance at something better.

  "The stabilizers are holding steady," Olivia said as they walked. "Luna's monitoring the power fluctuations, but we should be fine for this transfer."

  "Good," Diego replied, his mind already shifting to the logistics of processing and housing the new arrivals. Sarah would need to be briefed on the hydroponics systems immediately. The power engineers would need access to the current grid specifications. And Dr. Chen's mother - he made a mental note to have someone show her the medicinal plants they'd already identified.

  Diego spotted his grandchildren near the portal area, Mateo bouncing on his toes while Isabel tried to maintain the dignity of her eight years by merely fidgeting. Their excitement was contagious - other kids who'd made it through earlier transfers had gathered as well, all hoping for new playmates.

  "Abuelo!" Mateo waved frantically, nearly knocking over a stack of supply crates. "Is it time yet?"

  "Ten more minutes, mijo." Diego exchanged an amused look with Olivia as they approached. The physicist had softened considerably since the children had arrived, often sneaking them treats from her personal coffee stash.

  Sarah Chen stood nearby, clipboard in hand as she reviewed the manifest of incoming refugees. She'd proven invaluable at organizing these transfers, keeping track of not just names and skills but making sure families stayed together and had proper housing assignments ready.

  "The Richardson twins are coming through today," Isabel informed Diego solemnly. "They're seven, like Mateo. And their dad knows how to build robots."

  "That's right." Diego ruffled her hair, earning an exasperated look that reminded him painfully of her grandmother. "And their mother's a doctor, which we need."

  Mateo had already lost interest in the conversation, pressing his face against the safety barrier to watch the techs make final adjustments to the portal equipment. The familiar hum of power building up filled the air as diagnostic lights flickered across control panels.

  "Two minutes to initialization," one of the techs called out. The kids' excitement ratcheted up another notch, their chatter growing louder until Sarah had to gently shush them.

  Diego crouched next to Mateo, who'd finally torn himself away from the barrier. "So, mijo, I heard you've been trying the local insects."

  Mateo's face lit up. "They taste like candy, Abuelo! The blue ones are the best." He mimed catching something in the air. "They glow at night and make little buzzing sounds."

  Diego fought back a grimace. The luminescent arthropods had been thoroughly tested by Mei's team and deemed safe for consumption, but he couldn't bring himself to try them. The memory of survival training rations was still too fresh, even after all these years.

  "You're braver than me." Diego tapped Mateo's nose. "Just remember what Dr. Chen said about not eating too many at once."

  "But they're so good!" Mateo protested. "And Isabella won't even try them. She says they're gross."

  Isabella rolled her eyes. "Because they are gross. They're still bugs, even if they glow."

  "Your sister's just being sensible," Diego said, though he winked at Mateo. "Sometimes new things take getting used to."

  "Portal initialization in thirty seconds," Olivia called from her station. The hum of equipment grew louder, making Diego's cybernetic leg vibrate slightly.

  Sarah moved forward, datapad ready as she prepared to process the new arrivals. Her efficiency had turned these transfers from chaos into something almost routine. Diego appreciated how she managed to be both professional and welcoming - a difficult balance when dealing with people who'd just left their whole lives behind.

  "Twenty seconds."

  Diego guided his grandchildren back behind the safety line, where other families waited. The kids bounced with anticipation, but maintained their distance. They'd learned quickly after that first transfer, when someone had wandered too close and gotten a nasty static shock.

  "Ten seconds. Power levels optimal. Containment field stable."

  The familiar blue-white glow began to build at the center of the portal frame. Diego watched the diagnostic displays over Olivia's shoulder, checking the readings more out of habit than necessity. She had this down to a science now.

  "Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Portal opening."

  The glow expanded into a shimmering disc. Diego straightened, adjusting his stance as the first figures began to emerge. Sarah stepped forward, clipboard ready, her voice calm and professional as she greeted them.

  "Welcome to Haven. Please move to your right and follow the yellow line. We'll get you processed and settled in as quickly as possible."

  The Richardson twins came through holding their parents' hands, eyes wide as they took in their new home. Their father clutched a bag of essential tools to his chest while their mother carried medical supplies. More families followed, each bearing whatever precious items or skills they'd deemed most vital to bring along.

  Diego maintained his position, scanning each group for signs of distress or medical issues as they emerged. So far, this batch was handling the transition well. The kids especially seemed to bounce back quickly - already, the Richardson twins were exchanging excited waves with Mateo and Isabella.

  Diego's chest swelled with a familiar warmth as he watched another family step through the portal. A mother clutched her young daughter's hand while balancing a toddler on her hip. The father followed close behind, carrying what looked like engineering textbooks and a tablet. One more group saved from Earth's inevitable collapse.

  He'd seen too many deaths in his lifetime - watched helplessly as good people succumbed to resource wars, natural disasters, and failing infrastructure. But here, each emerging face represented hope. A future that didn't end in desperate fights over water or food.

  A teenage boy came through next, guitar case strapped to his back. Diego noticed how the kid's hands trembled slightly, but his jaw was set with determination. Music would be good for morale in the settlement. They needed more than just survival skills to build a real community.

  Sarah's calm voice continued directing traffic, guiding newcomers along the marked paths with practiced efficiency. "Please follow the yellow line to processing. Medical checks are mandatory for all arrivals. Keep your documentation ready."

  Two more families emerged, then an elderly couple supporting each other. The woman wore thick glasses and carried a bag that clinked with what Diego guessed were essential medicines. Her husband clutched a tablet marked with agricultural software logos. Every skill, every bit of knowledge they could preserve mattered.

  The stream of people continued steadily. Sarah maintained order with quiet authority, ensuring no bottlenecks formed near the portal entrance. Diego had chosen well when he'd recruited her - she had a gift for keeping people calm during what could be a terrifying transition.

  A young couple came through holding hands, wedding rings glinting. The woman carried seeds and gardening tools while her husband had packed what looked like medical supplies. They'd clearly coordinated their choices, thinking of their future community's needs rather than just their own. That kind of foresight would serve them well here.

  Diego checked the datapad as another group emerged from the shimmering portal. His eyes caught on a familiar face - the SWAT officer from the Tucson operation. O'Reilly, that was it. The man's weathered features showed the strain of recent events, but his stance remained alert as he guided his family through.

  A woman Diego assumed was O'Reilly's wife clutched a medical bag to her chest, her other hand gripping their teenage daughter's shoulder. The girl's eyes were wide, taking in the alien landscape visible through the facility's windows. Behind them came a younger boy, maybe twelve, carrying what looked like a well-worn laptop.

  "Welcome to Haven," Sarah began her standard greeting, but O'Reilly cut her off with a sharp nod.

  "Officer Richard O'Reilly, Tucson SWAT. Remember me, Commander Martinez? That shit show at Marana?"

  "Hard to forget someone who kept their cool when half the airport was falling apart," Diego replied. The operation had been close - too close. If O'Reilly hadn't spotted those looters trying to flank their position...

  "Figured if you were running this show, it'd be worth bringing the family." O'Reilly's voice dropped. "Tucson's not going to last another month. Riots are getting worse."

  Diego nodded grimly. He'd seen the reports - entire neighborhoods going dark as infrastructure failed, hospitals running on emergency power, police struggling to maintain even basic order. The exodus ships weren't going to save everyone. But maybe, just maybe, they could save enough here to start over.

  Sarah gestured toward the yellow line. "If you'll follow me, we'll get your family processed and assigned quarters. Medical checks are mandatory for all new arrivals."

