Chapter 114: Falcon’s Reach
Cassian's sharp eyes flicked between the streams of information. "Prioritize emissions consistent with stealth tech. They'll be masking their presence, but they can't hide everything."
"Understood," Olsen said, activating deeper spectral scans. The command deck grew quieter as the crew concentrated, the tension thick enough to feel. Cassian remained still, his posture like a coiled spring ready to strike. His mind raced through possibilities, calculating the intruders' tactics. This wasn't just a lucky maneuver—they were playing him, and he hated being on the defensive.
"If they're smart," he muttered, almost to himself, "they'll stay hidden as long as possible. But every moment they wait, they're running out of time."
"This person is good," he muttered under his breath. "They've managed to outmaneuver me twice."
The Falcon's Reach docked, and Sylvie led her team into the Krasnikov. The corridors were eerily silent, the polished metal walls reflecting their movements as they advanced. Every step was calculated, every turn precise. The team moved like shadows, their training evident in their fluid motions.
But just as they approached the artifact's containment chamber, an alarm blared, shattering the quiet. Sylvie froze, her mind racing. The shrill sound echoed through the halls, a piercing reminder that their window of stealth had slammed shut.
"Move!" she barked, her team springing into action. They surged forward, their weapons drawn and eyes scanning every angle. The containment chamber was just ahead, its reinforced door glowing with the faint blue of an active shield.
Back on the command deck, Cassian watched the breach alert with grim satisfaction. His sharp mind pieced together the puzzle with chilling efficiency.
"There you are," he said softly. "Prepare to intercept. I want them alive."