“Don’t…do…this!” Jessica said through clenched teeth as Alexandra’s fingers dug into her throat. “It’s…true!”
Alexandra’s python-like grip tightened until her prey’s muscles began to go limp. Seconds later, Jessica lost consciousness. Only then did Alexandra let go. Taking Jessica’s sidearm, she walked to the door and stopped. Jessica’s datapad lay at her feet. Lifting it off the floor, she analyzed the two charts that were displayed on the datapad’s screen. One read “Hector Salazar,” and another “Alexandra Salazar.” A summary of the DNA analysis indicated that the strands were nearly identical:
“…results suggest a genetic link between test subjects: 99.99% likelihood of genetic correlation.”
Alexandra stuffed the datapad into her pocket and opened the medical station’s door. A single guard stood watch in the corridor. By the time his face registered any surprise Alexandra had already put her newly acquired sidearm to his head and pulled the trigger.
She eyed the directional signs on the wall before finding the room labeled “Armory.” Taking off at a jog, she remained on high alert for any sign of resistance, but found none. All Subdivision personnel had been called to their posts. Minutes later she approached a tight, square entry room. To her left, behind an energy-shielded window, sat a security guard. The only other door was fortified with reinforced steel plating and required a keycard for entry.
The security guard’s voice came through the speaker system. “Can I help you?”
“Two medics in the medical station just passed out,” said Alexandra. “I don’t know what happened. Everyone else is busy. I need your help! Quick!”
The soldier’s dumbfounded look swiftly turned to skepticism. “What? That doesn’t make any–”
“Check the security cameras,” Alexandra said. “Hurry! They need help!”
He checked his monitor. The medic and Jessica were both sprawled out across the medical station’s floor. The guard cursed, jumped out of his chair, and then disappeared into the adjacent room. Alexandra shifted her position so that she was closer to the armored door. It opened. The guard stepped through.
“How did you–”
Alexandra’s weapon flared. Paralysis spread through the guard’s body. He stumbled to the ground. She stepped over his unconscious body into the armory.
