Diego watched Dr. Thompson's eyes light up as Olivia detailed the specs of the incoming medical imaging system. The doctor's usual professional demeanor cracked, revealing genuine excitement as she scribbled notes about power requirements and space allocation.

  "We'll need to reinforce this section," Diego pointed to the blueprint spread across the medical center's planning table. "The unit weighs nearly two tons."

  Sarah Chen appeared in the doorway, tablet in hand. "Another wave of supplies just arrived through the portal. Antibiotics, surgical equipment, and emergency trauma kits."

  "Good." Dr Thompson nodded. "Get them cataloged and stored. Priority items go directly to the medical center, remainder to secure storage."

  Dr. Thompson looked up from her notes. "The trauma kits should be split between here and the mining operation. We had two close calls last week."

  Diego helped Sarah and two orderlies move sealed medical containers into the center's storage room. The shelves were organized with military precision - a system Dr. Thompson had implemented on day one. Each section was clearly labeled, with critical supplies at eye level and backup stock above.

  "The imaging system will significantly aid our diagnostic capabilities," Olivia explained, following them into storage. "No more guessing about internal injuries or relying on basic X-rays."

  "And it runs on Haven's power grid?" Dr. Thompson asked, helping to stack boxes of sterile supplies.

  "We've modified the power coupling to handle the mineral content in our energy crystals," Olivia confirmed. "Jack and Alexis are already working on the installation plans."

  Diego checked off items on his tablet as Sarah's team continued bringing in supplies. The medical center was finally starting to feel like a proper facility rather than a field hospital. Dr. Thompson had performed miracles with limited resources, but having full diagnostic capabilities would make a crucial difference.

  Diego caught Olivia's eye as the last of the medical supplies were stacked. "Did you brief Dr. Thompson about the embryo situation?"

  Olivia's expression tightened. She set down her tablet and turned to Dr. Thompson. "We've detected some anomalies in the latest batch of embryos. The mineral content in Haven's environment appears to be causing unexpected genetic adaptations."

  Dr. Thompson's professional mask slipped for a moment, revealing intense concern. "What kind of adaptations?"

  "Minor so far," Olivia said. "Changes in cellular structure, enhanced mineral absorption. Mei's team is monitoring the development closely."

  Diego watched Dr. Thompson process this information, her fingers drumming against a sealed medical container. He recognized the look - the same one he'd seen countless times in the field when medics encountered something beyond their training.

  "I'll need to see the data," Dr. Thompson said. "All of it. And I want to be involved in monitoring the pregnancies."

  "Already arranged," Diego said. "You'll have full access to Mei's research and the bio-lab's resources."

  Dr. Thompson nodded sharply, her mind clearly already racing through medical implications. "We'll need to establish new baseline parameters. The standard Earth protocols may not apply here."

  "Mei can walk you through what they've observed so far," Olivia added. "She's documented every deviation from normal embryonic development in live stock embryos."

  Diego recognized that look. He'd seen it too many times in combat medics when they encountered something beyond their experience - that moment of raw fear before training kicked in. Dr. Thompson's fingers stopped drumming on the medical container, her knuckles white from gripping the edge.

  "How many pregnancies are we monitoring?" Her voice carried the forced steadiness of someone fighting to maintain composure.

  "Three livestock, two human," Diego answered, keeping his tone neutral. He'd learned long ago that staying calm helped others regain their balance.

  Dr. Thompson's face drained of color. She grabbed her tablet with trembling hands, pulling up medical files. "Human pregnancies? Why wasn't I informed immediately?"

  "We just confirmed the changes this morning," Olivia said softly.

  Diego watched Dr. Thompson pace the storage room, her usual collected demeanor cracking. She muttered medical terms under her breath, occasionally shaking her head. The fear in her eyes grew with each swipe through the data on her tablet.

  "This is beyond my expertise," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "We're dealing with potential evolutionary changes in utero. The implications..." She stopped pacing, bracing herself against a shelf of supplies. "We have no way to predict how these adaptations might affect fetal development."

  Diego stepped closer to Dr. Thompson, recognizing the overwhelming weight of responsibility crushing down on her shoulders. He'd carried similar burdens through countless missions - the gnawing fear of making decisions that affected lives.

  "Unfortunately, we have to solve today's problems today," Diego said, keeping his voice steady. "You may not have expertise in this specific situation now, but I have a feeling by the end of our first year..." He let the thought hang there, watching as Dr. Thompson's breathing steadied.

  Her shoulders straightened slightly, professional mask sliding back into place. "You're right. We start with what we know, establish new baselines, monitor everything." She turned to her tablet, fingers flying across the screen. "I'll need additional monitoring equipment, specialized sensors to track mineral absorption rates."

  "Already on the way with the imaging system," Olivia confirmed. "The Auckland connection came through."

  Diego nodded approvingly as Dr. Thompson's medical training took over, pushing past the initial shock. He'd seen it countless times in combat medics - that crucial moment when training overcame fear, when the impossible became merely challenging.

  "Sarah," Dr. Thompson called out. "I need you to coordinate with Mei's team. Set up a dedicated communication channel between the medical center and the bio-lab. We monitor these pregnancies round the clock."

  Sarah nodded, already tapping on her tablet. "I'll have it running today."

  "Good." Dr. Thompson's voice grew stronger with each word. "We may be writing new medical protocols, but we're not doing it blind. We have data, we have equipment, and we have a team."

  Diego smiled as Dr. Thompson's confidence returned, her earlier panic replaced by focused determination. He'd seen that transformation countless times in the field - good soldiers pushing through fear to tackle seemingly impossible challenges. The doctor's renewed control reminded him of his first firefight, when training had kicked in despite the chaos.

  "These genetic changes might not all be negative," Diego said, remembering Mei's earlier report about enhanced mineral absorption in the livestock embryos. "Some adaptations could help the next generation thrive here."

  Dr. Thompson paused her rapid typing, considering his words. "You're right. If Haven's environment is triggering these changes, they could be beneficial evolutionary responses." Her fingers resumed their dance across the tablet. "We just need to understand them better."

  The calm efficiency returning to her movements confirmed Diego had made the right call sharing his perspective. Sometimes people just needed a reminder that challenges didn't always mean disasters.

  Diego stepped into the newly constructed livestock area, the rich smell of fresh hay and wood shavings filling his nostrils. Workers bustled around, carrying feed bags and testing water systems. The familiar sounds of construction mixed with the soft peeping of chicks from the incubator.

  Ethan waved from where he stood checking temperature readings on the embryo tanks. "The goat and pig embryos are developing faster than expected," he called out. "Mei thinks it's related to Haven's mineral content accelerating cell division."

  Diego moved closer to inspect the incubator where twelve fluffy chicks huddled under the warming lights. Their peeps grew more excited as they noticed movement near their enclosure. One particularly bold chick pecked at the clear barrier separating it from Diego's finger.

  "They're already showing increased bone density," Mei said, appearing beside him with a tablet displaying scan results. "And their metabolism seems perfectly adapted to processing Haven's native grains."

  Diego watched the workers securing the larger enclosure fencing. The design incorporated reinforced panels salvaged from their Earth facility, modified to create protected spaces for the incoming goats and pigs.

  "How are they handling the gravity difference?" Diego asked, noting the chicks' steady movements.

  "Better than we are," Mei replied with a slight smile. "Their skeletal structure is developing with enhanced strength. Nature's already solving problems we hadn't even considered."

  A worker called out for assistance with a water filtration unit, drawing Mei's attention away. Diego continued observing the chicks, remembering the farms he'd protected during Earth's resource wars. These tiny creatures represented more than just livestock - they were the first steps toward true self-sufficiency in Haven.

  The embryo tanks hummed softly in the background as he made his way around the enclosures, checking the security of each pen. Eight goats and four pigs would soon join the chicks, forming the foundation of Haven's agricultural future.

  Diego turned from watching the chicks as Mei approached. Her lab coat was wrinkled from hours of work, but her eyes sparkled with the enthusiasm he'd come to expect when she discussed her research.

  "Since Olivia suggested we start the incubation process to prevent the losses, I've got a full section of embryos that are getting ready to start. Would you like to see the process?" Mei gestured toward the far corner of the facility where the specialized incubation units hummed.

  Diego's gaze followed her motion, noting the complex array of monitoring equipment surrounding the units. He'd seen plenty of advanced technology during his military career, but the sight of these machines working to preserve humanity's future still impressed him. The steady rhythm of their operation provided a counterpoint to the peeping chicks behind him.

  "Show me," Diego said, falling into step beside her. He'd learned early in his career that understanding every aspect of an operation, even the scientific details that sometimes made his head spin, was crucial to making informed decisions. And right now, these embryos represented one of Haven's most valuable resources.

  Diego followed Mei into the sterile confines of the lab area. The sharp scent of disinfectant replaced the earthy smells of the livestock pens. Banks of monitoring equipment lined the walls, their displays casting a blue glow across the polished surfaces.

  "The good news is the damage was limited," Mei said, pulling up data on her tablet. "Only the first shipment's storage units were affected - the ones with the older design." She swiped through several charts. "Those only held about a hundred embryos each of pigs, goats, and chickens."

  Diego's shoulders relaxed slightly. He'd been worried about catastrophic losses to their genetic diversity. "And the newer storage units?"

  "Much more robust. Each one stores a thousand embryos, and they're all stable." Mei gestured to the rows of cylindrical containers humming softly against the far wall. "The transport and storage protocols were completely redesigned after that first shipment. Better temperature regulation, improved stasis field generation."

  Diego studied the neat rows of storage units. The newer models were sleeker, their status lights steady and reassuring compared to the flickering indicators on the older units. His military mind automatically calculated the numbers - losing three hundred embryos total was manageable when they still had thousands in secure storage.

  "Smart move, changing the design," Diego said, watching Mei check readings on one of the newer units. "Looks like someone learned from those first transfers."

  "When they brought me aboard, I demanded the improvements," Mei said with a grin. "We can't gamble Old Earths genetic legacy on those old freezer units - there's too much at stake."

  Diego nodded, impressed by Mei's foresight. The scientist's dedication reminded him of others he'd served with - people who understood that backup systems could mean the difference between success and failure. Between life and death.

  "What were our actual losses from those first units?" he asked, gesturing toward the older storage containers. "Out of the hundred each of chickens, goats, and pigs?"

