Resonance in the Void

CHAPTER 16: The Great Escape

Navigating through the labyrinthine prison was no easy feat. The halls were eerily quiet, and every creak or distant noise sent a shiver down Peridot's spine. She led the way, her fingers dancing over her tablet as she deactivated security systems and bypassed sensors with the precision of a master engineer. But despite her skill, the weight of what they were doing hung heavy in the air. Every step felt like it was one closer to their doom.

"We're almost there," Peridot whispered as they reached the outer ring of the prison. The large docking bay loomed ahead, the exit tantalizingly close.

Lapis followed closely behind, her eyes darting around, watching for any sign of danger. "What about Jasper?"

Peridot hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "She's off-world. But if she finds out what we're doing..."

"She'll kill us," Lapis finished for her, her voice grim. "We have to move fast."

They slipped into the docking bay, the vast expanse of ships and cargo towering above them. It was a maze of machinery and technology, but to Peridot, it was home. She quickly scanned the area, her eyes narrowing as she spotted a small, inconspicuous ship tucked away in the corner.

"That one," Peridot said, pointing toward the ship. "It's unmarked and small enough to avoid detection. We can use it to get to Earth."

Lapis nodded, following her lead as they hurried toward the ship. The doors slid open with a soft hiss, and Peridot quickly ushered Lapis inside, her fingers flying over the controls as she powered up the ship's systems.

"Are you sure you can fly this thing?" Lapis asked, her voice tinged with skepticism as she strapped herself into the co-pilot's seat.

Peridot shot her a glare, her hands moving deftly across the control panel. "I've spent my entire life working with machines. This is nothing."

The ship rumbled to life, its engines humming as Peridot guided it out of the docking bay and into the cold, vast expanse of space. For a moment, everything was still. The stars stretched out before them, and the weight of what they had just done seemed to settle over them like a heavy blanket.

"We did it," Lapis breathed, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and relief.

Peridot didn't respond, her eyes fixed on the controls, her expression tight. "We're not safe yet."