With Hart captured, James found himself at a crossroads. He knew that rescuing his counterpart was paramount, but it would not be easy. Kane's forces were formidable, and their network was still fragile. As he regrouped with Clara and Michael, they began to formulate a plan.
"Rescuing Hart won't be easy," Clara said, her face illuminated by the glow of her computer screen. "Kane will have him in one of his high-security facilities. We need to figure out which one."
Michael nodded. "We also need to bolster our defenses. We can't afford another ambush."
For the next few days, James worked tirelessly, coordinating with their allies and gathering intelligence. Clara's hacking skills proved invaluable, allowing them to pinpoint Hart's location – a heavily guarded facility on the outskirts of the city. The rescue mission would be dangerous, but failure was not an option.
On the night of the operation, James led a small team of trusted allies. As they approached the facility, Clara provided real-time updates, guiding them through the security systems. They moved swiftly and silently, neutralizing guards and avoiding detection.
They reached the cell where Hart was held, and James felt a surge of relief as he saw his counterpart, battered but alive. "I knew you'd come," Hart said with a weak smile.
"We're not leaving without you," James replied, cutting through the restraints.
As they made their escape, the alarm was raised, and they found themselves in a fierce firefight. James and his team fought valiantly, using their superior tactics and technology to outmaneuver Kane's mercenaries. The battle was intense, but they managed to break through the enemy lines and escape into the night.
Back at their safe house, Hart expressed his gratitude. "You risked everything to save me. I won't forget that."
James clasped his hand. "We're in this together. We need to be stronger, smarter, and more prepared. This is just the beginning."