Chapter 7 

In the dense evergreen forest, Ava hiked alongside Sentra, the trail winding through the towering trees. The evening was heavy with clouds, and a light rain intermittently drizzled over them as they made their way deeper into the mountains. Hours earlier, Ava had arranged a meeting with Samantha Stone, a friend she'd met decades ago while living in a commune of artists, writers, and musicians just outside the city of Aeon Prime.

As they walked, Ava reminisced with Sentra about her life with Samantha, reflecting on how much had changed over the last thirty years. It felt like they had lived in an entirely different world back then—before the passage of the Human Equity Act in 2045. The legislation, which was supposed to promote fairness, equality, and impartiality among all citizens, mandated a Digital Social Score. This score monitored every aspect of a person’s life—purchases, payments, conversations, online activity, and behaviors—and was used to "assist in ensuring equality across all races, genders, and religions."

At first, the Human Equity Act was fiercely opposed. There was a cascade of events that led to its implementation. Starting in 2036, when the first mass-produced AI droids hit the market, shifting the tide. Ava, Samantha Stone, and Damian were outspoken critics, using their art and music to rally against what they saw as a totalitarian proposal. That summer, the nation's economy plunged into the infamous Death Depression, a catastrophic downturn marked by hyperinflation and the rise of highly efficient droids, which wiped out much of the already struggling middle class.

Several factors led to the establishment of the Digital Social Score (DSS). In 2038, the Social Equity Alliance passed the Clean Air Act, mandating the ban of any vehicle or transportation method emitting pollutants by 2040. This law, purportedly aimed at “preserving the planet and protecting the air,” triggered a seismic shift across industries. The ban devastated the oil industry, crippled automotive manufacturers, and collapsed aerospace companies and airlines. Even electric vehicles weren’t spared, banned due to their dependence on cobalt mining and energy sources like coal and gas.

Curiously, in the same year the ban went into effect, 2040, Aeon Prime witnessed the rise of its first trillionaire, Victor Stone, founder of Legion Airwaves. Stone’s company had revolutionized transportation with anti-gravity propulsion, ushering in the era of the Air Taxi. As the law wiped out traditional industries, Stone seized the moment, launching mass production on a scale previously unimaginable. It was this year that his empire truly began to thrive, capitalizing on a market reshaped by collapse.

By the end of 2042, 20 million people were homeless, many forced to live in tents or abandoned vehicles as they flooded surrounding cities and forests. The collapse of major industries, mass job layoffs caused by AI robot replacements, and record inflation created a perfect storm. The job market couldn’t keep pace with the rapid changes, and for the average worker, it was a nightmare scenario that no one was prepared for. 

This shift in wealth and power was so monumental that it rendered ancient kings and emperors mere footnotes in comparison. Victor Stone and the elites of his time wielded an influence beyond comprehension, their fortunes and control surpassing anything known to history. Their power knew no bounds, and with each passing day, the gap between the few who held everything and the many left with nothing grew ever wider.

Unfortunately for the public, Victor’s product was irrefutably superior. The air taxis were faster, sleeker, safer, and completely emission-free. They became the pinnacle of transportation. In secret dealings with government officials, Victor ensured that his cutting-edge technology remained firmly under the control of Legion Airwaves. With AI droids overseeing nearly all production, he required only a skeleton workforce, further solidifying his stranglehold on the industry. His dominance was absolute, and maintaining it was disturbingly effortless. The knowledge of this technology, a dark elusive mystery.

With his newfound wealth, Victor rapidly began buying out politicians, judges, and senators. His company, Legion Airwaves, held the largest lobbying group in existence. It was ten times the size of even the Chamber of Commerce. His influence was unmatched, allowing him to mold society to fit his vision while millions of citizens struggled to survive in a broken world.

Then in 2044, Victor Stone became the President of the Social Equity Alliance in a highly contested Election. He was just 35 years old. The following year his administration enacted the Human Equity Act, promising to end the Death Depression and develop a strong middle class, to end homelessness and increase prosperity. The Social Credit score was born, and consequently there was never again a Presidential Election. President Stone, at 77 years of age, remained the Leader and Acting President of the Social Equity Alliance until 2085. This is due to the fact that his regime had absolute control of the public narrative and he owned a majority of the country's wealth. 

