Paranoia had its benefits. Prefired synapses are warmed up for snap reactions to the sudden trigger, hands already warming up the initiation sigils, eyes on the lookout for danger.

Paranoia had its drawbacks. Namely, it is only receptive to the first trigger, discharging all energy into the first fight, flight, or freeze response. And, Omnissiah be Secunda's witness, Spark was stunningly beautiful right then and there. It was all about her. Always.

Granted, Toros herself has been predictable. Everyone could know that under duress, she would have hit this place for some guidance with the flow. And here she was, middle of a trap, dumbfounded, smitten and slowly getting really damn angry.

"Roger. Lead on. Over."