“Respond! Lincoln, give us an update.” Terror gripped Jude as he tried to reach Lincoln.

“I’m sending in the team from Hive Two.” Heath’s voice was tight with tension. “They’re closest to the zone Lincoln was flying over.”

“I’m with them,” said Tobias. “We’ll be at Lincoln’s last known location in twenty minutes.”

“We need to get there too.” Jude looked at Octavia. “I can’t leave him out there on his own.”

Octavia looked over her shoulder at the comms equipment. “If I leave the van, I won’t be able to check in with my contacts. We won’t know who’s available to help us.”

Jude sucked in a breath. “Fine. We’ll take the van.”

“You said it wouldn’t hold together.”

“It has to. Let me drive.”

Octavia slid from her seat without protest.

Jude gritted his teeth as he felt the engine rumble. He sent a silent prayer to any god who might still be listening, willing Lincoln to be okay. He was always so cocksure, the fly boy who never lost. This couldn’t be how it ended for him.

Octavia’s hand rested on his. “Take the bike. You can get there faster. You’ll be able to use shortcuts that the van won’t be able to squeeze through.”

Jude shook his head as he drove. “I’m not leaving you on your own.”

“I’ll keep the Invis Tech on. No one will find me.” Her grip tightened on his hand. “You need to get to Lincoln.”

Indecision tore at him. A big part of Jude needed to keep her safe, but what about Lincoln? He was in trouble. He needed help.

“Go. Lincoln needs you. I’ll follow right behind you. I’ll keep listening to the comms channels, and will keep a tally of who can offer us help. By the time I get to you, I’ll know who can help. Then Tobias can coordinate everything else.”

Jude hated to leave her, but Octavia was making sense. “Don’t you dare do anything reckless. Don’t push this piece of tin too fast. The engine could blow. Then you’d be stranded.”

“I’ve never pushed this van,” said Octavia. “I know her limits. It’s why she’s been going for so long.”

Jude stopped the van. He grabbed Octavia and kissed her, wanting her taste in his mouth before he left. It would be a reminder of what he needed to come back for.

She kissed him back just as fiercely, her arms wrapping around his neck as they clung to each other. She pulled back, her breathing ragged. “Get out of here before you make me regret letting you go.”

He flashed her a smile. Jude grabbed the bike and rolled it out of the van onto the dark, damp road. He looked back to see Octavia in the doorway, concern in her eyes. “Stay safe, beautiful.” He kicked off and slammed the bike into action, speeding away from Octavia.

The helmet comms link he wore activated. “Jude, what’s your situation?”

“I’m back on the bike,” said Jude. “On my way to Lincoln’s last known location. Octavia is following in the van.”

“Has there been any responses to the message sent out?” asked Heath.

“Not yet.” Octavia came on the comms link. “People will come forward.”

“Is there any news on Lincoln?” asked Jude.

“Not since his last comm,” said Heath.

“We’ll get him,” said Jude. “He will be fine.” He had to be. Jude would not lose a brother. Not ever.

***

THE HAPPINESS OCTAVIA felt was smashed to pieces. She couldn’t stop replaying the look of horror on Jude’s face when he’d heard that cry from Lincoln, and then the sickening radio silence.

What if they couldn’t stop the State? Jude’s brother could be dead, the population would be poisoned, and the resistance movement shattered. Everything they’d been working so hard for could be gone.

Sitting in the driver’s seat of the van, one eye on the responses to the message she’d sent and an earbud in as she listened to the link to the bunker and everyone in the field, Octavia’s nerves were frayed.

She sucked in deep breaths. This had to work. There was no way in hell they would let the State do this.

She’d plugged her keyboard in next to her, balancing it on the passenger seat, before driving after Jude. Her fingers skimmed over the keys, touch typing a new message.

Don’t let me down, everyone. This mass vaccination has to be stopped.

A message flashed on the screen. She clicked it open. Her heart raced as she read it.

Flame, the militia are on the move. Heading to the location you’re planning to destroy.

She recognized the messenger’s name. It was Mad Dog. He was a regular listener and often sent hints about what the State were doing.

