Chapter Three: Twelve Water Stations

“Who authorized your crew?” she asked, recording him. The promoter turned. Beneath his cap was no pale chin, only water-wrinkled skin, its features unfinished. Lin Xi's photograph appeared on the staff badge pinned to its chest. “Everyone gets a bottle,” it said in her voice. “Why won't you drink?” She stepped back. As it reached for her, Cheng Ye burst through a side door and slapped defibrillator pads against its chest. The discharge cracked through the passage. The body collapsed into metallic-smelling water. Clothes and badge dissolved with it, leaving one cap. Cheng Ye lifted it with forceps. The number was 000000. “Your medical opinion?” Lin Xi asked. “Transfer to another hospital.” His face was white. “Unfortunately, the doors disagree.”