  Mei pulled up detailed statistics on her tablet. "We lost twenty-eight chicken embryos, thirty-five pig embryos, and thirty-one goat embryos before we could transfer them to the new units." She tapped the screen, highlighting the active incubation numbers. "Of the remaining viable embryos, we've started gestation on twelve chickens as you can see out there. We're preparing to start another twenty tomorrow."

  Diego studied the numbers, doing quick mental math. "And the rest of the surviving embryos from that first batch?"

  "All prepped for gestation over the next few weeks," Mei replied. "We're staggering the process to ensure we can properly care for each group as they develop. The remaining goat and pig embryos will begin gestation once we've confirmed the success rate with this first chicken group."

  Diego nodded, appreciating Mei's methodical approach to managing their genetic legacy. Her attention to detail reminded him of the best logistics officers he'd worked with during his military days. "How long before we see the first piglets and kids running around?"

  "Gestation periods remain consistent with Earth standards," Mei said, checking her tablet. "For the goats, we're looking at about five months. The pigs will take around four months." She adjusted one of the monitoring devices. "The enhanced cellular activity we're seeing doesn't appear to affect overall gestation length - just embryonic development and structural formation."

  "That's faster than I expected," Diego said, watching as she fine-tuned the equipment settings. The steady hum of the incubators filled the brief silence. He'd anticipated longer wait times given the challenges of adapting Earth species to Haven's environment.

  "The enhanced metabolic rates are actually helping with the adaptation process," Mei explained. "Once we confirm success with this first batch of chickens, we'll start the pig and goat gestations in stages. Within six months, we should have our first generation of Haven-born livestock."

  Diego frowned, a new concern surfacing as he watched the incubators. "What about feeding? These embryos will develop into newborns with no mothers to nurse them."

  Mei's eyes lit up. "Already solved that problem." She led him to a separate storage unit near the main incubators. "We've developed a synthetic colostrum formula specifically designed for Haven's environment. The mineral content matches what we're seeing in the enhanced embryos."

  Diego peered through the clear panel at rows of labeled containers. His military mind appreciated the organized storage system, but experience had taught him that even the best plans needed contingencies. "How long will the formula supply last?"

  "We have enough synthesized to support three generations of livestock," Mei said, tapping the storage unit's display. "Dr. Thompson helped modify the formula based on the genetic changes we're observing. The enhanced metabolic rates actually make the nutrients more efficiently absorbed."

  "And we're sure it'll work?" Diego asked, remembering too many operations that had failed due to overlooked details.

  "We've already tested it with cell cultures from the developing embryos. The absorption rates are actually better than what we saw with natural colostrum on Earth." Mei pulled up test results on her tablet. "Plus, we're working on producing more formula using Haven's native proteins. Early results look promising."

  Diego nodded, relief easing the tension in his shoulders. At least they wouldn't lose their precious livestock to something as basic as lack of proper nutrition.

  Diego turned from the incubators, his mind already cataloging the potential resources. "What other livestock did we manage to bring through?"

  Mei scrolled through her tablet. "We've got embryos for several breeds of cattle - mostly dual-purpose varieties that work well for both meat and dairy. Angus, Simmental, and Brown Swiss. Then there's sheep - primarily Dorper and Katahdin hair sheep since they're adaptable and don't need shearing."

  She paused to adjust a temperature reading before continuing. "For poultry, besides these chickens, we have duck and turkey embryos. They're heritage breeds selected for disease resistance and foraging ability. Oh, and rabbits - New Zealand Whites and California Whites. They're stored in the newer units, so no issues there."

  Diego nodded, remembering the careful selection process they'd gone through. Each breed had been chosen for hardiness, feed efficiency, and ability to thrive in varying conditions. His years protecting agricultural facilities during the Resource Wars had taught him the value of livestock diversity.

  "The ducks will be particularly useful," Mei added. "They're excellent foragers, and initial tests show they should handle Haven's water chemistry well. Plus, they're less susceptible to predators than chickens."

  The familiar peeping from the chick incubator punctuated her words. Diego watched one of the bolder chicks stretch its wings, already showing signs of the strength Mei had mentioned. These tiny creatures represented more than just future food sources - they were proof that Earth life could not just survive, but thrive in Haven.

  Diego's mouth watered at the mention of rabbits. The memory hit him like a punch to the gut - his abuela's kitchen in Tucson, the rich aroma of her famous conejo en chile colorado filling the small house. She'd learned the recipe from her mother, perfecting it over decades until the meat fell off the bones, tender and soaked in that deep red sauce.

  "Those California Whites were the best eating rabbits," Diego said, his voice rough with nostalgia. "My grandmother used to buy them from a local breeder. Could feed the whole family with two good-sized ones."

  He remembered helping his abuela in the kitchen, watching her brown the meat before adding the chile sauce she'd spent hours preparing. The tortillas warming on the comal, ready to soak up every drop of that sauce. His cousins fighting over the last pieces, using fresh tortillas to wipe their plates clean.

  "Three months," Mei said, checking her tablet. "That's how long until we could have the first rabbit kits if we start now."

  Diego nodded, still lost in the memory of those family dinners. Back then, having meat on the table meant you were doing well. Before the resource wars turned protein into currency, before clean water became worth more than gold. His abuela's rabbit stew had been more than just a meal - it was a celebration of family, of having enough to share.

  Diego turned to Mei, studying her reaction. "I understand we're raising chickens, goats and pigs because we had no choice. But given how quickly rabbits multiply, shouldn't we consider starting a colony as another source of protein?"

  Mei's fingers flew across her tablet. "Actually, I've been running simulations on rabbit breeding cycles adapted to Haven's environment." She held up the display, showing a graph with exponential growth curves. "With their enhanced metabolism, we could see even faster reproduction rates than on Earth. A single doe could produce up to twelve kits per litter instead of eight."

  Diego raised his eyebrows. During the Resource Wars, he'd seen how crucial rabbit colonies had become for struggling communities. Fast-breeding, efficient feed conversion, minimal space requirements - rabbits had kept entire neighborhoods fed when other protein sources vanished.

  "What would we need to get started?" Diego asked, his mind already calculating space requirements and feed stores. The memory of his abuela's kitchen faded, replaced by the practical considerations of feeding Haven's growing population.

  "We have the embryos ready," Mei replied. "I'd need to modify one of the backup incubation units for rabbit gestation, but that's a minor adjustment. The bigger challenge would be setting up proper housing." She gestured toward the far end of the facility. "We could convert that storage area into a rabbitry. The ventilation system is already in place."

  Diego walked over to inspect the space, his boots echoing on the concrete floor. The area was perfect - elevated off the ground, protected from the elements, with enough room for multiple breeding cycles. Just like the setup he'd helped design for that community in Phoenix during the worst of the water riots.

  "How many breeding pairs could we start with?" Diego asked, already seeing the rows of cages in his mind. The storage space would need modifications, but the bones were good - solid concrete floor, proper drainage, ventilation already in place.

  Mei consulted her tablet, swiping through inventory lists. "We have enough viable embryos to start with six breeding pairs. The enhanced metabolism we're seeing could mean faster maturation rates, so we'd want to stagger the first litters."

  Diego nodded, remembering the rabbit operation he'd protected in Phoenix. Six pairs would give them enough genetic diversity while keeping the initial setup manageable. He'd seen how quickly rabbit populations could explode without proper management.

  "The California Whites are good mothers," he said, walking the perimeter of the proposed rabbitry space. "During the wars, we had a colony that produced consistent litters even with limited feed."

  "That's partly why we chose them," Mei replied. She pulled up another chart showing feed conversion ratios. "They're efficient processors, and preliminary tests suggest they'll handle Haven's native grasses well. The enhanced bone density we're seeing in the chicks should help prevent cage stress too."

  Diego paused at a ventilation duct, checking the airflow with his hand. The current setup would work, but they'd need to install dividers to prevent cross-contamination between cages. His mind automatically calculated materials needed - wire mesh, feeding troughs, watering systems. Basic stuff compared to the high-tech incubators, but just as crucial for success.

  Diego turned to Mei, his mind already mapping out the next steps. "Sarah's got experience setting up sustainable food systems. She'd know exactly what we need for this retrofit."

  "I can get her the schematics and preliminary data today," Mei said, already typing on her tablet. "And those agricultural engineers who came through yesterday - the Patel brothers? They seemed eager to get to work."

  Diego nodded, remembering the brothers' credentials. Their urban farming initiatives had kept entire districts fed when traditional supply lines collapsed. "Good call. They'd understand the space constraints we're working with."

  He walked back to the incubation units, studying the steady rhythm of their operation. "Have Sarah review the plans first. She'll know if we're missing anything critical. Then we can bring in the Patels to help with the actual retrofit."

  "I'll send everything over now," Mei said, her fingers flying across the tablet screen. "Should I include the metabolic enhancement data? Sarah might want to adjust the feeding schedules based on the increased growth rates we're seeing."

  "Include everything," Diego said. "Sarah needs the full picture to plan properly." He'd learned long ago that withholding information, even seemingly minor details, could derail an entire operation.

  Diego stepped out of the Bio-Ag facility into Haven's afternoon light. The settlement had transformed from a collection of temporary shelters into something resembling a small town. Pride swelled in his chest as he watched workers hauling construction materials from the warehouse - some to the new hydroponics dome, others toward the expanding residential section.

  A chorus of children's laughter drew his attention. Half a dozen kids, around Isabella and Mateo's age, darted between the buildings playing tag. His grandchildren were among them, Isabella's dark hair streaming behind her as she chased a boy wearing a red shirt. The sight reminded him of his own childhood in Mexico City, before the resource wars had stolen such simple joys from an entire generation.

  He reached for his datapad thinking about his next task and recalled Jack was replacing the screen. Jack had promised to fix it after that unfortunate incident with the water filtration system inspection. A couple hours without his electronic leash would mean he had a lot of backed up calls.

  Diego cut across the central plaza, nodding to Sarah Chen as she directed a team organizing medical supplies. The children's game spilled across his path, and he had to sidestep quickly as Mateo and two other kids sprinted past, their squeals of delight echoing off the buildings.

  The engineering bay's entrance came into view, and Diego could already hear Jack's familiar voice through the open door, probably giving someone grief about proper maintenance procedures. The distinctive sound of his mechanical leg's servos whirring accompanied his animated discussion.

  Diego entered the engineering bay, his boots echoing off the metal floor. The familiar scent of solder and machine oil filled the air. Jack hunched over his workbench, surrounded by scattered components and tools.

