***
Anik's step was light as she weaved her way past the busy commuter terminal towards home. It was late once again, the stalls mostly empty as she crossed the street. A food merchant pushed her trolley along the path and the young woman ran to catch her. Tonight especially, she wanted to come home with something special for Eryn.
"Do you have any water?" she asked the elderly woman.
"I have a little. How many bottles would you like?"
"Only the one," she replied, searching her bag for coin. "And a seed-cake?"
"I have two cakes left, I'll give you them both for five collins."
"Four," Anik insisted, counting the money in her hand.
The old woman regarded her a moment, perhaps noticing the air of hopeful expectation that Anik suspected she was not concealing well.
Smiling gently, the merchant patted her on the arm. "Four it is," she replied, handing the bottle and wrapped cakes to her customer. "Have a nice evening, child."
With a quick 'thank you', the young woman hurried along the street, anxious to be home.
***
The apartment was softly lit when she returned, a maiandra flower sat burning on the table, its delicate fragrance filling the room. Music played in the background and Eryn could be heard humming in the kitchen. Anik smiled, glad that her flatmate had remembered.
Collecting the water and cakes, she dropped her bag on the floor and removed her shoes before continuing inside.
Eryn had changed from her work clothes into a pale lilac and cream dress that hung to her knees, a thin cord pulling the sides of the slip behind her back, tightening the dress at her waist. Although Anik imagined she must have seen her wear it before, she could not remember ever seeing her look as beautiful as she did at that moment. The flame from the flower cast red highlights through her hair and made her eyes sparkle as she looked up from the bowls of food on the counter.
"Hi," Eryn said as she noticed the young woman standing in the centre of the room.
"Hi," Anik replied, forcing her feet forward and taking a seat at the bench opposite her. "You...." she started, before changing her mind.
"Sorry?" the older woman questioned.
"You look very pretty," Anik said in a rush as she studied their evening meal.
"Thank you," Eryn replied, her voice husky.
Anik risked looking upwards, caught by hazel eyes no more than a hand span away. Eryn held her gaze, the light in her eyes communicating the desire and affection they both shared. Leaning across the counter that separated them, Eryn claimed her lips in a kiss. As the kiss deepened, Anik slowly closed her eyes, losing herself in the softness and the warm velvet caresses of her tongue.
"You're welcome," the young woman whispered as they separated.
"This will be ready soon if you want time to clean up first," Eryn suggested.
"I will," she agreed. "I won't be long." Placing the bottle and her cakes at the end of the counter, she stood and tucked her stool neatly under the bench. With another quick glance at the table, she hurried towards the bathroom.
***
Washing as quickly as possible, Anik thought about her appearance. As soon as the cleansing cycle had completed, she stepped out of the alcove. Selecting a pair of pale blue satin pants and matching sleeveless shirt from the shelf, she held them in front of herself, debating her choice. Satisfied, she tugged the shirt into place and tied the cord of the pants around her waist. She briefly considered leaving her hair down, before deciding to do something a little different with it. Twisting it into a loose knot at the base of her neck and securing it with a pin, she pronounced herself ready.
Eryn was seated on the lounge when she returned to the living room. Her legs extended along the couch as she leaned into the side of the cushioned frame, enjoying the music. She turned her head to watch Anik walk towards her, mesmerised by the sight.
*She was beautiful.* Eryn knew she should perhaps tell her that, but the words refused to form on her tongue. Instead she sat and stared, frozen in place.
Sitting on the edge of the cushion in front of Eryn's legs, Anik watched the rapidly changing expressions flicker across her face. Thinking of nothing that needed to be said, she placed her hand on the fabric of Eryn's dress just above her knee.
Pressing herself upright on the couch, Eryn leaned forward, torn between allowing the younger woman a chance to set their pace and her own desire to touch her. Gliding her open palm along the length of Anik's arm, she encouraged her to lean forward, shifting her legs further to one side to grant her more space on the couch.
Ignoring the pounding in her ears, Anik moved with the body beside her. Sitting further back into the cushions, she supported her weight with one hand as she allowed the other woman to guide her closer. She focused all her attention on Eryn's face, amazed by the depth of emotion that showed so clearly.
"You are so beautiful, Anik," Eryn whispered, so close that her breath tickled against pale skin. She reached out to fold her arms around the younger woman's waist, holding her breath as Anik finally closed the distance between them. Her eyes were squeezed tight against the overwhelming urge she felt to wrap her legs around the hesitant woman's hips and pull her closer.
As their lips touched, Anik groaned, her hand tightening its hold on Eryn's leg. Spreading her fingers, she caressed the side of her leg moving upwards under the thin material of her dress. The hands at her waist guided her down, Eryn's mouth insistent against her own. No longer uncertain, she turned her body sideways as she lowered herself to partly cover the smaller woman.
