Story 1273: The Doctor’s Secret

They reached the edge of Zone 7B at dawn.

The trees thinned, giving way to shattered roads and skeletal buildings half-buried in ash. The wind smelled like chemicals and regret. H-13 checked his internal map and stopped beside a rusted signpost.

“This was once the Halloway Medical Research Hub,” he said. “One of the blacksite facilities used by VIREX. Off the books. Off the map.”

Juno narrowed her eyes. “You brought us here on purpose.”

He didn’t deny it.

“This is where Dr. Marcus was stationed,” H-13 said. “Your doctor.”

Juno froze.

Dr. Marcus.

She hadn’t heard his name in years. Not since she’d escaped VIREX’s custody. He was kind. Too kind. Always asking questions the others ignored. She’d trusted him once—right before the betrayal.

They moved into the ruins.