Undefined

Chapter 9

For the past few days, we've just been laying around doing nothing. I've scattered a few cams around to map out the best routes.

But I'm running out of time. The experiments will happen in four days. Worst of all, there's no chance they'll end in success. I don't know what the experiment is about, but it can't be good if there've been eight instances with all being failures.

Which is why, I'll be leaving tomorrow. Yup. Finally decided. Star's mapped out some reliable paths for me, monitoring traffic and security to see the best way to escape to the next wing.

Yes. Wing. There are three wings in this facility.

We're currently in the third wing, which is designated as The Lab according to Star.

The second wing is The Vault. Originally, I said, 'Hey! It says "vault!" Why not go there and get a little rich on the side?' but it's actually where the patrol robots keep their weapons. Weapons mean higher security systems, so that's somewhere I don't wanna go. If we're lucky, we won't have to.

And the first wing, The Bank. Referring to the data bank where all data in the base is kept and shared with the other bases. It's basically the link between bases. In fact, maybe, there's a signal in there.

I need an access card for most places, so that's another thing to look out for. Thanks to all this stupid security stuff, my paths are limited.

I look at the others as they prepare for bed. Scott notices me packing my bag and walks over.

"Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, I have enough info to find an exit. I just need you guys to distract the agents while I slip away."

Hm? It seems he didn't come to me for the plan...

"...uhm. So, about Julie..."

"..."

...ah. So it's that...

"Just go talk to her, dude."

"What?"

"You like her, don't you?"

"I-I uhm...we-well erm..."

"It's no secret, y'know."

"...is that true?"

"Yeah. Everyone in class except the oblivious Julie knows. Just go talk to her. If anything, I'd appreciate it if you could get William off her mind or something."

"...o-okay. I'll take your word for it."

Hm. It's kinda funny seeing

I stand up and beckon everyone over to the table.

"Alright, gang. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."

I brief them on the plan. It's basically them distracting the agents while I get past the robots. Nothing too difficult for them.

"And if it doesn't work?" Robin asks.

"It won't if you don't take this seriously."

"...tch!"

He walks away from the group. Seriously, what's his deal? He isn't happy being kidnapped and isn't happy about finding a way out either.

...does he know something we don't?

...nah, that's too farfetched to be true.

"Anyways, all of you get some rest. You all need to be awake by then or they won't keep their eyes off the door," I say.

"Roger!" Julie salutes and jumps straight to bed.

"Well, let's hope this works out in our favour.

...I've been worried about those microphones I found in the cameras, but seeing as there's been zero intervention in plans from the other side, maybe they just think hearing kids cry for a living is too much for their almost non-existent soul. I should at least be thankful for that.

All we have to do now is wait.

-

It's a little before midnight. Everyone's asleep. I wanna game a little on my PDA, but I can't hide the light from the cameras, even though I can hide myself. I'm bored. I really need to get some sleep or else tomorrow's plan might get delayed. I'd like to leave as soon as possible.

As I slowly drift into sleep, I hear some noise  from the entrance. I quickly duck under a bed and observe as the door slowly opens. The two agents from before walk in.

"...now, where are you hiding?" Labcoat whispers.

...they know I'm here. Was I wrong about the microphones?

"Rouge's info says she should be among the beds," Redlips points in this direction.

Yep I'm really screwed. I need a distraction in case I get caught.

The two agents walk towards the beds and start searching. It's dark, so they must be using some sort of night vision.

I quickly and silently roll to the last column of beds as they check the first. They look at the face of the bed's occupant, then search underneath. Thankfully, the bedclothes are hanging, so they have to pull it up, which makes the perfect cover for me. I just need to hide under one that's been checked.

They finish the first six beds on the first column and move to the second.

"Is she really sure there's some unknown here?" Labcoat mutters.

"Better to be safe than sorry, I say. Let's just verify and leave. I'd rather not cause and panic."

They move to the third, then the fourth. Now the fifth. Wait for it... Now!

A loud noise suddenly erupts from the first column. The two agents jumped and turned towards the noise. Now's my chance!

I silently move to the third column as they quickly approach the first. They pick up the PDA I left behind. The alarm causes some stirs from the others. They quickly turn off the alarm and scowl. Seems they don't wanna be seen. They quickly check the fourth, fifth and sixth columns.

"No one here. They could be in one of the beds or maybe they just left this section to the bathroom." Redlips suggests.

"Tsk! Forget it. We'll just check the cameras for this. Such a waste of time..."

Lab coat starts to leave. Redlips follows him out. I breathe a sigh of relief when I hear the door close shut. Good thing that alarm I set worked or I'd be done for. I wait for a while longer. The door bursts open suddenly and stays open for for a few more seconds before closing again.

I wait a little longer before relaxing under the bed. I'll have to tell everyone about this later. For now let's rest...