Page 136 of Rescuing Mia

I take a seat. Mia is in the medical bay, being checked over by Skye’s team, but I wish she was with me.

“He claims to have eyes everywhere, even within Guardian HRS,” Blake says. “If that’s true, if we have a mole…”

The weight of that statement hangs heavy in the air. I’m the newest member of this organization. We all know what we signed up for when we joined Guardian HRS and the risks we agreed to take.

But this… This is different.

Forest leans forward, his hands flat on the table. “Our first priority is to lock down all operations and review all personnel. I refuse to believe there’s a mole, but I’ll let you decide how to proceed on that point.” Forest directs that statement to Sam. “If there’s a security breach, we need to find it, and fast.” That comment is addressed to Mitzy.

“We’re already on it,” Mitzy pipes in almost before Forest finishes his sentence.

CJ looks around the table, his eyes sharp. “This is going to be a thorough investigation. No stone unturned. We need to be absolutely certain about everyone’s loyalty.”

Mitzy taps her fingers on the table, her colorful nails a stark contrast to the seriousness of the situation. “My team is already pouring through all our communications, past and present. If there’s a breach, we’ll find it.”

Sam crosses his arms, his gaze steady. “We need to keep this quiet. The last thing we need is panic spreading through our ranks. Protocol Zero will be executed discreetly.”

“What about Mia?” I ask. “If Malfor is targeting Guardian HRS, she’s not safe here anymore.”

“I need to talk to Mia, but there are options,” Skye, who has been silently listening, speaks up.

“What does that mean?”

“Well, one of two things is true. Either way, the fix is the same.” Skye shifts in her seat to speak to me directly.

“And that is?”

“As horrible as Citadel was, and while the things they did are reprehensible, it was brilliant.”

“I need more than that.”

“These days, it’s nearly impossible for a person to disappear. Facial recognition is pervasive. Whether Malfor buys Mia’s death or doesn’t, she still has to deal with facial recognition.”

“So, what are her options?” I press, needing to understand the full picture.

Skye takes a deep breath before continuing. “Mia can eitherhide out from the world forever, avoiding any place with cameras, which is impossible, or she needs to change her facial features.”

My heart sinks at the thought. “Change her facial features? You mean… plastic surgery?”

Skye nods. “Yes. It’s not an easy choice, and it comes with its own set of risks and challenges, but it might be the only way for her to have a semblance of a normal life.”

“What are the pros and cons of that?” I ask, trying to wrap my head around the implications.

“The pros are obvious,” Skye says. “Mia could start over without the constant fear of being recognized. She could move freely, live without the shadow of Malfor and Sentinel looming over her.”

“And the cons?”

“The surgery itself is risky. There’s no guarantee it will be completely successful; even if it is, there’s the psychological impact to consider. Mia would have to adjust to a new face, a new identity. It’s a significant change, one that could affect her mental health.”

I glance at the rest of the team, seeing the weight of the decision reflected in their eyes.

“She’s strong,” Skye says, “but this is a lot for anyone to take in. We’ll support her, whatever she decides. Ultimately, it has to be her choice. No matter what we do, Mia will always be identified by her DNA. We can’t change that. However, as long as there’s no reason to search for her DNA, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

The room falls silent as we all process the gravity of the situation. The choice Mia faces is daunting, but I’ll stand by her no matter what.

Mitzy looks at Stitch, who has been quiet until now. “Stitch, you know Malfor better than anyone. Any insight?”

Stitch’s eyes flash with determination. “He’s a ghost. Phenomenal at what he does, but he’s not perfect. There will be digital footprints. I just have to find them.”

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