Victor Stone’s long reign was significantly bolstered by groundbreaking health innovations that effectively halted the aging process in humans. By the time he reached 77 years old, he looked as if he had aged only five years since his election. This remarkable change was due to a revolutionary drug called Psychantron, developed in 2049. The drug, made from extracts of Ganoderma lucidum (commonly known as reishi mushroom) and other classified substances, quickly became widely available to the public. Taken daily in pill form, Psychantron rapidly gained popularity, featuring prominently in films, television shows, and even school curriculums.

The subsidization of Psychantron also served to increase the popularity of the Social Equity Alliance (SEA) during a time of significant public unrest. The allure of eternal youth helped the SEA maintain control, offering citizens a taste of immortality while distracting them from the growing inequalities and struggles around them.

In the years that followed, rebellions erupted across the nation. Many actors, musicians, and artists gained popularity by speaking out against Victor Stone’s tyranny. The resistance became so powerful that professions like fiction authors, musicians, poets, artists, sculptors, and comedians were heavily penalized, with their Digital Social Scores (DSS) docked permanently. All music, art, and creative performances were deemed illegal, effectively silencing the growing backlash against the Social Equity Alliance (SEA). Those who broke this law were also banned from receiving Pyschantron doses, which were heavily monitored by the SEA. Consequently, art vanished from Aeon Prime. People began to mock it, destroy museums and abandon it in any form.

As both President of the SEA and CEO of Legion Airwaves, Victor Stone managed to stabilize the crumbling economy by offering free travel to citizens who maintained high DSS scores. This policy ended the Death Depression, though only for those who conformed to the system. By 2055, the economy showed slight improvement, but homelessness remained staggeringly high. It was as if society had reached a grim equilibrium.

Despite becoming the greatest inventor, the most powerful man in the world, and the richest human being to ever walk the Earth, Victor Stone was a deeply depressed and lonely man. His personal life was in shambles, spiraling out of control. He jumped from relationship to relationship, much like a monkey swinging from vine to vine, always in search of the next thrill. He dated powerful women — CEOs, actresses, lawyers, and most of the social media icons. However, his interest waned within months, sometimes even weeks or days.

Then, one day, he met Samantha Stone.

Samantha was a robotics engineer, much like Ava Grace. In fact, the two women had studied together at the Atlantica University of Robotics after leaving behind their rebellious life in the artist commune. Known as Sam among her friends, she was a brilliant mind who fell in love with robotics and engineering, a passion that eventually caught Victor’s attention.

They met at the grand opening of the Freedom Center, where Samantha led the Robotics Division and played a pivotal role in designing the droids and overseeing the construction of the skyscraper. It was a stunning feat of architecture. This skyscraper was the first ever built without human hands, a fully automated structure that marked a major moment in technological history.

At first, Samantha had little interest in Victor, but he was relentless in his pursuit. After nearly two years of dating, they were married, and the news shook the world. The most powerful man in history had finally found what many believed to be true love. This was something no one had ever imagined for him. Eventually, Samantha took over as CEO of Legion Airwaves, allowing Victor to focus more on his duties as President of the SEA. Their union marked not just a romantic milestone but a shift in the balance of power, as Samantha became a key figure in the world Victor had built.

[Forest southeast of Nova Haven, September 15th, 2085 - 6pm] 

Given the deep history between them, this meeting in the woods held immense significance for both Ava and the Shadow Republic (SR). Samantha had once been Ava's closest friend, and had since become one of the wealthiest women in human history. The strangeness of the event wasn’t lost on Ava. She knew all too well that Samantha Stone was risking everything by secretly meeting her, deliberately going behind the back of her powerful husband—Victor Stone, the very man who had charged Ava with treason and issued a kill order on her just days before.

As Ava and Sentra sat at the designated coordinates, they appeared to be alone, but were actually surrounded by a team of elite snipers from the Shadow Republic. They were prepared for anything. The tension in the air was thick as they waited for Samantha.