  "Appreciate it." O'Reilly guided his family forward, but paused to look back at Diego. "Thank you. For remembering us little guys when the brass started cherry-picking their favorites for those ships."

  Diego made his way through the organized chaos as Sarah continued processing the new arrivals. His cybernetic leg hummed slightly, still reacting to the portal's energy field. The last group - three families huddled together - had just stepped through, their faces a mix of relief and apprehension.

  "Welcome to Haven." Diego approached them, noting how they clutched their meager belongings. A young mother held a sleeping toddler while her husband carried what looked like engineering manuals. The other families had similar practical loads - medical supplies, technical documents, tools.

  "Commander Martinez?" One of the men stepped forward, recognition flickering across his tired features. "Dr. Thompson said you'd be here, but..."

  "But seeing is believing?" Diego offered a reassuring smile. "I know it's a lot to take in. The portal, the new world - hell, even the air smells different here."

  The group nodded, some taking deliberate breaths as if just noticing the subtle differences in Haven's atmosphere. The toddler stirred, blinking at the strange blue-tinted light filtering through the facility's windows.

  "We've got quarters ready for everyone," Diego continued. "After medical checks, Sarah will show you to your assigned spaces. Take today to rest, get oriented. Tomorrow, we'll start integrating you into your work assignments."

  The families visibly relaxed at his matter-of-fact tone. Diego had learned early that people needed structure, needed to know there was a plan, especially after leaving everything familiar behind.

  "What about the others?" A woman asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "The ones we left..."

  Diego's jaw tightened. He'd had to make those choices too many times - who to save, who to leave behind. The weight of each decision pressed against his chest like a physical burden. He thought of his own family, how close they'd come to being left behind themselves.

  "We're doing what we can. That's all any of us can do." Diego kept his voice steady, letting decades of command experience mask the emotion threatening to break through. He'd seen too many good people lost to Earth's collapse - in the wars, the climate disasters, the endless fights over what little remained.

  The woman who'd asked about those left behind nodded slowly, tears tracking down her dust-streaked face. Her husband wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Their teenage son stood rigid beside them, trying to appear strong despite the trembling in his hands.

  Diego recognized that look - he'd seen it in soldiers too young for the battles they faced, in refugees fleeing with nothing but hope and determination. It was the look of someone forcing themselves to be brave because falling apart wasn't an option.

  Sarah approached with her clipboard, ready to guide the group to processing. Diego stepped back, letting her take over with her calm efficiency. He watched as she began explaining the medical check procedures, her voice steady and reassuring.

  The familiar ache in his cybernetic leg intensified, a reminder of his own battles, his own losses. But here, in Haven, they had a chance to build something new. Not perfect - nothing ever was - but better than what they'd left behind.

  Diego felt Olivia's arm slip through his, her smile warming something deep in his chest that he thought had frozen solid years ago. The gesture caught him off guard - physical contact wasn't something he'd experienced much since losing his wife during the Mineral Wars.

  "You did good today," Olivia said, her voice soft enough that only he could hear. "They trust you. That matters more than any technical specs or survival gear we could give them."

  Diego cleared his throat, fighting the unexpected surge of emotion. He watched Sarah continue processing the new arrivals, her efficiency giving them structure in the chaos of transition. The familiar weight of command settled back over him, helping him regain his composure.

  "Trust only goes so far when you're hungry or scared," he said, but squeezed Olivia's arm gently in acknowledgment. "We need to make sure the hydroponics expansion stays on schedule."

  "Always the practical one." Olivia's smile widened, though her eyes held understanding. "But you're allowed to take a moment, you know. To appreciate what we've accomplished here."

  Diego's cybernetic leg hummed faintly, responding to the lingering energy from the portal. He watched his grandchildren chattering with the Richardson twins, their excitement untainted by the weight of what they'd left behind. Maybe Olivia had a point.

  Diego blinked hard, trying to clear the crushing weight of responsibility that seemed to press against his chest. The faces of those they couldn't save flickered through his mind - good people left behind to face Earth's collapse. But Olivia's steady presence beside him anchored him to the present, to what they'd managed to accomplish here in Haven.

  He turned to her, managing a genuine smile despite the ache in his heart. Her unwavering support these past months had become something he relied on, though he'd never admit it out loud. The way she balanced a brilliant scientific mind with practical understanding reminded him of his late wife - another thought he kept to himself.

  "Maybe you're right," Diego conceded, watching Sarah efficiently guide another family through processing. "Just don't let it go to your head. We've still got work to do."

  The portal's residual energy made his cybernetic leg vibrate slightly, a constant reminder of past battles and hard choices. But here, watching children from Earth playing on Haven, those old wounds seemed less raw. The future they were building might just be worth all the sacrifice.

  Diego watched the alien sun cast ripples of purple and gold across Haven's lake. The breeze carried unfamiliar scents - sweet and earthy, nothing like Earth's dying atmosphere. His cybernetic leg hummed faintly, picking up trace energy from the quantum gateway half a mile behind them.

  Beside him, Olivia had shed her usual lab coat, looking almost strange in casual clothes. She'd let her hair down, the wind playing with strands that usually stayed trapped in her strict bun. The sight made something warm stir in Diego's chest.

  "You know, I never thought I'd see you actually relax," Olivia said, nudging his shoulder with hers.

  Diego let out a low chuckle. "Had to happen eventually. Even old soldiers need a break sometimes."

  The lake stretched out before them, its surface occasionally broken by the strange fish-like creatures they'd begun studying. The science team hadn't quite figured out if they were actually fish or something entirely different. Diego didn't care - watching them jump and play was enough.

  He breathed deeply, savoring the clean air. No dust, no pollution, no lingering smell of decay that had become so common on Earth. Here, everything felt fresh, new, possible. The weight of command, of constant vigilance, seemed lighter somehow.

  Olivia leaned back on her hands, face tilted toward the alien sun. "We did good here, Diego. Really good."

  For once, Diego didn't feel the need to qualify her statement with concerns about security or resources. He just nodded, letting himself enjoy the moment. The sound of children playing drifted from the settlement behind them, mixed with the calls of Haven's strange birds. His grandchildren were among those voices, growing up in a world that still had hope.

  Diego's peaceful moment shattered as Olivia's holo-comm chirped with the urgent tone reserved for medical emergencies. She pulled the device from her pocket, the holographic display casting a blue glow across her face.

  Mei Chen's hologram flickered to life, her usual calm expression tight with concern. "Dr. Smith, we need you at the clinic. One of the newcomers had contact with that red-leafed vine near the eastern perimeter. Dr. Thompson and I are seeing severe allergic reactions we've never encountered before."

  Diego's muscles tensed, combat instincts kicking in despite the peaceful setting. He'd seen those vines - delicate things with leaves that seemed to glow in Haven's twilight. The science team had marked them for study, but deemed them low priority compared to potential food sources.

  "How severe?" Olivia asked, already on her feet.

  "Respiratory distress, full-body hives, and some neurological symptoms we can't explain. The patient's conscious but disoriented."

  Diego stood, his cybernetic leg adjusting smoothly to the movement. "Which newcomer?"

  "Sarah Chen's sister, Lisa. She was collecting soil samples when it happened."

  "I'm on my way," Olivia said, shutting off the holo-comm. She turned to Diego, her earlier relaxation replaced with sharp focus. "We need to mark those vines for immediate removal."