She typed back. How many?

Fifty. Maybe more. All armed.

Can you help?

I’m on my way, hot lips.

Octavia smiled. He always called her that. Stay safe, Mad Dog.

You too. Looking forward to meeting you and kicking butt.

Octavia focused on the road. Several burned-out cars partially blocked the way, forcing her to slow.

Jude would be halfway to Lincoln’s last known location. He must be frantic with worry. She wanted to be with him, but letting him go had been the right thing to do.

“Jude, how’s it going out there?”

“So far so good,” replied Jude, the tension clear in his voice. “The roads are quiet.”

“I’ve had word militia are moving to the vaccine plant,” said Octavia. “Everyone needs to be careful.”

Jude cursed. “Heath, did you get that?”

“Affirmative,” said Heath. “We’re monitoring their movements. They’re a good half hour away.”

“You still want us to do this?” asked Jude.

“We have to,” said Octavia. “We can’t let the State keep this place open.”

“I agree,” said Heath. “Both of you get as close as you can. See what the situation is. Octavia, how’s the recruitment drive going?”

Octavia glanced at the message box. “It’s slow going. People are reluctant to do this. We’re asking them to put their lives on the line.”

“It’s nothing less than we do every day,” said Tobias. “We’re ten minutes from Lincoln’s location. We’ll let you know what we find.”

Octavia nodded, her hands tight on the steering wheel as she left the main road and drew closer to the plant. Despite the fear running through her veins, it felt good to get involved and make a difference, she’d missed that. In her former life, she’d worked in the shadows. Life as an undercover agent meant keeping everything discreet, no matter what she did. Now, Octavia was exposed and vulnerable. She was hiding nothing. She felt alive.

A message pinged in. Octavia smiled as she opened it. It was from Hell Cat.

I’m close by. If you need a hand, I’m happy to help.

Hell Cat was a crazy, balls-to-the-wall kind of woman. She lived on the edge, risked her life most days from all accounts, and then laughed about it while drinking beer and chatting online. They’d never met, but Octavia considered her one of her closest friends.

You’re just the kind of help we need. What ammunition have you got?

I come fully loaded, replied Hell Cat. I’ve got bombs if you need them. I’ve even got a rocket launcher. Only one rocket, though.

Meet me at the coordinates I sent you, replied Octavia. We’ve got someone coordinating the attack. We’re only getting one shot at this.

You sure you don’t want me to take them on my own? The message ended with a smiley face.

Even you might need a little help this time.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Octavia nodded. So was she. Hell Cat had been her constant online companion ever since the State had arrived. She felt strangely nervous at the thought of them meeting. This felt so damn real.

Two more messages pinged in over the next fifteen minutes. More people, all wanting to help.

She sent replies, checking they knew where to meet. Hope trickled through her as she did so. This could just work. With enough people attacking the site at once, they could bring it down. They could beat the State.

“Heath, we’ve got four people willing to help,” said Octavia.

“Excellent work,” said Heath. “What’s your ETA at the site?”

“I’m fifteen minutes away.” Octavia resisted the urge to push the van. If it broke now, she was screwed.

“Jude, how about you?” asked Heath.

“I’m almost there,” said Jude. “I can see a fire. It might be Lincoln’s copter.”

Octavia’s gut clenched. Few people walked away from a copter crash.

“We’re almost there, as well,” said Tobias. “We see the fire. Jude, we’ll meet you there.”

“Will do,” said Jude.

The road Octavia drove along became increasingly bumpy. She slowed the vehicle and drove around the worst of the holes, not wanting to break anything on the already distressed van.

“Come on, baby,” she coaxed. “Not much farther now. You get me there and I’ll give you a full refit. Just keep going. I need you for a little bit longer.”

The last ten minutes of the journey felt like an hour. Octavia’s window was down, and, as she got to within half a mile of the site, she picked up the smell of burning. That must be Lincoln’s copter.

Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel. Jude would be devastated if anything had happened to his brother. She wanted to be with him, offering comfort, letting him know everything would work out.

