“Yes!” Ling said to Helen’s offer of assistance, a desperate maneuver coming to her. “When I say, hit that kill switch to the hard line.” She gestured with her head to a red covered switch on the wall, dozens of cords coming out of the wall next to it and splicing to connect to all the computers in the room. “But not too soon,” Ling cautioned, “or we could lose Sprite in there.”

Helen understood and readied herself in position, lifting the hinged, clear plastic safety cover, careful not to touch the red switch. She eyed the room and swallowed.