Chapter 9: **The Hidden Committee**

Max and his friends reconvened in the library the next morning, brimming with anticipation. The documents they had reviewed indicated that the next step in their investigation involved uncovering details about the secret advisory board and covert task force responsible for overseeing the decommissioning of Project Nexus. Their goal was to find out what had happened to the technology and if any remnants of it still existed.

The library, as always, was a hub of quiet activity. Students were spread out across the study areas, their whispers mingling with the soft rustling of pages. Max, Emma, Lila, and Marcus gathered at their usual table, now littered with their findings and a growing stack of documents.

"We need to focus on tracking down information about the advisory board," Max said, spreading out the documents they had found. "The task force mentioned in the contingency plan might have been responsible for securing or destroying any remaining technology."

Emma nodded, flipping through the stack of papers. "Let's look for anything related to the advisory board's members, their meetings, or their decisions. They might have left behind records or correspondence."

Lila and Marcus began sifting through the documents, while Emma and Max checked the historical records in the library's archives. After several hours of searching, they came across a file labeled "Advisory Board Records."

"This could be it," Marcus said, holding up the file. "Let's see what's inside."

The file contained meeting minutes, correspondence, and reports related to the advisory board's activities. Max and his friends pored over the documents, looking for clues about the board's decisions and actions.

One document detailed a series of meetings held by the advisory board to discuss the fate of Project Nexus. The minutes indicated that the board had been deeply concerned about the potential dangers of the technology and had debated various options for its containment and disposal.

"This meeting report mentions a decision to dismantle and secure all remaining technology," Emma said, reading aloud. "It also notes that a specialized containment facility was established to house the technology."

Lila's eyes widened. "A containment facility? That could explain why some of the technology might still be hidden away. We need to find out where this facility is."

Max flipped through the documents, finding a reference to a "secure storage location" with restricted access. "It looks like the containment facility was established somewhere on the school grounds, but the exact location is not listed here."

Marcus examined the correspondence and found a letter from one of the board members discussing the security measures in place. "This letter mentions that the facility is protected by multiple layers of security, including biometric access and coded locks."

Emma looked thoughtful. "If the technology is still in that facility, it could be heavily guarded. We'll need to find a way to gain access if we want to uncover more."

As they continued their investigation, they found additional documents outlining the procedures for accessing the containment facility. The procedures included detailed security protocols and instructions for obtaining special access permissions.

"This is useful information," Max said, studying the procedures. "We need to figure out how to get the necessary permissions and bypass the security measures."

The group decided to investigate further by checking with school administration. They hoped that by inquiring about the facility's location and access procedures, they could find more clues.

Later that day, Max, Emma, Lila, and Marcus visited the school's administration office. The office was a busy place, with staff moving about and students waiting in line. They approached the receptionist, a middle-aged woman with a friendly demeanor.

"Hello," Max said, "We're doing some research on the school's history and came across references to a containment facility related to Project Nexus. We were wondering if you could provide any information about it."

The receptionist looked intrigued but cautious. "Project Nexus, you say? I'm not familiar with that. However, we do have records of various research facilities on campus. You might need to speak with the archives department."

Max thanked the receptionist and they made their way to the archives department, located in a different part of the campus. The archives were filled with old records, maps, and blueprints, meticulously organized and stored.

They were greeted by Mr. Collins, the head archivist. He was an elderly man with a kind face and a penchant for organization. "How can I help you today?" he asked.

"We're researching some historical projects," Emma explained. "We've come across references to a containment facility related to Project Nexus. We're looking for more information about its location and access."

Mr. Collins frowned thoughtfully. "Project Nexus is a sensitive topic. I'm not sure what records we have on that. However, I can look into it for you."

Max and his friends waited as Mr. Collins sifted through the archives. After some time, he returned with a set of documents and blueprints.

"This is all I could find," Mr. Collins said, handing them the files. "It includes some older records and maps. I hope it helps."

The documents included a map with a marked location that corresponded to the containment facility mentioned in the advisory board records. It also contained additional security information and access procedures.

Max studied the map closely. "This location matches one of the hidden areas we've seen before. We might be able to find the containment facility if we investigate this area further."

The group thanked Mr. Collins and left the archives, their minds racing with new possibilities. They had uncovered a significant lead, and they were now closer to finding the elusive containment facility.

As they made their way back to the library, Max felt a renewed sense of determination. The hidden agenda of Project Nexus was beginning to unravel, and they were on the cusp of discovering the full extent of its legacy.

With the information they had gathered, Max and his friends were ready to take the next steps in their investigation. The containment facility promised to hold the answers they sought, and they were determined to uncover the secrets it held.