STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

with its cold, mechanical stare. The sweeping light passed over the terminal, the walls, and —.

Lyra moved.

In one fluid motion, she reached into her belt and yanked out a flash suppressant. She flung it into the center of the room, and the instant it hit the floor, a searing white light exploded outward.

Lucien flinched, turning his head away from the white hot flash. A sharp, metallic pop filled the air as the flash discharged.

“North Tunnel. Move! Now!”

They darted down the passage towards the secondary escape route.

The Stewards recovered quickly, their helmet lights flickering back to life, cold and relentless. One of them raised a sleek device, and a low, sharp charging sound filled the space.

Lyra shoved Lucien toward the exit, her voice like a whip. “Go! Don’t stop!”

The sound of the Stewards’ boots was faster now, more urgent.

The maintenance passage stretched endlessly ahead, the overhead lights dimming and flashing —almost as if the system itself was working against them.

Lucien ’s lungs burned as he ran, his breath ragged, his chest tight with panic. They’re right behind us. We’re not going to make it.

A sharp crack split the air, like lightning striking steel. An energy round sizzled past Lucien, slamming into the wall inches from his head, sending sparks showering around him.

“They’re armed!” he gasped.

His foot caught on the uneven flooring, and he stumbled. Lyra grabbed his arm, hauling him upright before he could hit the floor. “Keep moving!”

The passage twisted sharply, and finally, salvation —a small, unassuming panel at the end, almost indistinguishable from the walls.

Harun reached it first, slamming his palm against the control pad. The panel hissed open, revealing the dark expanse of the utility tunnel beyond. “Go! I’ll seal it behind us!”

Lucien dove through, the cool, stale air hitting his face like a slap. Lyra followed, her movements quick and sharp.

Harun was last, his hands flying over the tunnel side control pad.

The panel slammed shut with a final hiss, sealing them in darkness, the distant pounding of boots fading behind the thick steel. Lucien sagged against the wall, gasping for breath. We made it... but for how long?

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