The second meeting was at a military base outside the city.
Elliot drove through the gates, past rows of armored vehicles and armed guards. Frank sat beside him, his hand resting on his rifle. Kael was in the back, silent, watchful.
"You're not coming inside," Elliot said.
"The hell I'm not."
"Hale said alone."
"Hale can say whatever he wants."
Elliot parked the van. "Wait here. If I'm not out in an hour, come get me."
---
Director Hale was waiting in a conference room lined with maps and monitors.
"Mr. Reed. Thank you for coming."
"You said the program was expanding."
"It is. We've identified twelve additional facilities across the country. Over five thousand conditioned copies."
Elliot's blood ran cold. "Five thousand?"
"At least. Some are adults. Some are children. All are
