No one inside the chamber panicked.
That was the first thing Marcus noticed.
The workers stepped back in practiced unison, immediately clearing a circle around the fallen man. Their movements lacked fear or confusion. Instead, they resembled laborers following procedures rehearsed countless times before.
The Collectors reacted just as quickly.
One emitted a rapid sequence of sharp clicks that echoed across the chamber. Every nearby worker immediately ceased what they were doing and retreated several more paces, leaving the center of the room completely clear.
No one attempted to help.
No one spoke.
The silence felt unnatural.
Marcus kept his eyes fixed on the inspection monitor.
"They've expected this before," he whispered.
Cole nodded grimly.
"They have a protocol."
