Chapter 2

Wren reels when she meets Kallister, Uncle Jim’s identical twin, and confirms via a mental link that he serves on the Authority. During a formal briefing, Adrienne, Fiona, Teriq, Gray, and Kallister outline conditions to remain at the Blue Dagger: full ability disclosure, mandatory training, practical work or field service, and an absolute ban on projecting the base’s location.

Questioned about her bloodmark, Wren admits Ellis healed her scars and acknowledges she has more than two abilities, agreeing to confidential disclosure later. She pushes back on scrutiny, concealing sensitive facts about her past and parents, and refuses to discuss what she did to Jayde. The group reviews the Silver Jubilee fallout and how Lyddie exposed Wren.

Wren shifts the focus to Xavier, insisting he deserted the Command to save her and should be spared. Despite Teriq’s distrust of Primes, Kallister says the Authority will consider her request. Afterward, Kallister privately questions Wren about Jim’s execution; he reveals the Authority voted four-to-one against an extraction, outvoting him. He shares that he is a precog, while Jim had been a mind reader.

Kallister explains the base’s support network, including a civilian valley with families, Mods, and some Primes, and how Company aircraft are kept at bay. He arranges food for Wren and, noting her attachment to Xavier, ultimately agrees to take her to the cells so she can visit him.