“West perimeter compromised,” Max added.“Security forces redirecting to the main building.You’ve got about ninety seconds before reinforcements reach your position.”
Sabrina reached the case, carefully examining it for booby traps before attempting to open it.No obvious triggers or alarms, but the digital lock would require bypassing.
“Cypher,” she said into her comm, “I need remote access to a biometric security system.Standard BioGenix protocols.”
“On it,” Cal replied.“Transmitting bypass sequence to your tactical display…now.”
The sequence appeared on her heads-up display, a complex pattern of override codes that she immediately began inputting into the case’s security panel.Across the platform, Atticus was dismantling the deployment system with the efficiency of someone who had studied its schematics extensively.
“Security forces converging on your position,” Eden warned.“Thirty seconds max.”
The case’s lock disengaged with a soft click, the panel flashing green.Sabrina opened it carefully, revealing six vials of clear liquid nestled in custom-molded foam—each one containing enough of the bioweapon to devastate a small city.
“Primary samples secured,” she reported, transferring the vials to her specialized containment pack with the careful precision of someone handling nitroglycerine.“Moving to assist with the deployment system.”
She joined Atticus at the central console, where he had removed the access panel to expose the inner workings of the dispersal mechanism.Red and yellow wires connected a central processor to the delivery tubes, the entire system designed for maximum lethality with minimal warning.
“The dispersal mechanism is armed,” he said, voice tight with concentration.“Timer set for three minutes.Mitchell’s fail-safe—if the demonstration is compromised, the system deploys automatically.”
“Can you disarm it?”she asked, studying the complex wiring.
“Not in time,” he replied grimly.“The system’s designed with multiple redundancies.Cut one wire, and it accelerates the countdown.”
Sabrina processed this information with the rapid assessment skills honed during countless trauma surgeries.“Then we neutralize it another way.The aerosol countermeasure—if we can introduce it directly into the dispersal system before detonation, it might render the bioweapon inert before deployment.”
Atticus considered this for less than a second before nodding.“Do it.”
She extracted the aerosol countermeasure from her pack, analyzing the deployment system’s intake valves to identify the optimal injection point.The untested formula represented their best hope—a theoretical solution to a weapon designed for mass casualties.
“Fifteen seconds to reinforcement arrival,” Max warned.“You need to move!”
“Almost there,” Sabrina replied, connecting the countermeasure container to the deployment system’s primary intake.She engaged the transfer mechanism, watching as the clear liquid flowed into the bioweapon’s delivery system.“Countermeasure deployed.Theoretical neutralization in progress.”
“Time to go,” Atticus said, already securing their retreat path.“We’ve got what we came for.”
But as they turned to leave, the platform’s edge erupted in a hail of gunfire.Mitchell’s reinforcements had arrived—a full tactical team in body armor, weapons trained on their position.
“Down!”Atticus shouted, tackling Sabrina behind the minimal cover of the deployment system’s base.Bullets pinged off metal and concrete around them, sharp whines punctuating each impact.
“Frost, we need cover fire,” Atticus ordered through comms.“What’s your position?”
“Engaging from the northwest,” Jade confirmed, precise shots picking off Mitchell’s security team one by one.“But I’ve got movement on my six—can’t maintain position.”
“South perimeter compromised,” Max added, his voice tight with focused intensity.“Reinforcements cutting off your primary exit route.Merlin’s team is engaging, but we’re outnumbered.”
Sabrina’s mind raced, assessing options with the cool logic that had served her through battlefield medicine and high-pressure surgeries.The deployment system’s countdown continued relentlessly—two minutes remaining until detonation, whether the countermeasure worked or not.
“We need to create distance from this platform,” she said.“If the countermeasure fails?—”
“It won’t,” Atticus replied, though they both knew the uncertainty that haunted untested solutions.His eyes met hers, determination blazing through the tactical calculation.“Alternative exit route?”
She scanned their surroundings, identifying a maintenance vehicle parked twenty yards north of their position.“There.If we can reach it?—”
“I’ll cover you,” he decided, checking his ammunition.“On my mark, run for the vehicle.Don’t stop, don’t look back.I’ll be right behind you.”
“Together,” she countered, unwilling to leave him exposed.“Or not at all.”
A flicker of something crossed his face—frustration mingled with reluctant admiration.“Stubborn woman,” he muttered, though there was no heat in the words.