Elena Sato smiled—a programmed, hollow expression. “The Specialist is wise. But redundant. We have Arkan now. Subjek Nol has brought the blood and the womb back to the Source. The extraction can move to the planetary phase.”
“Womb?” Zara shrieked, her voice echoing off the high ceilings. “What are you talking about? Leave us alone! We’re going back to the ship!”
Elena Sato looked at Zara, her gaze sweeping over her like a sensor. “Zara Quinn. Genetic Resource: Recessive. High metabolic stress, low intellectual adaptability. Variable 45. Outcome: Scanned and Purged.”
Before Zara could scream, a low-frequency hum resonated through the floor. A dozen Version 4 Scouts—massive, black-metal tanks of claws and bio-tech—stepped out from the pillars. They didn't move toward Arkan. They moved tow
