Chapter 18
X and Shortcut stood in an abandoned warehouse. It was completely empty except for piles of scattered boxes and trash. Clerestory windows above let in moonlight.
Shortcut turned on the lights, illuminating a chair and a single terminal with a digital screen in the middle of the floor.
They heard Jeanette’s voice from speakers above. “Sit and upload the data.”
X and Shortcut approached the seat in silence, only communicating with their eyes. The terminal had a camera on it. X scanned the room and noticed cameras everywhere.
X sat down as a metal rod extended from the terminal. He opened his skull and stuck the rod into his black box. The rod attached with surprising strength, locking him in a vice grip.
“Upload,” Jeanette said again.
X sorted through Dr. Crenshaw’s researc
