Chapter 20: Infiltration

In the dimly lit confines of the air vent, Edith and Zain wriggled their way forward, their movements restricted by the narrow space. Their muscles ached from the tight confines, but they pressed on, their determination unwavering.

"We need to find a way out of here," Zain muttered, his voice echoing in the confined space.

Edith nodded in agreement, her mind racing with possibilities. "Agreed. Let's see if we can find a vent or access point that leads to a different part of the building," she suggested, her voice tinged with urgency.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally came across a grate leading into a dimly lit corridor. With a collective sigh of relief, they pushed the grate open and dropped down into the corridor below.

As they emerged from the vent, they found themselves in a deserted hallway, the only sound the faint hum of machinery in the distance. Edith glanced around, her eyes scanning for any sign of movement.

"Alright, let's focus on the mission," she said, her voice firm. "We thought we could do this mission solo, but we need our team.” Zain nodded and said, “Kasey, can you send some friends over?”

“Why is everything okay?”

“This is an all hands on deck situation, we’re okay for now, but I need my team.” Edith butted in.

“Montana has a question,” Markus said. At first, Zain nodded and then realized they could not see him, “Go ahead, rookie.”

“Are you sure you want me in this? I haven’t done anything this big before, sir.” 

Edith rolled her eyes and said, “Montana, you may be new, but your stats are so much higher than mine from when I was starting. You’ll be fine just listen to Agent C and I’s directions.”

“Yes, ma’am. We’re heading over now, how would you like us to approach?”

"Cian, Montana, listen up," she murmured, her tone urgent. "We need you to get to our location without alerting the guards. Here's the plan. There's a staircase near the eastern entrance, take it up to the second floor and look for a maintenance access hatch. It should be somewhere near the southeast perimeter." Edith continued, her eyes flicking between her schematics and the surroundings. "Once you find the access hatch, use your tools to open it quietly. Then make your way to our position. Try to stay out of sight and avoid making any noise."

Montana nodded in understanding, his fingers tapping nervously against his thigh. "We'll be as quiet as mice," he whispered, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"Good. And remember, stay alert. We don't know what kind of security measures they have in place."

With that, they set off down the corridor, their footsteps echoing in the space. But before they could get far, they heard footsteps approaching.

They turned to see Cian and Montana approaching, their expressions determined.

"We're here to help," Cian explained, his eyes glinting with determination. 

The team moved cautiously through the darkened corridors, the only sound the soft echo of their footsteps against the metal floor. As they reached a dead end, Zain looked up, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a series of metal rafters crisscrossing the ceiling above.

"We'll have to go up," he whispered, gesturing towards the rafters. "Stay close and watch your step."

Edith nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she followed Zain's lead. With practiced ease, he began to scale the wall, his movements fluid and silent. Cian and Montana followed suit, their breaths shallow as they struggled to keep up.

But as she reached for the next beam, her foot slipped, and she felt herself falling backward. In an instant, Zain's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to his body.

Their eyes met, a flash of tension passing between them as Zain held her securely in his arms. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they hovered in the air, the silence broken only by the sound of their breaths mingling together.

With a swift motion, Zain pulled Edith back up onto the beam, their bodies pressed close together for a fleeting moment before they separated, their faces flushed with adrenaline.

"Thanks," Edith whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

Zain nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Anytime," he replied, his voice soft.

They shared a nod of understanding before continuing on their way, the tension between them lingering in the air as they moved forward, their eyes fixed on the task at hand.

As they continued through the rafters, Zain led the way with silent determination, his senses on high alert. Edith followed closely behind, her mind racing with the details of their mission.

They reached a restricted access balcony guarded by two security officers. Zain motioned for the team to stop, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.

Edith dropped down behind them, her gaze fixed on the guards. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she approached them, swaying her hips ever so slightly as she walked.

"Hey there, boys," They both turned around.

"Mind if I slip through? I've got a... special appointment."

The guards eyed each other and grinned, their eyes trailing over Edith's form appreciatively. "I don't see why not, sweetheart," one of them replied, reaching out to grab her arm.

But before they could react, Edith's hand shot out with lightning speed, smashing their heads together. The guards crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Zain and the rest of the team watched in awe as Edith quickly dragged the guards out of sight, her movements efficient and precise.

"Nice work," Zain murmured, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Edith grinned a satisfied glint in her eyes. "Thanks. Let's keep moving," she replied, her tone immediately becoming professional as she gestured for the team to follow her.

With the guards dealt with, they pressed on, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor as they continued their advance through the facility. As they approached the door at the end of the corridor, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Edith reached out to grasp the handle, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

But as the door swung open, they were met with an unexpected sight. Standing before them were not the expected guards or scientists, but a group of stern-looking government officials, their expressions grim and determined.

Zain's breath caught in his throat as he exchanged a glance with Edith. This was not part of the plan.

"Freeze! Don't move a muscle!" one of the officials barked, leveling a gun in their direction.

The team tensed, uncertainty clouding their minds as they faced this unexpected obstacle. What had started as a simple infiltration mission had suddenly taken a dangerous turn, and they found themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

K.M Strunk