  "About time you showed up." Jack's head snapped up, a grin spreading across his grease-smudged face. "Thought you might've forgotten about this." He snatched up Diego's datapad from the cluttered bench.

  Without warning, Jack lobbed the device through the air. Diego's combat reflexes kicked in - his hand shot up, snagging the datapad mid-flight. The cool metal settled familiarly in his grip.

  "Nice catch, old man. Fixed the screen and upgraded the processing core while I was at it. Should run faster now." Jack's mechanical leg whirred as he shifted his weight.

  Diego saw the first message, Kaito made mention of him having a new executive assistant, Jack, eyebrows shot up as he examined the datapad. "What's this about being my executive assistant?"

  "Oh yeah, Kaito called." Jack's mechanical leg squeaked as he leaned back against his workbench. "Said something about emergency food supplies arriving before the portal closes. Guess I'm supposed to keep track of your schedule now." He winked. "Should I pencil in your 'meetings' with Dr. Smith?"

  Diego's jaw tightened. "Watch it, Jack."

  "Hey, just saying - might want to check your collar for lipstick next time." Jack's grin widened. "What would Maria think about her old man getting-"

  "Luna blow up any more drones?" Diego cut him off, deliberately changing the subject.

  "Nah, Emily radioed in. Her team's heading back - should make it before the portal closes." Jack absently adjusted something on his mechanical leg. "Speaking of explosions though, you might want to tell your girlfriend to stop leaving such obvious evidence-"

  "That's enough." Diego's voice carried the sharp edge of command that had served him well through decades of military service.

  Jack raised his hands in mock surrender, but his smirk remained firmly in place. "Yes sir, Mr. Smoochie face, sir."

  Diego turned to leave, shaking his head. Sometimes Jack's personality made him question his own judgment in bringing the engineer along. But then he'd remember the countless times Jack's innovations had saved their asses, and he'd realize he'd made the right call - even if it meant enduring the man's particular brand of humor.

  Diego strode away from the engineering bay, Jack's laughter still echoing behind him. The weight of his datapad felt heavier than usual in his pocket. Or maybe it was just the conversation he needed to have with Maria weighing on his mind.

  The path to Maria's new house wound past the hydroponics dome. Workers were installing the last of the UV-filtered panels, their movements careful and precise. Diego had insisted on proper safety protocols this time - no more of Jack and Alexis' "creative" solutions.

  His cybernetic leg caught a groove in the path, making him stumble slightly. The damn thing needed calibration again. Another item on his endless list of tasks, but this conversation with Maria couldn't wait. Not with Jack's big mouth and the way gossip spread through their small community faster than Emily's drones could fly.

  The modest prefab house came into view, its walls still showing the pristine white of recent construction. Diego paused at the bottom of the steps, taking a deep breath. Facing down rogue AI or leading combat missions had somehow felt easier than telling his daughter about his relationship with Olivia.

  "Might as well get this over with," he muttered, climbing the steps to Maria's front door. The sound of Mateo's laughter drifted through an open window, reminding him that some things were worth any amount of awkward conversations.

  The door swung open before Diego could knock. Maria stood there, her dark eyes - so much like his own - crinkling with warmth. She wore her usual practical attire, cargo pants and a tank top, her black hair pulled back in a loose ponytail.

  "Papa." She stepped forward, wrapping him in a quick hug. The familiar scent of her shampoo brought back memories of when she was just a little girl, before the water wars had changed everything. "I saw you coming up the path. That leg's giving you trouble again, isn't it?"

  Diego returned the embrace, noting how strong she'd become. Gone was the frightened teenager who'd watched her mother die during the resource wars. In her place stood a woman who'd survived hell and emerged stronger.

  "Just needs calibration." He pulled back, studying her face. "Jack's been too busy playing executive assistant to look at it."

  Maria's eyebrows shot up. "Executive assistant? That explains the message I got from him about your 'important meetings.'" A knowing smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Though I'm pretty sure he spelled executive with three X's."

  Diego felt heat creep up his neck. Damn Jack and his big mouth. "About that-"

  "Papa, you don't have to explain." Maria's expression softened. "We've all lost too much to waste time worrying about what makes us happy. Now come inside before your leg decides to give out completely."

  Diego followed Maria into the house, closing the door with a soft click behind him. The cool air inside offered welcome relief from Haven's afternoon heat. A collection of children's artwork decorated the walls - Isabella's careful drawings of Earth animals next to Mateo's more abstract interpretations of Haven's creatures.

  The living room showed signs of their new life taking root - Earth photos mixed with Haven specimens in preservation jars, a datapad left carelessly on the coffee table next to one of Mateo's toy trucks. The familiar scent of coffee drifted from the kitchen, reminding Diego of Sunday mornings in their old Tucson home.

  Maria gestured toward the worn couch - one of the few pieces of furniture they'd managed to bring through the portal. "Sit before that leg gives out completely." She crossed to the kitchen. "Coffee?"

  "Black." Diego eased himself onto the couch, stretching his cybernetic leg out. The servos whirred in protest, confirming his need to see Jack about maintenance sooner rather than later.

  A framed photo on the side table caught his eye - Maria and Manuel on their wedding day, both so young and full of hope. Before the resource wars had torn their world apart. Before they'd had to make the impossible choice to come to Haven.

  Maria returned with two steaming mugs, handing one to Diego. She settled into the chair across from him, tucking her feet under her like she used to do as a teenager. The gesture made his chest tighten with memories of simpler times.

  Diego took a long sip of the coffee, letting its familiar warmth steady him. The rich aroma reminded him of countless mission briefings and strategic planning sessions. But this conversation required a different kind of courage.

  "Olivia and I..." He paused, running his thumb along the mug's rim. "It started during the final preparations for the portal. Long nights planning, coordinating. She has this way of cutting through the bullshit, seeing right to the heart of things."

  Maria's silence encouraged him to continue. The afternoon light filtered through the window, casting patterns on the floor that reminded him of the quantum gateway's shimmer.

  "Remember that night the water filtration system failed?" Diego shifted, his cybernetic leg whirring softly. "We worked thirty-six hours straight to get it back online. Found her passed out over the calculations in her office. Brought her coffee when she woke up. That's when things changed."

  He took another sip, remembering how Olivia's eyes had lit up at the sight of the steaming cup, how her fingers had brushed against his as she took it. "She doesn't let the title of doctor or her credentials define her. Gets her hands dirty with the rest of us. Fights for what she believes in."

  The coffee's warmth spread through his chest, mixing with the warmth of the memory. "She was the one who insisted we make room for the Richardson twins, even when the numbers said we couldn't. Found a way to make it work, just like she always does."

  Diego looked up at Maria, seeing not judgment in her eyes, but understanding. "I wasn't looking for this, mija," he said, not quite meeting her eyes. The coffee mug felt heavy in his hands as memories of Elena, Maria's mother, surfaced. Her smile during their early days in Tucson, before the water wars tore everything apart.

  Maria leaned forward, her expression softening. "Papa, you've spent your whole life taking care of others. First in the military, then protecting us during the wars, and now here in Haven." She gestured at the room around them. "When was the last time you did something for yourself?"

  The question hit him harder than he expected. His cybernetic leg whirred as he shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Through the window, he could hear Isabella's laughter mixing with the sounds of construction - the future they were building, piece by piece.

  "Your mother..." His voice caught. The coffee's steam curled up between them like the ghost of memories he'd carried for so long.

  "Would want you to be happy," Maria finished. She reached across and squeezed his hand, her grip strong and sure, so different from the little girl who used to need his protection. "We all do."

  Diego's hand tightened around the coffee mug, his knuckles turning white. Maria's words hit him like a physical blow, cracking the walls he'd built over decades of combat and crisis. The familiar weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, but for once, he couldn't push it aside.

  "Papa, you never cried for mama."

  The coffee's aroma suddenly reminded him of Elena - Sunday mornings in their Tucson kitchen, her laugh as she dodged his attempts to steal a bite of fresh-made tortillas. The memory struck with unexpected force, making his chest tight.

  "There wasn't time," Diego managed, his voice rough. "The water riots were spreading. You needed protection. The neighborhood needed organization. Someone had to-"

  "Had to what? Be strong?" Maria's voice cracked. "Papa, I heard you every night, pacing the hallway with your pistol, checking the windows, reinforcing the doors. But not once did you let yourself grieve."

  Diego's cybernetic leg whirred as he shifted, trying to escape the truth in her words. But Maria pressed on, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

  "You threw yourself into protecting everyone else. The neighborhood militia, the supply runs, the evacuation plans. Then the energy wars, the climate conflicts - crisis after crisis. And now Haven." She leaned forward, gripping his hand. "When does it end, Papa? When do you let yourself feel?"

  The mug trembled in Diego's grip. A drop of coffee spilled onto his hand, but he barely noticed. Elena's face filled his mind - not just her smile, but her final moments in the chaos of the water riots. The way her hand had slipped from his as the crowd surged...

  "I couldn't..." His voice broke. Something hot and wet rolled down his cheek. Diego reached up, surprised to find tears. "If I started, I didn't know if I could stop."

  Diego stared at the coffee mug, his vision blurring. The whir of his cybernetic leg filled the silence as he shifted uncomfortably.

  "You're right." Maria's voice carried the same determination she'd inherited from Elena. "Olivia deserves better than half of you. She deserves someone who can be fully present, not constantly haunted by ghosts they refuse to face."

  The truth of her words hit him like a physical blow. He remembered the way Olivia's face had lit up when he'd brought her that first cup of coffee, how she'd touched his arm during the water filtration crisis, the warmth in her eyes when they'd discussed the future of Haven.

  "I see how she looks at you, Papa." Maria squeezed his hand. "And I see how you look at her when you think no one's watching. But I also see the shadows that cross your face, the way you pull back just when you're about to let her in completely."

  Diego's throat tightened. The coffee had grown cold in his hands, but he couldn't bring himself to set it down. It gave him something to focus on besides the memories threatening to overwhelm him.

  "She brings out a side of you I haven't seen since before Mama died." Maria's voice softened. "That spark, that hint of the man who used to tell terrible jokes at breakfast and dance with Mama in the kitchen. But you have to let yourself heal, Papa. You have to face what happened, or you'll never be able to give Olivia - or yourself - the love you both deserve."

  Diego's chest tightened as decades of carefully contained emotions crashed through his defenses. His cybernetic leg whirred, but he barely heard it over the roaring in his ears. Elena's face flooded his mind - not just her final moments, but all the small moments he'd locked away. Her morning smile over coffee. The way she'd hum while folding laundry. Her fierce determination as she'd taught Maria to read.

