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Bautista opposes sending Katia into the Astrid operation while impaired, physically restrains her, and leaves when she chooses Carl's plan.
Bautista remains at Katia's side when Carl arrives, but his earlier evasiveness has already made Imani suspect he recognized Katia's addiction pattern.
When Katia begins standing for the operation, Bautista pushes her back into her seat. She reacts sharply, orders him never to touch her that way, and pushes him away.
He argues the party may find club access in phase two and will return during phase three, making immediate action unnecessary. Carl refuses to gamble on those assumptions.
Katia sides with Carl. Bautista tells her she may kill herself but he will not watch, then storms out of the Desperado Club. Elle worries his departure may end the morning tea routine that helps Imani remain stable.
An angry male crawler blocking a weakened shapeshifter from standing before turning away from the club table.
Bautista is Katia's partner and strongest opponent of the immediate mission.
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