Paula and Elias moved swiftly through the narrow, abandoned corridors of Rangar, their footsteps echoing softly against the rusted metal floors. They had returned to their hidden room to retrieve the portable scanning equipment that Nate needed to unlock Aria Shaw's energy shield from a distance. Now, they faced the daunting task of finding Aria and getting close enough to use it without getting captured.
— Jaxon and the others are still working on disarming the explosives, — Elias muttered, his eyes scanning the darkened passageways. — We need to find Aria quickly.
Paula's expression was resolute. — We have to be stealthy. Aria is bound to have guards, and if she's under the influence of another energy lock, she won't hesitate to eliminate us.
They reached the small, hidden room where they had stashed their equipment. The room was cluttered with dusty consoles and forgotten tools, but the portable scanner was neatly packed in a corner. Elias quickly grabbed it and checked its functionality.
— All set, — he said, strapping the device to his belt. — Let's move.
Navigating through the labyrinthine corridors of Rangar was no easy task. The oppressive silence was only broken by the occasional distant clank of machinery or the soft hum of automated systems still barely functional. The air was thick with the scent of damp metal and dust, creating an eerie atmosphere that heightened their senses.
Paula and Elias moved with calculated caution, avoiding the more exposed areas and sticking to the shadows. They knew Aria was likely in one of the central control rooms, coordinating the evacuation and setting up the explosives. They had to get close enough to scan her but remain undetected.
As they approached a junction, Paula held up her hand, signaling Elias to stop. She peered around the corner and spotted two guards standing by a door, their weapons at the ready. The soft glow of their helmets cast long shadows on the walls, making the scene look almost otherworldly.
— We'll have to take them out silently, — Paula whispered. — We can't risk raising an alarm.
Elias agreed and pulled out his silenced blaster. Paula did the same. They moved like shadows, creeping closer to the guards. With synchronized precision, they fired, and the guards crumpled to the ground without a sound.
Paula and Elias dragged the bodies into a nearby alcove and hid them under a pile of debris. Then they moved to the door the guards had been protecting. It was locked, but Elias quickly hacked the control panel, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.
They stepped into a dimly lit corridor that led to one of the main control rooms. The hum of machinery grew louder, and the air felt warmer, tinged with the faint scent of ozone. They were getting closer.
— Stay alert, — Paula murmured. — We can't afford any mistakes.
As they crept down the corridor, they could hear voices coming from ahead. They reached a large chamber filled with consoles and monitors, the screens flickering with data. At the center of the room stood a technician, but it was not Aria. Paula and Elias exchanged glances of frustration but didn't break stride. They continued searching through several more rooms, each filled with personnel but lacking the one person they sought.
They found another set of guards stationed outside a heavily fortified door. They repeated their silent takedown and entered what appeared to be a secure planning room. This time, they overheard part of a conversation:
— ...Aria is overseeing the evacuation at the secondary control hub.
Paula and Elias retreated quickly, now knowing their target's location. They navigated through more winding passages, avoiding patrols and evading detection.
Finally, they reached the secondary control hub. The room was bustling with activity, and at its center, surrounded by armed guards, stood Aria Shaw. Her presence exuded command and urgency as she directed the evacuation efforts.
Elias activated the portable scanner, and Nate's voice crackled softly in their earpieces. — I need you to get closer. The device needs to be within ten meters to scan her neural patterns.
Paula and Elias moved slowly, using the shadows to their advantage, edging closer to Aria. The guards were vigilant, their eyes scanning the room, but they didn't notice the two intruders slipping closer.
Finally, they were within range. Elias activated the scanner, and a soft hum filled the air. Aria stiffened, as if sensing something was wrong, and began to turn.
— Scan initiated, — Nate whispered. — Hold your position.
Aria's gaze fell on Paula and Elias. Her eyes widened in recognition, and she opened her mouth to shout an alarm. But before she could make a sound, the scanner emitted a high-pitched beep, and her body convulsed.
— The energy lock is neutralized, — Nate confirmed. — Get her out of there, now!
Paula and Elias rushed forward, taking advantage of the guards' confusion. Paula grabbed Aria, who was now unconscious, while Elias covered their retreat, firing at the guards. They dashed back down the corridor, dragging Aria with them, bullets and energy blasts whizzing past them.
They reached the junction where they had taken out the first set of guards and quickly activated a hidden passage, sealing the door behind them. Breathing heavily, they carried Aria through the hidden tunnels until they reached their safe room.
Elias set Aria down gently, checking her vital signs. — She's stable. Nate, can you check her neural patterns now?
Nate's holographic form flickered into view, scanning Aria with a soft blue light. — It appears she was under the influence of a neural lock similar to the one Elias was subjected to. She should regain consciousness soon.
Paula sighed in relief, sinking to the floor. — Let's hope she has some answers when she wakes up.
Hours later, Aria began to stir. Paula and Elias watched as she slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around, disoriented, before her gaze settled on Paula and Elias.
— Where... where am I? — Aria asked, her voice weak.
— You're safe, — Paula said gently. — We need to talk, Aria. What's going on? Why were you planting explosives and evacuating the workers?
Aria's eyes filled with confusion and fear. — I... I don't know. I remember being ordered to do it, but it feels like a dream. Like I was watching myself from a distance.
Elias shared a knowing look with Paula. — You were under the influence of a neural lock, Aria. Just like I was.
Aria's face twisted in anguish. — Who? Who did this to me?
— We know it was an energy entity, — Paula admitted. — But we're going to find out who controls it. And we're going to stop them.
Aria's resolve hardened. — I'll help you. Whatever it takes.
Paula's heart filled with determination. — Then let's get to work. We have a lot to do, and not much time to do it.