CHAPTER 8 — “Intersections”

Not a mission.

Not a gathering.

Just… overlap.

Garage — Night

Luke’s domain.

Engines.

Tools.

Noise.

Controlled chaos.

Kari leaned over a modified bike. “If this explodes, I’m blaming you.”

“It won’t explode,” Luke said.

Jackie popped up from underneath it. “It might a little.”

Kari grinned. “Perfect.”

Gage & Donna

Outside, quieter.

Donna adjusted her rifle while Gage recalibrated a scope.

“You hesitated last time,” she said.

“I didn’t.”

“You took a second shot.”

“That was insurance.”

Donna glanced at him.

“…You’re adapting.”

“So are you.”

A pause.

Mutual respect.

That was their version of affection.

Tara — Split Focus

Inside, Tara stood between Elliot… and Simon.

Which would have been awkward.

If Tara experienced awkwardness.

“Fascinating,” Elliot said, watching her work on a biomechanical plant device.

Simon observed more quietly. “It’s inefficient.”

“It’s evolving,” Tara corrected.

Simon’s gaze flicked to her. “So are you.”

Tara smiled faintly.

“Good.”

Diego & Irene

Near the entrance—

“You’re different,” Irene said.

Diego leaned against the wall. “Better or worse?”

“Yes.”

He laughed slightly.

“I didn’t overthink it this time.”

“I noticed.”

A pause.

Then—

“You’re becoming dangerous,” she added.

Diego shrugged. “Comes with the family.”

“No,” she said softly. “This part is yours.”

Stephanie & Jenny (Again)

They stood slightly apart from the rest.

Not isolated.

Just… aligned.

“You told her name,” Stephanie said quietly.

Jenny didn’t pretend otherwise.

“Almost.”

“That’s how it starts.”

Jenny nodded.

“…I know.”

A beat.

“But you didn’t stop me.”

Stephanie looked at her.

“No.”

“Why?”

Stephanie’s answer was simple.

“Because you’d do it anyway.”

Jenny smiled.

“Yeah.”