Word traveled across the ridge in soft human ways—neighbor to neighbor, path to porch, morning to morning.

Ibrahim arrived first.

Samantha next.

Miller last, toolkit slung over his shoulder.

Three ordinary guardians with extraordinary steadiness.

“You’re leaving,” Samantha said gently.

“For a while,” Aria answered.

Miller balanced the shard-sensor disc Virel handed him. “If this glows, I call you?”

“Not panic,” Virel said. “Just notice.”

Clem projected a small hologram.

“We’ve prepared a very gentle watch protocol. Zero explosions. Probably.”

Ibrahim nodded. “Soft guard. The ridge deserves that.”

Mira stepped forward.

“We’re asking for vigilance, not combat. Help PASS stay calm. Help the ridge feel watched, not caged.”

“We will,” Samantha promised. “And it’ll welcome you home.”

Hale adjusted his pack. “We’ll send updates.”

“And we’ll listen,” Ibrahim said.

The ridge breeze circled them in a quiet arc—like a blessing disguised as air.

“Shard Watch established,” Clem intoned softly.

Aria looked at the soil, the mint leaves trembling in the light, the place she’d learned to breathe again.

“Take care of this place.”

Miller nodded. “It takes care of us.”

And when the four travelers stepped down the path toward the unknown,

the Shard Watch held their ground—gentle, steady, rooted.

Author’s Note

Hope-cyberpunk thrives where ordinary people protect extraordinary things. The Shard Watch anchors the ridge’s peace and gives Aria, Virel, Mira, and Hale a home to return to.

Reader Question

If your friends left on a dangerous journey, how would you protect their home?