This wasn't what I'd planned for today, but when you're in the military you come when you're called. I shifted slightly, leaning a shoulder against the wall as I watched the gathered group shift nervously while waiting for the Colonel to speak. Right now he was glaring around at the group gathered in the hospital's security office. The man could glare most people into submission rather quickly. Behind him, the security monitor was frozen on an image of an empty hospital room. The covers on the bed rumpled.

"Would any of you like to tell me how in the hell a kid who can barely move walks out of a hospital without anyone noticing? Someone want to explain it?"

"He had help."

The Colonel's eyes snapped over to the speaker. "And you are?"

"Carl Phelps, sir, head of security." Everyone's eyes looked at the monitor when he gestured at it. While everyone looked on, he ushered the security officer sitting before the monitor from the chair and took a seat before he rewound the video and hit play. We all watched as the patient left the room assisted by a young woman, the camera view switched and the two made slow progression down the corridor to an exit door. "This woman helped him leave through an old employee entrance. We lost them outside."

"Hey, I know her! That's Holly Monrow, she's a hospital volunteer," one of the doctors called out.

"What sort of relationship did she have with the patient?" the Colonel snapped out, his voice demanding an answer.

It took all I had not to laugh as I watched the doctor shift around. "Nothing untoward, if that's what you're implying. They seemed to be just friends." He shrugged. "They're around the same age, I think she's nineteen."

The Colonel jabbed a finger at the monitor. "She helped him escape the hospital! Something is going on there!" He twisted around, eyes searching the room until he found me where I was propped against the wall in the back. "Captain Rucka, I want information on the woman. We need to contain this as quickly as possible!"

"Yes, sir." It would be rather easy to give him information about Holly considering I knew her well. Yet, I'd never give him what he needed to find her.

The Colonel's eyes swept over the gathered group. I want information. Anything you have!" he growled before dismissing the group.

The doctors shuffled from the room, while the military officers scattered. The doctors were nervously anticipating the consequences of allowing Lazurus One to escape. Colonel Sturm would make someone pay for it, of that much I was certain.

It was going to be my job to deflect the Colonel's inquiries. To keep him in the dark for as long as possible. I walked quickly down the hallway searching for someplace where I could make a private call. A supply closet provided the necessary concealment and I slipped inside, hiding between shelves filled with disinfectant and toilet paper. I pulled my phone out and scrolled through my contact until I found the number I needed and hit dial. It went to voicemail. All right, a message it is then.

"Holly, it's your Aunt Caroline, listen to me I don't have much time, wherever you are stay the hell away from civilization. Take him to the cabin and wait there until I contact you. You must remain hidden." That was all I could tell her for now. The Colonel would be looking for me, looking for answers. I disconnected the call and slipped out of the supply closet.

My niece accomplished the one thing we never thought was possible, she freed Lazarus One from military observation. Now they had an opportunity. A chance to free the others. There were other phone calls I needed to make but they'd have to wait for the moment. Right now, I needed to feed the Colonel a few answers. Just the basics to keep him happy and occupied.