World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department.

Chapter One Thomas' POV

The door creaked the tiniest bit as Teresa pushed it open.

We both paused and held our breath. After a few seconds, it was certain that security hadn't been alerted. It was safe. We were safe.

We've got to be careful, alright?, I thought to her urgently through thoughtspeak. We can't let them catch us.

Don't worry, Tom. We'll be fine. Teresa smiled reassuringly at me and pulled me along.

I grinned and pointed to the large cardboard boxes in the corner, suggesting that we should check them out first.

Teresa bit her lip and shook her head quickly. I'll look over by the desk, but you should look through the paperwork in the boxes. It looks important and suspicious. Positively wicked. She winked and walked confidently over to the computer desk.

Smirking, Teresa reached over and moved the mouse to get rid of the screensaver.

Suddenly, there was a clang and a whir a few feet away from the wheeled desk chair.

Eight or nine tiles crumbled to reveal a poorly lit staircase. It looked simple, but it was probably bugged with microphones, cameras, alarms...

My eyes widened in shock as I turned towards Teresa.

Should I go down there, Thomas? she whispered through thoughtspeak.

No, I whispered back. There're probably security cameras down there, and alarms will alert WICKED. They'll come down within seconds.

Teresa took a step onto the stairs, pouting. But, Tom-

The same second she stepped onto it, there were loud, menacing footsteps from the hallway.

I dove into the pile of boxes and Teresa sprinted to the bottom of the staircase.

"Hey, whatcha doin'?" a voice rasped from across the room.

I turned on my heel lightning quick, expecting trouble from the tattooed man staring at me.

He raised an eyebrow and let out a low chuckle. "I ain't gon' hurt you, kid. I just wanna ask some questions on behalf of WICKED. Your memory will be wiped and you'll be sent to the Box in a few days. I'm supposed to interview all the subjects, so's Janson. We need to use the time we have. So, why were you snooping through the boxes o'er there?"

I can't let them know where Teresa's hiding. I'll have to cover for her, and convince them to leave. But how?

After a moment, it was obvious. But I would have to use everything I've learned to do it, and it had to be executed perfectly. If they found out what we were doing, they'd know we were starting to rebel, and we'd get wiped and sent to the Glade in less than an hour.

There was only one way, and it wouldn't be easy.