Dorothy sat in her office, her eyes closed, absorbing the brief moment of silence. The weight of her responsibilities bore down on her, but she remained unyielding. The sudden ringing of her communicator snapped her back to reality. She answered, her voice steady.
"It's Luchos," the voice on the other end said. "Vagan has just located Pluto."
A smile crept across Dorothy's face, but it quickly faded as Luchos continued. "But there's a slight problem. He's with Blue."
Dorothy's eyes snapped open, the smile vanishing instantly. She stood up and marched to Luchos' lab, her mind racing. When she arrived, she found Luchos engrossed in his monitors. She stood behind him, staring at the screen showing Vagan and her squad confronting Blue and Pluto.
"This was not part of the plan," Dorothy said, her voice tight with frustration.
Luchos glanced at her. "Based on your analysis, can Vagan win against both of them?"
Luchos shook his head. "No. I specifically designed her to win against one of them, not both at the same time."
Dorothy continued to gaze at the screen, her mind calculating. After a tense silence, she made a decision. "Send Morin there."
Luchos hesitated. "I'm still putting upgrades in him. If you send him now, he may not perform at his best."
Dorothy turned and locked eyes with Luchos, her stare piercing. "Then send all the humanfused with him."
Luchos blinked, taken aback by her resolve. "All of them? But who will protect Deira?"
Dorothy didn't answer, her attention already back on the screen. She watched Vagan and her squad, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Luchos sighed and stood up, resigned to her decision.
As he walked out to relay the orders, he cast one last glance at Dorothy. "I'll send them," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Dorothy remained silent, her focus unwavering. She knew the risks, but she also knew what was at stake. As she watched the screen, her mind was already several steps ahead, planning for every possible outcome.
The door closed behind Luchos, leaving Dorothy alone with her thoughts. The silent hum of the monitors filled the room, a constant reminder of the battle that was about to unfold.
END OF CHAPTER 48