The first replica stepped fully out of the pod, then another. Then three more. Bare feet against steel flooring. Identical posture. Identical tilt of the head.
Selara felt something colder than fear settle in her chest. Recognition. They weren’t moving randomly, they were aligning.
The original replica beside them straightened abruptly, as if receiving updated instructions. Her breathing synced into a slow, mechanical rhythm.
Kael pulled Selara half a step behind him. “We need an exit.”
“There isn’t one,” the woman said calmly from the console. “Not until testing concludes.”
Below, the replicas began walking, not rushing, ascending. A curved staircase along the far wall lit up automatically, guiding them toward the observation level.
“How many?” Selara whispered.
Kael counted quickl