  Diego nodded, reaching for his own comm to contact Emily's drone team. They'd need to survey the entire perimeter for similar plants. One close call was already too many.

  Diego pulled out his comm unit while striding toward the settlement, his cybernetic leg compensating for the uneven terrain. "Emily, we've got a situation with some local flora."

  "Let me guess - those creepy glowing vines finally did something?" Emily's voice crackled through the comm.

  "Got it in one. They put Sarah's sister in medical. Need your drones to locate and destroy any within our perimeter. Red leaves, bioluminescent stem, usually growing in clusters."

  "I remember them. Coordinates of the incident?"

  Diego glanced at his tactical display. "Eastern perimeter, grid sector E-7. Get samples first - medical might need them - then burn the rest. And Emily?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Full hazard protocols on the drones. I don't want maintenance people to come in contact with it so have them gear up to clean them when done."

  "On it. Launching units now." The whir of drones filled the air as three units detached from their charging stations. "I'll have Jack modify the collection unit with extra shielding before we grab samples."

  "Good call. Keep me updated." Diego watched the drones zip overhead, their sensors already scanning the perimeter. He'd learned to trust Emily's judgment with the machines - she treated them like extensions of herself, anticipating problems before they arose.

  The comm crackled again. "First cluster located. Sending coordinates to your display. Want to verify before we collect?"

  Diego pulled up the image feed. The vines twisted around a fallen log, their leaves pulsing with a faint crimson glow. "That's them. Get what medical needs, then light 'em up."

  Diego followed Olivia into Haven Medical's treatment room, his boots clicking against the polished floor. The sharp smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils - some things remained constant even in a different dimension. His cybernetic leg registered the slight temperature drop as the environmental controls worked to keep the room sterile.

  Lisa Chen lay on the bio-bed, her skin covered in angry red welts that seemed to pulse with each labored breath. Sarah gripped her sister's hand, dark circles under her eyes betraying her exhaustion. Medical displays above the bed flashed with vital signs Diego couldn't decipher, but the rapid beeping of the heart monitor told him enough.

  "Status report," Olivia demanded, moving to check the readings while Mei adjusted something in Lisa's IV line.

  Mei's usual calm demeanor cracked slightly as she spoke. "Standard antihistamines aren't touching it. We've tried three different Earth-based treatments - nothing's working. Her throat keeps trying to close up, and there's some kind of neural response we can't explain. Look at her brainwave patterns."

  Diego studied their dwindling medical supplies through the storage room's transparent wall. Too many boxes sat empty, their contents used up treating various reactions to Haven's unique environment. They'd known there would be adjustment periods, but this was different. This was their first serious allergic reaction, and they weren't prepared.

  "What about the synthetic antihistamines we developed for the local pollen?" Olivia asked, frowning at the brain scan displays.

  "Tried those first," Mei replied. "No effect. Whatever's in those vines, it's not following any reaction patterns we've seen before. And we're running low on options."

  Diego's jaw tightened. They'd prepared for so many contingencies, but their medical supplies were still based on Earth biology. They needed something that would work with Haven's unique chemical structures, and they needed it fast.

  Diego watched Olivia's expression shift from concern to sudden realization. Her eyes lit up with that familiar spark he'd seen countless times when she solved complex quantum equations.

  "What about your mother?" Olivia turned to Mei. "Didn't you mention she specialized in traditional Chinese medicine before retiring?"

  Mei's hands stilled over the medical console. "Yes, she studied the interactions between traditional remedies and modern treatments for over forty years."

  Diego shifted his weight, his cybernetic leg adjusting silently. He'd seen enough combat medicine to know sometimes the old ways worked when modern solutions failed. "Could she help identify similar properties in Haven's plants?"

  "She's been cataloging Haven's flora since arrival, comparing them to Earth equivalents," Mei said, already reaching for her comm unit. "Mother's always said that nature provides patterns, even across dimensions."

  Sarah squeezed her sister's hand tighter, hope flickering across her exhausted features. "Please."

  Diego stepped back to give the medical team room. There was nothing he could do her life was in their far more capable hands.

  Diego stepped out onto the medical center's porch, the alien breeze carrying unfamiliar scents of Haven's night-blooming flowers. His cybernetic leg hummed softly as he paced, each step measured and precise. The settlement's lights cast long shadows across the ground, reminding him of countless other nights spent waiting for news of wounded comrades.

  He pulled out his tactical display, checking Emily's drone feeds. The units moved methodically through the eastern perimeter, their thermal imaging highlighting clusters of the dangerous vines. The collection team had already secured samples for analysis, and the rest were being carefully destroyed. At least they could prevent this from happening to anyone else.

  His comm unit chirped with updates from the security team. Johnson's people had expanded the warning zone and placed markers around any suspicious plant life. They were taking no chances - Haven's beauty held as many dangers as wonders.

  The sound of footsteps inside made Diego turn, but it was just a technician rushing past with more medical supplies. He forced himself to stay outside, knowing he'd only be in the way. This wasn't like combat medicine where he could help hold someone down or apply pressure to a wound. This battle required different warriors.

  Through the window, he watched Mei talking rapidly with her mother, their hands moving in quick gestures as they discussed plant properties he couldn't begin to understand. Olivia stood nearby, recording everything and occasionally asking questions that made both women pause and reconsider.

  Sarah hadn't left her sister's side, her normally efficient posture crumpled with worry. Diego understood that look all too well - the helplessness of watching someone you love suffer while others fought to save them. He'd worn that same expression too many times during the wars.

  A hand touched Diego's shoulder, making him start. His cybernetic leg whirred as he spun around, combat instincts kicking in before he recognized Olivia's familiar features in Haven's purple-tinged moonlight.

  "Sorry," she said, pulling her hand back. "Didn't mean to startle you."

  Diego relaxed his stance, noting the slight tremor in Olivia's normally steady hands. Her lab coat was wrinkled, dark circles under her eyes betraying hours of intense concentration. She'd let her hair down at some point during the night, strands falling loose around her face.

  "How's Lisa?" Diego asked, his voice rough from hours of silence.

  Olivia leaned against the porch railing beside him, close enough that he could smell the antiseptic clinging to her clothes mixed with something uniquely her - coffee and ozone, like the air before a storm. The scent reminded him of long nights spent planning the quantum gateway project, when she'd worked until her hands shook from too much caffeine and too little sleep.

  "Mrs. Chen is a miracle worker," Olivia said, rubbing her eyes. "She identified three local plants with properties similar to traditional antihistamines. We synthesized a compound that's finally bringing the swelling down. Lisa's breathing easier, and her neural readings are stabilizing."

  Diego shook his head, his shoulders tense from hours of worry. The medical center's porch creaked beneath his cybernetic leg as he shifted his weight. Above them, Haven's moons cast their strange purple light across the settlement, making the security lights seem harsh and artificial in comparison.

  "Sometimes I swear the fate of everyone here weighs me down," he said to Olivia. "I can handle it for now, but we'll need to figure out a better system for leading and supporting this community."

  Olivia's presence beside him was steady, grounding. She'd shed her lab coat at some point during Lisa's treatment, and in her regular clothes she looked almost vulnerable. The sight stirred something protective in Diego's chest, even though he knew she was anything but helpless. The quantum physicist had faced down impossible odds to build their gateway here. She understood the weight of responsibility as well as he did.

