Roxy let out a low, frustrated hiss, running a hand over her tightly braided hair. She took a step back, reluctantly yielding the floor. "Fine. But if he signals the pacification drones, I am stabbing him first."
Nikki offered Roxy a small, grateful nod. She stepped around the leather-clad survivor and walked back to the massive glass desk.
Dr. Aris hadn't moved. He remained by the windowsill, politely examining the synthetic flora, radiating that bizarre, overwhelming sense of paternal calm.
Nikki took a deep breath, steadying the erratic hammering of her heart. She reached out and pressed the glowing blue activation console.
