As Mira listened to Lila relate the findings of the anomalies in weather, a look of panic crossed her face. "We can't let this happen. We have to stop the Collective now!"

Sophia nodded solemnly. "We need to know how they are controlling the weather. If they can manipulate it, we might be able to reverse the effects before it's too late."

Kintz watched them, his face containing a sly smile. "You're only wasting your time. Even if you manage to find their operations, they have contingencies. You will never succeed."

Mira ignored him, facing Lila. "Can you track the weather patterns? See if you can pinpoint their origin?

"I'll try," Lila replied, focusing all her attention on her device. As the other two were deciding just what line of action to take against the Collective, she began going through the data.

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But we need to reach their facilities without arousing suspicion," Mira added, nodding in the direction of Kintz, who was still bound. "He may know more about where those are situated."

"Why would I help you?" Kintz sneered. "You think you can intimidate me into submission?

She moved closer, her voice level. "If you don't want to spend decades behind bars, you'll cooperate. We have enough evidence to lock you away for life unless you help us."

Kintz's eyes flashed; for an instant, Mira thought she saw a flash of fear there. "You're making a mistake," he warned.

Before Mira could get a word out, Lila suddenly piped up. "I've got something!" She flipped her device around, showing them all a map with shifting weather patterns-revealing a cluster of activity concentrated at a remote facility in the mountains.

"There!" she exclaimed. "That's where they are doing it-manipulating the weather. If we can get into that facility, we might find a way to shut it down.

Victor gave Mira a determined look. "We have to rush, guys. Their guard may be down, and we can just surprise them."

As they were talking about their plan, Kint listened to them with a hint of a smile. "You think you can really stop them? You're just pawns in a much bigger game. Then, the explosion outside the cabin shattered the windows into pieces and debris flew in. "We've been found!" Sophia shouted as she grabbed her weapon. "Get ready to fight!