Sarah's mind raced as she absorbed Inspector Vega's cautionary tale. The image of a nanotech expert's mind shattered by an exploding machine was a potent reminder of the dangers she faced.
"What's next, teacher?" Sarah asked, her voice eager despite the lingering chill of fear. Vega's injury was a blessing in disguise - it meant more hands-on experience for Sarah.
"First, we're updating your position to my assistant," Vega replied, her fingers dancing over a holo-screen. "I need your ID info."
Sarah provided her freshly minted credentials, watching Vega's eyebrow rise at the discrepancy between her stated age and youthful appearance.
"How old are you really?" Vega asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.
"Seventeen, maybe," Sarah admitted, her mind flashing to her mysterious arrival in this world.
Vega's demeanor softened slightly at this revelation. "You'll have your own quarters as my assistant," she said, a hint of protectiveness in her tone.
As they discussed Sarah's living arrangements, Vega's eyes narrowed, focusing on the nanocollar. "What's that on your neck?"
Sarah's pulse quickened. She couldn't reveal Jake's involvement, not yet. "It's... a fashion accessory. From a friend," she lied smoothly, forcing a smile.
Vega's skepticism was palpable, but she didn't press further. "Let's focus on work. I'll show you how to quickly diagnose nanotech issues without using mental energy."
The next few days were a whirlwind of learning for Sarah. Her makeshift education from the Black Port was rapidly filled in with proper technique and theory. Vega, in turn, found Sarah's unique perspective refreshing, sparking new ideas and approaches.
But as Sarah's star rose within Mirrorclear, tensions simmered beneath the surface. Jake, feeling forgotten and increasingly paranoid, decided to confront her.
One evening, as Sarah returned to her quarters, she felt the nanocollar tighten ominously. Jake emerged from the shadows, his eyes cold.
"You're getting awfully cozy with the inspector," he growled.
Sarah's mind raced, weighing her options. She could feel the nanocollar constricting further with each passing second. Time for a gamble.
"You're afraid of her, aren't you?" Sarah challenged, her voice steady despite the pressure on her throat. "What do you know about Inspector Vega?"
Jake's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed dangerously. The nanocollar tightened further, cutting off Sarah's air.
In a fluid motion that surprised even her, Sarah reached up and deactivated the nanocollar, slipping it off her neck. "This was getting uncomfortable," she said casually, her heart pounding.
Jake reacted instantly, a silver blade materializing in his hand. But Sarah was ready, dodging his strike and putting distance between them.
"You really want to do this?" Sarah asked, her voice low and dangerous. "I'm Vega's protégé now. If I disappear, they'll tear this place apart looking for me. You'll never make it off-world."
She held out the deactivated nanocollar, now a simple green chip. "We can part ways peacefully. I have no reason to stop you from leaving."
Jake's blade wavered, uncertainty creeping into his expression. "How did you disable the collar?" he demanded.
Sarah allowed herself a small, enigmatic smile. "Let's just say I've learned a few tricks." She revealed the hidden weapon in her sleeve, a dart tipped with a sickly green substance. "So, what's it going to be? A clean break, or shall we see whose tech is faster?"
The tension in the corridor was palpable as Sarah and Jake faced off, the fate of their uneasy alliance hanging in the balance. Sarah knew that her next move could mean the difference between freedom and a fight for her life. The game had changed, and she was determined to emerge the victor.