Helga shook her head. “No, nothing like that. It’s a quantum storage facility. It has the capacity to store massive amounts of data, including backups of Tangent programs. We’ve discovered that it’s also where a consciousness is sent when a Tangent takes over a body. Where the mind is stored.” Helga turned to Michael. “What’s the name of the person you replaced? Jackson Park?”

“Porter,” Michael corrected her.

“Yes, Porter. Well, Kaine didn’t destroy him when he enacted the Mortality Doctrine on you. It doesn’t work that way. Again, for reasons we don’t know, the intelligence, the…memories, the personality, the knowledge of Jackson Porter, must be preserved. We have theories—for instance, it might be a necessary part of the process. For the human body left behind to survive, the consciousness might need to be kept alive as well. If such a connection was completely severed, who knows if the physical body could handle it. What I’m saying is that your body still has a link to Jackson Porter…to what makes him, him. We think it’s similar to the technology used for the Core you need to Sink in a NerveBox.”

Michael’s heartbeat picked up uncomfortably. “Wh-what are you saying?” He could barely get the question out.

“I’m saying that the intelligence of the person you replaced still exists, intact and whole. His consciousness is stored in a place called the Hive.”

“That’s…” Michael swallowed. “That’s…confusing?”

Helga stood up. “I think the best way to do this is to show you.”

Michael looked at Bryson and Sarah and her parents. Everyone appeared as stunned as he felt.

“Yes,” Helga said. “I think that’s what we’ll do. Let’s Sink.”

3

There were fifteen Coffins total lined up against the long wall of the old barracks building, glowing blue, like phosphorescent sea creatures. A few showed they were occupied, but most were empty, awaiting their next guest.

“I’m sure I haven’t fully gained your trust yet,” Helga said, standing next to the line of machines. “I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you’d like to Sink with me. Everyone can come, if they’d like, or just you, Michael. Whatever you feel most comfortable doing. I guarantee your safety.” Helga gestured to the strangers busily working around the room. “Everyone you see here has sworn to protect you. To protect all of you. We’re all on the same team.”

“You three go,” Sarah’s dad said. “Nancy and I will stay behind and…keep an eye on things.” The message was clear. Gerard didn’t trust these people. Not yet. He’d stay and guard his daughter’s physical body—probably well aware he’d be no match for the forces that could attack her mind in the Sleep.