Chapter 6 - REDEMPTION IN THE DARKEmergency red backup lights flickered to life, casting an eerie, blood-colored glow across the chaotic laboratory. Sparks rained down from the ceiling as electrical panels short-circuited in rapid succession.
In the confusion, Alexander moved like a shadow. He didn't run away; he moved directly toward the threat.
The guard who had been firing wildly into the dark swung his weapon toward the movement, but Alexander was already upon him. Closing the distance, Alexander grabbed the barrel of the automatic rifle, twisting it violently downward while driving his right elbow into the guard's jaw. The man went limp, dropping to the floor.
The second guard, holding the syringe near Tommy, panicked and brought his weapon up. Before he could squeeze the trigger, a sharp, metallic crack rang out through the alarm sirens.
The guard collapsed. Behind him stood Maria, holding a heavy tactical pistol, her face set in a grim mask.
"I told you not to follow me," Alexander said, exhaling sharply as he sprinted up the catwalk stairs.
"You hired me to manage your assets, Mr. Morgan," Maria replied calmly, checking the hallway behind her. "You are your own largest asset."
Alexander didn't waste another second. He drew a combat knife from his belt and sliced through the zip-ties securing Tommy to the chair. He pulled the tape gently from the boy's mouth.
"Are you okay, kid?" Alexander asked, checking the boy for injuries.
Tommy coughed, his eyes wide as he looked at Alexander. "My... my mom? The tanks!"
Alexander looked down at the main floor. The glass cylinders holding Clara and Lily were flashing red error codes as internal backup batteries kicked in, maintaining air pressure on a thirty-minute countdown timer.
"They're safe for now," Alexander assured him. "Maria, get Tommy out of here and call in the extraction team to secure those tanks immediately!"
"What about Julian?" Maria asked.
Alexander looked around the catwalk. The space where Julian had been standing was empty. A heavy security door at the far end of the gantry stood open, leading deeper into the ancient plant tunnels.
"He’s not getting away," Alexander said, picking up his fallen sidearm from the floor. "Take the boy. Now!"
Tommy grabbed Alexander’s sleeve before he could turn away. The boy's small hand was covered in dirt and soot, but his grip was surprisingly strong.
"Mr. Morgan," Tommy whispered, looking directly into Alexander’s eyes. "Don't let him hurt anyone else."
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Alexander touched the boy's shoulder, a gesture of solemn promise. "He won't."
Turning away, Alexander pursued his brother into the dark, narrow tunnels that ran beneath the dead city.
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