Chapter 10: The Architect and the Renegade

Their escape route led them deeper into the operational levels of Blackwood Creek Annex, away from the damaged research wing. Elias, guided by his Veridian Sight and Kai’s knowledge of the facility’s layout, navigated the sterile corridors. Sarah and Brody remained vigilant, weapons ready.

They reached a secure laboratory, the door sealed by a keypad and a retinal scanner. Kai, surprisingly adept at bypassing security systems, managed to override the lock. Inside, two scientists in lab coats were frantically working at a console, their faces illuminated by the glow of multiple monitors.

“Subject Zero! What is the meaning of this?” one of the scientists, a stern-faced woman with sharp eyes, demanded.

“My name is Kai,” they retorted, energy crackling around their hands. “And I’m leaving.”

The other scientist, a younger man with a nervous demeanor, looked at Elias with a flicker of recognition in his eyes. “Thorne? You’re awake.”

“You know me?” Elias asked his senses on high alert.

“My name is Dr. Aris Thorne,” the younger scientist said, his voice hesitant. “I… I was part of the early research into your… unique physiology. Project Chimera.”

A tense silence filled the room. The lead scientist, whose name tag read “Dr. Evelyn Reed,” glared at Aris. “Traitor! Stand down, Aris.”

Aris ignored her, his gaze fixed on Elias. “What they’re doing here… it’s wrong. They see you and Kai as weapons. I can help you escape. I have information… about your past, Elias.”

“Why now?” Elias asked, suspicion lacing his voice.

“I… I had hoped they would focus on controlled applications,” Aris stammered. “But Reed… her methods are unethical, dangerous. And what happened to you… after Roswell… I had no idea.”

Before Reed could react, Kai unleashed a burst of energy, disabling the security systems in the lab. “We don’t have time for this. Are you with us, Doctor?”

Aris nodded, his face pale but determined. “Yes. I can guide you to a secure exit.”

Reed lunged, grabbing a laser pistol from a nearby table. Brody reacted instantly, firing a stun blast that incapacitated her.

With Aris as their reluctant guide, the group moved quickly through the facility. Aris provided them with crucial information about security protocols and escape routes, his insider knowledge proving invaluable. He confirmed Elias’s connection to the alien technology from Roswell, revealing that Project Chimera had been attempting to replicate and weaponize the enhancements found within him and others with similar genetic markers.

Their escape led them to a heavily guarded loading bay, the primary exit point. A contingent of heavily armed security forces stood between them and freedom. The final confrontation was inevitable.

“This is it,” Brody murmured, his weapon raised.

Elias nodded, his Veridian Sight painting the guards as glowing threats. Kai’s energy crackled with anticipation. Aris, though clearly terrified, stood beside them.

“Together,” Elias said, his gaze determined. “We get out of here, together.”