The control room was a fortress within a fortress, its entrance guarded by a massive steel door with a biometric lock. Yukari studied it, her frustration evident.
"This is top-tier security," she said. "Even with my skills, it'll take time to crack."
"We don't have time," Renjiro said, his tone sharp. He turned to Hana. "Can we force it open?"
Hana shook her head. "Not without explosives, and that'll bring the whole compound down on us."
Aiko stepped forward, her eyes scanning the lock. "What about Kaede's voice? She's been broadcasting taunts through the speakers. If we record it, could we trick the system?"
Yukari's eyebrows shot up. "That… might actually work. But we'd need to isolate her voice from the ambient noise."
Renjiro nodded. "Do it. Aiko, stay with Yukari and help. Hana and I will secure the perimeter."
As Yukari worked on isolating Kaede's voice from the facility's communication logs, Aiko kept an eye on the surrounding corridors. The tension was suffocating, every creak and shadow a potential threat.
"You're handling this better than I expected," Yukari said, her tone light despite the situation.
Aiko shrugged. "I'm terrified, but I can't just sit back and do nothing. Renjiro's risked everything for me. It's my turn to step up."
Yukari paused, giving her a rare smile. "You're tougher than you look. Renjiro's lucky to have you."
The sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation. Aiko turned, her grip tightening on her stun gun. "Someone's coming."
Hana and Renjiro reappeared, their weapons raised. "Guards are regrouping," Hana said. "We've got maybe five minutes before this place is swarming."
"Then we're cutting it close," Yukari said, plugging a device into the terminal. "I've got her voice isolated. Let's see if this works."
The device played a snippet of Kaede's voice: "You really think you can stop me?"
The lock beeped, and the door slid open.
"Bingo," Yukari said, smirking.
But as they stepped inside, they froze. The control room was empty except for a holographic display of Kaede, her cold smile sending a chill down their spines.
"Welcome, my dear pests," she said. "I've been expecting you."
The room filled with the sound of automatic turrets activating.
"Get down!" Renjiro shouted.