People trying to recognize pieces of stolen lives.
Wu sees the shift spreading.
And for the first time since meeting him—
I see real danger enter his eyes.
Not toward us.
Toward them.
Oh hell no.
I recognize that look.
Containment.
Elimination.
He’s deciding whether these operatives are recoverable.
Or disposable.
Russ sees it too.
His weapon comes up instantly.
“Everybody stay sharp.”
Good call.
Because Wu is absolutely the kind of man who would kill his own people to preserve a system.
The young operative takes another shaky step forward.
“My name is Eli.”
The words sound strange coming from him.
Like he hasn’t used his real name in years.
Wu’s voice drops lower.
“Operator designation is sufficient.”
Eli visibly flinches.
There it is again.
Conditioning.
But Hannah steps forward before Wu can keep talking.
“No.”
Everybody looks at her.
Even Wu.
