Sophie eyed the device. “Shouldn’t be too hard,” she said confidently. “It looks kind of like a reverse magnetic pulse generator. I’ve seen prototypes before.”

Overton shrugged. “Get it done then. Bouma and I will work on securing the front doors to Biome 1.” He paused and looked down at his last electromagnetic concussion grenade. “If the magnet device fails, we go with plan B. These things take down their shields,” he said with a wink.

“Works for me.” She glanced at her watch. It was getting late. They were all in desperate need of sleep, but first they needed food. Those had to be their priorities. She hated to neglect Finley and Saafi’s remains, but there wasn’t anything they could do for either of them now.

“Alexia, please reset all sensors in the facility.” She turned to Overton. “Does thirty minutes give you enough time to set your trap?”

“Does it give you enough time to set up the device?”

Sophie smiled. “Yes, that should be sufficient. Let’s meet back at the mess hall in half an hour.”

Overton set his stopwatch and grinned wolfishly. He was impressed with Sophie’s resilience. It was the trait of a solid leader, one he looked for when recommending promotions. She would have made a hell of a Marine.

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

ENTRY 0104

DESIGNEE: AI ALEXIA MODEL 11

SCANS show the facility is completely contaminated. In fact, the data I have downloaded to my system may not even be accurate. It cannot be. The system is overloaded and readings are off the charts.

My objectives have changed. NTC programmed me to ensure two main goals. The first was to keep the Biosphere toxin-free, with systems running at 100 percent, and the second was to look after the health and safety of Dr. Winston’s team.

I have failed at both objectives.

However, considering the events that have unfolded outside, I am surprised any of the team members remain alive. Or, to be accurate, I am not surprised. I was not programmed to feel surprise. The team’s survival is, however, a true anomaly.

I put the possibility of continued survival over the duration of a month’s time at approximately 20 percent. I should add that number drastically declines every week thereafter. The primary variables involved in these computations are simple, although the calculations are complex: One, the team’s ability to grow food after the supply runs out. And two—which, I should highlight, is the most important factor—is their ability to avoid the Organics.