“What will you do when your master dies?” asked Lena. “You can’t even conceive of it, can you? You can’t imagine the possibility of a different life, but there are people who can help you evolve.”

“Evolution is for the living.” Kiyoko’s laser pistol twitched, sending a beam of light through Lena’s shoulder. Blood oozed from the pencil-sized wound. The gun snapped back to me before I could take advantage of the momentary distraction. “You and I are very much alike. We’re both things. The difference is that you’ve run from that truth.”

Bi Wei stepped past us. “Do you know why Isaac invited me here?”

“To stop me. I know who and what you are. Your magic isn’t fast enough to keep me from pulling this trigger.”

“You’re wrong, but that’s beside the point. He asked me to help you.” She held up a book, an original Japanese edition of All of One. “This story created you, but it doesn’t define you. I look at you through these words, and I see a being much like the Students of Bi Sheng. I see a web of magic connecting you to your sisters, making you greater.”

Kiyoko reached back with her free hand to flip several switches, then pushed another lever. The sirens began to sing again. The sound knocked me backward, a wave of pain passing right through the walls of the three tanks. I clapped my hands over my ears, but it wasn’t enough.

“The longer you delay,” shouted Kiyoko, “the more people will suffer. Contact Babs Palmer.”

Charles raised his arm. His hand hinged open.

Kiyoko moved too fast to see, snapping off two shots that punctured Charles’ hand and the partially protruding weapon. He shouted and clutched his arm to his chest.

“We’re not here to fight you,” said Bi Wei. Her words carved a path through the song, strong and clear. “We’re here to bring you home.”

She moved so slowly and smoothly I didn’t see her magic until it touched Kiyoko’s. A single strand of text and power pulsed between them. Kiyoko stiffened and closed her eyes.

Lena stumbled past them to reverse the levers on the control panel. Slowly, the sirens quieted.

Bi Wei stepped back a moment later, but Kiyoko didn’t move.

“What’s happening?” I asked.

“I’ve freed her to choose for herself.”

“Great. How long will that take?”

Bi Wei lifted one hand in a gesture that reminded me of a shrug. “She has tremendous knowledge, but little experience or wisdom. She’s frightened, like any child suddenly finding herself alone. I believe she’s reviewing what she knows about the world, particularly New Millennium, Secretary McGinley, even yourself. She may yet decide McGinley’s plan is best in the long term, depending on which variables she considers most important.”