The van rolled into New Haven's neon embrace, its streets flickering back to life under Valor's restored shield. Alex sat in the back, the three orbs dim in his lap, their hum a quiet echo of victory. His parents—Daniel and Laura—rested beside him, their breathing shallow but steady, hands clasped. The Syndicate's power plant lay in ruins, their leader dead, yet the drone's fleeting shadow gnawed at Alex. Was it over, or just beginning?
Marcus pulled into P.A.I.R.E.'s underground garage, his wounded leg stiff as he climbed out. "Base took a beating," he said, voice rough. "But we're still standing."
Maya helped him, her own arm stiff from the fight. "City's intact—Valor worked."
"Barely," Alex muttered, syncing the orbs one last time. The holo flared—New Haven's grid held, Syndicate signals flatlined. Relief hit, but that drone lingered in his mind.
They stepped into the base, a mess of scorched walls and shattered tech. Agents bustled, repairing what they could, their faces weary but proud. Laura leaned on Alex, her strength fading. "Med bay first," he said, guiding her with Daniel.
The medic patched them up—IVs for his parents, gel for Marcus's leg, a brace for Maya's arm. Alex sat by their beds, his staff propped nearby, blood still crusting its grip. "You're safe now," he said, voice cracking.
Laura smiled weakly. "Because of you. Valor was our dream—you made it real."
Daniel nodded, eyes bright despite exhaustion. "We underestimated you, son. Never again."
Alex's chest tightened. "I just wanted you back."
"You've got us," Laura said, squeezing his hand. "And more—New Haven owes you."
Marcus limped in, a datapad in hand. "Scouts report Syndicate's scattered—cells offline, HQ gone. We hit 'em hard."
"Fae's doing?" Maya asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Maybe," Marcus grunted. "She's a ghost—could be anywhere."
Alex thought of her wink, the strawberry scent. "She'll show up when she wants."
"Focus on now," Marcus said. "City council's buzzing—want Valor's shield permanent. Your call, Mercer."
"Permanent?" Alex frowned, glancing at his parents. "It's draining—needs maintenance."
Daniel sat up, wincing. "We can stabilize it—MercerTech's got the resources. But it's yours to wield."
Laura nodded. "A protector, not a ruler. That's what we built."
Alex synced the orbs again, testing. The shield held, but faint glitches flickered—stress points. "I'll tweak it," he said. "Keep it ours."
"Good," Marcus replied. "Rest first. You're no use burned out."
Alex tried, retreating to his quarters, but sleep dodged him. He pulled Fae's laptop from his bag, the strawberry chip glinting. Her bio-tech secret replayed—his mom's work, a lifeline. He powered it on, the note stark: Hell hath no fury - like a women scorned. A taunt, or a clue? He stashed it, unease stirring.
Morning broke, gray and cold. Alex joined the team in the main chamber, where a holo-table flickered with repair plans. Maya handed him coffee. "You look like hell."
"Feel it," he said, sipping. "Valor's stable—for now."
Marcus pointed to the map. "Council's sending aid—tech, funds. We rebuild, stronger."
"Syndicate's really done?" Jace asked, voice skeptical.
"Mostly," Marcus said. "Small fry left—nothing we can't handle."
Alex's scanner beeped—a faint signal, not Syndicate. "That drone," he said, pulling it up. Coordinates flashed—outside the city, moving fast. "Not theirs."
Maya tensed. "Then whose?"
"Track it," Marcus ordered. "We're not blindsided again."
Alex boosted Valor's range, the orbs humming. The signal clarified—a cloaked craft, heading north. "Corporate signature," he said, dread rising. "Not MercerTech."
Laura, wheeled in by a tech, frowned. "Rival corp? They'd kill for Valor."
"Or steal it," Daniel added, grim. "We've got enemies beyond Syndicate."
Fae's voice cut through—crackling over comms. "Heads up, Mercer. Your win's loud—too loud. Watch the skies." The line died.
"She's alive," Maya said, half-smiling.
"And warning us," Alex replied, syncing Valor tighter. The craft's path veered—circling back. "It's coming here."
Marcus grabbed his pistol. "Defensive line—now!"
Agents scrambled, drones prepped. Alex stood by the console, orbs flaring as the craft breached the shield—a sleek shuttle, unmarked, landing in the plaza. A hatch opened, and a figure stepped out: tall, suited, face obscured by a visor.
"Identify yourself!" Marcus shouted over the comms.
The figure raised a hand, voice smooth. "No threat—just business. Valor's impressive, Mercer. We'd like a word."
Alex's grip tightened on his staff. "Who's 'we'?"
"Call us… interested parties," the figure said, visor glinting. "New Haven's safe—thanks to you. But power like that draws eyes. Meet us, or we come to you."
Marcus growled. "Trap."
"Maybe," Alex said, glancing at his parents. "But they're not attacking—yet."
Laura's eyes narrowed. "They want Valor—or you. Stall them."
Alex stepped to the balcony, staff ready, orbs in hand. "Talk here," he called down. "No closer."
The figure chuckled. "Fair. We're Zenith Corp—heard of us?"
Daniel cursed softly. "Tech giants—ruthless. They've wanted MercerTech for years."
"Offer's simple," the figure continued. "Join us—Valor, your skills, all of it. Or we take it. Your choice."
Alex's blood ran cold. "Not for sale."
"Pity," the figure said, turning back. "We'll be in touch."
The shuttle lifted off, vanishing into the clouds. Silence hung heavy. "They'll be back," Maya said, grim.
"With force," Marcus added. "We need allies."
"Fae?" Alex suggested.
"If she picks up," Marcus grunted.
Laura gripped Alex's arm. "You're ready for this—whatever comes."
He nodded, staring where the shuttle disappeared. Valor's light steadied in his hands, a shield and a target. Zenith loomed, a new war brewing—and he'd face it, family and team at his side.