Page 100 of Heat Island
“No, Miss Jones. However, there is a thermal-powered data center facility, and the workers there will probably need to be evacuated as a precaution if they aren’t able to shelter in place.”
My heart stops.
A data center. On the other side of the island. Where Cash specifically mentioned they were going for his urgent business.
The room spins slightly as the pieces click into place. They didn’t abandon me—they’re trapped in an evacuation zone with an active volcano.
“How long ago did the eruption start?” I hear myself ask, though my voice sounds far away.
“About two hours ago, miss.”
Two hours. Right around the time I started worrying that they’d left me.
I grip the edge of the vanity as the full horror of the situation hits me. My pack—my real pack because I’ve fallen in love with all of them at this point—might be in actual danger while I’ve been sitting here getting my nails done and feeling sorry for myself.
I turn on Irwan quickly enough that he stumbles back. “I need to speak to whoever is in charge of emergency response. Right now.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
LUCAS
I listenwith half an ear as Dr. Chen, the data center director, launches into his passionate explanation about the benefits of geothermal power. Something about unlimited water cooling provided by seawater and how they’re revolutionizing sustainable computing. His enthusiasm is infectious, but honestly, most of it goes over my head.
Cash and Matheo, however, hang on every word. They both eagerly follow our guide around the site, asking technical questions about thermal efficiency and environmental impact.
Kyren catches my eye and rolls his eyes. We’re the odd ones out here, watching our more intellectually inclined packmates geek out over renewable energy infrastructure.
“The initial investment was substantial,” Dr. Chen continues, gesturing toward massive cooling units. “But the operational costs are virtually negligible. We’re essentially borrowing the Earth’s natural heat and the ocean’s cooling capacity.”
“Your financial projections were very impressive. I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” Cash replies. “Pending boardapproval, I’d think a leasing contract with OurLog is very likely.”
I glance at my watch. We’ve been here for several hours, and Josie’s wedding is this afternoon. Not that I’m complaining about seeing Cash this animated—his passion for his work is one of the things I love most about him—but we promised Trinity we’d be back in time.
Kyren suddenly stops mid-stride, his nose wrinkling. “Does anyone else smell something weird?”
I pause, inhaling deeply. There’s definitely something different in the air—a sulfuric scent that wasn’t there when we arrived. Sharp and acrid, like rotten eggs mixed with smoke.
Before anyone can answer, an alarm sounds. Not the gentle chime of a smoke detector, but a loud, urgent wailing that echoes across the facility.
“That’s our emergency alert system.” Dr. Chen’s expression immediately shifts from enthusiastic to serious as he checks a message on his phone. “Gentlemen, I’m afraid I’ll have to cut our tour short. You’ll need to either return to your hotel immediately or shelter in place with our employees.”
“What kind of situation?” Cash demands, his business instincts kicking in.
“The volcano on the eastern side of the island has begun erupting. We’re not in the direct path, so it is safe to remain here, but volcanic ash will make it unsafe to remain outside for extended periods.”
My heart drops. “How long until?—”
“The ash cloud should reach us within the hour,” Dr. Chen explains, already moving toward the exit. “Your resort is on the opposite side of the island, so you should be fine if you leave now. But I wouldn’t recommendstaying outdoors any longer than it takes to get back there.”
Kyren has already spun on his heel. “We need to go. Now.”
We quickly say our goodbyes to Dr. Chen and leave the data center building, rushing toward the rental car parked outside. The sky that had been clear blue when we arrived has already darkened to the color of smoke.
“Everyone buckled in?” Matheo calls as he starts the engine.
The answer is barely out of our mouths before he’s peeling out of the parking area, gravel spraying behind us. Matheo drives with the same focused intensity he brings to everything else, but there’s an edge of urgency I haven’t seen before.
We race down the winding dirt road that connects the data center to the main highway. The landscape rushes past in a blur of tropical vegetation and volcanic rock formations. In the distance, I see a dark plume rising from the horizon—the volcano making its presence known.
