Chapter 6 Dangerous Allies

The safe house huddled in a quiet neighborhood, tall, unkempt hedges masking its presence. Jill drove the sedan around the back of the house and hurriedly ushered Dr. Park inside. His eyes raked the surrounding streets for pursuers as he followed her. It wasn't much-small two-storey with peeling paint and meager furnishings-but it would have to suffice. He led Dr. Park into the living room and gave her a bottle of water. "Catch your breath, we're safe for now," he said, though every one of his senses was still on high alert.

Every groan of the floorboards and rustling of leaves outside sounded like an imminent threat. Dr. Park took a long gulp of water, her hands shaking. "You still haven't told me who you are," she said, hardly in a whisper. "Or why are you risking your life to help me."

Jill hesitated, choosing his words with care. "I am from the police, and for some time now we have been bugging the communication lines of Nexus. We've been informed that they target scientists like you. You must be working on something that's pretty important for them to send a team to abduct you.

Dr. Park's eyes had widened. "It's... it's just research. Advanced materials for... future technologies. I'm under a government contract, but I didn't think it was something worth killing over."

Jill's face hardened. "You'd be surprised what people are willing to do for the right information, Doctor."

Nexus doesn't play by any rules. If they're after you, they have their reasons, and we need to find out what those reasons are-fast. SEA-Z chimed in Jill's mind, "Host, it would be prudent to gather intelligence on Dr. Park's work. Access to details regarding her current project may reveal why she is a target." Jill nodded to himself, silently agreeing with SEA-Z.

"Dr. Park," he started off, "do you have any files or devices that hold your research? Anything that can give us an idea as to what they're after?"

Dr. Park hesitated, looking towards her bag that lay near the door. "There's a data drive in it. It has some of my updated works and, well, communications regarding the project. Kept it encrypted, but I .I didn't expect this level of danger."

Jill hurriedly retrieved the bag and handed it over to her. "Good thinking, keeping it on you," he said. "I'll have to take a look at that data.

You can stay here while I go through it. Make sure you don't answer the door for anyone.".

At Dr. Park's nod, Jill stepped into the neighboring room, flipping open his own laptop and popping in the data drive. He powered on SEA-Z's encryption-breaking functions, which sifted through layer after layer of security at a speed no normal software could hope to keep up with. It didn't take long for the system to bring up several project files and pieces of classified correspondence. SEA-Z, what's the best lead?" Jill asked, scanning the data on the screen.

"There are several flagged keywords in the communication logs," SEA-Z replied.

"The term 'Project Helix' appears repeatedly, often in conjunction with references to advanced molecular engineering and military applications. It would appear that Dr. Park's research may have implications far beyond civilian technology.

Jill's jaw clenched. "So, this isn't just about new materials for electronics or infrastructure. If it is militarized, then Nexus could be after a lot more than just the blueprints. They can weaponize it.".

Before he could continue further, the soft hum of an automobile engine caught his attention. Jill instantly cut off the laptop display and went for his sidearm, heading for the window to look out into the street. There was a black sedan running its motor a few houses down; a man in a suit stepped out and started looking around.

"Host, that fits the profile of a known Nexus operative," SEA-Z said. "Others may be in close proximity. It would be wise to seek a new location." Jill's heart quickened. He stepped into the living room. His voice was distinct and urgent, yet controlled. "Dr. Park, we have to get out. Now."

She didn't argue, but grabbed her bag and followed him out the back. They slipped through the narrow gap between the houses-keeping low and quiet-while they worked their way down toward an alley at the end of the block. Jill's mind raced with options, but there was little time to consider any one plan. At the alley, Jill froze, hearing the sound of footsteps.

He spun, raising a finger to his lips to indicate quiet for Dr. Park. Two men turned the corner, their voices hushed; their faces were unmistakably familiar-Nexus agents. Jill stepped forward and kept his voice steady.

"Lost your way, gentlemen?" The two men froze, their faces closing into suspicious slits as they locked gazes with Dr. Park.

"This doesn't concern you, officer," one of them sneered, taking a step forward.

Jill's hand flashed to his sidearm. "I'm afraid it does. Now back away, or this gets ugly.

The agents glanced at each other in a flash, before one pounced first, reaching for some hidden armament. Jill was quicker; his police training with SEA-Z heightening his reflexes became an advantage. In an instant, he whipped out his gun and fired into the ground, enough for the men to recoil and stumble backward.

"Run!" Jill yelled at Dr. Park, pushing her toward the passageway that led to the end of the alleyway while keeping his weapon fixed on the agents. They did not need a second invitation. Dr. Park bolted, and Jill followed close behind, putting distance between them and the operatives. He had bought them a few seconds, but it wouldn't take long before more Nexus agents closed in.

"SEA-Z, find us another route. We need a place they won't expect," Jill ordered in a low voice.

"There is an abandoned warehouse three blocks south," SEA-Z replied, casting a new trajectory on Jill's display. "It might serve as temporary cover."

As they made a break for the warehouse, Jill couldn't help but wonder just how deep Nexus's network ran-and how much of it was already closing in around them. For now, the goal was simply to stay one step ahead, to keep Dr. Park safe. But soon enough, they would have to go on the offensive and take their fight to Nexus.