"If she shows she is dangerous," Mike said, "if it can be proven she was dangerous to humans, the agency will have a valid reason to go after her. They are there to protect humans against dangers humans can't protect themselves against. We saw her before going through that gate; she looked nothing like her old self. If they..." Mike paused as he thought about it. "What if this wasn't about Steph and Gaia? What if the plan  that was set in motion is to push Harriet in becoming a danger to the agency, so they have a reason to take her down?"

[hr]

"We haven't planned a whole lot yet," Benjamin said. "We just had the idea to break into a high-security facility to free some people."

Mitch made a derogatory sound. "As if you could pull that off," he said, glaring at Benjamin. "If this Gaia is as strong as you guys told me, she'll have more chances of breaking out by herself than you have of breaking in. And Steph is probably also more capable of saving herself. She is a fucking Succubus with wings. All she needs to do is bide her time, charm a man or lesbian, whatever she prefers. And if they will only let straight women guard her, she's still stronger than you'll ever be. All they need is a bit of patience, waiting for the right time, and they are out. Going into that building is a foolish idea." He turned to Dante and Lydral. "Unless either of you has some special abilities that could come in useful. Now would be a perfect moment to share, or this plan of storming the high-security facility will end here and now." 

[hr]

"Oh honey," Lily said as she walked to Rose's cage. "What would you like to eat? Do you still eat human food, or do I need to bring in some bugs for you? Tell my assistant please, she will bring you whatever you desire and show you to your new room as well." She gestured to a guard to open the cage of Rose. 
The guard opened the door and the assistant waited for Rose to join her; she didn't seem overly happy with the appointed task, but she did as she was told without complaint. 

Only Gaia's cage remained closed for now.  

Lily joined Steph, watching Gaia for a moment with a sly smile. This lovely creature would have to have a little more patience. "You still need to wake up, dear. I will come to get you after I showed Steph where she can stay. You will be able to cocoon as much as you like in your new room."

She turned to Steph, now closer to her than ever before. Within arms reach. The guards around them looked worried, but Lily ignored them and reached out to stroke Steph's horn. "I love your horns," she commented, "they are so beautiful."

[hr]

The agents that remained outside watched in horror as the figure crawled out and looked like he was about to die, but didn't. In fact, he seemed to heal...
"Careful now," the leader spoke. "We don't shoot unless attacked," he reminded everyone.
He searched the sky; the other that had thrown this one down must be around somewhere too. Where was she?