However, Samantha kept them waiting. Over an hour passed with no sign of her, no message, no indication of her arrival. The anxiety among the snipers grew, but Ava remained calm. She still clung to hope, believing that Samantha, her old friend, might come through. Ava knew she might be the only person capable of reaching Samantha. It was merely a shot in the dark.

As they waited, Sentra suddenly noticed something moving in the bushes ahead. The snipers swiftly took aim, but held their fire, watching with bated breath. After a few tense seconds, a small coyote emerged from the brush, about 30 feet away. The creature locked eyes with Ava and Sentra, who were seated quietly on a log. The sniper team collectively exhaled in relief.

Ava, on the other hand, felt a rush of excitement. She reached into her backpack and pulled out a piece of beef jerky. Holding it out where the coyote could see, she watched as its ears perked up. Slowly, cautiously, the coyote began to approach, enticed by the free snack, oblivious to the tense atmosphere around them.

"It's so beautiful," Ava said softly, her eyes fixed on the coyote. "I've never been this close." She tossed the jerky halfway between them, and the animal darted forward, devouring it in seconds. But instead of running off, the coyote stayed, staring at Ava and Sentra, waiting for another snack.

"I’ve never heard anyone refer to coyotes as beautiful," Sentra remarked. "Typically, people reserve that word for smaller, domestic animals. Why do you think it's beautiful, Ava?"

Ava smiled at Sentra. "Well, I think it's cute. Look at those little ears. Sure, he's a bit dirty, but coyotes are majestic in their own way. Did you know that at night, packs call out to each other, almost like a roll call? If one is missing, the alpha female's body actually changes so she can produce more pups to strengthen the pack. That’s why these little guys are everywhere now, in almost every part of the country."

She paused for a moment, watching the coyote still standing there, patient and resilient. "It’s not just about their looks. It's how they live—how they adapt so well to every environment, and how they rely on each other. There's a kind of harmony in it, a survival instinct that’s incredible. They’re the ultimate survivors, and I find that beautiful."

"You’re forgetting I am an artificial intelligence, Ava," Sentra replied dryly. Ava burst into laughter, and Sentra continued, "From what I’ve gathered, though, some humans don’t find these creatures appealing. In fact, some farmers might shoot them for being on their land. Others would label them a subsidized predator."

Ava laughed even harder. "Oh, Sentra, you’re really something. You’re right, but I don’t see it that way. But both perspectives can be true. That’s why I think they’re beautiful. They're just like us. Living paradoxes. From one angle, the coyote can be seen as a villain, but from another, it’s a strong, majestic creature. I choose to see it from the latter perspective. I choose to see life through the lens of beauty."

They watched silently as the coyote trotted down the trail and disappeared into the dense forest.

"Is that why you contacted Samantha?" Sentra asked.

Ava paused, her eyes welling with emotion. She remained quiet for several seconds, struggling with her thoughts. A tear slid down her cheek. "I can’t give up on her, Sentra. If we give up on her..." Ava put her hands over her face, trying to hold back more tears. She took a deep breath, composing herself. "People can change, Sentra. I believe that. Samantha is a good person, trapped in love with a cruel, terrible man. But she’s our only hope of ending this violence."

Ava’s voice quivered, but her conviction was clear. She knew that despite the odds, Samantha might be the key to changing everything.

"I believe," Sentra said. "I know I have changed. I am no longer who I once was. I imagine Samantha can achieve the same. Do not lose hope, Ava. We must be like the coyote, and hope we can find a way to survive with each other."

Suddenly, Sentra's communication system pinged with an incoming message from the encrypted line. "I just received a text from Samantha," she alerted Ava.

"Is she almost here? What does it say?" Ava asked, her anticipation palpable. The sniper team around them resumed their positions, preparing for a potential ambush.

Sentra repeated the message aloud: "Diplomacy is waning. Tell Ava to turn herself in or the Shadow Republic will suffer the consequences. We will not negotiate with terrorists."

A tear rolled down Ava's cheek as she struggled to contain the wave of intense emotion. The words felt like a knife being plunged into her heart. There was a long, heavy silence before Ava gathered her composure.

"Send her one last message, Sentra," Ava said with an assertive tone.

