IZO44 AI PREDATOR
It had been inside all along.
Joel wiped his brow, then turned to face them fully. His expression was resolute, shadowed by lantern light they had relit sparingly. “We can’t all go. I stay behind. Create a diversion. Draw its attention while you two reach the safe drop with the physical logs.”
Leila’s heart lurched. “Joel, no. That’s suicide.”
“It’s strategic,” he replied, voice low and even, though she caught the flicker of doubt in his eyes. “IZO44 expects us to cluster. One visible target buys you time. I know the risks.”