This was again just such a delight to read.

The worldbuilding here is really interesting, it's great to see the PROBE side of the DWU fleshed out a bit more, the PoV character being not only someone who was infected with Cyberon (a character from a previous Arcbeetle/BBV short story collection), but also being a member of the JDS, an organisation described as US PROBE. None of that world building feels forced, as I could see it being in a story this short, it's just naturally integrated in a way that works.

I also think the connection between our two leads is really interesting to see, Maxie obviously not being of this world, though not having told her colleagues and unable to talk about it freely, and Brittany being not completely human anymore with the cyberon infection. The way they talk, both clearly closed off to the rest of the world, but able to open up to each other about everything is just really sweet, and again, I think focusing on character is the best way to write these shorts.

As for the actual plot and threat, it's exactly what it needs to be for the story. I think the amount of detail of the backstory messes with the pacing a tad, but other than that the general vibe of it really works, almost a spy thriller short with alien aspects. While the resolution does also seem to come a little out of nowhere, it's also using the entire mcguffin the plot has been centered on, so it doesn't feel like a Deus Ex Machina.

Overall, yeah, just a fun little romp which I found great!