BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Becker's image flickered. The connection wasn't the best, as the distance between the two was vast. Honestly, it was a miracle that the device worked this far.

"I understand your worries about Mannard's security," Becker said. "And I thank you for what you did and what you are still doing for us all."

"Don't mind it."

There was a brief silence between the two.

"Anyway, before sending personnel there, I need additional information about the current situation in Mur. Those I'm going to send aren't soldiers—they're technicians, engineers, and data analysts. People who've never faced thaids directly, or that have very minimal experience. Even if I sent soldiers, I doubt they could face even the weakest thaid on Mur."

Erik nodded. "And you are right. Thaids here are at least twice as strong as a Hevadrin." Silence fell.

"Help me understand the full picture," Becker said. "What kind of environment would my people be walking into? How often do thaids approach your base? Even if I wanted to send people there, they need a safe place to stay. They need protection. They're not like you or Gwen's team."

Erik moved closer to the display, his expression serious. "I've made three bases in the area. The first is here, inside this cave complex, where we're currently stationed, and where I want your people to come. It's the most secure base since it's many meters below ground, surrounded by tons of dirt and stone."

"Martha said you killed the Thanatocoleoptera, but are you sure all of them are dead?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Erik said. "We killed the queen and eradicated the entire hive. The cave is now secured, starting from the entrance and ending at this facility, and even if more of them remain in the side tunnels, I'm going to seal them all."

Erik paused. "Your people will be escorted and protected everywhere they go. The clones will stay with them."

"That's reassuring." Becker made a note on something off-screen. "What about the other bases?"

"The outposts in the forest," Erik said. "They are essentially giant trees I created using my powers. I shaped them in such a way they would serve as watchtowers and shelters."

He paused. "I didn't think I would find something related to the Silverline Corporation this early, and for sure, I didn't think I would have to keep them with only 500 clones, but here we are. Anyway, they're placed at around 20 kilometers from each other, going from east to west. The second one has been built on top of a hill, so it gives us a lot of visibility of the surrounding area."

"How large are these trees?"

"Over a hundred meters tall, more or less," Erik said. "The upper levels provide a view of the surrounding forest. The middle sections have living quarters and supplies."

Gwen stepped into frame beside Erik. "I've seen them, Becker. They're very effective; the visibility is great."

Becker nodded. For sure, all of this gave him hope that if something happened to the cave, they at least had somewhere to retreat. "And transportation between these positions?"

"I cleared most of the surrounding area. But thaids are nasty here; they won't keep away from the place for long unless the clones take care of them.

Becker leaned back, steepling his fingers as he considered the situation. "All right then, I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks. How long before the first of your people come?"

"A week minimum," Becker said. "Possibly longer, depending on the situation. Frant isn't exactly in a good situation despite your clones' help. I also need to see if there are people willing to come. I doubt those I have in mind will say no, but it's better to be upfront about this rather than say yes, but disappoint you later."

"Yeah."

"I will send data recovery experts, system engineers, and support personnel. If their assessment confirms the security of your position, I'll send the rest in phases."

"That's acceptable," Erik nodded.

"They'll bring additional equipment to set up a power generation and improve our communication capabilities," Becker said. "And portable defensive systems as a precaution."

"I don't think it would be enough to kill anything here, but if that makes your people feel safer, then be my guest. Just remember, we are inside a cave."

The older man's expression remained neutral, but he gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "Remember, Erik, these people aren't expendable assets. Their safety is non-negotiable."

"Understood."

The communication ended, and Erik turned to face the others. Gwen looked skeptical, while Floyd seemed relieved that reinforcements were coming.

"A hundred specialists is a good start," Martha said. "With their help, we might be able to recover the data much faster than doing it alone."

Ben looked disappointed. "I was hoping for soldiers, not computer geeks."

"The information is what matters," Erik said. "Not more bodies to throw at the blackguards."

"Speaking of something else," Amber said from the doorway, "have you thought about our situation? There's no more time to waste, Erik. If we're facing the blackguards and Mur's thaids, we all need more strength; it's not just me."

[She is right. We have to act now. Even though we just started setting things up here, Gwen and the team need more power to survive. An extra one each won't cut it—they'll need at least two.]

<The risk of mutations is high. They will have to train a lot during this time just to get to half the level Amber and the others are.>

[Is outweighed by the risk of fighting against something here and being devoured alive.]

Erik sighed. <You're right, but this doesn't mean they can be reckless in making neural links.>

[When did I say they should?]

Erik met Amber's gaze. "We do it tonight."

Amber's eyes widened. "Tonight? All of us? Do you already have powers you can give us?"

At those words, all the others turned to look at Erik. When Becker told them about this peculiar ability of his, they all hoped he would share something with them. Now it looked like the time had come.

"The clones took care of that. In any case, I have a task to attend to. I'll see you later."

Erik then left.

…

…

…

[Are you sure about giving Becker complete access to the Silverline corporation's data?]

<We need his resources, and I'm not interested in having this information. I just want to stop the blackguards. Besides, once all the fighting is over, I'll probably go into seclusion. I've had enough of thaids… I've had enough of people.>

[I understand how you feel, but you must consider this information will grant Becker a lot of power. He has more resources than the Silverline corporation, and they have technology those guys could only dream about. They might create something worse than the thaids. Today's ally could become tomorrow's enemy.]

Erik had no response to this uncomfortable truth. Their goals aligned with Becker's for now, but what came after would depend on choices yet unmade and battles yet unfought.