  The night air carried the sweet scent of Haven's nocturnal flowers, mixed with the metallic tang of the medical center's air filtration system. In the distance, Emily's drones continued their systematic sweep for dangerous plants, their lights creating brief constellations against the alien sky.

  Diego studied the holographic display floating above the conference table, its blue light casting harsh shadows across the tired faces of his team. The mineral readouts painted a grim picture - their stabilization metal reserves dropping faster than predicted.

  "The math doesn't lie," Kaito said, manipulating the display to highlight a mountain range northeast of their position. "Our surveys show rich deposits here. The mining bots could-"

  "Absolutely not." Olivia cut him off, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of the table. "Those mountains are completely unexplored. We've detected unusual energy signatures from that region that could interfere with the bots' programming."

  Diego watched the familiar tension build between them. Kaito remained outwardly calm, but Diego recognized the slight tightening around his eyes that betrayed his frustration.

  "With respect, Doctor," Kaito said, his voice carrying that deadly polite tone Diego remembered from negotiations in Tokyo, "we cannot maintain portal stability without these metals. The current mines are nearly depleted."

  "And I'm telling you those mountains are too dangerous." Olivia jabbed a finger at the hologram. "We've lost three drones to electromagnetic interference in that area already. If the mining bots malfunction, we lose our only means of extraction."

  Diego rolled his shoulder, feeling the old combat tension creeping in. The stabilization metals were crucial - without them, the quantum gateway would become unstable, cutting off their lifeline to Earth. But Olivia's concerns weren't unfounded. They couldn't afford to lose their mining equipment.

  "What about the western deposits?" Diego asked, zooming the map to a different region.

  "Too deep," Kaito replied. "The power requirements would exceed our current capabilities. The mountain deposits are our best option."

  Olivia shook her head sharply. "It's too risky. We need more data before-"

  "We don't have time for more surveys," Kaito interrupted, his composed facade cracking slightly. "Every day we delay puts more strain on our reserves."

  Diego looked between Kaito and Olivia, their argument fading as he considered the immediate priorities. The harsh blue light of the hologram caught the shadows under their eyes - neither had slept much lately. He understood their positions - Kaito's drive for efficiency and Olivia's careful scientific approach had both served the mission well. But right now, he needed concrete numbers.

  "Do we have enough of the stabilization resources necessary to complete the final ten portal operations?" Diego kept his voice level, cutting through their tension.

  Olivia's shoulders dropped as she pulled up the inventory data. "Ten operations guaranteed with current reserves. The Eleventh..." She shook her head. "We'd be cutting it too close for safety margins."

  "Which is precisely why we need those mountain deposits," Kaito said, though his tone had lost some of its edge. He adjusted the hologram, highlighting the mineral concentrations. "The readings show enough raw material for at least twenty more operations."

  Diego noted how Olivia's jaw clenched at Kaito's words, but she didn't argue the point. The data was clear - they needed those resources. The only question was how to get them safely.

  Diego traced the holographic mountain range with his finger, years of tactical experience kicking in. "What if we delay the final portal operation? Buy ourselves time to properly survey the region."

  "The seismic activity on Earth is increasing faster than predicted," Kaito said. "Delaying risks losing our window completely."

  Diego turned to Olivia. "How long would you need for a proper survey?"

  "Three days minimum." Olivia pulled up the drone data. "The electromagnetic interference isn't constant. If we can map the fluctuation patterns, we might find safe windows for the mining bots to operate."

  "And the portal stability?" Diego asked.

  "We can extend our current reserves by cycling down non-essential systems." Olivia bringing up power consumption charts. "It would give us an extra day, maybe two."

  Diego studied the mountain terrain. The steep cliffs and narrow valleys would make traditional security measures difficult. But the potential payoff...

  "What about sending teams to set up sensor arrays?" Diego zoomed in on several ridge points. "Get real-time data on those energy fluctuations. Maybe find the source."

  Kaito nodded slowly. "I can have equipment ready within hours."

  "We'd need at least three arrays for triangulation," Olivia said, marking potential locations. "But the terrain..."

  "I'll lead the team personally," Diego said. "We'll take minimal equipment, move fast. Set up the arrays and get out before anything can go wrong."

  Diego leaned back in his chair, remembering his conversation with Olivia from the previous night. The weight of command pressed down on his shoulders like a physical burden. They'd been reviewing personnel files when she'd noticed his grimace at an old injury acting up.

  "Diego, there are plenty of young men around camp that would be better suited for that job. Send some of them and send Chief O'Reilly to supervise."

  He'd brushed off her concern, but her words stuck with him. She wasn't wrong - his body carried the scars of too many battles, too many close calls. The damp air of Haven made his joints ache in ways they never had on Earth.

  But Diego couldn't shake the memory of the Osaka Drought Incident. He'd sent others to do what he should have handled personally, and civilians had died. The image of desperate people gunned down by malfunctioning drones still haunted his dreams.

  No, some missions required direct oversight. If those sensor arrays failed, if the mining bots went haywire in those mountains, the consequences could doom their entire operation. He couldn't delegate that responsibility, no matter how much his body protested.

  Diego focused back on the holographic display, pushing aside the echoes of last night's conversation. The mountain peaks loomed before him, their unexplored heights holding both promise and danger. His joints might complain, but his mind was sharp as ever. This mission needed experience more than youth.

  Diego shook his head, the familiar weight of responsibility pressing against his chest. The holographic mountains cast blue shadows across his weathered hands as he traced their peaks one more time.

  "You're right Olivia, Chief O'Reilly has more technical expertise than I do." He let out a heavy sigh, the sound echoing his bone-deep exhaustion. "Sometimes though I just feel like it has to be me?"

  The words tasted bitter, an admission he'd fought against for years. His fingers brushed unconsciously against the old scar on his forearm - a reminder of another day, another mission, another…"

  Diego looked between Kaito and Olivia, studying their reactions. The holographic mountains cast an eerie glow across their faces, making their expressions harder to read.

  "Any objections to this plan?" Diego's voice carried the weight of command, but he needed their buy-in. Too much rode on this mission for divided leadership.

  Kaito's face remained carefully neutral, but Diego caught the slight nod of approval. After years of negotiations, he'd learned to read the subtle shifts in Kaito's demeanor.

  Olivia pressed her lips together, her fingers drumming against the table's edge. The gesture reminded Diego of their first meeting, when she'd explained the quantum gateway theory. She'd had the same look then - cautious, analytical, weighing variables.

  "I don't like the timeframe," she said finally. "But the sensor array data would help protect the mining bots. If you're determined to do this yourself..." She shrugged, the gesture conveying both acceptance and lingering concern.

  Diego smiled at Olivia, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Her concern reminded him of Maria's worried expressions whenever he'd prepared for another deployment.

  "If it'll ease your mind, I can have Chief O'Reilly accompany me and take point on the operation."

  The relief that crossed Olivia's face confirmed he'd made the right call. O'Reilly's expertise with the sensor arrays would be invaluable, and Diego had witnessed firsthand how the man's quick thinking had saved lives during previous missions.

  Kaito's subtle shift in posture caught Diego's attention. The younger man's carefully maintained facade had softened, just slightly. Diego recognized the look - it was the same one Kaito had worn in that Tokyo noodle shop, when he'd realized Diego was willing to listen to his proposal about Haven.

  Diego eyed the two of them, noting how Kaito and Olivia exchanged a quick glance. The subtle shift in their postures, the way tension drained from their shoulders - he'd seen enough negotiations to recognize when people got what they wanted.

