Chapter 17: Under Pressure

The Sparrow Unlimited office loomed before Zain and Edith, its sleek, metallic exterior gleaming under the harsh glare of the overhead lights. They stood in a narrow corridor, the air thick with tension as they prepared to execute their new plan.

Approaching the main office, Zain and Edith found themselves in a long corridor lined with closed doors, each leading to different departments of the facility. The corridor was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the fluorescent fixtures mounted on the ceiling. The air was cool and sterile, carrying with it the faint scent of chemicals.

Zain and Edith moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the low-pile carpeting covering the floor. Their tactical gear clinked softly with each step, a constant reminder of the weight of their mission. They approached a heavy metal door at the end of the corridor, marked with the designation "Research and Development Wing."

Zain glanced at Edith, silently communicating their next move. Edith nodded in response, her hand hovering over the keypad beside the door. With practiced precision, she entered the access code, and the door slid open with a low hum. Before the mission, she had hacked into Sparrow Unlimited's database, exploiting vulnerabilities in their security system to gain access to employee records and facility layouts.

After studying the information she obtained, Edith identified a high-ranking employee who would likely have access to the Research and Development Wing. She tricked the employee into revealing the access code during a casual conversation using social engineering techniques.

Beyond the door was a long, sterile hallway lined with conference rooms and offices. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a cold, white glow over the pristine surroundings. The sound of typing and muted conversations drifted through the air, evidence of the busy activity within the facility.

Edith consulted the schematics on her tablet, her brow furrowed in concentration. "The Sentinel-7 blueprints should be in the main research office at the end of this hallway," she murmured, pointing in the direction they needed to go.

Zain nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Let's keep moving," he replied, his voice low.

The tension hung heavy in the air as Zain and Edith moved through the dimly lit corridors of the facility. Zain's mind was clouded by the weight of his father's expectations, his thoughts consumed by their conversation earlier.

As they rounded a corner, the beam of a flashlight swept across the hallway, catching them off guard. Zain's heart raced as he instinctively reached for his weapon, his father's voice echoing in his mind, urging him to act decisively.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zain stepped forward, his movements fueled by adrenaline and uncertainty. Instead of ducking into hiding like they had planned, he charged toward the guard, his mind a blur of conflicting emotions.

Edith's eyes widened in alarm as she watched Zain's reckless actions, her voice sharp with urgency. "Zain, what are you doing?!" she hissed, her tone a mixture of anger and disbelief.

But Zain's mind was elsewhere, his focus locked on the guard before him. With a swift, calculated movement, he lunged forward, delivering a powerful blow that sent the guard sprawling to the ground.

As the guard crumpled, Zain's breath caught in his throat, the reality of what he had just done sinking in.

“Zain! In. And. Out.” she whispered to him.

"I... I don't know," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just..."

Edith's expression softened slightly, though her frustration was evident. "Well, snap out of it," she said, her tone firm. "We can't afford any more mistakes."

Zain nodded, his jaw clenched with determination. "You're right," he replied, his voice steadier now. "I won't let it happen again."

"You can't let it happen again." She replied rolling her eyes.

Finally, they reached the main research office, a large room filled with rows of workstations and high-tech equipment. Computer monitors blinked with data, and the hum of machinery filled the air. Zain and Edith slipped inside, their senses on high alert as they scanned the room for the blueprints they sought.

K.M Strunk