~Marcus~
"Marcus?" Damon was watching me closely now. "You seem... distracted."
I blinked rapidly, forcing the thought away. "Just concerned about security," I managed. "After Stone's incursion, we should consider additional measures."
"Your loyalty is commendable," Damon said, his voice suddenly soft, dangerous. "But I wonder... are you experiencing symptoms, Marcus?"
The question hung in the air between us, weighted with implication. I knew what happened to enhanced subjects who showed degradation. Subject Six had begun experiencing tremors two months ago. By the end of the week, he'd been "decommissioned"—his body incinerated, his neural patterns preserved for study.
"No symptoms," I lied smoothly. "The first generation implants are stable."
Damon studied me for a long moment, the