  "Obviously this is the result you both wanted in the first place? Why not just club me over the head with it then?" Diego smiled, letting them know he wasn't truly irritated.

  They couldn't hide Olivia's slight blush or Kaito's barely concealed amusement. Diego had worked with long enough with them to read their tells - Olivia's fingers stopped their nervous drumming, while Kaito's perfect posture relaxed just a fraction.

  They'd played him, in their own ways. Olivia with her technical concerns and safety protocols, Kaito with his calculated pressure about resources and timing. Both knowing he'd eventually see the logic in sending O'Reilly. Both too diplomatic to simply tell their commander he was getting too old for mountain climbing.

  Diego pulled up the holographic comm display, his weathered fingers finding the familiar contact pattern for Johnson. The blue light pulsed twice before Johnson's face materialized, looking as if he'd just finished a patrol round.

  "Johnson, I'll need to requisition Chief for a brief operation in the mountains to set up 3 sensor packages."

  Johnson's image flickered slightly, his expression shifting from professional attention to barely concealed amusement. "You mean O'Reilly? The man's been pestering me about those mountain readings since breakfast."

  Diego caught the knowing look in Johnson's eyes. Of course O'Reilly would have already been planning for this. The engineer had an uncanny knack for anticipating technical needs before they became official missions.

  "Tell him to report to my office in an hour," Diego said, remembering how O'Reilly had practically bounced with excitement during the last sensor deployment. "And Johnson? Make sure he knows this is strictly reconnaissance and setup. No experimental modifications to the equipment this time."

  Johnson's replied, "Roger, Out" the hologram flickered out with a sharp nod, leaving Diego alone with Kaito and Olivia in the blue glow of the mountain display. He studied their proposed sensor locations again, muscle memory from countless operations making him analyze approach vectors and fallback positions.

  Old habits died hard. Diego caught himself planning the mission as if he'd be leading it, mapping out the best defensive positions and escape routes. He forced his fingers away from the hologram, reminding himself this was O'Reilly's operation now.

  "I should review the sensor specifications before O'Reilly arrives," Olivia said, gathering her tablet. "Knowing him, he'll have a dozen questions about calibration tolerances."

  Diego nodded, remembering O'Reilly's tendency to dive deep into technical details. The engineer's enthusiasm sometimes bordered on obsession, but his thoroughness had saved their lives more than once.

  Kaito rose smoothly from his chair, straightening his already immaculate suit. "I'll ensure the equipment is prepared to his exacting standards." A ghost of a smile crossed his face. "Though I suspect he's already started modifications."

  As they left, Diego remained at the table, watching the holographic mountains slowly rotate. The blue light caught the grey at his temples, reflected in the display's surface. When had he gotten so old? The thought came unbidden, accompanied by a twinge from his knee - another souvenir from too many combat drops.

  Diego caught Olivia's worried glance as she paused at the doorway, her tablet clutched against her chest. He recognized that look - the same one Maria gave him before dangerous missions. His daughter had inherited her mother's ability to see right through his facade of invulnerability.

  "I know that face," Diego said, keeping his tone light. "You're about to tell me I'm being stubborn again."

  Olivia stepped back into the room, the holographic mountains casting blue shadows across her features. "Actually, I was thinking how much you remind me of my father. He never knew when to delegate either."

  The comment caught Diego off guard. In all their months working together, Olivia rarely mentioned her family. Her dedication to the quantum gateway project had always seemed to leave little room for personal history.

  "Did he at least learn eventually?" Diego asked, rubbing his aching knee.

  "No." Olivia's lips quirked in a sad smile. "He died trying to protect his research team during the Resource Wars. He could have sent someone else, but..." She trailed off, her fingers tightening on the tablet.

  Diego felt the weight of her words settle in his chest. How many times had he made the same choice? How many times had he put himself in harm's way, telling himself it was necessary, that only he could handle it?

  The holographic mountains continued their slow rotation, casting shifting shadows across the conference table. Each peak represented another challenge, another risk. But maybe this time, the greatest risk was not learning to trust others.

  Diego studied the faces gathered around the conference table as the holographic display cast an ethereal blue glow across their features. O'Reilly's eyes darted between the mountain terrain markers, his cybernetic hand already tapping calculations into his datapad.

  "These sensor arrays need precise calibration," Diego said, zooming the display to highlight three mountain peaks. "We're looking for specific energy signatures that could indicate mineral deposits or geological anomalies."

  Kaito stepped forward, his tailored suit a stark contrast to O'Reilly's practical field gear. "The arrays must be operational within forty-eight hours. Our window for detailed scanning is limited by atmospheric conditions."

  Diego noticed Olivia's slight frown as she examined the technical specifications. "The energy fluctuations we detected during the initial survey suggest something unusual in the geological formation," she said. "The sensors need to be positioned exactly as marked."

  "O'Reilly," Diego turned to the engineer, "you'll have Johnson's security team for backup, but this is strictly setup and calibration. No experimental modifications in the field."

  O'Reilly's face fell slightly. "But sir, if we adjust the resonance-"

  "Not this time, Chief." Diego kept his tone firm but friendly. "We need baseline readings first. Save the improvements for after we verify the initial data."

  Diego highlighted the approach routes on the display, muscle memory from countless operations making him assess each path for potential threats. "Unknown terrain means unknown risks. Johnson's team will establish a perimeter while you work. Standard protocol - no one goes anywhere alone, and all teams maintain constant communication."

  The display shifted to show the predicted weather patterns, and Diego felt his knee twinge as he recognized the signs of an approaching storm system. He pushed the discomfort aside, focusing on the mission parameters.

  Diego scanned the faces around the table, years of combat experience helping him read the subtle signs of concern or hesitation. "Questions? Complaints? Better to air them now than in the field."

  Sgt. Thompson adjusted her stance, her background as a field medic evident in her cautious demeanor. "Commander, the power signatures we're detecting... they don't match any records we have. Can our equipment withstand those levels?"

  "Valid concern." Diego nodded to Olivia, who pulled up the technical specifications.

  "The sensors are rated for three times the highest readings we've detected," she explained. "We've built in redundancies."

  Carter raised her hand slightly. "Weather window seems tight. What's our backup plan if the storm front moves faster than predicted?"

  Diego appreciated her tactical thinking. "We've got emergency extraction protocols in place. First sign of weather shift, we pull out. Equipment can be replaced - people can't."

  O'Reilly's cybernetic hand twitched, and Diego knew what was coming before the engineer opened his mouth. "Just one small modification to the-"

  "Still no, Chief." Diego kept his tone light but firm. "I know you could probably improve the sensors blindfolded with one hand tied behind your back, but we need baseline readings first. Save the upgrades for version two."

  Manuel, one of the newer security team members, cleared his throat. "Those caves we spotted on the initial survey... any plans to check them out while we're up there?"

  "Negative," Diego replied. "Stick to the mission parameters. We're not here to explore - this is strictly sensor deployment and calibration. Unknown cave systems are a complication we don't need right now."

  Diego moved through the supply area, watching his team prep their gear with practiced efficiency. The familiar scent of gun oil and new equipment filled the air as Thompson ran through her checklist, methodically organizing medical supplies into his pack.

  O'Reilly balanced a sensor package on his leg while adjusting power settings. "Each unit needs a clear line of sight to at least two others," he said, his fingers dancing over the calibration panel. "The triangulation-"

  "Save the technical brief for the field," Diego said. "Just tell me they'll work."