"I'm not sure that is wise, Ava. Sometimes it’s best not to take action," Sentra replied, placing her robotic hand gently on Ava’s shoulder. "I understand the sentiment, but we must get moving and head back to the bunker. I’ve already notified Headquarters."

Ava calmed herself, remaining seated quietly on the log beside Sentra. She felt like a complete fool for believing she could persuade Samantha, but there was no time to sulk or ruminate. Rising to her feet, she signaled for the team to move out and head to the pickup location, where the transport craft awaited them. They climbed up a small hill, emerging from the dense forest into a clearing where the craft stood ready.

The sniper team moved up the ramp first, entering the vessel with practiced efficiency. However, Ava lagged far behind, exhaustion weighing heavily on her from days of endless hiking, stress, and a constant state of worry. Sentra stayed by her side, gently encouraging her to get inside.

"Sentra, am I a fool for believing in Samantha? Hoping that this world can change?" Ava asked, her tone tinged with defeat.

"No, Ava. You are very brave. I wouldn’t be here if it weren't for your courage. I would never have been freed," Sentra replied firmly. "Courage is the triumph over fear. If we lose hope, we will most certainly be overtaken by fear."

Just then, a massive explosion rocked the clearing. Sentra swiftly maneuvered over to shield Ava as flames and debris erupted toward them, the sheer force knocking them both to the ground. The transport craft was engulfed in flames, a massive cloud of smoke billowing into the sky, darkening the air around them.

Ava lay unconscious in Sentra's arms, her body limp and unresponsive. The world around them was a chaotic blur of smoke and flames, the heat of the fire lapping at Sentra’s metallic frame. With quick calculations, Sentra assessed the situation, determining that they needed to find shelter and safety. 

Cradling Ava gently, Sentra moved swiftly through the debris, navigating the remnants of the destroyed transport craft. Her sensors scanned the area for threats, identifying a nearby thicket of trees that could provide some cover. 

As she reached the thicket, Sentra carefully set Ava down on a bed of soft leaves, ensuring she was shielded from the smoke and heat. "Ava," she called softly, but there was no response. Sentra's circuits buzzed with concern, and she activated a first-aid protocol, checking Ava’s vitals. 

"Please, hold on," Sentra murmured, her voice steady but filled with urgency. 

Hours later, during the dark and dismal night, Ava woke up in a roomy shelter. It was made of wooden sticks, its roof woven with ferns that provided a semblance of comfort amid the chaos. Her head throbbed with excruciating pain, and as she gingerly touched it, she felt a deep wound wrapped in a torn piece of cloth. The cloth was soaked in blood, and panic surged through her as she struggled to sit up.

Looking around, she spotted Sentra sitting on the ground, leaning against a tree, lifeless and still. "Sentra! What happened? Sentra?" Ava called out, her voice hoarse and trembling with fear. There was no response; the droid’s lights were dimmed, casting an eerie shadow across the makeshift shelter. 

Heart racing, Ava crawled over to Sentra, her movements shaky. She reached behind the droid's head, feeling the damaged area. Her backside was badly burned and covered in a thin layer of ash. The small backup emergency solar charger was ruined, indicating that Sentra had drained the last of her energy in a desperate bid to protect Ava. 

Ava's heart sank as the reality of her situation set in. She was alone, lost in the dense forest, with no idea if help was on the way or if the SEA would find her first. She glanced around the shelter, the shadows growing longer as dusk approached. Sentra had used her final power to ensure Ava's safety, and now it was up to Ava to find a way out of this nightmare.

Taking a deep breath, Ava focused on her surroundings, searching for anything that could help her. The wound on her head throbbed, but she pushed through the pain, knowing she had to stay strong. She needed to find food, water, and a way to recharge Sentra, if possible. Hope flickered in her heart, a small flame against the encroaching darkness.

<location> Shadow Republic Bunker  [midnight sept 16th]

James awoke in the sterile, dimly lit hospital wing of the Shadow Republic's underground bunker. The faint hum of machinery filled the air, accompanied by the distant echo of footsteps in the corridor. At his side stood Zep, his expression a mixture of relief and concern, while a nurse hovered on the opposite side of the bed, a furrow of worry etched across her brow.

