"Every revolution begins not with fire, but with the whisper of one person the world tried to silence."
The metallic doors of the Western Command Hall parted with a hiss as Elyra and Vexen stepped through. Their boots echoed across the floor, the faint hum of resonance lights painting cold reflections on the steel walls.
Cael stood at the central holo-table, arms crossed, blue flame resonance burning faintly around him. His gaze lifted as the two captains approached.
Elyra saluted, frost still glinting from her gauntlet. "Captain Elyra of Unit Three reporting. Southern border secured. Civilian extraction successful—no Dominion reinforcements sighted."
Cael nodded once, his expression unreadable but calm. "You both did well. The council's already received your report."
Vexen tilted his head slightly, a lazy grin ghosting across his face. "Don't tell me we're actually being congratulated for once, Commander."
Cael exhaled through his nose, half a sigh, half a quiet chuckle. "Don't get used to it."
He tapped the console and a new hologram appeared — a map of the nearby city Halvyr, surrounded by Dominion patrol grids.
"Your next mission will make the last one look simple," Cael said. "A scientist has defected from the Dominion — a young woman carrying data that could alter everything we know about the Source, the Dominion's power hierarchy, and the nature of resonance itself."
Elyra frowned. "And she's on the run?"
"Yes." Cael's tone grew heavier. "Her name is Dr. Lyra Voss. She's holed up in Halvyr under false ID. The Dominion's already hunting her. We need her alive."
Vexen's grin faded. "And you want us to bring her in."
Cael nodded. "Exactly. Your mission: extract Dr. Voss and escort her to Central Base for debriefing and presentation before the council."
Elyra's eyes narrowed. "You said her research could change everything. How dangerous is it?"
"Dangerous enough," Cael replied, "that if the Dominion gets her first, this rebellion won't survive the year."
The map flickered again, showing four red markers.
"You'll have support," Cael continued. "Four other captains and their units will travel to Central ahead of you to prepare the council's perimeter. You, Elyra, will accompany them."
Elyra stiffened. "Sir—"
"That's an order." His gaze softened slightly. "Your presence is required there. I need someone I trust to report directly to the elders."
Vexen's arms crossed, wind stirring faintly around him. "Then who leads Unit 3?"
"You do."
Vexen blinked. "Wait—me?"
Cael's lips curved faintly. "You've been begging for field command since you joined the Ashes. Consider this your test."
Elyra smirked. "Congratulations, Captain Vexen."
Vexen sighed dramatically. "I already regret this."
Cael's tone turned grave again. "This mission is critical. If the scientist's data is what she claims, this could expose the Dominion's entire resonance control network. Protect her at all costs."
The two saluted sharply.
Cael nodded once, stepping back. "Dismissed. Brief your teams and prepare to move by dawn."
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the academy windows, catching the dust in gold streaks. Instructor Rhea stood at the front of the class, mechanical arm gleaming as she turned toward the holo-board behind her.
"Today's topic," she announced, "is Resonance Linking."
A ripple of excitement passed through the cadets.
"Resonance Links," Rhea continued, "are the rarest display of synchronization between two or more resonant individuals. When two people link, their flows synchronize — power, intent, and motion becoming one. Depending on resonance compatibility, this can multiply output or allow completely new hybrid techniques."
Jet raised his hand immediately. "So, like fusion?"
Rhea smiled faintly. "If fusion didn't turn you into cosmic vapor, yes."
The class laughed. Even Kaen cracked a grin.
Rhea gestured toward Unit 3's row. "Po. Jet. Up front."
The fraternal twins exchanged glances — Po's calm focus contrasting Jet's cocky grin.
"Show the class how resonance link works," Rhea said.
They stepped forward, standing side by side. The air shifted as lightning crackled faintly around Jet's hands while Po's tremor resonance rippled through the floor. Their energies began to spiral, intertwining — one chaotic, one grounded.
Then—BOOM!
The floor shook, thunder erupting like a cannon blast as the two moved perfectly in sync — Jet's lightning snapping through Po's shockwave.
Rhea grinned. "That's why they're called Thunder and Lightning."
The class erupted in cheers and applause. Even Rhea clapped.
As the lesson ended, cadets surrounded the twins.
"You two are insane!"
"Can you teach me that?"
"Thunder and Lightning—so cool!"
Po rubbed the back of his neck, clearly flustered. "It's really just practice…"
Jet smirked, slinging an arm over his brother's shoulder. "Don't be modest, Po. It's pure talent. Runs in the family."
Lana rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and so does the ego."
Jet pointed at her, mock offended. "That's Captain Ego to you."
The laughter was cut short by the sound of boots echoing from the corridor. The door slid open, revealing Vexen, his coat trailing behind him, expression sharp and composed.
"Unit 3," he said simply, "report to your wing. Debriefing in ten. We have a mission."
Jet blinked. "Wait, didn't we just survive the last one?"
Vexen's grin was thin and dangerous. "Congratulations, cadet. You're about to do it again."
"The moment peace feels comfortable, war has already found its way back to your door."