  "Like a charm." O'Reilly grinned. "Though I could boost the range if-"

  "No modifications." Diego caught Carter hiding a smile as she packed spare power cells.

  Kaito supervised the loading process with his usual precision, marking off items on his datapad. "The mineral scanning equipment is sensitive," he reminded them. "Handle with care."

  "Unlike O'Reilly's ego," Thompson quipped, earning a mock-wounded look from the engineer.

  Diego checked his own pack, muscle memory guiding his hands through the familiar routine. Extra ammo, emergency beacon, first aid kit. The weight felt right - enough to be prepared, not so much to slow them down.

  "Sir?" O'Reilly held up a strange-looking device. "Where do you want the backup resonance scanner?"

  "Top of your pack," Diego said. "Quick access if we need it, but I doubt we will."

  Johnson's security team moved with quiet efficiency, their gear already organized and ready. Diego noticed Manuel double-checking everyone's climbing equipment - good initiative from the new guy.

  "Remember," Diego addressed the group, "standard load-out only. If it's not on the checklist, it stays here. We move light and fast."

  Diego watched the convoy snake through the alien landscape, their modified vehicles kicking up purple-tinted dust in their wake. The mountain range loomed ahead, its peaks shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to move too fast for natural weather patterns.

  O'Reilly took point in the lead vehicle, his cybernetic hand steady on the wheel as he navigated around clusters of crystalline formations that jutted from the ground like frozen lightning strikes. The route they'd planned using drone footage looked different at ground level - the terrain features shifted colors and seemed to blur at the edges of Diego's vision.

  "Hold up," Diego called over the comm as the lead vehicle slowed. "That ravine wasn't on the maps."

  A deep gash cut across their planned route, the edges gleaming with the same crystalline material they'd been avoiding. O'Reilly hopped out, his prosthetic leg adjusting automatically to the uneven ground as he approached the edge.

  "We can't cross here," Thompson said, joining O'Reilly at the ravine's edge. "Too wide for the vehicles."

  Diego studied the surrounding terrain through his binoculars. The crystalline formations seemed to follow a pattern, leading to what might be a natural bridge about half a klick east.

  "O'Reilly, what's your read?" Diego asked.

  The engineer was already scanning the formations with his handheld device. "These crystals are load-bearing. That structure to the east should hold our weight - the molecular density is similar to reinforced concrete."

  Johnson's security team spread out, establishing a perimeter while Manuel used a drone to scout the proposed crossing point. The alien sun cast double shadows through the crystal forests, creating disorienting patterns that made depth perception tricky.

  "Drone confirms the bridge is stable," Manuel reported. "But we'll need to clear some of those smaller formations to get the vehicles through."

  O'Reilly grinned, patting the equipment in his pack. "Finally get to test these sonic resonators in the field."

  "Carefully," Diego reminded him. "We're here to pass through, not reshape the landscape."

  Diego watched the crystalline landscape drift past as their convoy followed the winding path toward the mountain base. The alien formations caught the light, sending prismatic reflections across the vehicle's dashboard. His old instincts kicked in, eyes constantly scanning for potential threats or ambush points among the glittering spires.

  They reached a relatively flat area at the mountain's base, offering clear sightlines in all directions and a commanding view of the three peaks where they needed to place the sensor arrays. The ground here was more stable, with fewer of the crystal formations to navigate around.

  "This is our spot," Diego called over the comm. The convoy rolled to a stop, vehicles forming a defensive circle out of habit.

  O'Reilly was already out of his vehicle before it fully stopped. He pulled out his diagnostic equipment, checking readings while the rest of the team began unloading.

  "Thompson, Carter - set up the power grid for the base station," O'Reilly directed. "Manuel, I need you coordinating the drone surveys of our ascent routes. Johnson's team - we'll need a perimeter established with motion sensors every twenty meters."

  Diego nodded approvingly as the engineer took charge of the technical aspects. O'Reilly might be prone to unauthorized modifications, but he knew his job inside and out.

  "The base station needs to maintain line of sight with all three sensor arrays," O'Reilly continued, marking positions on his tablet. "We'll set up here, using these natural formations as anchor points for the power cables."

  The team moved with practiced efficiency, each person falling into their assigned roles. Diego watched as the temporary camp took shape, portable shelters rising while Thompson and Carter ran power lines between them. The familiar routine of setting up camp helped mask the alien nature of their surroundings, though the double shadows cast by the crystalline forest provided a constant reminder of just how far from home they were.

  Diego shifted his weight on the rocky outcrop, scanning the crystalline valley below through his binoculars. The alien landscape stretched out beneath them, a maze of purple-tinted formations catching the light like frozen waves. His old combat instincts noted potential choke points and defensive positions automatically.

  "O'Reilly, what're the readings showing?" Diego kept his voice steady despite the concern gnawing at his gut. The energy signatures they'd detected were unlike anything in their database.

  O'Reilly's cybernetic hand danced across his tablet screen. "Signal strength is increasing as we move up the slope. But there's something odd about the pattern - it's too regular to be natural."

  Manuel's drone buzzed overhead, its cameras capturing detailed scans of the terrain. "Sir, I'm seeing similar crystalline formations on all three peaks. They're arranged in almost perfect geometric patterns."

  Diego frowned, watching another drone sweep past the nearest mountain face. The precision of the crystal arrangements reminded him too much of manufactured structures. But that was impossible - wasn't it?

  "Thompson, Carter - maintain visual contact with the drones," Diego ordered. "Johnson, keep your team spread out. I don't like how these formations mess with our depth perception."

  The double shadows cast by the crystalline spires created disorienting patterns that played tricks on the eyes. Diego had seen too many good soldiers make fatal mistakes in unfamiliar terrain to take any chances.

  "Energy readings are spiking," O'Reilly reported, his excitement barely contained. "Whatever's causing these signals, it's powerful enough to interfere with some of our equipment."

  Diego felt the old familiar tension in his shoulders. "Keep the drones at a safe distance. We're here to observe and collect data, not trigger something we don't understand."

  He watched his team work, their movements precise despite the alien environment. They were good people, professionals who trusted his judgment. That trust weighed heavily as he studied the mysterious patterns in the crystal formations above them.

  Diego watched O'Reilly curse under his breath as the final sensor array's diagnostic panel flashed red. The engineer's cybernetic hand moved across the controls with practiced efficiency, but frustration showed in the tight set of his jaw.

  "Power coupling's not accepting the calibration sequence," O'Reilly reported, his other hand already reaching for his toolkit. "Could be interference from the mineral deposits, or maybe the crystalline formations are amplifying something we can't detect."

  Kaito stepped forward, his usually immaculate suit now dust-covered from the climb. "The equipment was tested extensively. These readings shouldn't be possible." He pulled out his tablet, comparing data streams from the other arrays.

  Diego felt the tension rising among the team. They'd spent precious hours scaling the peak, and the weather window was closing fast. The alien sun cast strange shadows through the crystal formations, making the technical work even more challenging.

  "Talk to me, O'Reilly," Diego said, keeping his voice steady. "What do you need?"

  "Five minutes with the backup power unit," O'Reilly replied, already disconnecting cables. "If I can bypass the main coupling and run a direct feed through the secondary systems-"

  "Do it," Diego nodded. "Thompson, Carter - help him with whatever he needs. The rest of you, maintain the perimeter. We're exposed up here."

