Astrophysical (completed)

Chapter 17

It was hard to tell if any time had passed since the two had last been in the streets of Sovereign City. Napolyon's atmosphere still echoed with thunder and flashes of lightning still erupted in the same range of colours as before. The only small difference was that the cloud coverage was darker though still apparent. The neon signs all flashed more brilliantly, and more people were making their way through the streets in the opposite direction that SA and Cassie were traveling down. Luckily as they came across the entrance to the capitol building, a couple of others were dragging through in their Sovereign uniforms which made it less conspicuous for the two to enter so late.

The grand lobby was a little quieter now, but Cassie could still pick up a few conversations here and there. They all seemed to be talking about the day's activities and some upcoming event that they all seemed to dread based on their heavy-set frowns. Cassie could not pick up exactly what this event was though, but it was for the better since she wasn't planning on being here any longer than tonight.

They made their way towards the laboratory corridor, heads held high and both hoping no one questioned them. But they weren't bothered as they continued. Before they got too far though, SA found a small utility closet they both could hide in until more time passed.

Occasionally they heard footsteps pass them although many were casual and nothing like the military march of the soldiers. It began to fade out and when all was still, they waited for the right amount of quiet to leave and make their move.

Leaving the small closet, the first thing they did was look down the corridor to see what might be lurking for them. It appeared mostly empty though and so they journeyed on, SA leading and Cassie in tow.

While her heart pounded, Cassie kept noticing the cameras out of the corner of her eye. That was one threat they hadn't discussed, but something about the way SA acted, she knew he must have a plan for them. One that was too technical for her to understand, thus the lack of explanation.

It felt like they had been walking forever as the long white hallway turned into the same set of glass doors that they had passed originally. Why the universe here seemed obsessed with bright white lights and walls baffled Cassie.

This walk lasted much longer until finally down the thirtieth turn to the left SA held a hand up. Cassie paused and then watched as he made his way towards the middle of two doors. He gently pressed his hand against the metal and with a small blue flash the panel opened to a series of circuit breakers and buttons. He very carefully began pushing buttons and held his hand to his chin before pushing a few more. Then he very carefully touched the handprint reader and the panel closed.

"All clear," he told her. "I just made it look like a routine panel check and then 'accidentally' shut down the camera as I was testing the buttons. Because they have so many, we should have a while to execute our break in. But we still must press for quickness."

"You're amazing," Cassie said smiling through the helmet.

SA then turned to the door on the left side of the panel and began to work at the access code located on its window. Several minutes passed as he tried to break it, but just like all the times in the past, it popped open, and he ushered her inside.

Once the door was closed, he began to immediately access the computer and hack his way into its mainframe for any information. Cassie just stood in the room staring at the device in front of her.

Like the video they had seen in the café, the room was mostly large and empty except for the desk with the computer and the device that Channing had created. His machine stood on the back wall and reached from floor to ceiling. It had a rectangular shape except for the small oval that was made for someone to stand in, complete with a platform and hand connections to strap someone in. This was so that the criminals wouldn't have a chance to run from it. Beside the large black machine, two tanks stood on either side connected by a series of wires. Assuming this was the power source, Cassie really did wonder how a compact machine such as this really could shut down parts of the city as Channing had mentioned in his notes.