Government building. Adrian walked into the meeting room that morning looking like he had not slept properly in days, his dark sleeve was partially unbuttoned and his hair slightly messy. He shut the door behind him and gave Isaac a tired nod, “Hey.” Isaac sat at the large table with several reports spread before him, his single eye briefly lifted toward Adrian before he nodded back in understanding. Neither of them had the energy for fake positivity anymore. “I’m not even going to bother asking for updates.” Adrian said as he dropped into one of the chairs, “Because I already know there’s nothing.” “Yet.” Isaac corrected firmly as he leaned back slightly and folded his arms. “Let’s not lose hope now.” Adrian rubbed his forehead slowly, “I’m not losing hope, I just don’t get it no matter how hard I try to. Because genuinely, none of it makes sense.” Before Isaac could respond, the meeting room doors burst open. A soldier hurried in looking both nervous and confused and gave a

The place Michael and Mira were being held was an unfinished prison facility built on a small island sitting between the borders of Novaris and Nabaria. Years ago, one of the future UCA members had purchased the property. At the time, it was little more than a half-completed prison project abandoned due to lack of funding. The original owners had walked away from it, leaving behind empty cell blocks, unfinished towers, rusting fences, and concrete structures that were never fully completed. Most people saw it as a waste of money. But the buyer had seen something else entirely, saying that it would be, “Useful someday.” Now that thought had finally turned into reality. The prison finally found its purpose, and that purpose was holding two Scofields. Inside one of the administration buildings, Kenny ripped an ice pack away from his jaw and threw it across the room in frustration. It slid hard across the floor and hit a cabinet with a dull crack. “How dare that little bastard?!” B

Far away, darkness filled the prison cell. Michael sat quietly against the chair restraints. Across from him, Mira shifted slightly. "Getting bored yet?" Michael asked. She sighed dramatically, "Yep." "Good." Her eyebrow twitched, "What does that mean?" "It means it's time to start planning how we're getting out of here." Mira looked toward him, "Oh? Got a plan?" "No." She rolled her eyes, "Fantastic." Michael ignored the sarcasm, "But I've noticed something." That got her attention, "And that is?" "The compound." He flexed his fingers against the restraints, "The effects seem weaker now." Mira remained silent and Michael continued, "It still blocks our abilities." He tested his strength again, "It still makes us feel mostly human." "Speak for yourself." Mira muttered, "I feel like I'm dying." Michael frowned, he found it strange at first. Then realized that it was possibly due to his regenerative ability that he was able to adapt faster to the compound. He leaned bac

A while later, Adrian stood alone inside his hotel room. The city lights stretched endlessly beyond the large window while distant traffic moved far below. His mind should have been focused on Michael and Mira, on submarines, prison islands, and rescue plans. Instead, his attention kept drifting somewhere else entirely. Eventually, he picked up his phone and stared at Monica's contact for several seconds before pressing the call button. The phone barely rang. “Just to be clear.” Monica said immediately, “This isn't a mistake, right?” Adrian blinked,“Mistake?” Her voice sounded uncertain. “Yes. You never call.” He rubbed the back of his neck, “Oh.” She was right. Between wars, injuries, kidnappings, and political disasters, there had never really been time. “Yeah.” He admitted quietly, “Sorry about that.” “I understand.” Then she added cheerfully, “I'm doing fine by the way. Thanks for asking.” Adrian sighed, “Oh come on. I was getting to that part.” Her giggle filled the lin

For a few seconds, Michael simply sat there. His eyes glowed faintly in the darkness while the familiar feeling of power slowly returned to his body. It wasn't anywhere near his full strength, the compound was still inside his system and still doing its job, but the cracks were beginning to show. The suppression wasn't perfect anymore. He slowly flexed his fingers and the chains around his wrists groaned. Mira almost gasped, her tired eyes widened slightly. "Michael..." He simply pulled with his subtle strength. Metal creaked as the bolts holding the restraints to the chair strained violently. Then with a loud snap, the first chain broke apart. Mira blinked, "Well..." Another chain snapped, "... That's terrifying." Michael stood up slowly. His legs felt unsteady after spending so many days restrained, but they held his weight. He immediately grabbed the restraints around his ankles and tore them away. The blue glow in his eyes became slightly brighter. "The compound's losing it