Page 35 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

As I delved deeper into the files, a realization hit me. “Arkon, I think I can access their main servers from here. This isn’t just a backup - it’s a full connection to their network.”

Arkon stiffened beside me. “Wait,” he said urgently. “If we can see their servers...”

“...can they see us?” I finished, my fingers freezing over the keyboard.

My brain spun like the gears of a machine on overdrive. “Arkon, if we keep this connection, we’ll have access to real-time data. Our research could progress exponentially faster. We’d be able to stay ahead of their plans, anticipate their moves.”

Arkon’s red eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. “And expose our location in the process.”

“True, but think of what we could accomplish. We might never get another chance like this.”

We stood in silence, the hum of the servers filling the air. I could almost hear the gears turning in Arkon’s head as he weighed our options. My heart was pounding, torn between the thrill of discovery and the fear of capture.

Finally, Arkon’s expression softened. “Do whatever you need to do. I’ll keep you safe.”

Concern still gnawed at the back of my mind. I met Arkon’s gaze, seeing the determination in his eyes. In that moment, I knew I trusted him completely.

“Thank you,” I whispered, placing my hand over his.

Suddenly, the reality of our situation crashed back over me. “We don’t have much time. They could trace us at any moment.”

I turned back to the computer, my fingers typing with renewed urgency. Arkon’s posture changed, his muscles tensing as he moved to a more defensive stance near the door.

Two days later, I jolted awake, my face pressed against the cold surface of the workstation. Disorientation swept over me as I blinked, trying to remember where I was. The events of the past 48 hours came rushing back.

We’d made significant progress. I’d managed to isolate the key compounds in the mind-control plants and develop a potential counteragent. Arkon had set up a perimeter defense using a network of drones, giving us some much-needed security.

I rubbed my eyes, focusing on the vial of bright blue liquid in front of me. This tiny amount of fluid could be the key to stopping the Consortium’s plans. I picked it up, holding it to the light. It looked so innocuous, but its potential was staggering.

With a yawn, I turned to the computer and initiated the final simulation. I twisted my fingers back and forth as I watched the progress bar inch forward. This was it - the moment of truth.

“Come on, come on,” I muttered, drumming my fingers on the desk.

The door hissed open, and Arkon strode in, his eyes fixed on a tablet in his hand. “Perimeter’s clear so far,” he reported. “But it’s only a matter of time before they find us.”

I nodded, my attention split between Arkon and the maddeningly slow simulation. “How’s the script holding up?”

Arkon tapped a few buttons on the tablet. “It’s working. Our connection to their servers is scattered, making it harder to trace. But the Consortium isn’t stupid. They could be waiting for the right moment to strike.”

We lapsed into tense silence, both staring at our respective screens. The minutes crawled by, each second feeling like an eternity.

Finally, a soft chime from the computer broke the stillness. I leaned forward, my eyes widening as I read the results. A laugh of pure relief burst from my lips.

“It worked! The simulation shows a 98% success rate in destroying the crop! They’ll wither in the ground, down to the roots.”

Arkon gave me a rare smile. “Now we just have to get it to the plants.”

My elation faded slightly as I realized the enormity of the task ahead. “The fields are vast. We’ll need all the drones to distribute the counteragent effectively.”

“Which means our perimeter defense will be compromised,” Arkon finished, his expression grim.

I met his eyes, seeing my own determination reflected there. “We don’t have a choice. It’s now or never.”

Arkon nodded, already moving to recall the drones. I turned back to my workstation, hands steady as I began synthesizing larger quantities of the counteragent.

As we worked side by side, loading the drones with vials of the precious liquid, doubt crept into my mind. “What if it doesn’t work? What if we missed something?”

Arkon paused, his hand resting on my arm. “We’ve done everything we can, Samira. Your brilliance and my strategy - it’s a potent combination.”

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