Page 62 of Reckless Consequences

“We need to find the central control hub,” I say, studying a utility map on the wall. “Upload the clean specs, transmit recall codes for the shipped batches.”

“Northwest quadrant,” Finn says, memorizing the map instantly. “About two hundred meters from here.”

The overhead speakers crackle to life. “Attention all personnel. Facility experiencing multiple system failures. Evacuation protocol seven in effect. This is not a drill.”

“That’s not standard,” Finn says, head tilting slightly.

“Mona.” I recognize her cadence beneath the clinical voice. “Creating cover.” No one understands Sterling systems like the omega he engineered to break them.

Through our stretched bond, I sense the others—they’re worried about us. The blocker’s fading, and I can feel them clearer now.

“They’re waiting for us,” Finn says, feeling the same signals.

“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

We move faster, following the most direct route Finn can calculate. The corridors shift from uniform to chaotic as emergency bulkheads start closing—automatic response to the facility breaking down.

“Sixty-seven seconds until this section seals,” Finn warns as another rumble shakes the walls.

The genetic blocker has almost gone, leaving Sterling DNA exposed but still beta-coded. My senses sharpen—not alpha, not omega, but something else. Like a glitch in Sterling’s code.

A security door blocks our path—heavier than the others, requiring both biometrics and access codes.

“Shit.”

Finn studies the panel, focused. “Security protocol seven-delta. Not likely we can override it.”

I press my palm against the scanner, hoping for the same response as earlier entrances. Nothing happens.

“The blocker’s too strong now,” I realize. “Sterling DNA suppressed below recognition.”

Finn’s fingers fly across the keypad, trying Alexander’s override sequence. “Seven-nine-three-four-Fibonacci...”

The panel flashes red. Rejected.

“Alexander said he’d help?—”

As if summoned, the panel blinks from red to green. The door hisses open, showing clear passage.

“Remote override,” Finn notes. “Someone’s watching the feeds.”

Alexander, guiding us from some hidden corridor. The doors obey him. The system still sees him as root access. I feel grateful—but also suspicious. He’s Sterling’s masterpiece. That code doesn’t just vanish.

Another door opens ahead unprompted. Then another.

“We’re being herded,” Finn says, voice neutral but bond vibrating with calculation.

“Toward the control hub or away from it?”

His brow furrows. “The path aligns with the fastest route to the hub. But?—”

“But it could be a trap,” I finish. “Alexander playing both sides.”

“Or Roman tracking us through security.”

The next bulkhead starts closing automatically, emergency protocols activating as the facility destabilizes. We slide beneath the descending steel with seconds to spare. The building groans louder—something in the structure giving way.

“We’re running out of time,” Finn says, checking his watch. “About four minutes until this place reaches critical failure.”

---