She shoved at the cushions under their heads, allowing them to lay fully on the couch. The feel of Eryn's body along the length of her own was like nothing else, every nerve-ending was alive and her skin seemed to vibrate and burn where their flesh came into contact.
Anik lowered her mouth to Eryn's neck, kissing the skin below her ear before moving lower to the base of her throat, delighting in the feel of hands roaming over her back and shoulders through the satin shirt.
Tilting her head back to allow the blonde woman's kisses, Eryn slid her hands along the length of Anik's body, down along her back and the sides of her hips. As the young woman moved lower, nuzzling at the skin hidden by the scooped neck of her dress, Eryn gave into her desire. Cupping her hands around the firm, rounded cheeks of Anik's bottom, she pressed the young woman against her. The answering bolt of energy that ran through both their bodies heightening their arousal.
Anik's hands fought the material that separated them, her hands kneading at the skin it concealed too well. Covering a breast with her hand, she pressed her face into the softness, scattering kisses across her chest.
A low moan rumbled in Eryn's throat, her back arching into the contact. Spreading her legs slightly, she shifted sideways so that Anik would fall between her knees, moving her body to increase the pressure of her thigh between Anik's legs.
The young woman groaned Eryn's name and looked up to meet her gaze. Searching again for her lips, Anik pressed into her. The kiss infinitely tender as their mouths joined and separated,, tongues sliding against each other. Her hands travelled along the length of the smaller woman's body, squeezing and caressing, not content to remain in one place.
Questing fingers found smoothness where Eryn's dress had fallen open to reveal her thigh. Moving under the material, Anik spread her fingers over the rise of her hip, dragging the dress with her.
Eryn lifted herself up from the couch, wriggling to free herself from her clothing. Pulling it up and over her head, she threw the dress onto the floor.
Anik paused, lost in the curve of her breast and the feel of naked skin sliding against her. A shaking hand moved from hip to stomach, her fingertips leaving a trail of fire in their path. Anik traced the line of her ribs causing goosebumps to rise on her flesh and her breasts to harden in anticipation. Circling one breast, Anik watched as the pink nipple pebbled at her touch.
Eryn exhaled loudly, her own hands seeking naked skin, yet not wanting to interrupt Anik's explorations. Unable to wait, she pulled the shirt towards her, stopping only to allow Anik to duck her head through the opening. Tossing the shirt to join its companion, she pressed the flat of both her hands against Anik's chest, squeezing the full globes as she felt the young woman's nipples harden against her palms. As Anik leaned into her touch, she traced a path along the blonde woman's sides, settling on the curve of her hip.
Placing her hands either side of Eryn's head, Anik moved against her, allowing their breasts to brush against each other, their nipples teasing.
"Kiss me!" Eryn begged.
In an instant, Anik had claimed her lips. A naked leg wrapped itself around the slippery smooth satin of her hips, drawing them together. Falling back towards the edge of the seat, she twisted their bodies sideways, allowing Eryn's back to rest against the rear of the couch. The ache between her legs was almost unbearable and she moved against the smaller woman, their centres pressed against each other.
Eryn slipped one hand under the waistband of Anik's pants, wanting desperately to feel her naked skin, yet enjoying the way her own body slid over the satiny material. Inquisitive fingers tickled at her waist, forcing their way between their bodies to tangle in the curls at the top of her legs. Her clitoris throbbed, aching to be touched, she moved away from Anik's body to allow her more room.
Long fingers slid into the soft warmth of Eryn's centre, spreading the increasing wetness along the length of her. The auburn-haired woman cried out as a bolt of pure energy shot through her. Twirling her fingers over the delicate nub, Anik lowered her mouth to the breast that arched invitingly towards her.
Grabbing hold of the waist band of Anik's pants, Eryn pushed them down over her bottom. Kicking them off, Anik tangled their legs together, reveling in the feel of skin on skin along the full length of their bodies. Snaking her hand between them as Anik had done, Eryn found her goal. Gliding her fingers though the slippery velvet folds, she brushed the tips of fingers over Anik's clitoris, not quite fully touching her. Anik's hand moved against her as they explored each other, tiny moans and encouraging whimpers accompanied each movement. Fingertips slowly circled, bringing both woman closer to the edge.
Eryn's vision blurred as Anik's teeth grated against her nipple, drawing it into her mouth. Stifling a cry, she moved her fingers lower, circling and teasing Anik's opening.
Pressing down onto her fingers, Anik moaned into the soft flesh of Eryn's breast. Her fingers increased their pace as she felt her own climax approaching. Waves of ecstasy moved through her as Eryn's fingers slid in and out; moving to brush across her clitoris before returning to the depths of her centre.
