Episode 28: After the Storm
The White House had never felt this tense.
Not even when the alien jellyfish thing crashed into the Reflecting Pool last year.
The President stood at the podium, live broadcast streaming worldwide.
> "Today, we honor those who saved not just our country, but the world. They risked everything. And they paid the price."
A photo of Xyra appeared on the screen — visor tilted, tongue out, classic Xyra.
Tunde whispered from the back of the room, "She would've hated this. All this attention."
Sophia smiled. "She'd say, 'Why is my picture not a hologram that slaps people when they lie?'"
They both laughed, quietly, holding hands without even realizing it.
---
Later that day...
Zahara was ushered into a high-security debriefing chamber. For the first time, she stood face-to-face with her father — the President.
He didn't speak right away. He just stared at her.
Zahara: "You're wondering if I'm still your daughter."
President: "No. I'm wondering if you ever were."
Oof. Harsh.
But she took it. No tears, no flinching.
Zahara: "I know what I am. And I know what I chose to be."
He looked at her, eyes full of conflict — then finally nodded.
President: "You saved us. That's all that matters now."
And just like that... a crack in the armor.
Zahara left the room, only to find Martins leaning against the wall, grinning.
Martins: "So, did he cry? I had five bucks on him crying."
Zahara: "No tears. Just dramatic silence. Very presidential."
He took her hand. "You ready to disappear again?"
Zahara raised a brow. "Martins... are you asking me to run away with you?"
Martins smirked. "Nah. I'm asking if you want to go live again. Somewhere quiet. Maybe a beach that doesn't explode."
She smiled. "Sounds fake but I'm in."
---
Meanwhile…
Sophia and Tunde strolled through the garden behind the White House. Birds chirped. Drones buzzed. Nothing suspicious.
Tunde: "So. We kissed. Twice."
Sophia: "Yeah. I kept count."
Tunde: "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
Sophia: "That we pretend it never happened and go back to being sarcastic teammates with occasional staring contests?"
Tunde: "...Not exactly."
She leaned in. "Me neither."
They kissed. This time, no world-ending backdrop. Just peace. Weird peace, but still peace.
---
But peace is fragile.
Far below the Earth's surface, in an abandoned Null chamber…
A tiny flicker sparked.
One more backup file.
Labeled:
"Nyra_Protocol: Phoenix.exe"
A low, mechanical laugh echoed in the dark.