Operation Vortex

CHAPTER 3:THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

Mia wiped the sweat from her brow and reexamined the panel, her fingers flying across her tablet. "The energy field is still active. It's linked to an external power source—probably hidden deeper inside the facility.""We don’t have time to trace it," Alex said. "Can you disrupt it?"Mia hesitated. "I can try to overload the system, but it'll attract attention. We'll have a small window before backup arrives.""Do it," Alex ordered. "We need to get to that device before they do."Mia connected her tablet to the panel, initiating a surge in the system. Sparks flew as the energy field around the door flickered, then shut off with a sudden crackle. The door groaned open, revealing a dimly lit chamber. At its center sat the fusion device, ominous and pulsing with energy."Marcus, get ready to disarm it," Alex said, stepping forward cautiously.Before Marcus could respond, Sarah's voice cut in sharply from the hallway. "Contact! We’ve got multiple hostiles inbound."Alex's jaw tightened. "Mia, stay on the door. Marcus, disarm that device. Sarah and I will handle the welcoming committee."Gunfire erupted down the hall as Sarah engaged the first wave of Vortex operatives. Alex joined her, his weapon spitting bullets as the enemy closed in. The echo of gunshots filled the facility, and time seemed to slow.Behind them, Marcus knelt beside the fusion device, his face a mask of concentration.The countdown had begun.