Two weeks later, Titan Corp's clandestine medical wing hums with quiet efficiency. Rain taps the panoramic window, tracing rivulets of light across the polished floor. Elara Quinn stands in a sterile gown beneath a ceiling of recessed LEDs, arms crossed over her chest where a motion‑sensing heart monitor buzzes softly. Opposite her, Dr. Marianne Cho adjusts the tray of surgical implements and biochip prototypes, her expression clinical yet compassionate.
“Sierra Hale—pardon me, Ms. Quinn," Dr. Cho begins, checking her notes. “We're proposing the new neural bio‑stabilizer to prevent post‑operative seizures. It's an experimental protocol, but preliminary trials show promise. You volunteered to test the prototype first."
Elara's gaze drifts to the window, where storm clouds churn over the h