  The tears came hot and fast now. His shoulders shook as grief, long denied, finally broke free. The coffee mug slipped from his trembling fingers, but Maria caught it before it could spill.

  "Elena." Her name escaped his lips like a prayer. "I couldn't save her. I was right there, and I couldn't-"

  The words dissolved into raw, guttural sobs. Years of military discipline crumbled as memories assaulted him - the water riots, the screaming crowds, Elena's hand slipping from his grasp. The weight of command decisions that had cost lives. The faces of those he couldn't save. The crushing responsibility of keeping others alive while his own heart turned to stone.

  Maria's arms wrapped around him, and for once, Diego didn't try to be strong. He let himself be held as grief wracked his body. Through his tears, he saw flashes of Olivia - her quiet strength, her brilliant mind, her way of seeing through his carefully constructed walls. The fear of losing her too had kept him from fully opening his heart.

  "I'm so tired," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "So damn tired of being strong."

  The afternoon light painted patterns on the floor as father and daughter held each other, letting years of unspoken grief flow between them. For the first time since Elena's death, Diego allowed himself to simply feel - no strategic planning, no threat assessment, no walls. Just the raw, human experience of loss and love and the possibility of healing.

  Diego watched the organized chaos unfold before the shimmering portal. Sarah Chen's efficiency never failed to impress him as she directed newcomers with practiced ease, her clipboard forgotten as she worked from memory. The stream of refugees and materials flowed like a choreographed dance under her guidance.

  His chest tightened as Manuel emerged through the portal's silvery surface, Mateo breaking free from the crowd with a shout of "Papa!" The boy crashed into his father's legs while Diego helped steady a large crate that Manuel had been carrying.

  "Good to see you made it," Diego said, clapping his son-in-law's shoulder. The sight of the ore processing components strapped to hover pallets behind Manuel confirmed what Diego had hoped - they'd managed to salvage the critical equipment.

  Jack's voice cut through the commotion. "Hey Chief, we need more hands over here!" He was wrestling with what looked like part of a centrifuge assembly, his cybernetic leg braced against a crate for leverage.

  Diego moved to help, his own mechanical leg whirring as he lifted. The whole settlement had turned out - faces he recognized from engineering, agriculture, medical, all working together to clear the landing zone. Every minute counted now. They had less than an hour before the portal would destabilize.

  Sarah's voice rang out clear and steady: "Medical cases this way! Everyone else, please follow the green markers to processing!" She directed a pregnant woman toward Dr. Thompson while simultaneously gesturing for two engineers to help with an awkward piece of equipment.

  The efficiency of it all made Diego's military heart proud. They'd drilled for this, planned for every contingency. Now watching it play out - seeing his people working as one, seeing families reunited - it felt like victory. Not the hollow kind he'd known in war, but something real. Something worth building.

  Diego's holo-comm chirped, pulling his attention from the bustling portal zone. He tapped his earpiece, Luna's familiar voice cutting through the background noise.

  "Chief, we've got a situation. APU patrol just entered our surveillance grid, heading southwest. They're running dark - no transponders."

  Diego's jaw tightened. The timing couldn't be worse. "How many vessels?"

  "Three corvettes, low altitude. Flight pattern suggests they're searching for something." Luna's fingers clattered across her keyboard. "Or someone."

  Diego watched another group emerge through the portal, Sarah efficiently directing them toward processing. They couldn't afford any delays, not with the portal's stability window closing.

  "Time to contact?" he asked, already moving toward the control center.

  "Twenty-eight minutes at current speed. Emily's got the drones ready for interference patterns, but-"

  "But we need those drones for security here," Diego finished. He passed Jack, who was still wrestling with equipment. "Hold position. I'm heading to you now."

  The comm clicked off. Diego caught Manuel's eye and gestured toward the portal zone. His son-in-law nodded, understanding the silent command to take charge of the evacuation efforts.

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he quickened his pace. APU patrols running dark meant they'd dropped pretense. Someone had talked, or they'd picked up energy signatures from the portal. Either way, the next few minutes would determine whether they could complete the evacuation or if they'd need to shut everything down.

  Diego stepped through the portal's shimmering surface, the familiar disorientation hitting his stomach. The Embarkation room materialized around him, packed with people and equipment. His mechanical leg adjusted to the transition with a soft whir.

  Queues of evacuees wound across the chamber, expressions wavering between terror and desperate optimism. Through the commotion, he heard one of Sarah's staff members barking instructions with seasoned authority. Diego's chest tightened at the glimpse of the cloaked fusion core - proof that Kaito had delivered as promised.

  Pallets of supplies lined the walls: medical equipment, construction materials, preserved food stores. Everything they'd managed to salvage before the APU locked down the major distribution centers. Diego recognized the distinctive markings on some crates - military-grade power cells that would keep their systems running for months.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Chief!" Luna's voice crackled through his earpiece. "We need you in control."

  Diego navigated through the crowded room, noting familiar faces among the new arrivals. The Rodriguez family huddled near a stack of agricultural supplies. Carter checked vital signs on an elderly man while explaining something to a young medic.

  The control center's door hissed open. Luna hunched over her console, fingers flying across multiple screens. The main display showed the APU patrol's trajectory - they'd altered course, moving faster now.

  "How long until they're in range?" Diego asked, studying the red dots marking the corvettes' positions.

  "Twenty minutes, maybe less." Luna pulled up another screen filled with sensor data. "They're running active scans now. Looking for something specific."

  Diego watched the fusion reactor's massive form through the control room window. Getting that through the portal would take precious time they might not have.

  Diego scowled at the display, his mind racing through decades of military connections. The red dots of the APU corvettes blinked accusingly as they crept closer to detection range. Someone high enough in the command chain might be able to redirect those patrols, but who still owed him favors?

  General Roberts had retired last year. Colonel Chen died in the Jakarta incident. Major Williams... Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he shifted his weight. Williams had made admiral six months ago, heading up the Pacific Fleet's northern division. They'd served together during the Hydration War, saved each other's asses more times than he could count.

  "Luna, get me a secure channel to Admiral Williams. Use the old encryption from the Osaka campaign."

  Luna's fingers flew across her console. "Sir, that's a risk. If they trace the signal-"

  "They won't. Williams will recognize the code." Diego remembered the weeks they'd spent developing that encryption, holed up in a basement while AI drones hunted overhead. "He's one of the good ones."

  The display showed the corvettes adjusting their search pattern. Fifteen minutes until they'd be close enough to detect the portal's energy signature. Diego touched his earpiece, muscle memory from countless operations taking over.

  "And Luna? Route it through the Malaysian relay stations. Make it look like corporate chatter."

  She nodded, already implementing his instructions. The familiar scratch of static filled his ear as the encryption protocols engaged. Diego straightened, falling into the formal posture ingrained by years of military service. If Williams was still the same man he'd known in Osaka, there was a chance. A small one, but sometimes that was all you needed.

  "Admiral Williams, this is Martinez. Remember that bottle of sake we shared in Osaka? The one from the old man's cellar?"

  A sharp intake of breath carried through the encrypted line. "Christ, Diego. Using the Osaka protocols? This better be important."

  Diego watched the red dots on the display creep closer. "Got three of your corvettes running dark, heading toward my position. Need you to redirect them, Jack."

  "You know I can't just-"

  "The sake was poisoned," Diego cut in. "We spent three days puking our guts out while those AI drones hunted us. You said you owed me one."

  Silence stretched across the connection. The corvettes adjusted their heading slightly, maintaining their search pattern. Luna's fingers hovered over her keyboard, ready to cut the transmission at the first sign of trouble.

  "Those corvettes are searching for unauthorized power surges," Williams finally said, his voice tight. "High command's concerned about rogue elements accessing restricted technology."

  "Then you better tell them to look somewhere else." Diego kept his voice steady, though his mechanical leg whirred with tension. "I'm calling in that marker, Jack. For Osaka."

  Another pause. Diego could almost see Williams at his desk, weighing decades of friendship against his duty. The corvettes were twelve minutes out now.

  The admiral sighed, a sound heavy with the weight of command decisions. "Diego, what the hell is going on? Really going on?"

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he shifted his weight. The truth. After all these years of classified ops and need-to-know missions, he owed Jack Williams that much.

  "They denied my family spots on the exodus ships," Diego said, watching the red dots on the display continue their sweep. "My daughter, my grandkids - all rejected. Hell, they rejected half my old team too. Good people, Jack. People who fought and bled for the APU."

  "Damn," Williams muttered. "The selection protocols are above my pay grade, but I heard they got stricter."

  "Found another way out. Small group of scientists developed some quantum gateway tech. Different dimension, habitable world." Diego paused, letting that sink in. "Not asking you to get involved. Just need those corvettes looking somewhere else for the next hour."

  Luna's fingers flew across her keyboard, tracking the patrol's movements. The corvettes were still on course, now ten minutes from detection range.

  "Quantum gateway? Jesus, Diego. You know how many regulations-"

  "My grandkids, Jack. Isabel and Mateo. You met them at Elena's funeral." Diego's voice roughened. "I'm not letting them die here while the elite pack themselves onto those ships."

  Diego's grip tightened on the console edge. The question burned in his throat - he had to ask. "Jack, level with me. Your family make the cut for exodus?"

  Silence stretched across the encrypted channel. Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he shifted his weight.

  "No," Williams finally answered, his voice hollow. "Sarah and the kids... they said they didn't meet the genetic diversity requirements."

  Diego's jaw clenched. "I might have a solution, but we're running on fumes here. Gateway can only open three more times before we're out of stabilization materials." He watched the corvettes' position markers crawl across the display. "We're mining what we need in Haven, but refinement takes time."

  "Haven?" Williams asked.

  "The other side. New world, clean air, fresh water." Diego glanced through the control room window at the crowded embarkation chamber. "Can't guarantee anything, Jack. But if you can get your family here..."

  Luna's fingers paused over her keyboard, her expression tense as she monitored the encrypted channel. The corvettes were eight minutes from detection range now.

  "Those corvettes, Jack. I need an answer." Diego kept his voice steady, professional. "Your family's welcome here if you want it. But right now, I need those ships somewhere else."

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred softly as he paced the small control room. Each second of silence from the encrypted channel felt like an eternity. Luna's fingers continued their relentless dance across the keyboard, monitoring both the approaching corvettes and the vital signs of the quantum gateway.

