Story 490: Scorched Shadows

The stifling heat above was replaced by suffocating tension in the underground control room. The fire had been an intentional trap, designed to funnel them into this chamber. Now, with steel doors locked and robotic sentries closing in, the team stood at the precipice of another ambush.

"Ghost, can you override the security?" Rook asked, his voice low but commanding.

Ghost shook his head, his fingers flying over the console. "Whoever built this system wasn’t messing around. It’s a fortress—layers of encryption. I can buy us some time, but—"

His words were cut off by a loud thud from the corridor they had entered. The first of the sentries emerged, its sleek, black frame reflecting the dim light. Its weapon systems glowed red, and the sound of charging plasma echoed in the enclosed space.

"Contact!" Shadow called, raising her rifle.