Eryn moaned softly and pressed her hips forward, sliding her fingers along Anik's length one final time before finally granting attention to the aching nub at the apex of her legs. As their worlds closed in around them, their lips searched blindly for each other. Bodies shuddered as tongues joined together. Waves of pleasure threatened to overwhelm them, both women crying out. They held tight to each other, fingers slowly swirling and touching, hoping to make the moment last for eternity.
Encircling the smaller woman in her arms, Anik graced her forehead with feather-light kisses. They lay together in peaceful silence, their heartbeats gradually returning to normal.
Something tugged at the back of Anik's mind, she tried to ignore it and concentrate on the soft caress of Eryn's hand on her arm. With a glance at the kitchen, she realised what it was.
"I think we burnt our dinner."
Eryn opened her eyes and looked over at the woman she held in her arms. "Were you planning to get up?" she asked.
"No," Anik answered with a smile.
"Then don't worry about it." A hand snaked out from under the blanket and tugged Anik's head closer once more.
***
A flash of light lit the apartment an instant before the building rocked on its foundations. A blast thundered outside, shattering the windows and throwing glass across the room. Clambering out of bed, Eryn and Anik rolled with the force of the blast, their hearts thumping in their chests.
"Get dressed!" Eryn ordered, grabbing her work pants off the floor beside the bed and pulling them on.
"I can't believe the Ila'Cor would choose to attack now!" Anik yelled over the noise from the street, running to the bathroom in search of her uniform.
"I don't think that was Ila'Cor," the older woman shouted in reply. "We had better both report in. Your presence will definitely need to be accounted for."
Stepping into her overalls, Anik grabbed her workbag and headed towards the door.
"Stay safe!" Eryn called.
Stepping quickly back across the room, the young technician wrapped her arms around Eryn's slender waist. "I promise you," she said, ducking her head for a kiss.
Leaning into the contact, Eryn tightened her grip, squeezing gently before releasing her. She remained standing in the centre of the room as Anik hurried out the door. A second blast far in the distance echoing around her.
***
The streets were littered with glass and rubble. A haze of smoke and dust sat low in the sky, obscuring what little light the early morning sun might have offered. From every direction, people hurried past, anxious to report to their duties. Breaking into a jog, Anik jumped over the debris that lay scattered on the ground.
Shouts could be heard as she neared the facility. A tendril of smoke snaked through the fog, black and churning as it covered the sky above the Daihatchi laboratories. The technician hoped that she would not be denied access if it was indeed the labs that had been the target of the attacks.
Security guards lined the main entrance, their stun pistols replaced with far more deadly disruptor rifles. A blue-coated lab assistant approached them and was escorted into the facility, the guards forcing their way through the mob of people gathered on the ramp.
Anik moved towards them, scanning the damaged building. Its pristine white walls were now stained black, the toughened windows buckled and warped from the explosion and resulting heat. A section of wall had crumbled leaving the security screen sparking and flashing where the circuitry had been fused. Seeing an opportunity, Anik altered course.
Weaving through the crowd, she moved to the end of the large building. The fallen rubble cast shadows on the wall, enough maybe to conceal her from the guards for the few moments it would take her to form a hole in the security grid. Her blue coveralls would mark her as an employee should a member of the crowd take exception to her presence. Removing her belt from her bag, Anik draped her empty tool pouch over her shoulder, hoping to at least look like her task was approved.
Moving steadily towards the wall, Anik kept her eyes focused on her goal. A tangle of wires lay exposed on the ground, the slagged remains of a control panel below them. Crouching against the warm surface of the building, she grabbed the wires, knowing instinctively that the electrical field would not harm her. Finding the two she needed, Anik twisted them together. A spark of light and an acrid smell told her the field was down.
Pressing her back against the wall, Anik dared a quick glance towards the guards and the throng of people pushing and shoving in the street. Scrambling over the piles of brick and tile, Anik pushed her way inside. The smell of chemical smoke was almost overpowering and the young woman fought to hold her breath.
Another blast thundered outside as another missile found its target somewhere across the city. The sound of disruptor fire echoed in its wake and the crowd screamed. Increasing her pace, Anik tumbled over the last of the rubble, sliding to the ground in a cloud of dust. Remaining low, she crawled into the room, searching the walls for clues to her location within the facility.
A the green and orange hatch identified the area as having level five security, Anik smiled, with any luck the high security storage bays would start in the next corridor, at worst she was only one wing away.
Ducking under fallen beams and stepping over the crumpled remains of office furniture, the blonde technician moved towards the doorway. A blue light flashed beside it, indicating the locking mechanism had failed. Repair teams would generally have been notified and the problem fixed immediately. Today, however, it was safe to assume they had other priorities.