  The red dots crept closer on the display. Seven minutes until detection range. His jaw clenched as memories of Osaka flashed through his mind - Williams pulling him from the rubble after that drone strike, both of them half-dead from the poisoned sake but still fighting. They'd saved each other that day, and many days after.

  "Sir," Luna whispered, her eyes fixed on her screens. "Energy signature from the corvettes is changing. They're powering up their active scanning arrays."

  Diego's hand tightened on his earpiece. The encrypted channel remained silent except for the soft hiss of static. Had he miscalculated? Had Williams changed too much over the years?

  Six minutes to detection range.

  The fusion core waited in the embarkation room, its massive form a testament to Kaito's connections. They needed at least forty minutes to get it through the portal safely. If those corvettes picked up its energy signature...

  "Come on, Jack," Diego muttered, watching the red dots continue their inexorable advance. "Your family deserves better than this."

  The static crackled. Diego held his breath.

  "Control, this is Admiral Williams." The voice carried the full weight of command. "Redirect patrol pattern delta-seven to sector four. We've received reports of unusual energy signatures near the old Singapore defense grid."

  Diego's shoulders loosened slightly as the red dots on the display began to alter course, turning away from the facility.

  "Understood, Admiral," came the corvette commander's reply. "Adjusting heading to sector four."

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he leaned closer to the console. "Thank you, Jack. I'm sending coordinates now. Get your family there within forty-eight hours - we'll be waiting."

  Luna's fingers flew across her keyboard, encrypting the location data before transmission. Diego watched the corvettes' signatures fade from their sensor range, heading toward Singapore.

  "The gateway needs specific materials for stabilization," Diego continued. "Sending you a list. If you can get your hands on any of it..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Each batch means another portal opening. Another chance to save more families."

  "I'll see what I can do," Williams replied, his voice tight with emotion. "And Diego? Thank you. For remembering Osaka. For remembering what matters."

  "Just get your family here safe." Diego's throat tightened. "Martinez out."

  The encrypted channel closed with a soft click. Diego watched the data stream confirm the successful transmission of coordinates and material specifications. His mechanical leg adjusted with a soft whir as he straightened, relief washing through him. One more family would be saved. One more debt repaid.

  Luna looked up from her console. "Sir? The fusion core team is ready to begin transport."

  Diego nodded, already moving toward the door. They had work to do, and the portal's stability window wouldn't last forever.

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he guided the drone cart toward the shimmering portal surface. The generator components, secured with mag-locks and stabilization struts, hummed with latent energy. His hands gripped the control yoke, muscle memory from countless combat operations taking over as he maneuvered through the crowded embarkation room.

  "Clear the way!" he called, watching evacuees press against the walls. The cart's repulsors kicked up loose papers as it glided forward.

  The portal's surface rippled like mercury. Diego felt the familiar twisting sensation in his gut as he crossed the threshold, the world blurring and reforming around him. His mechanical leg compensated for the dimensional shift with a series of rapid adjustments.

  Haven's atmosphere hit his lungs - cleaner, sharper than Earth's. The cart's stabilizers whined as they adjusted to the different gravity. Through the settling dimensional distortion, he saw Alexis' face light up like a kid at Christmas.

  "Holy shit, you actually got it!" Alexis bounced on her toes, her usual composure forgotten as she stared at the generator components. Her hands reached toward the precision-machined housing, then pulled back as if afraid it might disappear. "Is all of it here? On the other side of the portal?"

  Diego's lip quirked at her enthusiasm. The last time he'd seen her this excited was when they'd let her blow up that abandoned bunker in Tehran.

  Diego nodded, his mechanical leg whirring as he stepped back from the cart. "Got the whole thing. Now let's clear the area - more people coming through."

  A drone pilot took control of the cart, guiding it smoothly toward the generation station pad. The portal's surface rippled again as refugees started emerging in groups, their faces a mix of terror and relief. Medical supplies, crates of equipment, and more generator components flowed through in a carefully choreographed dance of survival.

  His gut tightened as he watched the countdown display. One minute left. The portal's surface flickered slightly - a warning sign they were pushing the limits. Four more people stumbled through, then five more right behind them. The timer ticked down mercilessly.

  Diego's jaw clenched. The system was straining under the load, but they couldn't slow down now. More groups pushed through the gateway, each transition sending tiny ripples across the portal's mercury-like surface.

  Thirty seconds.

  Twenty.

  Ten.

  His mechanical leg whirred as he shifted his weight, watching the final group approach the threshold. The portal's surface wavered dangerously.

  The countdown hit one just as the last refugee's foot cleared the gateway. Diego released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

  "Damn," he muttered, watching the portal stabilize. "That was close."

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he pulled the holo-comm from his belt. His fingers danced across the surface, initiating a group call to Jack, Alexis, and Olivia. Their faces materialized in the air before him, each projection tinted with a slight blue haze.

  "That was too close for comfort," Diego said, watching their expressions. "We pushed right up to the wire with that last group."

  Jack's hologram flickered as he adjusted something off-screen. "Yeah, saw those portal fluctuations from engineering. Thought we were gonna lose containment for a second there."

  "The stabilizers held though," Alexis chimed in, her image showing her still near the fusion generator components. "But I'm thinking we should run a full diagnostic, make sure nothing got knocked loose during all that traffic."

  Diego nodded, his eyes tracking the last of the refugees being guided toward the processing area. "My thoughts exactly. Olivia, what's your take?"

  "No need to worry," Olivia's hologram waved a dismissive hand. "The Earth-side team runs complete diagnostics after every portal closure - it's standard protocol. I'll review their shutdown logs personally, but I'm confident everything performed within acceptable parameters."

  "Even with that last-second surge?" Diego's mechanical leg adjusted as he shifted his weight.

  "The system's designed to handle it," Olivia assured him. "Though I admit, that was cutting it closer than I'd like."

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he adjusted his stance. "Alexis, Jack - great work keeping those stabilizers running. We couldn't have pushed the system that hard without your modifications."

  "Just doing our job, boss," Jack's hologram gave a mock salute. "Though I gotta say, watching Alexis drool over that fusion generator was worth the stress."

  "I wasn't drooling," Alexis protested, her image showing her still hovering protectively near the components. "I was... conducting a visual inspection."

  Diego's lip quirked at their banter. These two had saved his ass more times than he could count, usually while arguing about explosives or power systems. He turned his attention to Olivia's projection.

  "Didn't see you during the transfer. Where are you hiding?"

  "Bio-Ag lab," Olivia replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Mei needed help analyzing some unusual readings from the embryo storage units. The mineral content in Haven's atmosphere seems to be affecting their development rates."

  Diego nodded, already turning toward the lab's direction. "On my way. Jack, Alexis keep me updated on that diagnostic."

  "Will do," they answered in unison, their holograms winking out as Diego ended the call.

  His mechanical leg adjusted smoothly as he started walking, compensating for the slight difference in Haven's gravity. The Bio-Ag lab wasn't far, and he wanted to hear more about these embryo readings firsthand.

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he pushed open the Bio-Ag lab door. Olivia stood near the entrance, datapad in hand, deep in conversation with Mei. The sharp scent of antiseptic and growth medium filled his nostrils.

  "The DNA markers are clear," Mei gestured at the screen. "These chicks are developing at an accelerated rate - roughly twenty-five percent faster than Earth baseline. Their bone density is off the charts too."

  Olivia's brow furrowed as she studied the data. "And you're certain this isn't some kind of measurement error?"

  "Triple-checked everything," Mei shook her head. "Whatever's in Haven's environment, it's fundamentally altering their development patterns. The mineral content in their feed alone..."

  Diego cleared his throat, drawing their attention. Olivia's face softened when she saw him, though the concern didn't completely leave her eyes.

  "I heard we had some interesting readings from the embryo storage," he said, stepping closer to examine the datapad. The screen showed complex genetic markers and growth rate charts he couldn't begin to decipher.

  "More than interesting," Mei replied. "These chicks are practically supercharged. If this trend continues across other species..." She trailed off, tapping through more data screens.

  Diego studied the growth comparison images. The Haven chicks were noticeably larger than their Earth counterparts at the same age, their feathers fuller and more vibrant. His mechanical leg adjusted as he leaned in for a better look at the bone density scans.

  "What about negative effects?" he asked. "Any signs of problems from this acceleration?"

  Diego's stomach tightened at Mei's hesitation. He'd seen that look before - the one scientists got when they had to deliver complicated news.

  "The accelerated aging could be problematic," Mei pulled up another chart. "If these growth rates continue, we might burn through our initial population faster than they can reproduce naturally."

  Diego shifted his weight, his cybernetic leg adjusting automatically. "How many viable embryos do we have?"

  "Eleven hundred of each species." Mei's fingers danced across the datapad. "It's the theoretical minimum needed for genetic diversity in large mammals. We calculated it would give us enough breeding pairs to establish sustainable populations."

  "But with this acceleration..." Diego let the thought hang.

  "Exactly." Mei nodded. "If they age faster than they can reproduce, we could end up with a population crash. The math was perfect for normal Earth conditions - one generation replacing the next at predictable intervals. But Haven's environment is rewriting those rules."

  Diego rubbed his chin, studying the growth projections. The stark numbers told a clear story - their carefully planned animal populations might not be sustainable if this trend continued.

  "How long until you can give me solid numbers on reproduction rates?" he asked.

  "The rabbits will be our first indicator," Mei replied. "They breed quickly enough that we should have preliminary data within a few months."

  Olivia stepped forward, her face tight with concern. "We've detected similar markers in the preserved human embryos. The acceleration isn't quite as dramatic - maybe fifteen percent faster than Earth normal. But..."

  "But it's enough to throw off all our population models," Diego finished. The implications hit him like a physical blow. Their carefully planned colony size, the resources allocated per generation, the timing of expansion - everything would need to be recalculated.

  "If human children develop faster, age quicker..." He couldn't finish the thought.

  "We're looking at potentially shortened lifespans," Olivia confirmed quietly. "And if fertility windows change, our whole population growth model falls apart."

  Diego's mind raced through the scenarios. Faster development meant reaching reproductive age sooner, but also reaching end of life faster. The careful balance they'd planned between resources and population would shift dramatically.

  "How many generations until we'd see critical problems?"

  "Hard to say without more data." Olivia pulled up another chart. "But if these rates hold steady, we might start seeing significant demographic shifts within three to four generations."

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he shifted his weight, processing the implications. Their dream of a stable colony could unravel if they couldn't maintain a sustainable population balance. All their careful planning, thrown into chaos by Haven's unique environment.

