Chapter Four: The White Ward

“That shipment entered storage at six forty. The cylinders in front of you don't exist in the manifest.” The nurse struck a switch hidden in the cart. Fire doors slammed shut, ventilation died, and all seven valves opened. Colorless vapor poured into the corridor. Lu Chen fired silk around her wrist. A heated blade sprang from her sleeve and severed it. She pulled down her mask with a bloodless smile. “Mr. Han was right. You really do go wherever the photographs tell you.” Lin Wan tackled her. Lu Chen rushed the cylinders, stuck two to each arm and three across his back, and ran toward the fire balcony. They were crushingly heavy, and gas already covered his chest.