To The Moon And Back

Chapter 24

Entering into the Government server room apparently gets easier each time I attempt it. I now know the exact timing of guard rotations and how to hide if one of them hears me, which is extremely convenient.

Except that every time, I manage to slip and almost get caught. This time, I sneeze, a blast breaking the extreme silence. I can't blame myself, it's freezing cold in here.

"Hello?"

I hold my breath, my heart throbbing. I hate the rebels. I hate my life.

The guard searches around the place. I hide behind the server as I always do. I mutter prayers that he doesn't find me. This is becoming too much of a routine.

"Show yourself. Tampering with Government data is a federal offense."

A federal offense? This is probably punishable by death. Jay lied to me, that asshole.

"Show yourself, I'm warning you one last time."

I need to divert his attention. I turn on a computer far from me using the remote control feature on my phone. He takes the bait and dashes to the computer. I need to run.

The stairs are too far. I need to hide somewhere he can't find me. I look around and remember my visit with Jay.

The raised floor cavity is my only escape.

"Stop messing around, there's nowhere to hide."

I crawl on the floor, feeling around for the tile with the suction cups. My fingertips numb against the cold, smooth floor. I start shivering. I'm not sure of the cause: the fright or the cold.

Where's that damn tile?

The guard hears my labored breaths. I hear his footsteps approaching me.

Oh, snap. Snap, snap, snap.

My fingers finally locate the tile. I raise it and hide underneath. Then comes a pressing question. How will I put the tile back in place without screeching?

"Freeze!"

He still doesn't find me. I raise my body upwards, carrying the tile and placing it on top of me. My muscles ache from its weight. I'm now completely inside the hollow floor. Wires and fans surround me from every side.

He shouldn't see me now.

He searches around carefully. The glow of his flashlight penetrates the holes in the floor. I let go of a deep breath. He won't find me here.

He gives up after five minutes, alerting all the other guards that there might be an intruder. I crawl away—still crouching inside the ditch—from the server and towards the exit. More guards enter the room and a sudden flash blinds me.

I open my eyes slowly against the strain on them. They turned the lights on! I didn't even know this is possible.

"I think it's time to show yourself now."

Oh dear, they won't rest until they find me, will they?

I cower, pressing myself to a corner crammed with wires. I try to conceal myself into these wires, behind the cooling unit. Please don't find me.

Someone raises the suction cup tile and enters the hollow floor. He squirms around, removing the loose wires clinging to his clothes. I squeeze my body further into the wall. Every muscle in my being is quivering.

He looks around with his flashlight. I don't know how, but he doesn't spot me. He gets frustrated with the wires entwined around him and leaves the ditch.