A gray dawn seeped across the island clinic's perimeter fence as Eve Larkin crouched behind the maintenance access door, Mira secured in a fire‑proof sling at her hip. Lucien Shen and Aria Shen pressed close, weapons holstered but ready.
Aria tapped the biometric override device. “Front gates use old‐growth heart‐rate checks—my override will grant us two minutes before they reset."
Lucien straightened, voice hushed. “After that, alarms. We need to be in and out fast."
Eve nodded. “I'll head to the pediatric wing—get Mira's medical file and locate the holding pod. Aria, you cover comms and drones. Lucien, you secure the exit route." She placed a hand on his arm. “Stay sharp."
He brushed her palm. “Always."
— — —
**Corridor Outside Pediatric Ward**
Eve slipped through the sliding door
