Page 49 of Perfection

York lunged forward, stopping his progress. He appeared ready to flatten the other man. “Isaac…”

She held a hand out to stop York and pulled herself to stand taller. “I’ll take this directly to the Committee.”

The director looked outraged. He pursed his lips, then said, “Cryogenics for the ten worst cases. That’s it. So I suggest you speed things along.” He straightened his jacket. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,Ihave to go explain this to the Committee.” He began to walk away and then halted. He exhaled sharply, looking back at her. “I’ll see what I can do.”

The sound of A-Isaac’s retreating footfalls smacked of defeat.

“Damn him to hell,” Kindra bit out. “That man is way too caught up in his position.”

“Do you think he’ll help?”

She shrugged. “That depends. I think he has Seville’s interests at heart.”

“But not the children’s.”

She spun to face York. A decision that would ruin her career weighed in the balance, but it was really no decision at all. She would see that the children went into cryogenics. Every single one of them. Her mind was made up. “To hell with them. You handle the transportation and security. I’ll contact Foster Cryogenics and make the arrangements.”

He smiled. “You have guts.”

“I refuse to let those children die.” She looked out the window at the line outside. It was growing. “I’ll find corporate sponsors to pay the bill. And I’m going directly to the Committee and Chairman B-Cobbmyself.”

He grinned. “Can I deck A-Isaac next time?”

She lifted her chin. “Right after I do.”

He nodded and was about to activate his visual communicator when a message came through. He looked at Kindra. “All right. Let’s do this.”

* * *

Captain Avery’s face filled the screen. York updated him on the situation. “So far we have at least one hundred and seven kids with this thing.”

York heard the captain’s sharp intake of air. “Worse than I expected.”

“Kindra wants them transported to a cryogenic unit. We need buses and escorts.”

“Kindra?”

“Dr. B-Zaika, sir.”

Avery nodded. “As you wish. I don’t know who’s going to pay for all this.?”

“Why does money always have to be the first consideration?”

Kindra didn’t really know, but she whispered from several feet away. “Tell him the parents and the Seville Genetics Center.”

“I heard her.”

“We’ll work out those details,” York said. “What were you calling for?”

“Detective Lester has been located at her home. Her LE alarm just activated.”

LE?Kindra mouthed.

“Life-Endangerment alarm,” York said, his voice tense. To Avery, he said, “I’m heading that way now.”

York cursed under his breath. “Thanks for the warning.”

“Shishido will meet you at Vi’s,” Avery said.

“Okay. I’ll call you.” York disconnected.

He faced Kindra, placing his hands on her upper arms, drawing her closer. “Avery will send what you need. Can you handle it alone for a while?” He hesitated, concerned and torn. If there was ever a time he wished he could be in two places at once, this was it.

“Go. We’ll be fine.” Kindra glanced at the list of incoming children she held in her hand.

He prayed she was right.