Syndicate of the Hallowed

PN part 3

     The device was melded into the pipes, as if it had always been apart of it. It even began to seem as though it slowly changed from the refined metal of the foundation device to the polished copper of the plumbing like pipe. The pipe itself hissed as they came closer, as if a cornered cat.

     "Lara, can you review the files classification of foreign pipe installation?" Trianna asked.

     Typing could be heard through the comms, "The file says the initial stages can either be material replacement or material fusion. If the object shows any resistance to removal, do not attempt any further action."

     "Roger, attempting extraction." Hooper stepped forward and carefully grasped the device. Before pulling he turned to Cory. "Aren't you gonna ask?"

     "Ask what?"

     Hooper squinted his eyes behind his helmet and waited a moment before replying "Nevermind."

     Hooper began to pull as the hardrive slowly slid out, at the very end the drive stopped, seemingly jammed. He paused, contemplating, then pulled it the rest of the way out. Instead of unjamming, it made a distinctive crack.

     The pipe's hissing became louder as it burst and blew steam right at Hooper's head. The steam burned the side of his jaw, if not for his helmet it would've taken his eye. He yelled and went to move away and block steam with his arm.
     "RUN!" He screamed.

     All three began to sprint through the tunnels and the walls began to shift. A group seeming to shift to clock them in. More pipes began to burst filled with various materials and objects. A clear liquid sprayed onto Hooper with the distinct smell of gasoline. He grunted as the gas exasperated his burns.

     Cory realized as the air around them began to heat up that the building intended to burn Hooper alive, likely killing them with him. He slowed down so he was behind both Hooper and Trianna and threw his arm out to the side. A red tint overcame his vision and a slight red glow came out from his fingers.

     The temperature in the room stagnated as the pipes creaked and shifted slower. It allowed the group to exit the area and continue to the exit. A pipe burst far ahead of them and as they pasted they slowed down.

     Looking down for a slit second Trianna realized that the pipes were trying to slow them down, 'honey', she frustratingly thought. It clung to her boots and made pulled her feet from the ground much harder. Her muscles strained as the pool below rose higher and higher. Not too far ahead a light was reflecting off pipes, hopefully signalling the exit was nearby. She turned around to see both squad mates behind her and doubled her efforts.

     The group passed the turn and ran through the exit as pipes continued to burst behind them. All three stopped outside, exhaustingly breathing.

     Trianna brought her radio to her mouth and turned over to Hooper, "Lara, requesting extraction and medical attention for second degree burns."