CHAPTER 4

The Escape

THE HALL WAS empty. No one had yet discovered the Trojan virus Solaria programmed into the security system. Personnel DNA ID detectors and vids were now deactivated. The women had less than nine minutes before the sensors came back online. 

Moving quietly down the hall, no one spoke. Carrying Primeris was draining Solaria's strength faster than expected. She began shutting down several programs in her backup system and diverted the unused energy to her bio-mechanical network. It was a risky maneuver. If any of her main processors failed, retrieving the lost data would be impossible — the equivalent of a human stroke.

*  *  *

"How are we going to get past them?" Jain asked, pointing at the two guards near the entrance.

"Good question," Solaria replied. "In less than eight minutes, the bio-scanners will come on line. They track everyone in the complex. Since we aren't in the system, the building will go on lockdown until we're apprehended."

"So waiting here isn't accomplishing anything, except to get us caught," Chantelle said. "Doing something is better than doing nothing."

Before Jain or Solaria could reply, Chantelle stepped into the lobby and strolled casually toward the guards. The men stopped talking and watched her warily.

"Who are you?" one challenged.

"Chantelle. I was cleared earlier today."

"By who? I didn't see you come in."

"You weren't here. Colonel Cranley authorized it."

The guard turned to his comrade for verification.

"If she's in the building, she's authorized," the other man replied, shrugging with disinterest. "You don't hear any alarms sounding off, do you? Besides, she came from Section 5. No one goes into that wing without the top sec officer's permission."

"Maybe we should contact Colonel Cranley just to be sure," the first guard suggested.

"By all means," Chantelle said. "He left the building about twenty minutes ago to attend an important meeting. Afterward, we're supposed to meet up for... well, for a little one-on-one of our own, if you know what I mean." Winking, Chantelle's lips curled upward slightly.

"You and Cranky... I mean Col —"

"Cranky? How cute! Listen, fellas, I've probably said too much already. Just call him and tell him I'll be late. I'm sure you have his number. If not, I can give it to you. Of course, knowing Cranky, he's not going to appreciate my indiscretion... or the fact that I..." This time Chantelle did smile, although it held no warmth.

The guards looked at each other nervously. Colonel Cranley's temper was well-known.

"Ummm, that's okay. Just scan out, ma'am," the first guard said, motioning to a palm pad on the desk.

"Sure," she replied, moving to the desk. I hope Solaria has figured out what I'm doing.

*  *  *

With Primeris in her arms, Solaria could do nothing to stop Chantelle. Jain attempted to grab the woman's arm, but missed.

"What's she doing?" Jain whispered to Solaria.

"I'm not sure." Kneeling, she quietly placed Primeris on the floor and then stepped over her to get a better view. Several large pillars surrounded the open space at the entranceway. They were elegant to look at and convenient to hide behind, blocking them from the guards' view. "The security system is going to reset in less than three minutes," Solaria warned. "When that happens..."

"We'll be trapped inside," Jain finished. "Damn! I hope she has a plan."

Me too, Solaria thought, exploring possible solutions. She could reach the soldiers in seconds, but one would have enough time to activate the alarms.

"Stay here," she told Jain and then cautiously moved to the next pillar.

Solaria could hear the conversation between Chantelle and the soldiers. She was aware the security system was about to reactivate. It would detect Chantelle immediately.

*  *  *

 Chantelle hesitantly reached toward the scanner. Hand trembling, she jerked it back to rub her right temple.

"You okay, lady?"

"I feel... dizzy. I hope I'm not coming dow —"

Her knees buckled and she started to fall. Both guards jumped forward to catch her.

"Hey," one said, grabbing her arm to support her. 

The distraction was exactly what Solaria needed. Quick calculated blows insured unconsciousness. The men would have headaches when they recovered, but no permanent damage.

"That was foolish," Solaria said to Chantelle. "You should have told us your plans."

Chantelle's eyebrows flicked upward and back down.

"I knew you'd figure it out. Let's get out of here."

*  *  *

Carrying Primeris in her arms, Solaria stepped into the darkness and quickly moved to a secluded area outside of the building, not wanting to attract attention. After telling Jain and Chantelle where her car was located, she waited for them to retrieve it and return.

Because Primeris was still unconscious, it was critical to get her to Solaria's home to assess the damage. Only then would Solaria make a decision about the Hubot — she was either ally or enemy.