Time to put your recon training to good use

It seems like the search teams still haven’t found the data core. Some of the soldiers are playing cards with the nightshift crew around the coffee table. Others are chatting with each other, looking bored and yawning occasionally.

You sneak past the distracted and sleepy crowd over to the air defense console. You search under the console desk and find the data core wedged between the support struts. With deft strokes, you quickly disable the air defenses and make your way back out of the control room.

The control room communications system crackle back into life and you hear it filled with Xena Corporation security channel traffic.

"...interceptor Units Alpha, Bravo, and Delta inbound. The target has taken the bait and is in the capture zone. I repeat, they are inside the capture zone."

"Proceed with caution. Dispatch advises that the air defenses have been compromised and may now fire on friendly targets. There are also reports of suspect traffic in the facility’s air space. Expect air support for the target."

"Infiltrator detected in Zone 1. Obvious exits are at Zone 1A, 2C and 2D. Secure these areas as soon as possible."

Crap! Was there a feedback loop in the air defense console? They must have had a security specialist analyze for infiltration vulnerabilities and set a trap to cover their asses. Dammit! Well, it is time to get the hell out of here. No use maintaining radio silence any longer.

You radio for the Magnum on an open channel. "I’m coming in hot, guys! I repeat, coming in HOT! I’ve been compromised!"

You pick up your pace when you see armored men with swords chasing you.

Shit…I think I recognize who is after me.

The balcony is just ahead and the Magnum sets hovering in front of it. You can see Hugo standing on the lowered cargo door.

"Celeste, quick, get in the ship! Skybots are coming and we’re sitting ducks out here! I’m going to hold them off for as long as I can!" he shouts while jumping out on to the balcony.

Nearly at the ship...