Chapter 53 — "With a Little Help from My Friends"
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The storm over the Badlands had settled, but inside Alaric, the winds never stopped.
He stood beside Panam at the outskirts of the Aldecaldo camp, eyes on Saul as the nomad leader paced before a holo-map of Arasaka's tower.
"Plan's suicide," Saul grunted, arms crossed. "And I mean that."
Alaric smirked faintly.
"Suicide's a state of mind. I've survived worse."
Panam shot him a side glance — half glare, half smirk.
"Cocky as ever."
Alaric leaned toward her, voice low.
"You like it that way."
Panam's lips twitched, cheeks faintly coloring before she turned back to the map.
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They reviewed the details — Panam laying out a bold plan to tunnel beneath Arasaka with the Basilisk, using the Militech landcrawler to punch straight under the tower's foundations.
Saul wasn't convinced.
Mitch looked half-terrified.
But Panam?
She held firm.
With Alaric's steady hand on her lower back — a subtle reminder of the night they'd spent — her voice stayed sharp, steady.
"We're doing this. Together," Panam declared.
Alaric chimed in, locking eyes with Saul.
"I'll be your insurance policy. You get your clan out clean… I'll handle Arasaka's dirty laundry."
Saul gave a reluctant nod.
"For some insane reason… I believe you."
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Later, as the sun sank into the horizon, Alaric leaned on his Caliburn, watching the camp prepare.
Panam approached — hips swaying just enough for him to notice.
She leaned close, voice low.
"You always this reckless… or is it just with me?"
Alaric slid a hand along her waist, fingers brushing the holster at her hip.
"Only when I'm chasing what I want."
Panam scoffed, but her eyes lingered on his lips.
She hesitated — then leaned in, brushing her lips against his jaw, just at the hinge.
"Then you better not get yourself flatlined before I get my second round."
Alaric gave a low chuckle.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
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[System Update — Emotional Points]
Panam +30 (Bold Trust & Tease)
Saul +10 (Reluctant Respect)
Mitch +5 (Uneasy Confidence)
Total Emotional Points (Tracked):
Panam: +170
Judy: +250
Evelyn: +265