"Hold on, kid. You aren't going to die on me." His tears burned worse than the gas. Wrenching sobs fought past his control.

"So they made you a killer," whispered the kid. "Is it worth it?" He closed his eyes and let his head fall back.

The medics took over from D'Aoust, but shook their heads.

D'Aoust's heart ached. He'd signed up to protect people, not to shoot unarmed kids. He headed out of the complex.

The Police Chief interrupted a general command to the ...