SYSTEM SEA-Z: Saving The Scientists

in the small alleys surrounding him. He had managed to get away from the trap, but the feeling of bei

escape route," he ordered, panting as he wo

in Jill's vision. "There is a nearby subway station. Its mainte

way entrance. He slipped inside and bounded up the stairs two at a time, ignoring the questioning looks of late-night commuters. Reaching the platform, he eyed the m

f the tunnel. "We have lost them for the ti

Amelia Park, a quantum physicist dealing in material research. She has been under contract for the govern

"Dr. Park... I've heard of her. Her work's cutting-edge, and if

ab in the city's research district. I recommend you r

eady be planning another attempt. We can't afford to let them catch us off guard again. SEA-

rd security layout, with men at all key points, a biometric entry system, and several cameras. I re

rting toward the exit of the maintenance tunnel. "I'm

to wear off, leaving behind a resolute will. He hadn't anticipated such a quick throw into this war, but if kee

t. Jill showed up at Dr. Park's lab just about the time the sun started to rise, casting a pale light over the glass-and-steel stru

of essence. Chances are very great Nexu

, into the service corridor beyond. He defeated the electronic lock on the service door and swung it open, slipping inside

ey were wearing suits, but something about their stance triggered warning signals in Jill's brain-they sto

Jill whispered, dropping in

are Nexus operatives, known associates of a high-ranking field

sparking a firefight in the middle of the lab, but if he hesitated, the Ne

a fire alarm in the win

SEA-Z said. "In

nd down the walls. Inside the lab, Dr. Park and the operatives looked around

his voice firm and comman

o cut him off. Jill wasn't about to let that happen. He sprang forward, catching the closer one wi

Park, who stood frozen in

ckly regained his composure, pulled a concealed pistol, and fired off a shot. The bullet whizzed past Jill's

hustled her out of the lab. "We have to keep moving," he said as he

stammered, her eyes wide

dead," was Jill's answer. "Mo

hey spilled out into an underground parking lot. Jill kept his hand on his sidearm as

more for signs of pursuit. He climbed into th

he rearview mirror-more Nexus agents. But he wasn't about to let them close in. The car tore down

growled, hugging the wheel. "We're goin

e is a safe house ten miles away in a quiet resi

, her breathing shallow. "What do they wa

also after every scientist ranked at the top in projects dealing with classified information. W

started. He had stepped into a war against an organization far more shadowy than anything he was used t