The howling wind whipped around them in circles as they ran towards the edge of the storm. Debris danced around them in a maddening spin. Mira felt her legs pump with adrenaline, her heart caught in fear. This was a race against time. Every second counted.
"Over there!" Victor yelled above the noise, pointing to a small compound-it seemed-hidden substantially by trees and foliage. "That must be it!
They made for the compound, dodging under branches and flying debris. The storm raged on, but the structure neared to give them some sort of hope. "We need to find a way inside," Sophia urged, glancing around for an entrance.
"Here!" Lila shouted, pointing at a side door that looked ajar. They pushed their way inside, stopping a moment to catch their breath in the dark, musty hallway.
Inside, there were rows of computers and screens flashing data and images of the storm. "This is it!" Lila exclaimed, bolting toward one of the terminals. "We can access their systems from here!"
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Mira turned her gaze on Kintz, who had grown silent, his face dark, his eyes reflecting deeply. "You know how to stop this, don't you?" she challenged, anger burbling up beneath her surface.
Kintz stammered, then nodded reluctantly. "If we can disrupt the mainframe, we should be able to re-divert the storm and loosen their hold. But it won't be a cakewalk."
"Do it then!" Victor said to Kintz, already fuming away on the keyboard at Lila.
Come on, come on," Lila muttered under her breath, her flying fingers racing across the keys until the screens flickered and data began to pour in as she hacked into the system.
Suddenly, an alarm blared through the compound, casting flashing red lights ominously across the room. "They know we're here!" Sophia shouted, looking toward the door. "We don't have much time!"
Mira felt a surge of urgency. "Lila, can you shut down their systems?
"I'm trying!" Lila exclaimed, her eyes flicking across the screens. "But there's so much data! I need a few more minutes!"
Kintz turned to Mira. A look of gravitas crossed his face. "We need to protect her. If she can finish this, we might have a chance."
"Then let's make sure she can," Mira said, taking up a nearby metal rod as a weapon.
By the door were Sophia and Victor, ready for anyone who would break through. "We'll hold them off as long as we can!" Sophia exclaimed, determination in her eyes.
No sooner had Lila shouted in triumph and finally breached the mainframe than the door burst open and stormed armed men with weapons drawn. "Freeze right there!" he yelled, and Mira felt her heart go into her throat as she steeled herself for the fight of their lives.