“What’s going on?” asked Heath.

“He’s here!” said Jude. “We’ve got him.”

“Is he okay?” asked Octavia, almost afraid to ask the question.

“He’s been better.”

“You can bet your ass I’ve been better.” Lincoln’s voice sounded over the comms. “Those damn bastards shot me out of the sky. That was my favorite copter.”

A gasp of relief shot out of Octavia. So long as Lincoln was cursing, she knew he’d be okay.

“Get to a safe location,” ordered Heath. “You’re too exposed out there.”

“We’re on it,” said Jude.

Octavia slowed as she rounded the corner. Up ahead was the looming gray vaccine plant. She inched the van as close as she could before shutting off the engine. Octavia turned to her port screen and began typing. How’s everyone doing out there? Are you still able to join us?

I’ll be with you in two shakes of a kitten’s tail, replied Hell Cat.

We’re not far behind, said the Gray Fairy. I’m with Ozone.

Octavia was glad to have them both along for the ride. Gray Fairy often talked about her time in the military. She’d be a huge asset. Ozone was more reserved, but from the way she talked, she’d served in the Forces.

I’m five minutes out, responded Mad Dog.

It sounds hot out there, said Hell Cat. My kind of fight.

Stay safe, replied Octavia. I’ll see you all soon.

Looking forward to it, gorgeous.

Octavia loaded a music file. That would keep the listeners entertained while she was helping to smash the hell out of this site. She patted the van door as she closed it behind her. “You stay safe as well, old girl. You’ve done me proud.”

She ran through the darkness, getting closer to the building. Octavia could smell the acrid smoke in the air from where the copter had been shot down. She kept to the shadows and away from the flames of the wreckage, skirting the building and keeping a close eye out for any guards or patrols.

She passed through a row of trees, slowing as she heard movement. A smile slid across her lips. She saw Jude. He was with Lincoln and Tobias.

“I’m approaching now,” she said through the comm link.

Jude’s head shot up and he looked around. His gaze locked onto her. She saw his shoulders slide down. She felt the same. She hated not being near him when they were in so much danger. She couldn’t look out for him when they were apart.

He pulled her into a swift embrace before stepping back. “Everything okay?”

“I’m fine. I got as close as I could and then left the van.”

“Good idea.” Jude kneeled next to Lincoln, who was laid out on the ground.

“How you doing?” asked Octavia, noting the soot on his face and blood on his hands.

“Nothing a couple of weeks lying flat on my back and being pampered won’t cure.”

“I’ll see if we can arrange that for you.” She placed a hand on Jude’s shoulder. He must be as worried as hell about Lincoln. You didn’t slam a copter into the ground and walk away without a few serious injuries.

Three guys Octavia had never met before stood close by. They were all tall and muscular, wearing pulse protection vests and carrying pulse lasers.

She caught the eye of the tallest guy, and he nodded at her.

“I’m Colton. This is Evan and Holden. We run Hive Two.”

Octavia nodded. “Good to meet you all. Thanks for lending a hand.”

“It’s what we do best,” said Colton. “That’s when we’re not covering people’s butts. You lot sure like getting yourselves into some interesting situations.”

“It’s what we do best.” Jude’s attention remained on Lincoln.

Tobias handed him a medical kit. “There are dragon serum syringes in here. Sophia sent them to the hives just last month.”

Jude nodded thanks. He pulled open the bag and pulled out a syringe. “This won’t get you on your feet straightaway, but will get rid of some of the pain.”

“I told you, I’ll be fine.” Lincoln hissed in pain as Jude prodded his side. “But I wouldn’t mind pain relief.”

“This shit is so much better than pain relief,” said Jude.

“No kidding. Give me that, and I’ll be able to take on everyone inside that building single-handed.”

“No chance. You’re staying right here.” Jude injected the serum into Lincoln’s arm. “You won’t be able to go anywhere with a broken arm and concussion.”

“I’m only seeing double half the time,” said Lincoln. “It’s a bonus. I’ll shoot twice and hit the real target. Maybe take a few more down on my way.”

“No fighting and no shooting,” said Jude.

