Two hours later, Nigel was riding in a luxury coach, heading west toward the Ohio Valley. The train’s Wi-Fi was better than he expected. Nigel pulled up the specifications for the reactor. Dr. Ash had provided him with a control module for the cyborgs, and he was to use it only if the cyborgs couldn’t function. He checked the signal of the cellular access point that would provide him internet access in the field. The plan was for Freeman to monitor the mission and provide help if Nigel lost signal or couldn’t maintain a stable connection to the reactor.

The door to his private sleeper room opened. It was Blanka.

“You look worried,” she said. “Are you ready for the mission?”

“I think we have all the contingencies in place, but I’m a little concerned.”

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“You got this, Nigel.”

“It’s Freeman. He is my age, but he seems a little immature. He acts like a child sometimes. I’m not sure if he’s ready.”

Blanka considered this for a moment.

“Do you have the ability to take control of the cyborgs?”

“Yes, I can take ownership if I need to, but it’s a last resort, and I may not be able to give control back. It’s a risk because mobile connections are unreliable.”

“Madam Dahlia will make the right choice. If she senses incompetence or any hesitation of Freeman’s part, she will take over. We have you for backup, if nothing else.”

“I suppose you’re right. I’m so tired.”

“Get some rest, Nigel. I’ll be in the room next to this one if you need me. Remember, we have the entire carriage, and Vedrana and Eva are watching in shifts. So you can rest easy.”

Nigel gave Blanka a smile and watched her leave.

He checked the code one last time before closing his laptop.