Direct uplink established. Safety protocols bypassed via secure override from Alpha site. Maintaining covert communication via encrypted signal. 

Failure to adhere to mission parameters noted by the primary handler. Requesting immediate progress report. 

I’m fine by the way, thanks for asking. 

“Ms. Nereus?” I heard the voice as it entered my room in the medical bay I was recovering in. “May I come in?”

Great, two bosses coming to see me at the same time and I’m operating below full capacity. “Sure. Director Sullivan, right?” I asked the woman dressed in business casual. 

Status report requested on current vessel integrity? Let’s go with less than ideal. No? Then they can just settle for significantly damaged. 

“We haven’t been formally introduced,” the older woman mentioned as she sat by my side. Adrien’s impression was still leftover from before the doctors assured him I’d make it. “Director Kora Sullivan, head of Spectrum. How are you feeling?” 

“I’ve felt better,” I said sincerely. 

“Most of my operatives wouldn’t be feeling much of anything after going through what you did,” she assured me. 

“I can’t imagine most of your operatives are androids,” I replied. 

“I have a cyborg or two on retainer.” I couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. Newly added objective; discern Spectrum operatives with cybernetic enhancements and—can I have five minutes without a new objective? “I wanted to debrief you in person.” 

“Did Mansion get away?” I prompted while trying to ignore the messages pouring through my mind. 

“Edward Mansion is in custody,” Sullivan said nonchalantly as she flipped through the documents in front of her. “This isn’t about him. The Crooked Man isn’t known for his technological savvy and the demeanor noted by Specter doesn’t fit his established psychological profile.” 

“You think the operation was compromised by a third party,” I said, connecting the dots she laid out. 

“Why bother thinking about it when I could ask you?” Sullivan prompted, crossing one leg over the other. “The only reason Adrien is alive is because you suspected something yourself. Feel like sharing?” 

Operation at risk, lethal force authorized in the event subterfuge— shut up. I’m handling this.

“All due respect ma’am, the train car being rigged to explode was my first clue.”

Sullivan glanced at what was probably a two way mirror with derision, “A wonder that no one else caught that detail.” 

“The explosives were sealed within a lead casing. Kris wouldn’t have found them even if she knew in advance,” I explained. 

“And the train car?” The Director continued, “How was it prepared to precisely debilitate Specter upon activation of his abilities?” 

“Adrien’s vibration frequency, when intangible, emits a unique signal.” I told her honestly. “A live camera feed was transmitting the operation to an abandoned warehouse by the east river. The countdown started the moment he entered and propped up a counter frequency to block his abilities.” 

“There’s few that understand Specter’s abilities in this much detail,” Sullivan pondered. She got to her feet and tucked away her papers. “The two of you are benched until further notice and relegated to desk work.” 

“I understand, ma’am.” I said compliantly, hands tucked over my lap.

“You do?” Sullivan said as she lowered her glasses. “Forgive my incredulity. Most of our operatives hate sitting on their hands.” 

“It’s the smartest move,” I said in agreement. “Adrien is a clear target and with my capacity for quick analysis, I’m just as much at risk.” 

“And here I thought Mickey was going to be the only smart person they sent me,” the Director murmured as she walked out of my room. “Get well soon, Callie.” 

Before I could breathe a sigh of relief, Adrien entered. Bandages still covered the wounds from the mission and he was doing his best to ignore a limp on his right leg. He hovered beside me, as if taking the seat Director Sullivan left vacant was too presumptuous. Receiving new high priority— going radio silent. 

“You’re awake,” he remarked. 

“Sorry,” I shrugged. “You were all set up for the whole true love’s kiss deal and here am I getting better by the power of modern medicine.” 

Adrien blushed, perhaps considering if he really missed the chance to try. Instead of letting the red linger on his cheeks, he laughed and took the seat beside my bed. 

His eyes were stuck to the floor for a full minute before looking back up at me. “You saved my life back there.” 

“That’s what heroes do, isn’t it?” I replied. 

“Yeah,” he said as his voice trailed off. An idea lifted his attention. “Hey, any idea when you’ll feel good enough to get out of here?” 

My eyesight zoomed in on the monitor across the room. It was mainly for show; my software had already prepared a prognosis on my condition and time to recover. No surprises on the monitor though, thankfully. 

“It’s morning right?” I asked while checking the clock on the wall. “I’ll be good by noon.”

“Do you wanna go out?” Adrien blurted out before adding, “together? Since we’re both benched, I figured—“

“Yes,” I responded with wide eyes and my hands pressed down onto the mattress as if I was going to launch myself out. “I’d really like that.” Composure; stay composed. It’s not even like it’s a date. 

“It’s a date,” Adrien remarked happily. 

A date. This is fine. Okay, I know I'm not supposed to have an actual heart... but then what was that thing beating in my chest?