Chapter 15 - Thirteen Minutes
"She can't erase the original archive," Jonas said. "But she can destroy the rooms around it."
Clara looked toward the glass cylinders. "Those rooms are full of people."
Evelyn studied the evacuation map. The emergency carriers were stored in the donor ward behind the sealed wall. If they could open that ward, an independent power supply might keep the patients stable until rescue arrived.
Mara sat up, pale but determined. "I'll use my reader."
"Not until you're strong enough," Clara said.
"I've spent my life waiting for permission. I'm done waiting."
Jonas led them down the hall to a panel with two slots. The labels matched their birth records: 0A and 0B. They pressed their hands in place, one beside the other. Both screens asked whether they consented to release evidence and disable access to the protected research library.
"The record will go outside," Jonas explained. "The private technology will lock. The patient equipment will remain on independent backup."
"Will Victoria lose her deal?" Mara asked.
"Her buyers won't touch it after they see the consent files."
"Good."
They both pressed YES.
Deep in the walls, locks clicked. A green line appeared across the archive display: RELEASE READY. Awaiting external transmitter.
At the north gate, Agent Ortiz's team had reached Westmere security. She radioed Clara on the old emergency phone.
"The road is blocked with concrete trucks," Ortiz said. "We're coming through the service forest. Do not wait for us to stop Victoria."
"There are patients here who can't walk."
"Then keep the doors open. Medical support is following us."
Clara ran toward the donor ward. Through its small window she saw an older medical monitor, six emergency carriers, and one name written on a yellow card.
ELENA REED. ORIGINAL DONOR.
The door finally unlocked.
May you like
Behind it, a woman lay motionless under a sheet, wearing Clara's mother's face.
The cardiac monitor gave one weak beep, then went silent.
