Tessa tosses the arm aside, voice chipper.

Tessa: "Well, crikey, J! That little gremlin’s got spunk, eh? Nearly singed my bow!"

• She pats the black ribbon, grinning beneath her tint.J’s visor narrows, a sharp edge to her tone.*

J: "Uzi’s a threat, not a joke. You let her escape—why?" * Her claws click as she steps closer, tail rising like a scorpion’s

Tessa pushes off the wall, sauntering forward.

Tessa: "Aw, don’t be a sourpuss! She’s just a bit of fun—keeps things lively, yeah?" *

She stops, sword dangling loosely in her grip, playful yet poised. J halts, wings snapping fully open.*

J: "Fun’s irrelevant. Mission priority: eliminate hostiles. You’re compromising it!"

Her voice cuts, visor flaring as she looms. Tessa giggles, sharp and off-kilter.

Tessa: "Compromisin’? Nah, mate, I’m playin’ the long game! You trust your ol’ Tessa, don’tcha?"

She taps J’s armband, lingering, her glove cold. J jerks back, tail lashing.

J: "Trust’s earned. Explain the delay—or I report this!"

Her eyes narrow to slits, a smirk twitching. Tessa leans in, voice dropping.

Tessa: "Report me? To who, J? We’re all that’s left. Stick with me, star—you’ll see the big picture!"

She winks audibly, stepping back with a twirl. J’s wings retract, but her stance stays taut.

J: "I follow orders, not riddles. Lead—or I will." Her claws gleam, resolute. Tessa laughs, heading for the tunnel.

Tessa: "That’s my J! C’mon, then—vault’s waitin’!"

J follows, silent, her loyalty a fraying thread.