Alex paced the length of the dimly lit room, her movements restless, her mind a storm of emotions. The events at Ridgewood played on repeat in her head. The fight, the destruction, and the moment she realized Dr. Meyers was gone.

She paused by a cracked window, staring out at the overgrown weeds and rusted machinery scattered across the property. The weight of her failure pressed down on her chest like an anchor.

"ALPHA, run another scan of the area," she ordered.

"Perimeter secure," ALPHA replied, her voice steady. "No Consortium signals detected within a 10-mile radius."

Alex leaned against the windowsill, exhaling sharply. "Good. I don't need any more surprises."

The safe house might have been a sanctuary, but it felt more like a tomb. She had retreated here after Ridgewood, hoping to regroup, but the emptiness of the space only amplified her sense of loss. Without Dr. Meyers, the mission felt directionless, like a ship without a captain.

Alex turned from the window, her gaze sweeping over the room. It was sparse-metal shelving stuffed with hastily packed supplies, a cot shoved against one wall, and the glow of a terminal she'd set up to monitor Consortium communications. The hum of the equipment was the only sound, a stark reminder of how alone she was.

Her fingers brushed across the edge of the terminal as she stared at the incomplete plans she and Dr. Meyers had been working on. The chaotic notes, hastily scribbled diagrams, and half-finished strategies stared back at her.

She sat down in the worn chair, her hands gripping the armrests. The anger that had been simmering finally bubbled over.

"Why did you let them take you?" she hissed under her breath, her knuckles whitening. "Why didn't I stop it?"

"Your decision-making was logical," ALPHA's voice chimed in. "You prioritized the mission and ensured the Ridgewood facility was destroyed. Without those actions, The Consortium's operations would still be running."

Alex slammed her fist onto the table. "I don't want logical. I want Dr. Meyers back."

ALPHA paused, then replied in a softer tone. "Your emotional response is understandable. Dr. Meyers was integral to your development, both as a soldier and as a person."

Alex leaned back, closing her eyes. The memories of Meyers were relentless-his steady presence, his unwavering belief in her even when she doubted herself, and the moment he kissed her before Ridgewood. She opened her eyes, letting out a shaky breath.

"ALPHA, is there any trace of him? Anything on the Consortium's movements?"

"Negative," ALPHA replied. "The Consortium has been unusually quiet since Ridgewood. It's possible they've gone dark to strategize their next move."

Alex stood, pacing again. "Or to break him," she muttered. "They'll use him to get to me."

She stopped suddenly, her mind flashing to a memory.

The lab was buzzing with activity. Alex stood in the observation room, watching as Dr. Meyers and Jacob worked side by side in the adjoining lab. It was a rare moment of collaboration-Dr. Meyers, meticulous and focused, adjusting a prototype limb; Jacob, confident and quick, directing a team of engineers.

"They're like night and day," Alex thought, her arms crossed as she observed them.

Meyers glanced up, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before returning to his work. There was something in his expression-admiration, maybe even longing-but he quickly buried it under his usual professionalism.

Jacob, on the other hand, exuded charisma. He caught her eye through the glass, giving her a sly grin before turning back to the engineers.

Later, Meyers approached her in the hallway. His hands were stuffed in his lab coat pockets, his posture stiff.

"Alex," he began, his voice quieter than usual. "I know you and Jacob-" He stopped, his words fumbling. "I just want you to know I'll always have your back. No matter what."

Alex frowned, unsure how to respond. "I appreciate that, Daniel."

He nodded awkwardly, then walked away. Jacob's voice echoed from the corridor behind her, drawing her attention.

"Come on, Alex. We've got work to do."

She turned, following Jacob, leaving Meyers standing alone in the hallway.

The memory faded, but the ache in her chest remained. She had chosen Jacob back then, blind to the manipulations brewing beneath his charm. And now Meyers was paying the price for her mistakes.

"I'm not losing him," she said aloud, her voice firm. "Not like this."

She turned back to the terminal, determination solidifying into action. "ALPHA, we need to find him. If The Consortium isn't making a move, it's because they think they've won. Let's prove them wrong. "

Alex's fingers flew over the keyboard, her focus sharpening. Alone or not, she wasn't giving up. If she had to burn the entire Consortium to the ground to get Meyers back, so be it.