Chapter 12 - The Genetic Key
The scanner’s red laser beam swept across Clara’s palm, flashing rapidly as it analyzed her DNA against the municipal archive database. A harsh electronic chime echoed through the vast subterranean vault, followed by a mechanical voice repeating a flat, automated rejection.
“Access denied. Lineage verification incomplete. Secondary genetic signature required.”
Clara slammed her fist against the metal casing of the console. “Complete! I’m his sister! We share the same blood!”
“You share the foster lineage, Ms. Vance, not the primary donor strain,” a cold, synthesized voice echoed from the overhead intercom speakers.
Clara whipped her head up. On the massive circular viewing screen overlooking the subterranean chamber, Councilman Vance’s face appeared, flanked by two armed operatives. A white bandage now covered the deep claw marks on his cheek, but his silver-capped teeth still glinted with malicious triumph.
“You’re too late, Clara,” Vance sneered, his voice booming through the underground vault. “The quantum core has already locked its primary routing tables. Without the master override code—which only the synthetic subject possesses—the entire facility will self-destruct in precisely three minutes.”
Down on the floor, the orange and white tabby kitten hissed loudly at the overhead screen, arching its back and bristling its fur.
Leo walked calmly toward the biometric console, ignoring the blaring red alarm sirens that had just begun to wail throughout the chamber. He reached out with his tiny hands, pressing his palm flat against the glowing glass scanner.
Instantly, the rejection alarms cut off. A soft, melodic chime echoed as the laser scanner turned a brilliant, soothing gold.
“Access granted,” the automated voice announced smoothly. “Welcome back, Primary Architect, Subject Zero.”
Vance’s smug smile vanished from the overhead screen. “What? No! That’s impossible! He’s just a toddler!”
“He was never just a toddler, Councilman,” Officer Miller’s voice crackled over the secure comms link from the surface above. Through the open hatch, Miller tossed a smoke grenade down into the chamber to obscure the security cameras, followed by the sound of gunfire echoing overhead. “He’s the only person on this planet who legally owns the land beneath your feet.”
Leo looked up at Clara with his big watery eyes, his tiny hands clasping together in that innocent, pleading gesture.
May you like
“I turned off the bad machine, Clara,” Leo whispered softly, a tear rolling down his dusty cheek. “Now we can go home.”
---
