Four re-entry zone cubes stood in a room adjacent the molecular teleportation device. Union soldiers surrounded the first two cubes.
In a room on the second floor, behind thick panes of energy-shielded, shatter-resistant glass, Subdivision operatives prepared for Alexandra and Hector’s arrival.
“Jam all outbound and inbound signals,” said Falko. “Treat them as hostiles.”
Cube #1. Turquoise mist swirled through the reconstruction zone. Sizzles and snaps. Lightening-like tendrils of energy cracked like bullwhips against the cube’s glass walls.
Alexandra appeared.
“Subject acquired in Cube #1,” said Greg.
Cube #2 remained empty.
“Where’s Hector?” asked Jack.
The terminal flatlined. Greg hit several keys. “I–I’ve got nothing! The signal’s gone!”
Below, on the first floor, the soldiers closed in around Alexandra.
Falko swore.
“Get her to the interrogation room!” he barked. “We need to get every piece of information she’s got. Use whatever means necessary.” Falko turned to Jack and Greg. “Find out what happened to Salazar.”
Falko headed for the interrogation room. Taylor followed. Jessica caught them in the corridor. Only Taylor slowed to talk.
“Was that Hector’s sister?”
“Yes. Just her. Hector didn’t come through,” said Taylor, concern evident in his expression. “Something isn’t right.”
“I can verify her identity. All I need is a DNA sample.”
Taylor hesitated. “All right.”
They hurried down the hallway. Reached the interrogation room. Two guards stood watch. Falko stormed inside as the orderlies strapped Alexandra to the center chair.
Falko arched an eyebrow at Jessica’s presence. “What do you want?”
“We need a DNA sample,” said Taylor before Jessica could answer. “It’s the only way we can verify her identity.”
Falko’s frown deepened, but he nodded.
The orderlies finished securing the detail scanners and monitoring pads.
Jessica approached Alexandra. Paused. “You don’t look like him.”
She pricked Alexandra’s forearm and filled a small vial with blood, and then exited the room. The orderlies shut the door behind her.
“Subject ready,” announced the interrogation system’s electronic female voice.
Falko and Alexandra exchanged glares.
“Are you Hector Salazar’s sister?”
A long pause. Alexandra didn’t blink. “Yes.”
“Subject is…lying.”