“You want me to stay out of the fight?” Lincoln scowled. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“The fun is that I get to keep my brother alive.” Jude nudged Lincoln’s shoulder. “Stay there. Don’t move.”

“Yes, boss.” Lincoln shook his head. “Is he this bossy with you?” he asked Octavia.

“He has his moments.” She scanned their surroundings. “The others will join us in a few moments.”

“Who’s coming?” asked Jude.

“Mad Dog, Ozone, Hell Cat, and Gray Fairy.”

“I bet they loved their mothers for giving than those names,” said Lincoln.

“Very cute,” said Octavia. “They’re radio handles. I’ve no clue what their real names are.”

“This must be your crew now.” Jude pointed his gun at the shadows.

Octavia watched as a tall, Amazonian-built woman with jet-black hair tied off her face stepped into view. She had a gun by her side as she strode toward them.

This had to be Hell Cat. She’d imagined she’d look just like this. Octavia stepped forward, and the woman slowed. “Flame?”

“It’s me,” said Octavia.

Hell Cat grinned and opened her arms. “I’d recognize that sexy-ass voice anywhere.” She ran forward and engulfed Octavia in a hug. “You’re a tiny little thing.”

“You’re just as I’d imagined.” Octavia smiled up at her. Hell Cat was over six feet tall and her curves were packed into a fitted jumpsuit.

“Sexy and sassy, that’s me.” Hell Cat’s green eyes softened as she reached up and touched Octavia’s bare head. “I like this look. Maybe I should try it myself.” She flipped her long dark braid over one shoulder.

“I didn’t get this by choice.” Octavia’s hand strayed to her head and then slid down her scars.

The humor in Hell Cat’s eyes died. “I imagine you didn’t.”

“Hold on for us,” said a deep voice from the shadows. “We don’t want to miss the fun.”

Octavia turned and saw a broad-shouldered, grizzled man with a black beard and dreadlocks. He had three firearms looped over his shoulders and a pulse laser in one hand. Beside him walked a tall, thin, gray-haired lady, and a short, curvy brunette.

“I’ve never seen three sorrier-looking sons of bitches.” Hell Cat grinned and slung an arm around Octavia's shoulders.

“Love you too,” said the gray-haired woman.

“You all know each other?” asked Octavia.

“We meet from time to time.” The man extended his hand. “I’m Mad Dog. It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Flame. Or do you prefer Octavia?”

“Either’s fine.” Octavia smiled. It felt like meeting old friends. She knew these people. She trusted them.

“I’m Gray Fairy,” said the tall woman. “Just in case the hair color didn’t give me away. This is Ozone.”

The women greeted each other.

Octavia felt Jude’s presence behind her. She turned and held a hand out to him. “This is Jude Ember.”

“Oh my, a real, hot-blooded Ember brother.” Hell Cat fanned her face with her hand. “My dreams have come true.”

Jude’s eyebrows quirked.

“Ignore her.” Mad Dog shook Jude’s hand. “She’s hot to trot for any fine-looking piece of ass.”

“I’m flattered,” said Jude.

“So you should be.” Hell Cat winked at him. “And ignore the women at your peril. Now, tell us what we can do to help.”

Jude looked around the group. “It’s a big risk going in there.”

“We’re up for a few risks,” said Ozone. “We wouldn’t be standing here if we didn’t know how to handle ourselves.”

“This way,” said Jude. “Tobias is coordinating.”

“Another Ember brother.” Hell Cat grinned at Gray Fairy and Ozone. “Our luck is in, girls.”

“Lincoln’s here as well,” said Octavia.

“He’s the hot one, isn’t he?” Ozone grinned.

“They’re all hot,” said Hell Cat. “I’m not fussy which one I have.”

“You might be disappointed,” said Octavia. “They’re almost all taken.”

Hell Cat nodded at Jude. “Is this one yours?”

Octavia glanced at Jude and saw him suppress a smile. “He might be.”

“Then hands off, ladies,” said Hell Cat. “As for the others, we’ll see if they can handle us.”