  "We need to tell the council," he said finally. "This affects everything - food production, housing plans, medical resources..."

  Diego opened his holo-comm, his cybernetic leg adjusting as he leaned against the lab counter. His fingers tapped across the device's surface, crafting a message to the council members.

  "Priority meeting required at Haven HQ conference room. Concerns genetic adaptation rates in Haven's environment. Immediate attendance requested."

  He sent the message to each council member: Olivia, Kaito, Sarah Chen, Captain Johnson, Jack, and Dr Thompson. The device chirped confirmations as the messages went through.

  "How much time do you need to prepare your findings?" Diego glanced at Mei, who was already organizing her data displays.

  "Give me twenty minutes to compile everything into a clear presentation." Mei's fingers flew across her datapad. "The genetic markers are complex - I need to simplify the visuals for those without a biology background."

  Olivia stepped closer, her shoulder brushing against Diego's. "I'll help Mei with the technical breakdown. The council needs to understand both the immediate and long-term implications."

  Diego nodded, his mind already racing through the cascade of changes they'd need to implement. The confirmation pings started coming in - first Johnson, then Sarah, followed quickly by the others.

  "Conference room in thirty minutes," he announced, pushing himself away from the counter. His leg whirred softly as he headed for the door. "I need to grab the resource allocation charts from my office. We'll need to compare them against these new growth rates."

  Diego glanced around the conference room at Haven HQ, his gaze settling on each face in turn. Mei and Olivia sat together, their datapads at the ready. Kaito leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a contemplative look on his face. Sarah Chen was reviewing personnel files, her expression focused. Captain Johnson, always alert, scanned the room with practiced precision. Jack lounged with his usual relaxed demeanor, while Dr. Thompson appeared pensive.

  Diego cleared his throat, the sound drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, folks," he began, "we have an urgent issue to discuss."

  The room fell silent, all eyes on him. Diego could feel the weight of their collective attention. He took a deep breath and continued.

  "Mei and Olivia have discovered some concerning data about the genetic adaptation rates in Haven's environment," Diego said. "This isn't just about the accelerated growth of livestock embryos – it also affects human embryos."

  He turned to Mei and Olivia, giving them a nod to take over.

  Mei stood up first, her fingers tapping on her datapad as she projected a series of charts and graphs onto the room's central display. "We've observed that Haven's unique environment is accelerating the development of both animal and human embryos," she explained. "For livestock, this means faster growth rates and enhanced bone density."

  She pointed to a chart showing comparative growth rates between Earth-based and Haven-based livestock embryos. The difference was stark.

  "But it's not just about faster growth," Mei continued. "The accelerated aging could lead to shortened lifespans and potential population crashes if we can't manage reproduction rates effectively."

  Olivia stepped forward next, adding her own datapad to the display. "We've detected similar markers in preserved human embryos," she said, highlighting a set of genetic sequences on the screen. "The acceleration isn't as dramatic as with livestock – about fifteen percent faster than Earth normal – but it's enough to throw off our population models."

  Diego watched as Olivia outlined the potential long-term implications: demographic shifts within three to four generations, altered fertility windows, and the challenge of maintaining a stable population balance.

  "We need to rethink our entire approach," Olivia concluded. "This affects everything from food production and housing plans to medical resources and overall colony sustainability."

  The room buzzed with murmurs of concern as everyone absorbed the information. Diego raised a hand for silence.

  "We're going to need all hands on deck for this," he said firmly. "This is a game-changer, but we've faced worse before. We'll adapt – it's what we do best."

  He turned back to Mei and Olivia. "Let's discuss our immediate next steps."

  Diego leaned forward, as he listened intently as Mei and Olivia delved into the gritty details of what the colony needed to survive these unforeseen challenges.

  "We need to increase our population numbers significantly," Mei began, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words. "To offset the accelerated aging and ensure genetic diversity, we need a larger gene pool. This means encouraging more births within the first few generations."

  Olivia nodded in agreement, tapping her datapad to project a new set of charts. "We've run some preliminary models," she said, pointing to the projections. "To reduce the risk of population collapse, we need at least three hundred breeding pairs within the next two decades. Each family should aim to have a minimum of three children."

  Diego's jaw tightened as he absorbed the implications. Controlled matchmaking and population planning—concepts that felt more like dystopian science fiction than reality—were now their best hope for survival.

  "How do we manage that without causing social unrest?" he asked, voicing his concern. "People aren't going to take kindly to having their personal lives dictated."

  Olivia met his gaze, her green eyes unwavering. "It's about communication and transparency," she said firmly. "We need to explain why this is necessary, how it's for the greater good. It won't be easy, but it's essential."

  Mei added, "We also need to ensure that these families are supported with resources—housing, food, medical care—to make this feasible. It's not just about numbers; it's about creating an environment where these children can thrive."

  Sarah Chen chimed in from her seat, flipping through personnel files. "We should also consider bringing in additional specialists from Earth who can help with population management and genetic diversity planning."

  "Agreed," Diego nodded. "Not to mention more people."

  The room fell silent as everyone considered their roles in this daunting task ahead.

  Diego straightened up, determination hardening his features. "We do what we must," he said, voice resolute. "For Haven and for our future."

  Diego's own words echoed in his mind, leaving a bitter taste. "We do what we must." How many times had he heard those exact words from APU officials justifying their actions? From AI systems determining who lived and died? From leaders choosing who got water and who didn't?

  His mechanical leg whirred as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. The conference room felt smaller, more confining. Around him, the council members continued their discussion, their voices fading into background noise as his thoughts churned.

  Haven was supposed to be different. They'd come here to escape the ruthless efficiency and cold calculations that had torn Earth apart. Yet here they sat, planning to regulate people's personal lives, to encourage - maybe even pressure - them into having children for the "greater good."

  His gaze drifted to the genetic markers displayed on the screen. The data was undeniable, the threat real. But using that threat to justify controlling people's choices... wasn't that exactly what they'd fought against?

  Diego's fingers drummed against the table as memories of water riots and exodus ship selections flashed through his mind. He'd seen firsthand how "necessary measures" could spiral into oppression. The road to hell, as the saying went, was paved with good intentions.

  "Diego?" Olivia's voice cut through his thoughts. "You've gone quiet."

  He looked up to find everyone staring at him, waiting for direction. The weight of leadership pressed down on his shoulders, heavier than ever. They needed a solution, yes - but not one that compromised the very principles that had brought them to Haven.

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he pushed back from the table. "I've been thinking about how this sounds," he said, his voice tight. "About how familiar it feels."

  The others turned to him, confusion evident on their faces.

  "We're sitting here, talking about controlling population growth, about telling people how many kids to have - all for the greater good." Diego's fingers traced the edge of the table. "That's exactly the kind of thinking that turned Earth into what it is. The APU telling people who gets water, who gets on the ships, who lives and dies."

  Olivia's eyes widened with understanding. "You're right," she said softly. "We can't become what we fled from."

  "The moment we start making decisions about people's personal lives, we're no better than the AI systems that rated human worth based on efficiency." Diego looked around the room, meeting each person's gaze. "Haven was supposed to be different."

  Sarah Chen nodded vigorously. "We need to inform people, give them the facts, but let them make their own choices."

  "Exactly," Diego continued. "We provide the information, the support, the resources - but we don't dictate. No pressure, no coercion, no 'greater good' justifications."

  "It will make things harder," Mei admitted. "Less predictable."

  "Better unpredictable than tyrannical," Kaito spoke up. "We've all seen where that road leads."

  Heads nodded around the table as understanding settled over the group. They'd nearly stepped onto a dangerous path, one that started with good intentions but led to the very things they'd fought against.

  "So we revise our approach," Diego said. "Focus on education, support, and freedom of choice. That's what Haven stands for."

  They all nodded their consent, the weight of the decision settling on their shoulders. Diego felt a surge of pride for his team. They'd chosen the harder path, but it was the right one.

  "There's something else we need to discuss," Diego began, his voice steady but serious. "It's about Admiral Williams."

  The room grew quiet as everyone turned their attention to him. Diego took a deep breath and continued.

  "Williams has been an ally, helping us maneuver through APU patrols and providing critical intel. Today, he did something that goes beyond duty. He redirected three APU corvettes that were closing in on our location."

  Kaito's eyes widened in surprise, while Sarah's mouth formed a silent "wow." Olivia looked at Diego with a mixture of admiration and concern.

  "He took a significant risk," Diego went on. "If anyone finds out, he'll be court-martialed at best. At worst... well, you know how the APU deals with traitors."

  The gravity of his words hung in the air, everyone understanding the stakes.

  "I offered him and his family a place here in Haven," Diego said. "He's got a wife and two kids. They're stuck in Seattle, and it's only a matter of time before the APU catches wind of his actions."

  Mei's brow furrowed. "Can we accommodate them with our current resources?"

  Diego nodded. "We'll have to stretch things a bit, but it's doable. The Admiral's expertise would be invaluable here, not just for security but for his strategic knowledge."

  Kaito leaned forward, elbows on the table. "We owe him that much for what he did today," he said firmly. "Without his intervention, we wouldn't be having this meeting right now."

  Olivia glanced at her datapad before looking back at Diego. "We can make it work," she said. "We'll just need to plan carefully and ensure everyone is on board."

  Diego felt a sense of relief wash over him. They were united in this decision, just as they had been with everything else.

  Diego took a deep breath, letting the weight of the council's eyes rest on him. "I told Admiral Williams he needs to facilitate his own way to at least Playa. From there, we can bring him in."

  A murmur rippled through the room as everyone absorbed the information. Diego continued, his voice steady but carrying the urgency of their situation. "I also informed him that our plate is full. We're running very low on stabilization resources. If we don't get some soon, our last portal opening will be three days from now."

  Olivia frowned, her fingers tapping on her datapad. "Three days," she echoed softly. "That's not much time."

  Kaito leaned forward, concern etched across his face. "What are our chances of securing more stabilization metals in such a short timeframe?"

  Diego's jaw tightened. "Slim," he admitted. "We've already tapped into most of our known sources, and any further extraction will be risky."

  Mei looked up from her notes, her expression serious. "We need to prioritize. Who gets to cross first if we can only make one more trip?"

  The room fell silent as the question hung in the air. It was a brutal reality they all had to face – who would get a chance at a new life in Haven and who would be left behind.

  Diego ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "Families with young children first," he said finally. "Then those with critical skills we need for survival here."