  O'Reilly's face lit up with his usual pre-modification enthusiasm. "Sir, if I adjust the resonance patterns-"

  "No experimental modifications," Diego cut him off, but kept his tone light. "Just get it working. We'll save the improvements for version two."

  Kaito's fingers flew across his tablet, coordinating with the base camp below. "Power readings are stabilizing. Whatever you're doing, O'Reilly, it's working."

  Diego watched as his team worked seamlessly together, each person anticipating the others' needs without words. Years of training and shared experiences showed in their efficient movements, even in this alien environment.

  Diego watched his team's faces light up as the final sensor array hummed to life. The completion tone chimed across their comms, confirming successful synchronization with the base station. Even O'Reilly managed to resist adding any last-minute modifications.

  "All arrays operational and transmitting," Olivia's voice came through clear despite the interference from the crystalline formations. "Initial data streams are... extraordinary."

  Thompson passed around sealed containers of water while Carter distributed protein bars. The team had earned their brief moment of celebration. Diego noticed how Manuel kept scanning the perimeter even while accepting his share of the rations - good instincts from the new guy.

  Olivia's hologram appeared from Diego's wrist display, her expression intense as she studied the incoming data. "These energy signatures are unlike anything we've recorded before. The mineral composition alone could revolutionize our power generation capabilities."

  "Save the scientific breakdown for the debrief," Diego said, checking the time. The weather window was closing faster than he'd like. "What's our priority timeline looking like?"

  "Two hours minimum for preliminary baseline readings," Olivia replied, her fingers dancing through the holographic data streams. "After that, we can begin more detailed analysis back at the facility."

  Diego felt the old familiar pressure in his gut - the one that had kept him alive through countless operations. The alien sun cast triple shadows now through the crystal formations, and the wind was picking up. His team's success didn't change the fact that they were exposed on an alien mountaintop with a storm front approaching.

  "Pack it up," he ordered, switching to the team frequency. "O'Reilly, run final checks on the remote monitoring systems. We move in fifteen."

  The team's celebration shifted seamlessly into efficient movement. Diego watched them work, pride mixing with caution as the sensor arrays continued their silent data collection above them.

  Diego kept one eye on the darkening sky as his team navigated down the mountain's treacherous slope. The added weight of their collected samples and equipment made each step more challenging than the ascent. Purple-tinted crystal formations cast disorienting shadows across their path.

  "Watch your footing on these loose sections," Diego called out as Thompson slipped slightly. "The crystals make everything look closer or further than it actually is."

  O'Reilly adjusted his cybernetic leg's grip settings, the servos whirring as they compensated for the terrain. "At least the sensor arrays are transmitting clearly. Those energy readings are off the charts."

  A low rumble echoed through the crystalline forest below. Diego held up his fist, and the team froze in place. Through the geometric patterns of the crystal formations, he caught glimpses of movement - something large weaving between the spires.

  "Hold position," Diego whispered into the comm. "Manuel, get me eyes on whatever that is."

  The drone hummed to life, rising above their position for a better view. Manuel's voice came through clear despite the mineral interference. "Large biosignature about two hundred meters below us. Similar to the creature we encountered in the valley last week."

  "Maintain this elevation," Diego ordered. "We'll wait it out. Carter, how's our timeline looking?"

  "Storm front's still holding at the predicted speed. We've got margin to spare."

  Diego watched his team maintain their positions with professional calm. Even the new additions showed solid training, keeping noise discipline while securing their equipment.

  "Remember folks," Diego said, allowing himself a small smile, "this is why we ran all those drills. First team to successfully deploy sensor arrays in Haven's northern range. The data we're bringing back will make the next mission even smoother."

  The creature's rumbling grew fainter as it moved away from their position. Diego studied the terrain below, plotting the safest route back to their vehicles while avoiding the areas where the wildlife seemed most active.

  "Ready to move," Diego said. "Thompson, Carter - mind those sample cases. Whatever's in those crystals is too valuable to risk dropping."

  Diego leaned against the briefing room wall, watching his team's faces illuminate in the soft blue glow of the holograms. The crystalline samples they'd collected cast prismatic reflections across the tired faces of his people.

  "These energy signatures are remarkable," Olivia's hands danced through the holographic data, expanding charts and mineral analyses. "The crystal formations aren't just natural structures - they're conducting and amplifying energy in ways we've never seen."

  O'Reilly nodded, his cybernetic hand absently adjusting the calibration on his tablet. "The sensor arrays picked up patterns. Too regular to be random. The way those formations were arranged on the peaks..."

  "Good call on the backup power coupling," Diego said. "That kind of adaptability keeps people alive in the field." He saw O'Reilly straighten slightly at the praise.

  Thompson and Carter presented their sample analysis, explaining how the crystalline structures might be integrated into their power systems. Manuel's drone footage revealed patterns they'd missed during the climb, showing how the formations seemed to follow geometric alignments across the landscape.

  Diego studied each face in turn. Despite their exhaustion, he saw the spark of discovery in their eyes. Even Johnson's security team leaned forward during the technical briefing, asking sharp questions about defensive applications.

  "Each of you brought something essential to this mission," Diego said during a pause in the presentations. "O'Reilly's technical expertise, Manuel's drone work, Thompson and Carter's sample handling. Johnson's team kept us secure while we focused on the objective." He shifted his weight, feeling the familiar ache from the long climb. "This is what we came to Haven for - not just survival, but discovery. Understanding this place, making it work for us."

  The team shared knowing looks, their shared achievement creating bonds stronger than mere professional courtesy. Diego saw the same determination in their faces that he felt - they weren't just refugees anymore. They were explorers, pioneers building something new in this alien world.

  Diego pushed himself off the wall, his muscles protesting after the long climb. The faces before him showed equal parts exhaustion and pride - a combination he'd seen countless times after successful missions.

  "That's enough for tonight," he said, letting his natural command tone soften. "You've all earned your rest. The technical analysis can wait until tomorrow."

  O'Reilly opened his mouth, likely to suggest one more system check, but Diego cut him off with a raised hand. "That includes you, Jack. The sensors are working perfectly. Leave the modifications for daylight hours."

  Thompson and Carter were already packing their sample cases, moving with the careful precision of those handling precious cargo. Manuel powered down his drone display while Johnson's team performed one last security sweep - habits that had kept them alive through countless operations.

  "Dismissed," Diego said, watching as his people filed out. He caught snippets of their conversations - technical jargon mixed with jokes about the alien wildlife they'd encountered. Good people, professionals who'd followed him into the unknown.

  As the last member left, Diego allowed himself a small smile. They'd done more than just complete a mission today. They'd taken another step toward making Haven their home.

  Diego looked up from the mission reports as Olivia entered the briefing room. She carried two glasses and what looked like an expensive bottle of red wine - probably from Kaito's personal stash. The door clicked shut behind her as she made her way to his table.

  "Thought you could use this," she said, setting down the glasses. The wine bottle's label confirmed his suspicion - definitely Kaito's private collection. "After a day like today, we've earned it."

  She settled into the chair next to him, close enough that he caught the faint scent of her shampoo mixed with the metallic tang that seemed to follow everyone who worked near the portal equipment. The familiar aroma of the lab clung to her clothes, despite her earlier shower.

  Diego pushed aside the tablet displaying the sensor data from their mountain expedition. His muscles still ached from the climb, but the mission's success made the discomfort worthwhile. The crystalline samples they'd recovered could revolutionize their power generation capabilities - assuming O'Reilly could resist "improving" the equipment before the analysis was complete.

