Chapter 8 · Bioweapon

"Citizens of New Cascade." The voice cuts through every speaker on the street. Iris is halfway up the ladder when the billboards light up.

Her father's face. Pressed suit. Calm hands.

"I'm addressing you tonight regarding a matter of public safety."

Vera freezes below her. Iris hears her sister's breath stop.

"Over the past two weeks, an unauthorized combat unit has been operating in our city. The individual operating it has caused significant collateral damage and evaded military custody."

Alpha goes still in her chest. Not offline. Waiting.

"Her name is Iris Chen. She is my daughter."

The screen cuts to footage. Iris in the subway station, mechanical arms ripping through a Shrieker. Iris on a rooftop, plasma cannon charging. Helmet on in every shot, but the build's obvious. The gait. Anyone who knows her would know.

"She is operating a Class-VII bioweapon without authorization or training. She is considered armed and extremely dangerous."

Iris climbs down one rung. "Vera."

Her sister doesn't move. Just stares at her phone, where the broadcast loops. Richard's face. Iris's silhouette. The words UNAUTHORIZED BIOWEAPON in red.

"Vera, we need to move."

"He called you a bioweapon." Vera's voice is flat. Dead.