  Sarah nodded, jotting down notes on her tablet. "I'll start compiling a list based on those criteria."

  "We also need to consider Admiral Williams' family," Olivia added gently. "He's risking everything for us."

  Diego met her gaze and nodded slowly. "They'll be on the list." He turned back to Kaito. "Can you reach out to your contacts? See if there's any way we can expedite getting more stabilization metals?"

  Kaito's eyes flickered with determination. "I'll do what I can," he promised.

  Diego's head snapped up at Jack's sudden interjection.

  "Hold up," Jack said, tapping his cybernetic leg against the floor. "We just got that new ore processing equipment today. With the upgrades, we can handle raw materials three times faster than before."

  A spark of hope flickered in Diego's chest, but before he could respond, Kaito cleared his throat.

  "Actually," Kaito's lips curved into a slight smile, "there's more. When we acquired the processing unit, I managed to secure several of the newer model mining bots as well."

  Diego's eyes narrowed. "And I'm just hearing about this now because...?"

  "You missed our scheduled meeting this morning," Kaito replied smoothly, straightening his tie. "I thought it best to save the information for when I had your full attention."

  Diego felt his jaw clench. He'd been so caught up in the genetic adaptation crisis that he'd completely forgotten about the meeting with Kaito. The reminder of his oversight stung, but the news itself offered a glimmer of possibility.

  Diego's mechanical leg whirred as he shot Jack a withering glare. "You want to run that by me again, Jack?"

  Jack's cybernetic leg tapped against the floor as a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Just wondering if our fearless leader got his beauty rest on the doc's couch while some of us were hauling ass with the new equipment."

  The room fell silent. Diego caught Olivia trying to hide a smile behind her datapad.

  "Tell you what," Diego said, his voice dangerously calm. "Since you've got so much energy for jokes, you can test those new mining bots personally. I hear the northern range is lovely this time of year."

  Jack's grin faltered slightly. "Come on, boss. You know I'm just giving you shit. Besides, someone had to lighten the mood after all that genetic doom and gloom."

  Diego maintained his stern expression for another moment before letting out a short laugh. "Yeah, well, next time try coffee instead of smart-ass comments. Now, tell me about these mining bots before I change my mind about the caves."

  "The new bots," Diego leaned forward, pushing aside his irritation, "what's their capability compared to our current models?"

  "They're designed specifically for mineral extraction in unstable environments," Kaito explained. "Forty percent more efficient than our older units, with improved sensors for detecting trace elements."

  Diego caught Olivia's eye across the table. Her expression mirrored his own cautious optimism. These new resources could change everything - if they could get them operational in time.

  "Well," he said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of weariness, "I guess I don't need to tell you what needs to be done."

  One by one, they nodded and chimed in with their assignments.

  "Mei and I will start working on expanding our agricultural capacity," Ethan said. "We'll need to adjust our crop plans based on the new colony growth data, if people grow faster, they will need more food to fuel it."

  "Got it," Diego acknowledged.

  Sarah spoke next. "I'll compile the list of priority families and critical personnel for the portal crossings. We need to ensure everyone is ready at a moment's notice."

  Diego nodded, appreciating her efficiency.

  "I'll get those new mining bots up and running," Jack added, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "And I'll make sure they don't blow up in our faces."

  Olivia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'll focus on recalibrating the portal systems for maximum efficiency. We need to make each crossing count."

  "Good," Diego said, feeling a surge of gratitude for their dedication.

  Kaito leaned forward. "I'll secure additional stabilization metals I can get through my contacts."

  "Excellent," Diego replied.

  He looked around the room once more, seeing determination etched into every face. It was moments like these that reminded him why they kept fighting, why they never gave up.

  Diego chuckled softly and shook his head. "Makes me wonder why you all even keep me around."

  Jack didn't miss a beat. "For your good looks and charming personality, obviously."

  Laughter rippled through the room, breaking some of the tension that had settled over them like a heavy fog.

  Diego couldn't help but join in, shaking his head again. "Alright, alright. Let's get to work before I start believing you."

  The team dispersed, each person heading off to tackle their assignments with renewed energy. As Diego watched them go, he felt a spark of hope flicker to life inside him. They had faced impossible odds before and came out stronger on the other side. This time would be no different.

  He turned back to Olivia as she gathered her things. "Thank you," he said quietly.

  She looked up at him, her green eyes filled with warmth. "We're all in this together, Diego."

  He nodded, feeling that connection more deeply than ever. Together, they could face anything – even the unknown challenges that lay ahead in Haven.

  Diego stirred slightly, the familiar weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. The comforting warmth beside him, however, kept him anchored in a peaceful slumber. Olivia's arm draped over his chest, her rhythmic breathing a soothing cadence in the quiet room.

  The holo-comm chirped, piercing through the silence. Diego's eyes snapped open, and he blinked against the dim light filtering through the room. He felt Olivia shift beside him but remain asleep.

  His hand fumbled for the holo-comm on the side table. He squinted at the screen, Luna's name flashing insistently. He frowned. How was he getting a message from Luna? The portal wasn't scheduled to open until 1000 hours.

  He quickly answered the call, his voice rough with sleep. "Luna? What's going on?"

  Luna's face appeared on the small screen, her expression urgent. "Diego, where have you been? It's already 1000 hours!"

  Diego glanced at the clock and felt a jolt of shock course through him. "What the hell? I slept for twelve hours straight?"

  "Yeah, and we've got a situation here," Luna continued, her tone all business.

  Diego disentangled himself from Olivia's embrace. She murmured something unintelligible but didn't wake up. He took a moment to brush a strand of hair from her face before standing up and stretching. The weariness clung to him, but there was no time for lingering.

  "Luna, give me the rundown," Diego said, his voice more alert now.

  Luna's holographic image flickered slightly. "Mia and James are in Playa Mia with the executive helicopter. James is handling the personnel transport. We're facing increased seismic activity that's starting to interfere with the portal stabilization."

  Diego's mind raced as he absorbed the information. "What's the status of the evacuees?"

  Diego paced the small room, his bare feet silent on the cold floor. "How bad is the weather?"

  "Bad enough that Mia's worried," Luna replied through the holo-comm. "The storm front is moving faster than predicted."

  Movement caught Diego's eye. Olivia sat up on the bed, her hair tousled from sleep. She offered him a sleepy smile, but her eyes sharpened as she caught the tension in his stance.

  "Admiral Williams and his family are boarding now," Luna continued. "Mia's waiting on refueling - says she's got enough to make it back, but with these conditions..."

  "She's right to be cautious," Diego agreed. "Better safe than sorry when flying through this mess."

  Olivia swung her legs over the side of the bed, listening intently to the conversation. She grabbed her datapad from the nightstand, fingers flying over the screen as she checked weather patterns.

  Diego watched Luna wipe her hand across her face in frustration, her holographic image distorting slightly with the movement. His stomach tightened - that gesture usually meant trouble.

  "Shit, Diego. James just radioed in. He was loading his scheduled thirty-five when a mob rushed the airfield. Hundreds of people just charged the gates and stormed his plane."

  Diego's jaw clenched. "How many got aboard?"

  "He doesn't know exact numbers but a maximum of six hundred I'd guess. The APU security forces showed up, weapons ready. James had to make a call - take off or watch people get gunned down on his ramp."

  "So he took off." Diego ran a hand through his hair, mind racing through the implications. They'd carefully selected each evacuee, vetted their skills, and ensured they'd contribute to Haven's survival. Now they had an unknown number of desperate refugees headed their way.

  Diego's stomach dropped at Luna's words. "Six hundred? That's three times our planned capacity." He ran a hand through his hair, mind racing through the implications. The portal's stability had been deteriorating with each crossing, and they'd calculated safe passages based on groups of two hundred.

  Through the distorted holo-comm, Luna explained how the situation had spiraled - Command wouldn't abandon civilians, especially after APU authorities began evacuating the airport terminals and implementing lockdowns. The public was panicking now that mainstream media confirmed what they'd suspected. While they'd begun boarding their assigned evacuees, a wave of desperate people had rushed forward before security could seal the entrance. "The majority," Luna's transmission wavered, "are parents with kids."

  Diego caught Olivia's worried gaze. She gripped her datapad tighter, her knuckles white. "The portal wasn't designed for that many people at once," she said. "The quantum field could collapse mid-transfer."

  "Or worse," Diego muttered. The image of six hundred people trapped between dimensions flashed through his mind. He'd seen enough combat to know when a situation had gone FUBAR, but these weren't soldiers - they were civilians, families, children.

  "We need options," Diego said, his voice hardening with determination. "Luna, what's the ETA on James's arrival?"

  "One hour, assuming the weather holds."

  Diego rubbed the bridge of his nose, the weight of the situation pressing down on him like a ton of bricks. He took a deep breath and steadied himself.

  "Luna," he said, his voice firm, "get James on the line. We need him to explain to those people that we can only get through fifty a day. Tell them we're working on securing more resources, but it's going to take time. They will be prioritized behind the people with confirmed passage."

  Luna nodded, her face serious as she worked to connect with James. Diego paced the room, feeling Olivia's eyes on him as he formulated a plan. He glanced at her; she was already pulling up data on her datapad, calculating portal stability and capacity under these new conditions.

  "James," Luna's voice came through the holo-comm, "Diego needs to speak with you."

  James's face appeared on the screen, his expression tense but focused. "What's the situation?"

  "James," Diego started, his tone authoritative, "we can only transport fifty people a day safely. You need to explain this to them. We're working on getting more resources, but it's going to take some time. Those without confirmed passage will have to wait."

  James nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll handle it," he replied. "But you know how desperate these people are. It's not going to be easy."

  "Do your best," Diego said. "Make sure they understand that their safety is our priority. We can't risk overloading the portal and losing everyone."

  James took a deep breath and gave a resolute nod before turning back to address the crowd.

  Diego disconnected and shifted his attention to Olivia. "What's the situation?" He observed as the color drained from her complexion while she examined the ecological metrics flowing down her screen. Her hands quivered faintly as she magnified one specific measurement.

  "What is it?" Diego moved closer, peering over her shoulder at the screen.

  "Seismic activity near Isla Mujeres." Olivia's voice was tight. "We just recorded a 7.0 earthquake about a hundred miles from here." She pulled up a map overlay, showing the epicenter's proximity to their location. Red warning indicators pulsed across the screen.

  Diego's jaw clenched. He'd seen enough natural disasters to know this could spiral out of control fast. The Caribbean fault lines had been increasingly unstable over the past decade. A quake that size could trigger a cascade of secondary events.

