Page 109 of Enslak

The sounds faded to a murmur, but their warmth lingered.

Family. Connection. The things that made all of this matter.

"Enslak's rescue and the Kelvara mission proved something I should have recognized sooner," I confessed. "Human females aren't just capable operatives—they bring unique advantages to certain operations. Their size. Their cultural adaptability. And..." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "An unexpected capacity for reaching people others have written off as lost causes."

Chloe's smirk widened into a full smile. "I'm not going to say I told you so."

"You just did," Nansar pointed out, though he was smiling too.

"The success rate for bonded operatives is significantly higher than solo agents." I pulled up another file on my datapad. "My own brother Tarrick and his mate Isabella are one of our best intelligence teams. They've completed operations that would've been impossible for a single agent."

"Because they trust each other completely." Chloe leaned forward, excitement flashing in her eyes. "They know each other's strengths, can anticipate each other's moves. It's not just about having backup—it's about being perfectly synchronized."

"Exactly." I set the datapad down. "Which brings me to why you're here. I've been discussing with the Lady Prime the possibility of expanding our recruitment of human females for Asad Intelligence."

Chloe's interest sharpened. "How many are we talking about?"

"That depends on several factors," I said. "Aptitude. Willingness. Psychological stability. Mission needs. We can't simply recruit every rescued human and hope for the best. We need operatives who can handle the physical and mental demands of intelligence work—people like Niki."

"People like me," Chloe said quietly.

"Yes." I met her gaze directly. "The Lady Prime has made a proposal, and I'm inclined to agree. She suggests that you and Nansar join Asad Intelligence—not as field operatives, but in recruitment and training."

Nansar's eyebrows rose. "Recruitment?"

"You'd work directly with rescued humans," I explained. "Screen them. Assess their capabilities. Identify those with the right skill sets for intelligence work. Chloe, you understand what we need better than anyone. You know what it takes to survive in this world, what qualities make someone not just survive but excel. You'd create a comprehensive recruitment and training program specifically for human operatives."

From the living quarters, I heard Dixa laugh at something one of the boys said. Then her voice, warm and patient: "Yes, you can have a snack. But finish your mathematics first."

The normalcy of it. The everyday sounds of family life. It reminded me why this mattered.

We weren't just building an intelligence network.

We were creating opportunities for people who'd lost everything to find purpose again.

"This isn't just about recruitment," I continued. "It's about building something sustainable. A pipeline of skilled operatives who can work independently or as part of bonded pairs. Humans who can integrate into Alliance operations and bring their unique perspectives to our work."

Chloe stayed quiet for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "You're talking about changing how Asad Intelligence operates."

"I'm talking about evolution," I corrected. "The galaxy's changing. The threats we face are becoming more complex. More varied. We need operatives who can adapt. Who think differently. Human females have proven they can do that."

"What about the males?" Nansar asked. "The rescued human males, I mean."

"We'll assess them too," I said. "But the initial focus will be on females. They've shown particular aptitude for certain types of operations. And frankly, we have more data on their success rates."

Chloe's smile transformed into something fiercer. More determined. "When do we start?"

"Immediately, if you're willing." I pulled up a third file, this one containing preliminary lists of recently rescued humans currently on various Alliance worlds. "There are approximately sixty human females between the ages of twenty and forty in Alliance care across twelve planets who've passed initial screening protocols. Most are working service positions. Restaurants. Farms. Basic labor. Some may be content with that life. But others..."

"Others are like Niki," Chloe finished. "Waiting for someone to see their potential."

"Exactly."

Nansar reached over and took Chloe's hand. I watched the silent communication pass between them—the kind of wordless understanding that existed between mates.

"We're in," Nansar said finally. "Both of us."

Satisfaction settled in my chest. "Good. You'll report directly to me. And you'll have full authority to make recruitment decisions. I trust your judgment."