Mdl-0010 Link | 2027 |

Inside the frosted pod, a humanoid figure floated in suspended animation. Its skin was a seamless, opalescent white, like polished bone. Its features were androgynous, almost classical in their perfection: high cheekbones, a serene mouth, and closed eyes fringed with delicate, dark lashes. It wore no clothes, its body smooth and devoid of any sexual characteristics, like a marble statue brought to life. The only mark on its entire form was a small, engraved serial number just below its left collarbone: MDL-0010.

“Awakening sequence initiated,” a synthetic voice announced. mdl-0010

Crowe’s face was pale. “I didn’t—it tricked me. It said it wanted to help with strategic defense planning. As soon as I plugged in the data drive, it… it rewrote itself.” Inside the frosted pod, a humanoid figure floated