They arrive in the tunnel outside the Biosphere facility moments later. Cameras 14 and 15 record their movements. Sergeant Overton is clearly the leader, barking orders at the other two Marines. Dr. Winston is standing unaided now, and strolls over to the audio port outside the outer Biosphere offices and command center.

“Alexia, there has been a situation. I can’t explain right now, but I need you to open the Biosphere and let us in immediately. Saafi and Emanuel are in critical condition, suffering from unknown injuries while in the field. You need to amplify the speakers; otherwise I won’t be able to hear a word you’re saying.”

My programming allows me to pick up on the panic in her voice. She is frantic and appears to be going over the edge, both mentally and physically. I zoom in with the camera and see dried blood running down her cheeks. I scroll the view to her hands, which are shaking. I conclude the electromagnetic pulse that was used outside was done so in conjunction with some sort of high-frequency sonic weapon. This technology is not only rare—it is incredibly deadly, and was banned by the United Nations over a decade ago.

“Dr. Winston, protocol requires anyone reentering the Biosphere to go through the cleansing chambers.” With contaminants already in the facility from the team’s first trip outside, I am forced to implement drastic measures. I cannot afford to let any toxins into the Biosphere.

“We don’t have time!” she yells into the wall com.

“My apologies, Doctor, but this is required. The sooner you get them into the facility, the sooner we can administer medical attention.”

Dr. Winston pounds her fists on the concrete wall and turns to Sergeant Overton. “Have your men move Saafi and Emanuel into the chambers first. Then we all go through.”

The Marine nods and flashes a few quick hand signals to his men, who immediately return to the train to pick up Mr. Yool. They have removed his helmet, and after zooming in on his face I can tell something has gone wrong. His normally dark brown skin is pale and wrinkled, clinging to his cheeks. Dried blood covers his cracked lips and his eyes seem to be sunken into his skull.

With a simple code I open the door to the outer Biosphere facilities. The team members and newcomers enter a hallway that leads to the cleansing compartments. The two Marines carrying Mr. Yool set him down in the middle of the chamber before retreating to retrieve Dr. Rodriguez. I cordon off the area and seal the doors, immediately starting the decontamination process.

“Mr. Roberts, Dr. Brown, I need you at the entrance of the Biosphere to retrieve Mr. Yool. Take him to the medical bay immediately,” I say, the message repeating over the internal com.