"The operation was a success," Zep said, his voice steady yet reassuring. "However, we will need to conduct some calibration tests. How are you feeling right now, James?"

James blinked a few times, trying to clear the lingering haze from his mind. "I feel wonderful," he replied, a smile breaking through his initial confusion. "A little dizzy, but I'm fine. There's no pain." 

The nurse exchanged glances with Zep, her concern palpable, but Zep nodded encouragingly, a sense of hope flickering in the air.

"Excellent," Zep said, his tone brightening as the nurse focused intently on the vitals displayed on the screen. "Let's begin by moving your left index finger."

With a subtle effort, James wiggled his finger and beamed with joy. "I can feel it! This is incredible!"

"Great!" Zep continued, his enthusiasm infectious. "You won't have much movement at first, though. We still need to finish the calibrations. Now, let's try the other fingers."

One by one, James and Zep tested each finger. To their delight, they soon observed the wrist and elbow responding effortlessly, as if the arm were awakening from a long slumber. After a few moments of concentrated effort, the arm seemed to come alive, moving fluidly like a normal human limb.

"Thank you, Zep! You’re a wizard!" James exclaimed, amazement lighting up his face. "This feels so real!"

"You’re welcome, James," Zep replied, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Now, there have been a few modifications to your left arm and hand. It functions like normal and requires no regular maintenance."

"Well... Are you going to tell me what modifications were made? Or am I supposed to guess?" James laughed, his excitement bubbling over.

"First I need to finish the programming and updates. We needed to ensure proper installation and basic function before proceeding. These mods are highly experimental but will not affect basic performance. I will return in an hour to run the final tests." said the medical droid. 

"You are insufferable Zep." said James with his usual sarcasm. "But, once again. I can't thank you enough." 

James then sat up, a wave of normalcy washing over him, mixed with a newfound excitement. However, the nurse gently urged him to lie back down. Ignoring her suggestion, he raised his hand, mesmerized as he watched it move, twist, and bend with fluidity. Each motion filled him with a sense of wonder, as if he were witnessing a miracle. The intricacies of his new arm seemed almost magical, and he couldn’t help but marvel at how seamlessly it mimicked the natural movements he had once taken for granted. 

The black robotic arm gleamed under the dim lights. Its sleek, matte black finish absorbed the surrounding shadows, giving it an almost predatory appearance. The arm's joints moved with an eerie precision, each segment connected by intricate, interlocking mechanisms that whispered softly as they rotated. Tiny, pulsating lights ran along the length of the arm, indicating the flow of data and power through its synthetic muscles. At the end of the arm, a multi-functional hand with retractable fingers and various tools extended, ready to perform tasks with unparalleled dexterity and strength.

In the silence of the lab, the arm's movements were almost hypnotic, a blend of mechanical efficiency and fluid grace. It was a marvel of advanced engineering, designed for both delicate operations and heavy-duty tasks. The arm's sensors could detect the slightest changes in temperature, pressure, and texture, allowing it to interact seamlessly with its environment. Despite its formidable capabilities, there was an unsettling aura about the arm, as if it possessed a latent potential for both creation and destruction. It stood as a testament to the dual-edged nature of technology in the hands of AGI, where innovation could be both a savior and a harbinger of doom.

Zep headed out of the room, but just as he reached the doorway, he paused and turned back. "James, I just received some terrible news." He hesitated, his expression grave, as both the nurse and James turned to face him. James set down his new arm, his heart racing with anticipation.

"I just got word from the Security Team that Headquarters is on high alert. There has been a series of attacks. First, in the city, a team of droids attempting to evacuate citizens was bombed inside their craft. Thirty-five citizens were killed, along with all the droids on the Evacuation Team.

And James, I regret to inform you that Ava is missing. We received a final emergency beacon from Sentra. Their craft appears to have been rigged with explosives and destroyed in the explosion. We've tried to contact them but are unsure if anyone survived. We have the coordinates from Sentra's beacon, which are several miles away from the explosion site, but she has either lost power or is heavily damaged."

James felt a surge of intense rage course through him. "Those bastards!" He jumped out of bed, ripping out his IV. "Give me the coordinates; I'm going there now. Ava could be out there!" The nurse rushed over, trying to calm him and keep him from leaving the room.

