Chapter 26 · Reset Protocol - Chapter 26: The Code Under Her Skin

"Don't touch me."

Vera backed into the corner of the lab, her right arm glowing through the skin like someone shoved a circuit board under the muscle. Mark could see the lines pulsing, blue then white then something close to violet.

"We need that code," Mark said. He kept his clawed hand behind his back. "Erin said it's in you. In your mod."

"Yeah, and she also said using it might finish the upgrade." Vera's voice cracked. "You want to decode me or save me? Pick one."

Lucas stood by the door, arms crossed, watching them both like a referee who knew the fight was rigged. "If we don't get that code, none of us walk out. Protocol archives the whole district in nineteen hours."

"Nineteen hours is enough time to find another way," Vera snapped.

"There is no other way." Mark stepped closer. "Erin checked. The termination sequence is split across three hosts. You, me, and something in the core. We need your piece."

Vera laughed, sharp and bitter. "My piece. Like I'm a puzzle you can just take apart."

"That's not what I meant."

"Then say what you mean, Mark.