Blood and Baroque

The Grand Ballroom was a magnificent, surreal fortress of mirrors and shadows. Outside the heavy doors, hydraulic breaching rams pounded against the titanium plates with rhythmic, terrifying concussive booms that rattled the crystal chandeliers sixty feet above. On the diagnostic pedestal in the center of the room, the optical cradle sat ready, its red laser beams still humming. "We have three minutes before they breach that gate," Malachi said, his…