†LAB†

As they stood before the door, Aria asked, "what do we do"

Ryan looked over to her and said "We don't have the keycard," Aria's eyes scanned the corridor, searching for an alternate route. Her gaze darted back and forth.

"We can't go back. The guards will be waiting." Ryan said to them, reminding them the state of their predicament.

Samuel nodded. "We need to keep moving forward." His voice was firm, resolute.

Aria's gaze fell upon a nearby ventilation shaft, "Should we try the vents again," she whispered.

Sarah nodded and was about to add "We could try—" Ryan's head shook, "Too risky. We don't know where they lead." His voice was laced with caution as his eyes locked onto the ventilation shaft.

Samuel was about to counter when the door creaked open. A figure dressed in a crisp white lab coat and a surgical mask stared back at them. The person's eyes widened slightly as they took in the group's disheveled appearance.