Page 10 of Mercy Written in Blood

"That is for unexplained biological exposure."

"Yes."

"I have not been exposed to anything."

"That you know of."

"Kael."

A pause. The humour left Kael's voice.

"There was movement near the southern tunnels."

"What kind of movement?"

"We don't know yet."

"Human?"

"We don't know."

Renji looked towards the linen-room door.

"Casualties?"

"None reported."

"Then this can wait until morning."

"For you, morning is a philosophical concept."

"Send me the report."

"Already did."

The line disconnected. Renji remained still.

Protocol Seven-C. The designation had not been used in years. He opened the encrypted notification on his tablet.

ACCESS RESTRICTED.

SOUTHERN INFRASTRUCTURE ZONE.

SUBTERRANEAN DISTURBANCE.

ORIGIN UNKNOWN.

No images, no witness statements, no useful information at all. Renji closed the file.

Hospitals had rules for blood-borne infections, radiation, chemical contamination and mass casualty events. The Accord had rules for everything hospitals did not know existed. Most protocols were never needed. That was the point of them.

Renji left the linen room. He had taken three steps when the overhead speaker activated.

"Dr Takahara to Emergency. Dr Takahara to Emergency immediately."

Every muscle in his body sharpened. Aoi emerged from a patient's room.

"What is it?"