They joined up with the rest of the group. Jude made the introductions quickly. “Tobias, what’s the plan?”

Tobias opened a 3D image of the building. “We’re hitting the power lines going to the building. There are five sites to attack: the four corners of the building and one inside. We set the explosives, and they will trigger a chain reaction that runs through the building.”

“You want us to plant the explosives?” asked Mad Dog.

“That’s right,” said Tobias.

“We can handle explosives,” said Gray Fairy.

Tobias nodded. “The timer is set on each one to blow in fifteen minutes. That will give us enough time to plant the explosives and get a safe distance before they blow.”

“You make it sound so easy, sugar,” said Hell Cat.

“I didn’t say that,” said Tobias. “We’ve already seen two rounds of patrols pass by since we’ve been here. Security is tight in this place. They want to protect this vaccine.”

“I still can’t believe what they’re planning,” growled Mad Dog. “Those sick fuckers are going to kill off anyone they don’t think can give them something.”

Tobias gestured to the 3D image. “Hell Cat and Mad Dog, I want you to take the south side of the building. These small buildings are set away from the main site, they house auxiliary power lines.”

“The explosives will set off a chain reaction into the main building.” Mad Dog scratched his fingers through his beard. “Nice thinking.”

“Ozone and Gray Fairy, I need you on the north side doing the same,” said Tobias.

“We’re on it,” said Ozone.

“Colton, you’ll need to run a mission on your own,” said Tobias. “Take the west side.”

“I’m big enough to handle this without backup,” said Colton.

“You can say that again, sweetie.” Hell Cat stroked his arm. “Are these muscles natural?”

“Every hard inch.” Colton grinned at her.

“Evan and Holden, you take the east side.” Tobias handed around bags of explosives as he talked.

“What about me?” Lincoln still lay on the ground.

“You’re staying here,” said Jude.

“I can almost walk.” Lincoln flipped his feet up and down.

“No can do,” said Jude. “If you collapse out there, this mission could go to shit.”

“You’re saying I’m not reliable?”

“I’m saying you’ve been badly injured,” said Jude. He looked at Tobias. “Where do you want me?”

“Inside, with Octavia and me. We need to plant the largest pack of explosives in there.”

Octavia felt Jude tense next to her, but he didn’t protest about her going inside.

“Is everyone clear on where they need to be?” asked Tobias.

They all nodded and spent a moment checking the map and explosives.

“Is everyone ready?” asked Jude. “We’ll get one chance at this.”

Mad Dog slapped him on the shoulder. “You can count on us.”

“You need these.” Tobias passed around earbuds for everyone. “This is an open comms link. Activate it by pressing the earbud. Everyone will hear you.”

“I’d better keep the cursing to a minimum.” Hell Cat grinned as she inserted the earbud.

“Cursing is fine,” said Tobias. “Just keep everyone informed as to your movements. Good luck everybody.”

After moving Lincoln to the concealed vehicle Tobias and the Hive Two squad had arrived in, the group divided into smaller units. Everyone headed into the darkness.

Octavia kept close to Jude as they moved around the edge of the building.

“The door we want is fifty yards in this direction,” said Tobias. “It’s a service entrance. It’s locked but not guarded.”

Octavia scanned the gloom, trying to pick up any signs of the militia. It was quiet outside. The night felt like it was holding its breath, watching to see what they were doing.

Tobias ducked down and inspected the door lock when they reached it.

“There will be more security inside,” said Octavia. “It will slow us down.”

Jude squeezed her arm. “We’ll get in and out. This will work.”

She hoped it would. Even if they got caught after placing the explosives, that would be enough. They just had to make sure the State failed to distribute the vaccine.

“We’re in.” Tobias stood back as the door clicked open. He poked his head into the corridor. “It’s all clear.”

They followed him inside.

“How’s everyone doing?” Jude kept his voice low as they continued along the slate-gray corridor.

“We’re at the location,” said Mad Dog. “Just breaking through the security and we’ll be inside.”

“The same here,” said Gray Fairy. “Shouldn’t be more than five minutes and the explosives will be ready to go.”