  "How long ago?" He kept his voice steady, though his mind raced through contingency plans.

  "Twenty minutes." Olivia switched to a different display, showing wave patterns and aftershock predictions. "The ocean is starting to pull back from the shoreline."

  Diego's blood ran cold at Olivia's words. The ocean pulling back meant only one thing - tsunami. His mind flashed to the thousands of desperate people gathered at the shoreline facilities.

  "Get me Luna again." He grabbed his boots, yanking them on while Olivia connected the call.

  Luna's face appeared, more worried than before. "Diego, the seismic-"

  "I know. How many people are still at the shore facilities?"

  "Over four hundred."

  Diego cursed under his breath. He'd seen this before - desperate civilians making dangerous choices out of fear.

  "Tell James to use the security teams. Anyone who doesn't move gets marked off the list completely." Diego checked his weapon out of habit. "And Luna, get me Admiral Williams."

  The holo-comm crackled, and Admiral Williams' face appeared, his expression grim. "Martinez, I assume you're tracking this?"

  "Yes, sir. We need immediate evacuation of all coastal facilities. The ocean's pulling back."

  "Already on it. I've got three corvettes moving into position. But Martinez..." Williams paused, his image flickering. "We're picking up multiple fault line activities. This isn't just one event."

  Diego switched channels on his holo-comm. "Mia, land that bird now. I don't care about refueling - get those people through the portal immediately."

  "Already descending," Mia's voice crackled through the comm. "But Diego, we've got thirty-eight people here, including the Admiral's family. That's well over our safe capacity-"

  "No choice. Get them through." Diego watched Olivia's datapad as another tremor registered. "The tsunami's coming, and we're running out of time."

  "Copy that." The sound of rotors whined through the connection. "Touching down in two minutes."

  Diego turned to Olivia. "How long until the wave hits?"

  "Twenty minutes, maybe less." She pulled up a satellite feed showing the massive wall of water forming offshore. "The quake was closer to the surface than we thought. It's accelerating the wave formation."

  Through the comm, Diego heard Mia barking orders at her passengers. The familiar sound of her take-charge voice brought a slight smile to his face despite the situation. If anyone could handle a panicked group of civilians, it was Mia.

  "On the ground," Mia reported. "Moving people to the portal now. Emily's got the drones providing cover from any stragglers trying to rush us."

  "Good. Get through fast, Mia. Don't wait for stragglers." Diego's fingers drummed against his thigh as he watched the satellite feed. The ocean continued its ominous retreat from the shoreline. "Once you're through, we're shutting it down until this passes."

  "Understood. First group entering the portal now."

  Diego turned to Olivia, his hand gripping her shoulder. "If you see any signs of pre-collapse, shut it down immediately. I don't care who's still waiting to cross. We can't risk losing everyone."

  Olivia nodded, her fingers flying across the datapad as she monitored the quantum field stability. The readings fluctuated with each group passing through, the numbers dancing dangerously close to their safety margins.

  Diego switched channels on his holo-comm. "Luna, get your people through now. That's an order."

  "But the systems-" Luna started to protest.

  "Now, Luna. The water's coming, and we're not losing anyone else. Emily can handle the drones from our side." Diego's tone left no room for argument. He'd seen too many good people lost to hesitation and noble intentions.

  Through the holo-comm, Luna barked orders to her team. The sound of hurried footsteps and equipment being hastily gathered echoed in the background.

  "Moving now," Luna reported. "Teams Two and Three are already heading to the portal. Sarah's got the last of the medical supplies."

  Diego watched the portal's energy readings spike as another group passed through. Each fluctuation sent his heart rate climbing, but he kept his voice steady. "Good. Keep it moving."

  "Luna," Diego barked, "any ideas on how to give us more precise monitoring of that wave?"

  Luna's face tightened with concentration, her fingers dancing over her control panel. "Give me a second. I'm thinking."

  The seconds ticked by with agonizing slowness. Diego felt the weight of each heartbeat, every moment pushing them closer to disaster.

  "I've got it," Luna announced, her voice steady but tinged with excitement. "I can route the exterior cameras through the communications array. It'll give us a real-time feed of the incoming wave."

  "Do it," Diego ordered, not wasting a moment. He trusted Luna's instincts and knew her technical prowess could pull off the maneuver.

  Luna's hands flew over her controls, and Diego watched as the display screens flickered, shifting from their static displays to live feeds from various exterior cameras positioned around their facility. The cameras showed a panoramic view of the coastline, the water ominously retreating further into the ocean.

  "Olivia," Diego called out, "you see this?"

  Olivia nodded, her eyes fixed on the screens now displaying the approaching wave in stark clarity. She quickly adjusted her datapad to sync with Luna's feed.

  "This is perfect," Olivia said, her voice calm and focused despite the situation. "I'll be able to monitor the wave's progress and shut down the portal just in time."

  Diego felt a glimmer of relief but kept his guard up. There was no room for complacency now. He continued issuing commands through his holo-comm, ensuring every team member was accounted for and moving swiftly.

  "Emily," Diego said, switching channels again, "what's your status on drone coverage?"

  "We're holding position," Emily replied. "Drones are keeping an eye on any stragglers trying to get close."

  "Good. Keep it tight."

  He turned back to Olivia. The live feed showed the wave building in height and speed as it raced towards their location.

  "Mia," he called out through his comms, "how's your group?"

  "Almost there," Mia replied, urgency clear in her voice. "Just a few more people to get through."

  Diego nodded even though she couldn't see him. His attention remained split between Olivia's careful monitoring of the wave and Luna's real-time adjustments to maintain a stable feed.

  "Luna, keep that feed steady," Diego instructed. "We need every second we can get."

  Diego's eyes locked onto the video feed as a violent ripple surged through the island's surface. The ground rolled like a wave, palm trees swaying and snapping as the earth buckled beneath them.

  "Holy shit." His knuckles whitened around the edge of the console. "Olivia, tell me you saw that."

  The tremor raced across the island, heading straight for their facility. Diego's combat instincts kicked in as he calculated the quake's trajectory.

  "Luna, get your ass through that portal now!" He barked into the comm. "That's not an aftershock - it's a primary quake."

  The feed showed buildings crumbling along the ripple's path. Concrete and steel folded like paper as the ground continued its deadly dance.

  "Diego, the portal's stability is dropping!" Olivia's fingers flew across her controls. "The quantum field can't handle these seismic disruptions."

  Through the comm, Luna's voice crackled with static. "Moving now! But Diego, we've still got people-"

  "No time!" The floor beneath them started to vibrate. Diego grabbed Olivia's arm, steadying her as the tremors intensified. "Get through or get clear!"

  The exterior cameras showed massive cracks spider-webbing across the island's surface, racing toward their position like lightning strikes through the earth.

  Diego watched in horror as Olivia jerked upright from her station, her face draining of color. "The portal's lost connection with the control panel. We need the manual shutoff!"

  Time seemed to crystallize into discrete moments as they burst from Haven HQ into the courtyard. The portal's quantum field rippled across the clearing, its usual steady hum replaced by an ominous warble. Bodies scattered across the ground as people fled from the gateway. Dark water gushed through the dimensional tear, already ankle-deep and rising.

  His heart stopped as Olivia veered off course. She scooped up a small child who had fallen in the chaos, the boy's terrified face streaked with tears and portal residue.

  "Luna! Mia! Report status!" Diego barked into his comm. The silence that answered twisted his gut into knots. Static crackled through the channel, broken only by the sound of rushing water.

  The manual shutoff panel loomed before him, just one step away. Diego's fingers stretched toward the controls as the portal's field warped violently, its edges bleeding an unnatural purple. Through the dimensional window, he glimpsed a massive wall of water bearing down on the facility.

  "No, no, no..." The tsunami was about to breach the gateway.

  More water surged through, the leading edge already knee-deep. A familiar figure burst through the portal's surface - Mia, her flight suit soaked and hair plastered to her face.

  Diego slammed his hand down on the shutoff. The portal collapsed with a thunderous crack, leaving only darkness where the gateway had been.

  Diego's fingers trembled as he keyed his comm, heart pounding against his ribs. "Luna! Luna, respond!" His voice echoed across the flooded courtyard. Static crackled through the channel, mocking his desperation.

  "She was right behind me." Mia's voice cracked, her usual confidence shattered. She stumbled forward, water sloshing around her legs. "Luna and James were helping the Admiral's wife. They were right there."

  Diego's throat constricted as he watched Mia's face crumple. She pressed her hands against her mouth, shoulders shaking. "Oh god, they were right behind me. I heard Luna calling out coordinates..."

  "Luna!" Diego shouted into his comm again, knowing it was futile. The quantum field had collapsed. Anyone still on the other side when that wave hit...

  Mia let out a strangled sob. "I should have waited. I should have made sure-"

  Diego's comm crackled with nothing but dead air. His hand dropped to his side, numb fingers barely maintaining their grip on the device. The weight of command pressed down on him like a physical force as he stared at the empty space where the portal had been.

  Diego's knees hit the wet ground, the impact barely registering through his numbed senses. Luna was gone. The reality of it crushed his chest, making each breath a struggle. Hot tears streaked down his weathered face as memories of their years together flooded his mind - her infectious laugh during late-night planning sessions, her fierce dedication to their cause, her unwavering loyalty.

  A gentle touch on his shoulder broke through his grief. Olivia knelt beside him, pulling him into her embrace. Her lips pressed softly against his forehead, a gesture so tender it threatened to shatter what remained of his composure. But instead of letting him drown in his sorrow, she rose, her voice cutting through the chaos with surprising authority.

  "Sarah, I need a full headcount of everyone who made it through. Set up processing stations in the main hall." Olivia's commands rang clear and decisive. "If you need Medical help or you are with someone that needs medical help head to that building right there as she pointed to Haven's medical building to the east. Engineering crew, start pumping out this water before it damages our systems. We will try a restart tomorrow to see if we can reestablish connection. Maybe…"

  Diego watched through blurred vision as people responded to her leadership, their movements becoming more organized, more purposeful. Sarah Chen and her team quickly mobilized, clipboards in hand, beginning the grim task of accounting for survivors.

  Olivia's strength radiated from her like a beacon, guiding their shocked community through the immediate crisis. She'd transformed from the brilliant but reserved scientist into a commanding presence that their people desperately needed in this moment.

  "Get those children inside," she ordered, pointing toward the main building.