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“What makes you think this person would fix it if we found him?” Travis asked, folding his arms across his broad chest.

“Or her,” Nicole interjected.

“If we don’t try, we’re back to square one. At least if we find the person who caused this, we can stop one threat,” Mason said. His palm slid supportively over my shoulder.

“How?” Nicole asked, tossing her hair. “Does anyone have a clue who it is? Most of the people capable of this are already on those tables out there. The rest are here.”

“Not necessarily,” I said, remembering my conversation with Dr. Doyle. “I can’t attack the AI, but I think I can get to the personnel files. We can finish the work the doctor started.”

“And we’re supposed to just sit here and wait?” Nicole paced before the door. “I’m not the type who likes to put all her eggs in one basket.”

“Right again, Nicole.” I hated saying that. “You guys should gather as many people from above as you can. There’s strength in numbers, and we have to stick together. Otherwise, they’re sitting ducks. Lead them to the Fisherman where Jackson is. That’s the safest spot because it was never brought online.”

Travis’s mouth snapped shut and he nodded. After only one more moment of hesitation they left.

“Why are you still here?” I asked Mason.

“I told you, I’m not leaving your side. Don’t bother arguing. It will only waste time.”

I shook my head in defeat. He’d have been more useful to them, but I couldn’t say I didn’t appreciate it. With him near me, I felt more confident.

“Thanks,” I said, and I meant it. “And thanks for the rescue.”

“Only returning the favor. You’re the one who kept a cool head when we were in that elevator.”

I found an open office out of sight of the main area and pulled him inside before sitting down at the terminal. I gathered my hair back at the nape of my neck, wishing I had something to tie it back with. With a swipe of my fingers, I woke the terminal up.

Mason’s hands caressed my shoulders, working out the tension as he peered down at what I was doing.

“You want to fill me in on what’s happening in that amazing brain of yours?” he asked.

“It’s the DSI. I’m sure of it,” I said, not looking away from the multiple digi-screens as my fingers flew over them.

His hands tightened on my shoulders. “I told you, you aren’t capable of it.”

“Not me,” I said, opening the personnel files I’d been searching for. “When I spoke to Dr. Doyle, he mentioned that they’d identified two of us on this trip who were at risk for serious symptoms.”

“There’s someone else?” Mason asked, hands frozen in place.

“Dr. Doyle didn’t mention names, and he certainly can’t now,” I said. “But I know how out of control I feel. This other person has to feel the same. It’s a lead anyway.”

I worked silently for a few more minutes, then took a deep breath. Without looking at him, I said, “We have to be prepared for the possibility—”

“No,” Mason said, rubbing a hand over his face. “I told you. You aren’t capable.”

“And how do you know that?” I asked, appreciating his fierce defense.

“Because you want out of here. You’re terrified. I can see it in every move you make. Your whole body is tense whether you want to admit it or not. I’m just surprised you’re so functional.”

“It’s that obvious, huh?” I tried to crack a smile. “The good news is, I found the files. The bad news is, there are fifty-eight of them.”

“Process of elimination. You can get rid of those that have already been, um, put out of commission.”

“That leaves thirty-eight people,” I said after another few minutes of searching.

Neither of us commented on the fact that twenty of those beds were already filled.

“Look for those ranked blue and above. They’re the ones who have the technical ability to help in case of emergency. That’s how your file was marked and why Mother hired you.”