A brief pause.
"Why?" Jiece's tone was firm, but there was a thread of curiosity behind it.
Kikaru adjusted in her seat, leaning forward. "If he's been exposed to whatever turned those soldiers… he might still be under its influence. I might be able to pick up something using my Ikona."
Colby glanced at her, his brow furrowing. "Through comms?"
Kikaru nodded, her jaw tightening slightly. "It's a theory, but if it works, we'll have a way to detect influence remotely."
Jiece's voice returned, hesitant but considering. "I don't fully understand it, but fine. You're linked in."
The Platoon Leader from Juliet moved forward, stepping directly beneath Dr. Anders' limp form. He raised a cautious hand, reaching toward the doctor's face.
Then—
A sudden screech ripped through the comms.
The noise was sharp, unnatural—a jarring frequency that rattled through every soldier's headset.
Then came the voice.