“Colton,” said Jude. “How about you?”

“I’m waiting out some guards,” said Colton. “Looks like they’re taking a break right where I need to be.”

“Take them out if you have to,” said Jude. “We haven’t got time to waste.”

“Copy that,” said Colton.

“We’re all good,” said Evan.

“We’re almost there,” said Tobias as they hurried along the corridor and turned a corner, reaching another locked door.

“We need to get through the security doors quicker,” muttered Octavia. “We’re wasting too much time.”

“I’m going as fast as I can.” Tobias spent a couple of minutes deactivating the lock before inching the door open. “We’re moving into a central part of the building. We’ll find somebody here who will help get the rest of the doors open.”

They hadn’t taken ten steps before Tobias raised his fist, signaling them to stop.

Octavia held her breath. Two men wearing white lab coats rounded the corner, their gazes fixed on the port screen one of them carried.

The dark-haired guy on the right raised his head. For a second, he stared incomprehensibly at them before blinking and coming to a stop.

His colleague glanced up at him. “What’s the matter?”

“Holy crap!” The dark-haired guy took two steps back.

“Don’t go any farther,” said Jude. “Keep walking toward us. If you do as we say, you won’t come to any harm.”

Both men stared at them with wide eyes.

“What are you doing in here?” stuttered out the dark-haired guy. “You don’t have authorization to be in this building.”

“No shit,” said Jude. “Do your passes open the doors in this place?”

The dark-haired guy turned his fearful gaze to his colleague. “What if they do?”

“Then we need them,” said Tobias. “Take off your passes and throw them to us.”

“We can’t do that,” said the dark-haired guy. “We’ll lose our jobs.”

“You’ll lose more than your jobs if you don’t do as we say.” Octavia leveled her pulse laser at them. “Give us your passes. Now.”

With a shaking hand, the dark-haired guy unclipped his pass and threw it along the corridor. It hit Octavia’s boot.

The other guy did the same, a scowl on his face as he slung the pass at Jude.

“Turn around and put your hands behind your back,” said Tobias.

Slowly, both men turned, faced the wall, and placed their hands behind their back.

Tobias made short work of tying their hands together.

“Whatever you’re planning, you won’t get away with it,” said the dark-haired guy.

“Whatever you say,” said Jude. “Where’s the nearest storage closet?”

“Storage closet?”

“It’s either that or you wake up with a sore head and no job.”

“Two doors down on the left,” grumbled the dark-haired guy.

“Let’s go.” Jude marched them along the corridor before gagging them with cleaning rags and pushing them in the closet. He slammed the door in their faces and then jammed the lock. “Let’s go.”

They hurried to the next locked door. The passes they’d stolen worked perfectly.

Inching the door open, Jude checked the way was clear before gesturing the others through.

“The room we need will be right around the next corner,” whispered Tobias.

Octavia could feel the hum of power lines beneath her feet as they stopped by a door.

Tobias scanned the card over the access panel. The light remained red.

He cursed and tried again. The same thing happened.

“We’ll have to break the lock,” said Tobias. “Those idiots we found don’t have clearance to get in here.”

Jude ducked and looked at the panel. “There’s no easy fix to this lock. The quickest way will be to blast the panel.”

“And bring guards to see what we’re doing?” Tobias shook his head.

“Octavia, check the end of the corridor. I’ll go to the other end. We’ll make sure no one’s nearby,” said Jude.

“What about people on the other side of the door?” asked Octavia.

“It’s automated in there,” said Tobias. “If there’s anyone, it will only be a technician. They’ll be easy to deal with.”

Octavia ran to the end of the corridor, her weapon tight in her grip. She looked both ways. It was empty. She turned and gave a thumbs up sign to Tobias.

He nodded.

Octavia held her breath as Tobias aimed at the lock and blasted it with his pulse laser. She waited a few more seconds before checking again. It was quiet. Hope slid through her. They’d gotten away with it. She raced back and joined Tobias and Jude.

Tobias had the door open, his weapon raised as he looked inside.

In front of them was a bank of computers.

