The quiet hum of the apartment buzzed with activity as the group gathered in the main living area. Altair had set up his equipment, wires sprawling like an electric jungle. Zara was perched upside down on the couch, spinning a crowbar in her hands, while Vanessa leaned against the doorframe, occasionally glancing out the window. Kaelyn sat cross-legged on the floor, polishing her rifle with a look of grim determination.
Mallory, however, was sprawled out on her beanbag, her feet dangling off one side, while Scraps snoozed contentedly beside her. She absently munched on a bag of chips, watching Altair fiddle with his laptop.
"Alright, Altair," Mallory said between bites, "tell me this wasn't a waste of time. Please say the data we risked life and limb for is more exciting than your spreadsheets."
Altair gave her a sharp look, adjusting his glasses. "This isn't a spreadsheet; it's the key to understanding the Architects' entire operation."
