The metropolis stretched endlessly, a maze of gleaming buildings and neon-lit streets. The main team walked cautiously through the crowds, their senses heightened by the overwhelming hum of the bustling city. Brady led the group, his jaw set with determination. It was clear now that this city wasn't just another Martian colony. This was a thriving stronghold, a bastion of power—run by the elites who had long abandoned Earth.
The air was crisp, but there was an artificial quality to it, like the entire atmosphere was regulated to perfection. The streets were spotless, the people impeccably dressed, and the vehicles sleek and noiseless. Everything moved with an eerie precision.
"This place doesn't just survive; it thrives," Caleb said, his voice low as his gaze scanned the towering skyscrapers. "They've built themselves a utopia out here."
Jason grunted, his sharp eyes analyzing the movement of the crowds. "More like a fortress. Look at how regimented everything is. This place is too perfect."
Viktor nodded subtly, his hand never straying far from his concealed blades. "It reeks of control. Nobody even looks at us, but that's just for now. The moment we do anything suspicious, they'll be on us."
"They don't have to look at us," Brady said grimly. "I'd bet everything here is under surveillance."
The group had left Angie in the Quickdrive ship, her AI form managing their base of operations on the city's outskirts. They had approached on foot, blending into the throngs of people moving toward the city center. All their instincts told them the answers they sought lay in the towering spire that loomed above the skyline.
"That's gotta be the hub," Viktor said, nodding toward the structure. It was a gleaming monolith of black steel and chrome, its surface shimmering in the dim Martian sunlight. "Whatever's running this city, it's happening in there."
Brady frowned, his eyes narrowing. "We can't just walk in. They'll have security crawling all over the place."
"Then we don't walk in," Caleb said with a smirk, tapping the side of his visor. The faint glow of its HUD reflected on his face. "I'll find us another way."
---
The team reached the base of the spire, moving carefully along the edge of a bustling plaza. Up close, the structure was even more imposing, its surface smooth and reflective, giving it an almost liquid-like appearance. Guards in sleek, armored suits patrolled the perimeter in pairs, each armed with advanced rifles and energy shields.
"This place is locked down tight," Jason noted, his tone matter-of-fact. "They're not taking any chances."
"Doesn't mean it's impenetrable," Caleb muttered, pulling out a handheld scanner. The device hummed softly as it mapped the area. "There's always a weak spot."
Brady motioned for the group to follow, leading them into a narrow alley that skirted the building. "Find it fast. The longer we're out here, the higher the risk."
"There," Caleb said, pointing to a maintenance hatch on the east side. "It's not connected to their main security grid. We can slip in without triggering any alarms."
Viktor grinned, already pulling out his electric micro blades. "I'll handle it."
Within moments, the lock was disabled, and the team slipped inside. The corridor they entered was stark and clinical, its walls a seamless blend of white and gray panels. Soft, automated lighting guided their way, casting long shadows as they moved.
"Too clean," Jason muttered under his breath. "It's like walking into a trap."
"It's always a trap," Viktor replied with a smirk. "We just make sure it's their trap, not ours."
Brady gestured for silence, his focus unwavering. "Eyes open. If we're caught, this mission's over."
---
As they navigated the corridors, their first challenge emerged—a lone guard patrolling the area. His footsteps echoed faintly, a rhythmic reminder of their precarious position.
Viktor slipped forward, his movements silent and calculated. Within seconds, the guard was down, a precise strike ensuring there was no commotion.
"Clean," Viktor said quietly, wiping his blade. "Let's keep it that way."
The group moved upward, taking a stairwell that Caleb's scanner confirmed was rarely used. The building's interior was a labyrinth, a maze of corridors and stairwells that seemed designed to confuse intruders.
"This place is massive," Caleb said, his eyes darting between his scanner and their surroundings. "And the tech here… it's next-level. They've poured everything into this city."
"No surprise there," Brady said, his voice steady but tense. "These people had the resources to escape Earth. They've had time and freedom to build this."
Jason frowned as they passed another empty corridor. "Something's off. Where are all the people? A building this size should have more activity."
"They're probably all focused on the top floors," Caleb suggested. "That's where we need to be."
---
After several tense minutes, they reached the upper levels. But as they approached a stairwell leading to the top floor, an alarm sounded.
"Stop them!" a guard shouted, rounding a corner with his weapon raised.
The team sprang into action. Brady activated his electric batons, charging into the fray with calculated ferocity. Jason covered him, firing precise shots with his rifle to suppress the guards.
Viktor moved like a shadow, his blades cutting through the chaos with lethal efficiency. Meanwhile, Caleb stayed back, his Impact Dense Energy Hammer smashing a security drone that had swooped down from above.
"Move!" Brady shouted as more guards poured into the corridor.
The fight was brutal but efficient. The team pushed forward, leaving a trail of bodies behind as they ascended to the top floor.
---
When they finally reached the central chamber, the door slid open with a soft hiss. The room was vast and dimly lit, its centerpiece a massive, throne-like chair surrounded by holographic displays. The air was thick with a sense of importance, as though this place was the very heart of the metropolis.
"What is this?" Caleb asked, stepping cautiously into the room.
Brady's eyes scanned the area, his instincts on high alert. "It's a command center. But where's the commander?"
Before anyone could respond, a blur of motion shot across the room. Brady barely had time to react before Viktor collapsed, a deep gash across his chest.
"What the—" Jason started, but he was silenced as the figure struck again, slashing his throat in one fluid motion.
"Jason!" Brady shouted, his voice filled with alarm.
The figure moved too fast to track. Caleb fell next, a dagger embedded in his chest before he could even raise his weapon.
Brady spun around, his electric baton crackling to life, but the assassin was already upon him. A sharp blow sent him crashing to the ground, his vision swimming.
Through the haze, Brady saw the figure step into the light. It was the Periclusapien rogue they had encountered back on Earth, its presence as menacing as ever.
"You…" Brady rasped, his breath shallow.
The rogue remained silent, turning as another figure entered the room. This one was human, dressed in an ornate suit that exuded authority.
"Well done," the man said, his tone calm and cold. He handed the rogue a small, glowing artifact. "You've exceeded my expectations."
Brady's heart sank as he realized the truth. This man wasn't just anyone. He was a leader—perhaps the mayor or ruler of the city.
As his vision darkened, Brady clenched his fists, refusing to succumb. With the last of his strength, he activated the Gear of Time.
---
The world shifted around him, the sounds of the throne room fading into silence. When Brady opened his eyes, he was back outside the building, standing with his team.
They hadn't entered yet.
Brady staggered, clutching his head as the disorienting effects of the time shift settled. The Gear of Time had worked.
"What's wrong?" Jason asked, his sharp eyes noticing Brady's pale expression.
Brady straightened, his resolve hardening as he looked at his team. "Nothing. Let's go, but keep a low profile."
This time, he would be ready.
---