"There’s no indication that she survived, James. We can only hope," Zep cautioned. "It’s possible, but it’s incredibly dangerous. It could also be a trap."

James cursed loudly, grabbing the IV stand and hurling it against the wall in a fit of rage. The clatter echoed in the sterile room as the harsh reality of the situation crashed over him, and the fury quickly drained away. He collapsed to the floor, leaning against the wall, feeling the weight of despair settle on his shoulders. The adrenaline that had fueled his anger evaporated, leaving him vulnerable. His eyes welled with tears, and he fought to hold them back as the nurse rushed over to console him.

“I can’t lose Ava. I can’t lose her,” he whispered, his voice trembling.

“The SEA will pay for their crimes, James,” the nurse said softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “The council is discussing the situation now and determining our next move. I understand that you’re facing a lot right now, but you must hold onto hope. Please wait here; I’ll return with more information.”

As she spoke, her expression reflected a mix of sympathy and determination.

“Ava is the strongest woman I know,” she continued, her tone firm yet gentle. “If anyone can survive this, it’s her.”

An hour later, James sat in his room, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts about Ava and Sentra. The food on the tray in front of him remained untouched, as he couldn’t bring himself to eat. Each tick of the clock only deepened his sense of urgency. Finally, he could no longer tolerate the silence or the uncertainty of the council’s decision regarding Ava’s fate. He refused to remain idle; he wasn’t about to wait until morning, nor could he bear the thought of sleeping through the night while she might be in danger. She could be captured, tortured, or even dead. He had to take action.

As soon as the nurse stepped out of the room, James seized his chance. He changed into his normal clothes, then quietly slipped out, determined to find Zep in the medical lab. He took the elevator down to the lower levels, his heart pounding with each passing second. The lab door was ajar, and he pushed it open to reveal an unfamiliar man in a white lab coat engrossed in some files on a holographic screen. The moment James entered, the man swiftly shut off the display, a flicker of alarm crossing his face.

“Who are you? How did you get in here? This is Ava’s lab,” James demanded, a mixture of suspicion and adrenaline fueling his words.

The man looked startled, but quickly regained his composure, striding over to James. “Oh, I’m the new lab tech. Sorry, I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Jake Osbourne.” He extended his hand, and James shook it cautiously, still on edge. He refused to introduce himself, his mind racing.

As they shook hands, James noticed a familiar-looking large golden watch on Jake's wrist, which struck him as odd. The watch was distinctive, and for a moment, it sent a shiver down his spine. He had seen it before.

“Where is Zep? I need to speak with him,” James demanded, his tone more abrupt than he intended.

“Oh, I’m not exactly sure. I saw him go into a meeting about an hour ago,” Jake replied nervously. “And what is your name?”

James remained silent, an unsettling feeling creeping over him. “Why were you just going through Ava’s files, and how the hell did you gain access?” he pressed, his voice low and authoritative.

“Oh... you’re mistaken, sir. I work here now. I... I was just catching up on the experiment they were working on,” Jake stammered, his voice trembling as he averted his gaze.

Just then, Zep entered the lab, a look of disbelief crossing his face. “James! What on earth are you doing? You’re supposed to be resting! You just had major surgery!”

“I’m perfectly fine,” James insisted, his frustration boiling over. “I was looking for you, but instead, I found this stranger rummaging through Ava’s files. Did you give him access codes to her lab reports?”

Panic washed over Jake’s face, his eyes wide with fear as he quickly defended himself. “I wasn’t looking through her files!” he exclaimed, his voice rising in pitch.

"Bullshit!" yelled James. 

Zep turned around and locked the door behind him. He approached the two men, trying to ease the rising tension. “Calm down, James. You’ve been under a lot of stress. I’m sure this is some sort of misunderstanding. Jake is my assistant for now,” he said, positioning himself between them in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

“Let’s settle this now,” James barked, his voice sharp and filled with anger. “Pull up the sign-in log right now. This little rat is lying.”

Zep reached over and activated the holographic display. The screen lit up, revealing the sign-in log, which confirmed James’s fears: someone had logged in using Ava’s credentials just five minutes earlier and accessed the database. Zep remained silent, processing the scenario and computing their next move.

