Liam and Lana carefully laid Vanessa down on the flat metal table at the center of the underground chamber. Its surface was unnaturally clean—so pristine it almost shimmered under the overhead lights. Lana adjusted Vanessa's head to rest comfortably while Liam supported her back gently.
But before they could take a full breath, something completely unexpected happened.
Whirrrr—Clank—Click.
Mechanical sounds echoed from beneath the table. In a sudden burst of motion, robotic arms emerged from hidden compartments beneath the frame. Sleek, multi-jointed limbs made of chrome and black carbon fiber extended fluidly, moving with surgical precision. One of them hovered over Vanessa's face and lowered an oxygen mask, fastening it gently over her mouth and nose.
Both Liam and Lana instinctively took a step back, their expressions stunned.
"What the hell…" Liam muttered, his voice trailing off.
