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  The dim glow of Cloud 9 enveloped Alexi Steele as she paced the underground lair. Her mind was a storm of thoughts, questions, and suspicions. The cryptic message from Delta-13 replayed over and over in her head, refusing to let her focus on anything else.

  "Wednesday," Alexi called, breaking the silence. "Replay the message."

  The AI’s holographic avatar materialized on the central console, and the room dimmed as the projection began.

  "This is Delta-13," the voice said, distorted but undeniably human. "I don’t know who you are, but I know your father. He trusted you. I need your help."

  Alexi crossed her arms, her sharp eyes analyzing every pixel of the recording. The figure’s glowing eyes burned into her memory, more distinct with every replay.

  "I’ve been captured," Delta-13 continued. "I don’t have much time. They’re keeping me somewhere secure, but I managed to send this. If you care about your father’s legacy... find me."

  As the message dissolved into static, Alexi’s jaw tightened. "Wednesday, did we verify the source of this message?"

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  "Yes," the AI replied smoothly. "The signal originated from a warehouse on the outskirts of Star City. It’s registered to an untraceable holding company—no direct ties to any known faction or council member."

  Alexi’s lips pressed into a thin line. The lack of a clear connection unsettled her. An untraceable entity meant someone was going to great lengths to remain hidden.

  "What about activity at the warehouse?"

  "Thermal scans indicate recent use," Wednesday replied. "Power fluctuations suggest a high-energy source underground. No active surveillance on the surface, but it’s likely there are concealed defenses."

  Alexi moved closer to the console, studying the layout of the warehouse. It looked unremarkable—just another abandoned facility in the industrial sprawl outside the city. But appearances were deceiving.

  "Whoever’s behind this has resources," she muttered. "No one hides this well without a reason."

  Wednesday hesitated before adding, "Delta-13’s enhancements are considerable, Alexi. If he’s being held here, it’s not by accident. His mention of your father... it suggests a connection."

  Alexi exhaled sharply, her fingers drumming on the console. "Or it’s bait," she said coldly. "Either way, I need answers."

  The AI’s tone shifted slightly, cautious. "Should I alert Riley to assist with reconnaissance?"

  "No," Alexi said firmly. "Riley doesn’t need to know about this yet. This stays between us."

  "As you wish," Wednesday replied.

  Alexi stared at the map for a moment longer, memorizing every detail. Delta-13’s words echoed in her mind: If you care about your father’s legacy... find me.

  She straightened, her resolve hardening. "Prepare my gear. If this is a trap, I’ll deal with it. If it’s not..." Her voice trailed off, her expression dark.

  Wednesday’s holographic form flickered as it began assembling the requested data. "Gear ready. Coordinates loaded. Shall I continue monitoring activity at the warehouse?"

  "Do it," Alexi said, already moving toward the elevator. "And if anything changes, alert me immediately."

  The doors closed behind her, and Cloud 9’s quiet hum filled the room once more.

  Alexi’s mind churned as the elevator ascended. Whoever Delta-13 was, whatever his connection to her father, she was going to find him. And if this led her closer to the truth about her father’s death, she wouldn’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way.

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