At the VIP clinic, I was helping my nine-month pregnant daughter change for her final ultrasound. The moment her shirt slipped off, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

READY.

Within seconds: AWAITING YOUR COMMAND, ELEANOR.

My reply came instantly: EXECUTE EVERYTHING. ALL FRONTS. NOW.

A pause.

Then: WITH PLEASURE. SCORCHING THE EARTH.

The technician, unaware of the destruction unfolding, applied cold gel to Chloe’s stomach. The monitor flickered to life. A small spine appeared. Then a heartbeat—fast, strong, relentless.continue reading …