“I know all about your promotions,” I said, making no attempt to hide my disgust. “My predecessor was ‘promoted’ as I remember. And where is he, now?”

“Ah, Mr. Colton. Well, that’s a sad story, isn’t it?” Aslog buzzed.

I moved to the wall opposite her, hearing faint clicks behind her faceplate, signifying that her processors were working overtime.

She watched me for a good fifteen seconds.

“It’s time,” she said quietly.

“Time for what?”

“You read the reports, Bennett. You know what’s happening in the Outer Line. Maybe you know better than any of us…maybe that’s what you used this…”

She waved her hand in the air.

”...voucher for.”

I shook my head. “No, I didn’t go to the Outer Line. As I understand it, an approved voucher allows me to go where I please.”

She stood from my chair slowly and leaned on my desk, her metallic knuckles scraping the glass.

“We need you to activite the viral cleanse procedure.”

I couldn’t breathe.

It was happening.