I make my way to Training Facility 7 for my afternoon session, my mind still processing the encounter with Desta. A technokinetic, an ability that could be absolutely incredible if properly used. If I could repair her neural pathways, restore even a fraction of that ability... the possibilities are staggering. Access to facility systems, security bypasses, communication networks, all potentially within reach through her unique abilities. The perfect complement to my telekinesis.

  The corridors of Block D carry the usual industrial ambiance, recycled air, the hum of environmental systems, and the occasional echoing footsteps of other assets moving between assignments. Several independents nod in recognition as I pass. Word spreads quickly in the confined ecosystem of the facility, and my choice of independence despite high-level sponsor offers has apparently earned some respect.

  Training Facility 7 is moderately crowded when I arrive, about twenty independents using the various stations, each focused on their specific ability development. I notice Volt working with electrical currents in one corner, her hair standing slightly on end from the static discharge. Nearby, Iris manipulates light patterns with her scaled hands, creating complex holographic projections that shimmer and dance in the air.

  I find an unoccupied section in the telekinetic training area and begin with basic exercises, lifting and manipulating objects of increasing mass. After the revelations about new monitoring systems specifically targeting telekinetic signatures, I'm careful to keep my power output within standard parameters, avoiding anything that might trigger special attention.

  As I work through progressively more complex patterns, I notice Marcus entering the facility. This is unusual, he rarely trains during standard hours, preferring the less monitored late-night sessions. He acknowledges me with a slight nod before moving to an area focused on endurance training.

  Fifteen minutes into my session, Shatter and her pragmatist faction enter as a group. They move with the confident swagger of those who've carved out territory and influence within the independent blocks. Shatter's bone protrusions extend slightly from her forearms as she scans the room, her gaze lingering on me briefly before she directs her followers to various training stations.

  "Gaining attention," comes a quiet voice from behind me. I turn to find Helena, the older telekinetic from my initial training days. What's she doing here?

  "Not intentionally," I reply, continuing my exercise pattern.

  Helena begins her own telekinetic routine nearby, creating a cover for conversation. "Multiple factions showing interest in a new independent is unusual. Suggests either significant potential or significant threat." Her telekinetic manipulation mirrors mine, making our discussion appear to be training coordination.

  "Just trying to understand the system," I say, increasing the complexity of my object manipulation.

  "Systems within systems," she responds cryptically. "Be careful with the Null you're connecting with in Agricultural. Cross-classification relationships draw attention."

  She knows about Desta already? Information truly does travel fast here.

  "Just efficiency optimization," I respond, using the same justification I gave Supervisor Trell.

  Helena's eyes, sharp and observant, study me carefully. "Telekinetics with molecular capability are rare. Those who can affect neural architecture are even rarer." She lifts several objects in a complex orbital pattern. "If you're planning what I think you're planning, proceed with extreme caution. Neural repair work leaves traces."

  I maintain my neutral expression despite the shock of her insight. Either Helena has telekinetic perceptive abilities far beyond what she's demonstrated, or she has access to information networks I haven't yet encountered.

  "Theoretical possibilities," I reply noncommittally.

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  "Theory becomes practice eventually," she says. "When it does, alternate training facility access can be arranged. Monitoring blindspots exist for those who know where to look."

  This is an unexpected offering, access to training spaces outside the standard facilities would provide opportunities to develop abilities without constant surveillance.

  "Why help?" I ask directly, keeping my voice low.

  Helena completes a complex telekinetic maneuver before answering. "Because independence should mean actual freedom, not just a different kind of cage." She glances toward Shatter's group across the facility. "Some have forgotten that."

  Our conversation ends as Shatter approaches, her bone protrusions fully extended now, a subtle display of dominance typical of her faction.

  "New blood," she addresses me, ignoring Helena entirely. "Thought more about our conversation?"

  "Still evaluating options," I reply, setting down the objects I've been manipulating.

  Shatter smiles, though it doesn't reach her eyes. "Don't evaluate too long. Independence is hazardous without proper alliances." She glances meaningfully at Helena. "Some advisors offer paths that end in reclassification or worse."

  The threat is barely veiled, a warning against associating with those Shatter considers rivals to her influence.

  Helena responds with a calm telekinetic display, lifting twice as many objects as she had been previously. The demonstration of superior control isn't lost on anyone watching.

  "Ability speaks for itself," Helena says quietly. "No faction required."

  Tension crackles between them, the history of some previous conflict evident in their mutual animosity. I remain neutral, observing the power dynamics at play while continuing my own training routines.

  Eventually, Shatter moves away, rejoining her faction across the facility. Helena completes her training sequence before approaching me one final time.

  "Junction K-7, access through maintenance tunnel beyond waste processing," she says so quietly I barely catch it. "0200 hours if you're interested in development without observation."

  Still, something is strange.

  "Don't you have a sponsor?" I ask, my voice low as I continue my training exercises. "I thought you were with Tesseract. Why are you slumming it down here with us Independents?"

  Helena smirks slightly. "Officially, yes. Unofficially, it’s more complicated," she says, her voice calm and measured.

  She moves closer, keeping her focus on her telekinetic routine as she speaks. "My arrangement with Tesseract is... unique. I provide consultation on telekinetic development a few times a cycle, maintain my own quarters in their sector, but I’m not bound by the same restrictions as the others."

  "How the heck is that possible?" I ask, genuinely confused by this apparent exception to the rigid classification system.

  Helena's expression remains neutral, though there's a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "I was here before most of the current enhancement protocols were standardized. The aliens value knowledge, and mine happens to be difficult to replace." Her voice drops slightly. "There are gaps in their system, overlooked codes, residual clearances. I make use of them when necessary."

  With that, she departs, leaving me to consider yet another potential alliance in this complex web of independent factions.

  Helena's offer of access to unmonitored training facilities seems more credible now. With her unique status, she likely possesses a level of knowledge about facility systems and security blindspots that even Marcus's resistance group hasn't fully uncovered. If anyone could make good on such an offer, it would be her.

  I spend the remainder of my training session working on precision control, deliberately keeping my demonstrations within expected parameters while mentally planning much more advanced applications. The neural repair work with Desta will require extraordinary precision, manipulating cellular structures without triggering healing responses that might alert monitoring systems.

  As I prepare to leave Training Facility 7, I notice Marcus watching me from across the room. His expression is unreadable, but the intensity of his gaze suggests he's aware of Helena's approach and possibly concerned about its impact on his own recruitment efforts.

  Both of them represent different visions of what independence can mean in this facility. The question is which, if any, aligns with my own goals. For now, I'll maintain these tentative connections while focusing on what might be my most promising project: helping Desta repair her neural pathways and restore her technokinetic abilities.

  That would create something more valuable than a simple factional alliance, genuine loyalty built on trust and tangible support rather than political maneuvering. And in a facility as reliant on advanced technology as this one, a fully restored technokinetic wouldn't just be an asset, they'd be a game-changer.