Chapter Two: The Rooftop Fabricator

“How do you know about the west—” Lin stopped. “The model says forty minutes, but the sensors conflict.” “Twenty-seven at most. Hydrogen from the nickel battery fire entered the curtain-wall cavity. The next deflagration will shear the joints.” “Our structural experts just reached the same conclusion.” “Give me a way in. I have equipment that can carry line to floor fifty-two and search through fire.” “What equipment?” “Unreleased rescue drones.” Lin had known him for ten years. She knew his failing repair shop did not hide a revolutionary rescue system. “South parking entrance,” she said at last. “You have ninety seconds. Once inside, follow my orders.”