The next thirty minutes passed in a blur of food and conversation and the gradual process of five very different people figuring out how to exist in the same space. Mera woke up partway through and immediately started interrogating Aurora about her nail beam ability. Cheon provided periodic updates on her surveillance analysis. Noel maintained a running commentary on everyone's tactical blind spots.
Aurora took it all in stride.
She answered Mera's questions with patience and occasional flashes of competitive pride. She asked Cheon clarifying questions about the federal connection that demonstrated she'd actually been paying attention. She matched Noel's sharp observations with insights of her own about corporate power dynamics and hero industry politics.
By the time I needed to leave for my meeting with Reeves, Aurora had established herself as a functioning member of the group. Not just tolerated. Actually integrated.
Mera walked me to the door.
"She fits."
"I know."
