The second day’s test began with the reference data hidden from Juno and Dr. Rusk.
A neutral technician loaded the readings into the review terminal and assigned them code numbers. The key remained sealed in its pouch until both examiners signed the opening log. Ada and Tomas had been offered the same observer seats as the day before. Tomas sat beside his mother with a notebook open, ready to write down the answer to his question about ordinary house keys.
Eli arrived after the team check-in. He told Tessa, Kellan and Sera where he was going and repeated the inquiry’s limits. The chamber device would not be activated. The original key would not leave custody. He did not say that the test would finally explain Mira’s behavior, because it might explain nothing about her at all.
Tessa studied the schedule. “We can hear the result, then go to the clinic. The placement coordinator needs my answer about patient coverage by five.”
“Do you want to postpone?”
“No. The coordinator can wait until five.” She shut her folder. “But I don’t want the key to decide what I do with the placement.”
Kellan asked if he could stay through the family briefing. He had no technical role, but Ada had asked him to help her track the sequence of statements. Tessa said she would return to the clinic if needed. Sera kept the independent scout license application in her bag; she still had to submit her field hours that evening.
