Contents
Chapter 24
Overview
News of Xavier’s rescue modestly improves his standing, especially with Poppy. Wren learns Mods at Ice Canyon will be culled during a transfer and pushes the intel to the Authority. An urgent extraction is approved for that night. Saint picks Wren for the diversion’s decoy squad, and as they launch, they learn Cross Redden is on-site, raising the stakes.
Summary
After Xavier’s rescue of Poppy, word spreads through the Dagger. While most remain cool toward Xavier, Poppy approaches him at breakfast, inviting him to play cards. Xavier deflects any hint of romantic interest due to her age, embarrassing Poppy but agreeing to play.
Wren receives a telepathic alert from Cross: Travis is transferring the Modified prisoners from Ice Canyon to Ward K, and those deemed useless will be executed. Cross claims he’ll handle it but offers no details. Determined to prevent a massacre, Wren brings the intel to Gray, concealing Cross as her source. Hours later, Adrienne confirms the intel and the imminent timeline.
A call summons field operatives. Teriq announces an authorized extraction of the forty-two Mods at Ice Canyon. Volunteers flood in; Saint and Teriq will lead on the ground, Gray and Luisa in the air. Saint selects Wren for his diversion team despite objections, citing her skill as a shooter. In the war room, they brief a two-pronged plan: diversion (attack and decoy squads) and extraction. The decoy squad—Declan, Neema, and Wren—will infiltrate via the eastern cliffs and set charges at the supply tunnel, while the attack squad draws guards to the mine to open a window at the barracks.
Details crystallize: the force field at the tunnel is down; guard patterns rotate; Gray will use a transport hover; Ryker will jam comms and bypass locks; prisoners Morlee Hadley and Bowe will coordinate from inside. If the diversion fails, they abort, even if it means leaving prisoners. Saint grants Wren comm access. The team arms up, boards Luisa’s cargo jet, and launches. As they’re en route, Teriq announces a new development: Cross Redden is on-site, escalating risk and urgency.
Who Appears
- Wren DarlingtonNarrator; pushes intel about Ice Canyon, is chosen by Saint for the diversion’s decoy squad, prepares and launches on the mission.
- SaintMission lead for diversion; selects Wren, outlines attack/decoy roles, prioritizes misdirection and speed.
- TeriqGround mission lead for extraction; briefs plan, coordinates with insiders Bowe and Morlee, announces Cross’s presence.
- Gray (Kallister)Air lead; validates intel, organizes transport hover, supports briefing and abort parameters.
- XavierHis heroics earn limited goodwill; banters with Poppy and worries about boundaries; sidelined from the mission.
- PoppyGrateful to Xavier; shyly checks on him and invites him to play cards, signaling warmer attitudes.
- AdrienneConfirms Wren’s intel telepathically and signals the transfer’s timing, prompting rapid action.
- Neema SharmaAssigned to decoy squad with Wren and Declan; openly skeptical of Wren’s inclusion.
- LuisaPilot providing transport and air support for the diversion team.
- DeclanGround contact from Bramble Base; will rendezvous and help plant charges for the decoy squad.
- RykerTech specialist; will jam communications and bypass barracks locks within range.
- EvlynneAuthority member who cautions Saint about selecting Wren.
- HenleyMember of diversion attack squad; asks about aggression level, rides with Wren on the flight.
- BowePrisoner contact inside Ice Canyon; will coordinate prisoner readiness during extraction.
- Morlee HadleyPrisoner contact from Wren’s ward; coordinates inside assistance for the breakout.
- Cross ReddenGeneral who approved the transfer; unexpectedly reported on-site as the operation begins.
- TravisOrders the transfer to Ward K, effectively condemning some Mods to execution.
- HawkinsOperative present at the assembly; minor interaction with Wren.
- OrinAssigned to diversion attack squad; participates in planning discussion.
- CillianSelected for Saint’s team; role within the attack squad.