“We need the main power line.” Tobias walked in ahead of them. “Keep an eye out for any workers. I doubt they’ll be armed.”

Octavia felt Jude’s reassuring presence by her side as they looked around the room. They were so close to success.

“This is it,” said Jude. He stopped by a wall of lights, a series of cables fed into the panel. “Tobias, over here.”

Tobias joined them. Octavia watched as he checked the power lines. “This is perfect.” He removed his backpack and set the first explosive.

“Put this at the end.” He handed Jude an explosive. “We’ll trigger them at the same time. If one fails, the other won’t.”

Octavia hurried alongside Jude to the opposite side of the room, tracing the power lines as they walked. She jumped as a switch activated, sparking a computer into life.

Jude glanced up as he activated the explosive. “We’ll be out in a few seconds. Don’t worry, this will work.”

She let out a sigh. It was if he could read her thoughts. “I know. I trust you.”

“All set?” Tobias walked over.

“Let’s do this.” Jude slid the door open and checked the corridor was clear before the three of them hurried out.

He checked around the corner and cursed. “Six guards coming this way.”

“Let’s try the other way,” said Tobias. “It will take longer to get out, but it loops around to an exit door.”

Octavia’s heart slammed in her chest as they dashed to the other end of the corridor.

Jude poked his head around the corner. “Shit! More guards. Shooting that lock must have triggered an alarm.”

“That’s our ways out blocked.” Horror slid through Octavia’s veins. They couldn’t be caught now, not when they were so close to beating the State.

Jude grabbed her arm. “We’re not done yet. We’ll hide, wait for the guards to pass. We’ll get out.”

“Hopefully before the explosives go off,” muttered Tobias.

Jude tried the first door in the corridor but found it locked. The second was open. The three of them hurried in. He eased the door shut. They were just in time. A few seconds later, the sound of several feet hurrying toward the power room could be heard.

“If they find the explosives, they’ll disarm them,” muttered Tobias.

“We need to cause a distraction.” Jude’s hand went to the door.

Octavia grabbed his arm. “You can’t go out there.”

“If we don’t take their minds off the disturbance in the power room, this will have been for nothing,” said Jude.

“We go together,” said Octavia. There was no way in hell she would let him sacrifice himself so she could get out.

“Octavia’s right,” said Tobias. “We go together. We can cause more damage that way.”

Jude smiled at his brother before winking at Octavia. “Okay then. Let’s go and cause some trouble.” He inched open the door and checked along the corridor.

The three of them crept out, Octavia being sure to keep a grip on Jude’s arm to stop him from doing anything stupidly heroic.

They made it to the end of the corridor before a shout rang out behind them.

“Run!” Jude grabbed hold of Octavia and propelled her along the corridor. Tobias was right alongside them.

“We’ve got them,” yelled a guard as he rounded the corner behind them.

“Keep going,” said Tobias. “We can get out up ahead.”

Octavia pumped her arms, certain the guards’ footsteps were getting closer by the second.

The door they headed toward opened. Three armed guards stepped through.

Octavia skidded to a halt. She shoved Jude and Tobias along the corridor that branched off to the left.

“This won’t take us outside,” said Tobias.

“It will stop us from getting our heads blown off,” said Octavia.

“Good point.”

“We’re running out of time,” said Tobias.

“We’ve got ten minutes,” said Jude. “We’ll find a way out.”

Octavia glanced over her shoulder. Six guards pursued them.

“Lab workers up ahead,” yelled Jude.

“Don’t worry about them.” Tobias waved his pulse laser at them and they scattered.

They raced past the startled-looking lab workers before turning another corner. There were more people around now. They had to get somewhere quiet, get away from the guards and the cameras that would be watching their every move.

They concealed their weapons as they hurried past other workers. They turned down an empty corridor.

Jude shoved open a door and discovered a row of lockers. “In here.”

“I don’t think the guards saw us come in.” Tobias stood by the door, his pulse laser raised.

They waited a moment until the hurried footsteps of the guards passed.

“We’re good, for now.” Tobias turned and looked around the room.

