Operation: Threads of Connection

Protect

My heart skipped a beat. The photograph in Handler's hand brought back memories of that night. The clandestine mission with Franky, breaking into the heavily guarded facility, the labyrinth of corridors filled with the echoes of distant screams. But the most haunting memory of all was discovering that Anya was locked away, subjected to unimaginable horrors as part of Project Eclipse.

"We need to act fast," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "If they're reviving Project Eclipse and looking for Test Subject 007, Anya might be in grave danger."

"Wait Twilight, you can't let your emotions take the best of you. This was merely a threat, if you move Anya they might end up hurting her." Handler said calmly.

"So you expect me to do nothing?! Respectfully Handler I must disobey this, my daughter is in danger! I say getting agitated. Handler stood up and walked outside. A few seconds later Yor appeared. She made her way towards me giving me a hug. Just then all my energy went out, I slowly became numb as I fell to my knees. Yor didn't let go as she proceeded to go down with me. Yor's embrace felt like a lifeline, grounding me in the midst of the turmoil swirling in my mind. I took a few deep breaths, trying to regain my composure. Her warmth and strength gave me a sense of calm that I desperately needed.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "I'm just so scared for Anya."

"I know," Yor said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "But Handler is right. We need to think this through. If we act rashly, we might end up playing right into their hands."

I nodded, appreciating her support and wisdom. "You're right. We need a plan. We need to be smart about this."

Handler re-entered the room, her expression softened by understanding. "I know how you feel, Twilight. I brought her into this mess. She was an innocent child I cared very little about, all this was merely for Operation Strix but I promise you this, Twilight, I'm not going to let them get anywhere near her. I'm going to increase security around her without drawing too much attention. You will go back home and pretend none of this has happened. You will enjoy time with your daughter, take her out, make her believe she is safe with her parents." She replied sincerely.

"I trust you Handler," I reply, bowing to show my respect. I have worked with her for more than a decade. I know she will pull through with her promise.

"Let's go home, Loid, our daughter is waiting for us. " Yor said smiling.

— — —

Yor and I quietly unlocked the door to the apartment. The living room was dark, the only light coming from the shining moon illuminating through the window. Franky's snores echoed through the walls. Bond laid at the bottom of his feet curled up in a ball. So much for keeping an eye out on Anya... We made our way toward Anya's room. Her door was slightly ajar, light spilling through the small crack. We peeked inside and saw Becky and Anya sleeping soundly. Anya's eyes were a bit puffy—had she been crying? Did something happen to her? I didn't want to wake her up. I decided to leave the question for the next day.

The room was peaceful, the soft hum of their breathing mingling with the distant city sounds. Anya clutched her stuffed penguin, Mr. Chimera, tightly against her chest. Becky's arm was draped protectively over her friend, and both girls had serene expressions despite the telltale signs of Anya's earlier distress.

Yor placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her eyes full of concern and understanding. We exchanged a silent agreement to let the girls rest undisturbed. Tomorrow, we would get to the bottom of whatever had caused Anya's tears. For now, they needed their sleep.

We quietly closed the door and retreated to our room, careful not to wake Franky. His snores provided a strange comfort, grounding us after the tension of the day. I made a mental note to talk to Anya first thing in the morning, to ensure she was okay and to address any issues she might be facing. Yor and I settled onto our bed, the weight of the day finally catching up with us. She leaned against me, and I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. We sat in silence, both lost in our thoughts, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over the room. The mission to rescue Fiona had been successful, but it was clear that our challenges were far from over.