Dr. Kellner
The incubator’s alarms were constant now, a shrill reminder that the tiny life inside was slipping away with each labored breath. Dr. Kellner stood frozen between two impossible choices: obey Valerius’s orders and watch an innocent child die, or act to save her and face whatever consequences he deemed appropriate.
Rachel’s quiet sobs from the recovery bed made the decision for her.
“Dr. Reyes,” she said, her voice steady with newfound resolve, “step away from the infant.”
“Dr. Kellner, you’re not authorized—”
“I’m a licensed physician, and that baby is dying from treatable respiratory distress.” She moved toward the incubator with purpose. “Step away, or I’ll have you reported to every medical board in the country.”
“This is a private research facility,” Dr. Reyes protest
