We gathered in the basement after Elena got back.
She looked different when she walked in. Not just tired, though she was definitely that. Something in her face had changed. Like carrying her mother's body to the grave had shifted something inside her.
The drive was on the table between us. It was a small black rectangle. Maybe an inch square. It contained enough death to wipe out everyone I had spent the last year trying to save.
Caiman was by the door like always. Borealis was at his equipment in the corner. Kenji was on the couch with Leo next to him. Lars and Maja were in the corner sharing a blanket, half asleep. Elena sat at the table staring at the drive. I stood against the wall.
Nobody wanted to start talking.
Finally Kenji spoke up. "So that's it. The kill switch."
"That's
