A’AM, YOU SHOULD SEE THIS.” The tech nervously pointed at the surveillance screen.

The head of information stared at the face of Subject 6. It was covered with huge oozing pustules, like boils. The subject was crying, even as she tried to keep from scratching her skin raw. There was much activity in the area as the other subjects started to gather around number 6.

“Have you seen Twenty-two yet?” the head asked.

“Yes,” the tech replied grimly, just as the subject in question came into view. The tech enhanced the nightvision capabilities of the camera. Subject 22 was indeed also covered with the plaguelike skin lesions.

“Another malfunction. unbelievable,” the head of information whispered. “This couldn’t have been from the reactant. It was tested a hundred times. We know the effect it has. It couldn’t have done this. In fact — I believe it was tested on Twenty-two himself when he was six months old. Check the records on that before I inform the doctor.”

The tech nodded.

“ASAP,” the head pressed. “The doctor is going to be very, very upset when he —” She broke off and squinted at the screen. There seemed to be some kind of commotion. People pressing together, people yelling.

“What’s going on now?”

The tech turned up the volume and tried refocusing the camera. “It may be that one of the subjects just collapsed? I’m not sure. Let me come in closer… .”

“We have to get field reports!” the head yelled, pulling out her phone to mobilize the street team. “This could be turning into an emergency scenario. We are not going to lose any of the subjects on my watch.”