The Void Killer Saga

Level 1 alert protocols flashed across the infirmary's medical displays. Kasper's nanobots cycled through emergency restoration sequences – status: 47% operational, limited defensive capabilities only, enhanced strength offline.

The sharp scent of antiseptic couldn't mask the lingering ozone from malfunctioning tech. Whatever had happened in the maze had fried more than just his systems.

"Neural patterns stabilizing," Maria reported, her scanner humming. Dark circles under her eyes betrayed hours of continuous healing. "But the nanotech damage pattern is... strange."

Lucas squeezed her shoulder gently before returning to his diagnostic pad. "The base coding is intact, but look at this response curve." He showed her the screen, their heads close together. "It's like they were protecting him from something specific."

***

Through the haze of recovery, Kasper caught fragments of whispered conversation from the hallway. Academy security protocols automatically enhanced the audio:

"—Level 5 clearance required for maze access—"

"—Commander Cross exceeded authorization—"

"—Headmistress Vega demanding full report—"

A warm hand squeezed his. Sarah. But something felt wrong about her touch – like an electrical interference pattern his nanobots couldn't quite analyze.

"Rest," she whispered. "You're safe now."

Across the room, Nailah's posture shifted subtly. Years of sparring with her let Kasper read her instant tension. She'd noticed something too.

***

In Vega's office, the hierarchy was clear. Despite Cross's combat reputation, she stood at parade rest before the Headmistress's desk.

"The maze's quantum containment protocols were compromised," Cross reported, her usual elegance strained. "Something triggered a recognition response in the base code."

Vega's cybernetic eye whirred as she processed data streams. "You mean someone. Level 7 security access detected during the incident."

"That's impossible. Only Project Lazarus personnel had—" Cross stopped abruptly.

"Precisely." Vega's voice carried hidden weight. "And they're all dead. Except..."

The unfinished sentence hung heavy in the air.

***

Back in the infirmary, the team gathered around Kasper's bed, sharing theories in lowered voices. Academy sensors noted their positions and vital signs:

Valerian: Elevated alertness, tactical systems active

Sean: Stress indicators above baseline, combat readiness 89%

Maria: Healing energy depleted by 73%

Lucas: Running multiple background processes

Nailah: Combat stance subtle but prepared

"Cross's security clearance tops out at Level 6," Valerian observed, his tactical overlay analyzing possibilities. "The maze activation required Level 7."

"Which means either she had help," Sean added, "or someone else was pulling strings."

"The real question," Nailah interjected, moving closer to Kasper's bed, "is why his nanobots recognized whatever triggered them." Her eyes flickered briefly to Sarah.

Lucas looked up from his pad, fingers intertwined with Maria's. "The maze's base code... I've seen architecture like this before. In the academy's medical protocols."

"Standard issue," Sarah said smoothly. But Kasper's partially functioning enhancement caught a micro-expression – gone too fast to identify.

***

The academy's archives required Level 5 clearance minimum. Kasper's credentials shouldn't have worked.

The door opened anyway.

Security Override Status: Access Granted

Authorization: LAZARUS-PRIME

Warning: Unauthorized Access Detected

Warning: Multiple Security Protocols Disabled

In the dim light, he found a file labeled "Lazarus Initiative - Phase 1". Inside, a single photo:

His father and Vega, years younger, standing in a Valparaiso lab. Behind them, a maze-like structure identical to the one that had nearly killed him.

"Fascinating choice of late-night reading."

Cross's voice made him spin. His weakened nanobots screamed warnings:

Combat Warning: Enhanced Opponent Detected

Threat Assessment: Inconclusive

Recommendation: Withdraw

"What do you know about my brother?" Kasper demanded.

Cross's smile held something like regret. "I know he asked the same questions you are. About Project Lazarus. About Valparaiso." She paused. "About Sarah."

She turned to leave, then stopped. "Be careful who you trust, Kasper. Even those closest to us have secrets."

As her footsteps faded, Kasper stared at the photo. His father's expression wasn't pride or determination.

It was fear.