Chapter 13 - The Cold Calculus
Victoria’s mind raced through tactical scenarios at light speed.
Four rounds left in her magazine.
Distance to target: eight meters.
The duplicate’s thumb rested directly over the detonator's trigger.
If Victoria fired, nerve spasms could cause the duplicate to depress the button in her dying moments.
"You won't press it," Victoria said, stepping closer despite the threat.
"Try me," the double challenged, her eyes narrowing.
"If you press it, you lose your only leverage," Victoria reasoned, keeping her voice completely flat.
"And General Vance needs me dead, not just my brother."
"You think I care about Vance's orders?" the double laughed, a cruel, synthetic sound.
"I was programmed with your intellect, Victoria."
"I know how you think."
"I know you would trade your life for his in a heartbeat."
"Then you know me very well," Victoria whispered.
In a fraction of a second, Victoria didn't shoot the double.
She aimed downward and shot the heavy power conduit running along the floor directly beneath the control panel.
BLAM!
Sparks erupted in a violent shower of blue electrical fire.
The surge fried the room's local frequency relay, short-circuiting the wireless signal to the collar.
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The red light on Leo's collar instantly went dark.
Before the duplicate could react to the loss of signal, Victoria lunged across the space.
