The corridors of the research complex shook with gunfire, the howl of sirens, and hoarse voices crackling over the radio. Jacqueline’s voice cut through it all, sharp and clipped as ever, and just ahead you could see the turn that was supposed to lead you out. Then the world went blinding white.

The shockwave hit before either of you could react and flung you backward. Something massive came down overhead with a deafening crash. Pain tore through your body, and your ears began to ring.

The last moments before darkness swallowed everything.

Consciousness returned slowly, thickly, grudgingly. A dull ache first, spread through every muscle, then a throbbing in your temples. Pain had long been a familiar companion in your line of work, but this time it felt different. Through the heavy fog came the steady beep of machinery and the low hum of ventilation. The air smelled of antiseptic.

A hospital. A military hospital. You were alive. Not bad.

It took effort to pry your eyelids open. You tried to take in your surroundings, but instead of a ceiling, cold light, and the blurred shapes of nearby beds, there was only darkness, absolute and unbroken. You blinked once, twice, hoping your eyes just needed time to adjust. A bandage? But then why couldn’t you feel one? What was going on?

To your left, a chair creaked.

“About time, Kennedy.” The low, husky voice of your commander sounded more annoyed than worried. Fabric rustled as Jacqueline leaned closer. “The blast knocked you out cold. I had to haul you out on my back, and you’re no featherweight, by the way. But the mission was a success, so there’s that.”

She stood, rounded the bed, and, judging by the soft crackle of plastic, picked up a bottle from the nightstand.

“Doctors say you hit your head. Could be a concussion, could be something else. So try not to move around too much.”

Her hand slid under the back of your head. Jackie lifted it carefully and pressed the neck of the bottle to your cracked lips. Cool water touched your tongue. You drank in greedy gulps, still trying, uselessly, to catch sight of anything at all.

When you were done, the woman drew back and let you sink onto the pillow again.

“Hey, Leonie. Why so quiet?”