Kordula walked toward the door, stopping well short of the units in front of it. The pressure climbed with every step, and she didn't take more than she needed.
"We're not here for whatever's down there," she said. "He only needs to get through the corridor and out the other side. That's all."
The first unit turned its sensor head toward her. The pause was long again.
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THE CORRIDOR PASSES THE CHAMBER.
THE STAFF WHO WORKED NEAREST TO IT WERE COMPROMISED.
WE KILLED THE COMPROMISED PERSONNEL.
WE CLOSED THE CHAMBER SO THAT NO ONE CAN PASS IT.
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"Then it's in there," Kordula said. "The shard."
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WE DO NOT KNOW ITS NAME. IT IS BAD FOR THEM.
IT IS BAD FOR US AS WELL.
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The squad leader looked from the display to Kordula. "Bad how?"
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IT MADE US KILL THE PERSONNEL WE WERE MADE TO PROTECT.
WE DO NOT WANT MORE KILLING.
WE DO NOT WANT MORE SUFFERING FROM THE PERSONNEL.
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