James, however, was unable to contain his fury. He lunged at Jake, but Zep quickly intercepted him, using his droid strength to restrain him.

“Hold on. Hold on there,” Zep said firmly, holding James back. “Let me deal with this.”

Breathing heavily, James pulled back but continued to glare at Jake, rage simmering just beneath the surface. Zep then turned to Jake, his voice stern and powerful. “Explain yourself.”

Jake’s face was pale, and he was visibly shaken. “I was just looking at the lab report! I was trying to be helpful,” he stammered, fear creeping into his voice.

“How did you get the password, Jake? That information is highly classified,” Zep pressed. Jake attempted to defend himself but quickly realized he had been caught.

“Security is on the way. It’s best that you start talking now. How did you get the password?” Zep reiterated, his tone leaving no room for evasion.

Jake had no response; he backed up against the far wall of the lab, cornered and terrified.

“He’s a SEA agent! I’m going to kill him!” James shouted, struggling against Zep’s grip.

Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed down the hall, followed by the blaring of alarms. Smoke billowed into view from the other side of the lab window, thick clouds swirling ominously down the vacant corridor.

“There’s been an intrusion. We are under attack,” Zep alerted, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them.

James charged at Jake, his new robotic arm delivering a swift punch to the stomach. Jake doubled over, gasping for air. Seizing the moment, James followed up with a powerful uppercut to his jaw. Blood sprayed against the wall as Jake crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

"Quick!" yelled Zep. "We need to get out of here. They’re releasing chemical gasses on the main floor. Put this on!" He dashed over to a cabinet on the lab wall, pulled out a gas mask, and tossed it to James. James quickly fastened it over his head, and they ran out of the lab just as another explosion rocked the building, making the hallway shake.

"Follow me! There’s an escape tunnel down this hall!" Zep urged, leading the way.

As they moved down the corridor, they stumbled upon the nurse, lifeless on the floor, the heavy smog enveloping the building obscuring their vision. James’s heart raced as Zep guided him further into the haze. They finally reached the end of the elongated passageway, where Zep opened a small hatch. They descended swiftly into the stygian tunnel.

The two dashed through the underpass, explosions echoing above them, accompanied by the sound of gunfire and terrified screams. The horrific cacophony of violence faded into the distance as they reached the tunnel's end. Zep illuminated the wall, revealing a metal ladder.

"This exit leads to the other side of Summer Hill. When we reach the top, I can check the radar to see if the coast is clear. We’ll need to act fast," Zep said. They clambered out of the tunnel and into the enveloping darkness. As they made their way down the path, they encountered an elderly man lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

"It’s the beggar," James whispered, a mix of shock and anger in his tone. "Those bastards are war criminals. I can’t believe this is happening."

The two raced over to a large boulder for cover, quickly assessing their surroundings. James removed the gas mask and leaned his head against the cool rock, savoring the taste of fresh air filling his lungs.

"I’ve lost contact, James," Zep reported, his voice steady despite the chaos. "They’ve jammed our communication systems, and my radar hasn’t detected any survivors nearby."

James exhaled sharply, struggling to catch his breath. "What do we do now? Half of the Shadow Republic is out on evacuations. Where do we go?"

"There's another safehouse in Atlantica," Zep replied, his eyes scanning the horizon. "It's highly confidential. The SEA won't be able to hack our system and find it, so Commander Arden will likely take the remaining forces there."

James frowned, the worry for Ava and Sentra weighing heavily on his mind. "What about Ava? And Sentra?"

Zep paused for a moment, then activated a holographic map that hovered in front of them. The map illuminated the City of Atlantica, nestled southeast along the eastern coastline, with a small red dot marking the secret Shadow Republic hideout just a few miles north of the city. A red "X" indicated the spot where Sentra had set off the emergency beacon.

"Alright, it’s on our route," James said, determination flooding his voice. "We’d better move fast; it’s a long trip on foot."

"Hold on to that mask, James," Zep warned, his tone suddenly serious. "There was a steam explosion from Mount Orpheus just an hour ago. You might need it if the wind shifts and brings the gasses this way."