“Put these on.” Jude handed over two white lab coats. “We’ll blend in with the others and work our way out.”

Octavia’s hand went to her black cap. “I might not blend in so well.”

Jude’s mouth twisted as he studied her. He looked around the room and strode to a shelf full of spare lab coats. “How about this?” He held up a floppy white hairnet style hat.

She grimaced but nodded. “It will have to do.” Swapping hats, she smoothed it over her head. “Will I pass?”

“You look great.” Jude smiled at her.

“Let’s work out the best way out.” Tobias slid his port screen from the backpack and opened the 3D image of the plant.

“We’re there.” Jude pointed at the image.

“And the nearest exit is at the end of that corridor.” Octavia frowned. They’d have to pass through three open-plan areas. They’d be spotted.

“I don’t like that route,” said Tobias.

“Agreed. Too many eyes,” said Jude.

Octavia stared at the diagram. “How about we go down, into the maintenance area? There will be fewer people around. Maybe fewer cameras and guards.” She traced her finger along an access route. “That takes us outside.”

“That looks like the best route.” Tobias took a moment to double-check the diagram. “It takes us through one main area.”

“It’s the best we’ve got,” said Jude.

An alarm screeched, making them all jump.

“It’s time to go.” Jude’s hand sat on Octavia’s back as he ushered her toward the door.

“We need to do this fast,” said Tobias. “There’s less than five minutes before the bombs go off.”

Jude checked the corridor. “It looks good.”

They continued their journey, heading toward the maintenance tunnel.

“How’s everyone doing?” said Jude quietly through the comms link.

“The bombs are in place,” said Mad Dog.

“The same with me,” said Colton.

“We’re all set,” said Gray Fairy.

“Locked and loaded,” said Holden.

“How about you?” asked Colton. “Are you out of the building yet?”

“We ran into a problem,” said Jude. “We’re on our way out now.”

“Not this way we aren’t.” Octavia pulled up short as they turned the corner and spotted a troop of guards.

Pulse laser blasted toward them. She threw herself backward, knocking into Jude as she did so.

“This way!” Tobias gestured for them to follow him.

The entered a high-ceilinged room with a large wooden table set against one wall. It was empty.

“Use this table.” The three of them dragged the table across the door. “That will give us a few more seconds.”

“To do what?” Jude turned to Tobias. “Wait to be blown up?”

Octavia hurried to the window. It was narrow, with no glass in it. It looked like it was made for shooting arrows through and not letting people out.

She squeezed herself through the gap. It was tight, but she would just about make it. She looked back at Jude and Tobias. There was no way they’d be able to get through.

Jude ran over to her. “Go! Get out if you can.”

She grabbed his hand. “Not without you.”

“We’ll find another way out,” said Jude. “You need to leave.”

A loud hammering started on the other side of the door.

“Get out!” Jude’s expression turned panicked. “You can’t die here.”

“Neither can you.” Octavia couldn’t leave him.

“Sounds like you could do with a hand.” Hell Cat sounded out of breath. “We’ve got your location. We’re coming for you.”

“We’ll hold them off,” said Tobias. “Octavia, you need to leave. The others are on their way.”

Her heart hammered in her chest. By the time they arrived, it would be too late.

Jude grabbed her and kissed her lips. “I have to know you’re safe.”

“You need to get out of there,” yelled Colton. “You’ve only got thirty seconds.”

Octavia’s eyes widened. “Come with me.”

“I wish I could.” Jude kissed her again.

Several loud blasts slammed into the door. The guards would be through any second.

Octavia squirmed back through the gap. She felt the stone grate against her hip bone as she forced herself through.

Tobias joined them by the window, his pulse laser on the door.

“I’m stuck!” Octavia felt her skin tear. She couldn’t move.

“Keep trying.” Jude pushed her, trying to get her through the gap.

“It’s no good.” Her skin was rubbed raw from forcing herself into the small space. “I’m coming back.”

“No! Try again.” Jude’s gaze was frantic.

“We’re out of time,” said Tobias.

Octavia reached for Jude as a deep rumble shot through the building and the world exploded around them.