  Diego lifted the glass to his lips, letting the wine's bouquet fill his nostrils before taking that first sip. The vintage surprised him - complex notes of blackberry and oak danced across his tongue. In his younger days, he'd never appreciated fine wines, preferring the burn of cheaper spirits. But age and experience had taught him to savor life's small pleasures when they came.

  He noticed Olivia watching him, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth. The wine's warmth spread through his chest, easing some of the tension from the day's climb. Even his cybernetic leg seemed to ache less, though he knew that was just his mind playing tricks.

  "Kaito's going to notice this missing from his collection," Diego said, taking another careful sip. The taste reminded him of evenings in Madrid, before the water wars had turned the vineyards to dust. Back when sharing a bottle of wine didn't feel like a luxury.

  The crystal samples they'd collected cast prismatic patterns across the table's surface, their alien geometry a stark reminder of just how far they'd come. Diego studied the play of light through the wine in his glass, noting how it fractured differently than through Earth crystal. The patterns seemed almost deliberate, as if the mineral structures were trying to tell them something they hadn't yet learned to understand.

  "I'm thinking about assigning the energy signal analysis to Chief O'Reilly. What do you think?" Diego kept his eyes on the dancing light patterns, but he could sense Olivia shifting in her chair beside him.

  "Jack's brilliant with power systems," Olivia said, swirling her wine thoughtfully. "But you know how he gets when he finds something new. Remember the drone incident?"

  Diego couldn't suppress a small chuckle. The memory of Jack's "improved" drone spinning wildly through the mess hall while Emily chased it with an EMP device was still fresh in everyone's minds. "True. But he's also the best we have at identifying energy patterns. These formations..." He gestured at the crystals. "They're not natural, at least not in any way we understand. We need someone who can think outside standard parameters."

  "As long as you make it clear that observation comes before experimentation," Olivia said, reaching out to adjust one of the crystal samples. "The last thing we need is Jack trying to hook these directly into our power grid before we understand what they do."

  Diego nodded, watching how the light bent around Olivia's fingers as she manipulated the crystal. Even after months in Haven, these simple phenomena still caught him off guard - reminders that they were truly in another world.

  I think that will work assign both Chief O'Reilly and Jack to exploring the signal and its uses as a possible energy source.

  Diego smiled at Olivia, the wine had helped ease the tension from the day's climb, making the aches in his muscles feel distant and manageable. His attention shifted to the crystal samples arranged on the table. The alien formations caught and refracted light in ways that still fascinated him, even after months of exposure to Haven's strange environment. The geometric patterns seemed almost deliberate, as if crafted by an unseen hand.

  "Didn't we get a geologist in with one of the groups?" Diego turned back to Olivia, recalling the personnel files he'd reviewed during the last portal crossing.

  "I'm Not sure," Olivia replied, her unfocused gaze drifting past him.

  Diego pulled out his tablet, his fingers tapping against the smooth surface as he navigated to the messaging system. The crystal samples on the table caught the light from his screen, creating an intricate dance of colors across his hands.

  The message interface appeared, and Diego typed quickly: "Need the name of the geologist from the last crossing. Priority level: medium. Send personnel file when available."

  He set the tablet down, the soft ping confirming his message had been sent. The wine in his glass reflected the crystal's patterns, reminding him of the formations they'd discovered on the mountain. A geologist's expertise could prove invaluable in understanding the strange mineral structures they'd encountered.

  "Sarah's usually quick with personnel files," Diego said to Olivia, taking another sip of the wine. His muscles still ached from the climb, but the tension was slowly ebbing away. The tablet chimed with Sarah's response - she was nothing if not efficient.

  Diego picked up the device, scanning the incoming message. His eyebrows raised slightly as he read the details. He looked up from the details at Olivia who was looking right into his eyes. The wine had brought a slight flush to her cheeks, making her intense focus on him almost uncomfortable.

  "They had not one, but two geologists in the last group wow both a married couple. We now have another Olivia, Dr. Olivia Carter and Dr. Ethan Carter."

  The crystal formations on the table between them cast strange shadows across Olivia's face as she leaned forward, interest piqued. Diego noticed how the alien light made her eyes appear almost violet - another reminder of Haven's subtle differences from Earth. He took another sip of wine, letting the rich flavor roll across his tongue while he studied the personnel files more closely.

  The tablet's soft glow illuminated the couples' credentials - impressive backgrounds in seismology and volcanology respectively. Just what they needed for understanding Haven's unique geological features. The coincidence of having another Olivia in their ranks amused him, though he wondered if it might lead to confusion during operations.

  Diego set his wine glass down and picked up his tablet again. The crystal formations cast strange patterns across the screen as he composed a new message to the Carters. His fingers moved swiftly across the interface, muscle memory from years of military communications taking over.

  "Dr. Carter and Dr. Carter, Please collect the crystal formation samples from the briefing room tomorrow morning. Need full geological and structural analysis. Keep Dr. Smith updated on findings. - Martinez"

  He paused, then added: "0800 hours. Security clearance has been updated for lab access."

  Diego sent the message and watched the delivery confirmation appear. The tablet chimed twice in quick succession - both doctors had already read and acknowledged his request. Efficient. He appreciated that in his people.

  "They're quick to respond," he said to Olivia, setting the tablet back down. The wine's warmth had settled into his muscles, making the day's climb feel like a distant memory. The crystal formations continued their hypnotic light show across the briefing room table, their alien geometry somehow more pronounced in the dimming evening light.

  Diego let out a deep sigh, the wine glass cool against his palm. The crystal formations cast eerie shadows across the briefing room table, reminding him of all the unknowns they still faced in Haven. Each decision he made affected not just his team, but the families they'd brought with them - including his own daughter and grandchildren.

  "Sometimes I wonder if we made the right choice," he said, studying the play of light through the alien crystals. "Bringing everyone here instead of trying for the exodus ships." The weight of command settled heavily on his shoulders, familiar yet never easier to bear.

  Olivia set her glass down, the soft clink echoing in the quiet room. "I used to lie awake at night, questioning whether the gateway would work at all. Whether I was giving people false hope." She traced a finger along the edge of one crystal sample. "Even now, with everything we've accomplished, I still worry that we're one mistake away from disaster."

  Diego understood that fear all too well. He'd seen how quickly situations could deteriorate in the field, how one wrong decision could cost lives. Here in Haven, every choice seemed magnified - they had no backup, no extraction plan if things went wrong.

  "The hardest part," he said, "is not knowing what we'll find next. Every discovery brings new questions." He gestured at the crystal samples. "These formations could revolutionize our power systems, or they could be completely useless. We're writing the manual as we go."

  "At least we're writing it together," Olivia replied, her voice carrying a mix of determination and vulnerability that Diego rarely heard from her. "Back on Earth, I worked alone most of the time. Here..." She paused, considering her words. "Here we're building something bigger than ourselves."

  Diego looked into Olivia's eyes, the alien crystals casting strange patterns across her face. "Together," he said, the word carrying more weight than he'd intended. The wine had loosened his usual guard, making him acutely aware of her presence beside him.

  His heart hammered against his ribs as he gathered his courage. Years of combat experience hadn't prepared him for this moment. "Olivia, when this settles down to a dull roar we need to make time for us and the future."

  Olivia's breath caught. She set her wine glass down with a slightly unsteady hand. "Diego, I..." A soft smile spread across her face, warming her eyes. "I'd like that. More than you know."