Pressing her ear to the doorway, Anik listened for any sign of movement beyond. Hearing nothing other than the rumble of the crowd and the settling of debris, she pushed forward, stepping confidently into the corridor and continuing deeper into the complex.
***
Anik's step was light as she weaved her way past the busy commuter terminal towards home. It was late once again, the stalls mostly empty as she crossed the street. A food merchant pushed her trolley along the path and the young woman ran to catch her. Tonight especially, she wanted to come home with something special for Eryn.
"Do you have any water?" she asked the elderly woman.
"I have a little. How many bottles would you like?"
"Only the one," she replied, searching her bag for coin. "And a seed-cake?"
"I have two cakes left, I'll give you them both for five collins."
"Four," Anik insisted, counting the money in her hand.
The old woman regarded her a moment, perhaps noticing the air of hopeful expectation that Anik suspected she was not concealing well.
Smiling gently, the merchant patted her on the arm. "Four it is," she replied, handing the bottle and wrapped cakes to her customer. "Have a nice evening, child."
With a quick 'thank you', the young woman hurried along the street, anxious to be home.
***
The apartment was softly lit when she returned, a maiandra flower sat burning on the table, its delicate fragrance filling the room. Music played in the background and Eryn could be heard humming in the kitchen. Anik smiled, glad that her flatmate had remembered.
Collecting the water and cakes, she dropped her bag on the floor and removed her shoes before continuing inside.
Eryn had changed from her work clothes into a pale lilac and cream dress that hung to her knees, a thin cord pulling the sides of the slip behind her back, tightening the dress at her waist. Although Anik imagined she must have seen her wear it before, she could not remember ever seeing her look as beautiful as she did at that moment. The flame from the flower cast red highlights through her hair and made her eyes sparkle as she looked up from the bowls of food on the counter.
"Hi," Eryn said as she noticed the young woman standing in the centre of the room.
"Hi," Anik replied, forcing her feet forward and taking a seat at the bench opposite her. "You...." she started, before changing her mind.
"Sorry?" the older woman questioned.
"You look very pretty," Anik said in a rush as she studied their evening meal.
"Thank you," Eryn replied, her voice husky.
Anik risked looking upwards, caught by hazel eyes no more than a hand span away. Eryn held her gaze, the light in her eyes communicating the desire and affection they both shared. Leaning across the counter that separated them, Eryn claimed her lips in a kiss. As the kiss deepened, Anik slowly closed her eyes, losing herself in the softness and the warm velvet caresses of her tongue.
"You're welcome," the young woman whispered as they separated.
"This will be ready soon if you want time to clean up first," Eryn suggested.
"I will," she agreed. "I won't be long." Placing the bottle and her cakes at the end of the counter, she stood and tucked her stool neatly under the bench. With another quick glance at the table, she hurried towards the bathroom.
***
Washing as quickly as possible, Anik thought about her appearance. As soon as the cleansing cycle had completed, she stepped out of the alcove. Selecting a pair of pale blue satin pants and matching sleeveless shirt from the shelf, she held them in front of herself, debating her choice. Satisfied, she tugged the shirt into place and tied the cord of the pants around her waist. She briefly considered leaving her hair down, before deciding to do something a little different with it. Twisting it into a loose knot at the base of her neck and securing it with a pin, she pronounced herself ready.
Eryn was seated on the lounge when she returned to the living room. Her legs extended along the couch as she leaned into the side of the cushioned frame, enjoying the music. She turned her head to watch Anik walk towards her, mesmerised by the sight.
*She was beautiful.* Eryn knew she should perhaps tell her that, but the words refused to form on her tongue. Instead she sat and stared, frozen in place.
Sitting on the edge of the cushion in front of Eryn's legs, Anik watched the rapidly changing expressions flicker across her face. Thinking of nothing that needed to be said, she placed her hand on the fabric of Eryn's dress just above her knee.
Pressing herself upright on the couch, Eryn leaned forward, torn between allowing the younger woman a chance to set their pace and her own desire to touch her. Gliding her open palm along the length of Anik's arm, she encouraged her to lean forward, shifting her legs further to one side to grant her more space on the couch.
Ignoring the pounding in her ears, Anik moved with the body beside her. Sitting further back into the cushions, she supported her weight with one hand as she allowed the other woman to guide her closer. She focused all her attention on Eryn's face, amazed by the depth of emotion that showed so clearly.
"You are so beautiful, Anik," Eryn whispered, so close that her breath tickled against pale skin. She reached out to fold her arms around the younger woman's waist, holding her breath as Anik finally closed the distance between them. Her eyes were squeezed tight against the overwhelming urge she felt to wrap her legs around the hesitant woman's hips and pull her closer.
As their lips touched, Anik groaned, her hand tightening its hold on Eryn's leg. Spreading her fingers, she caressed the side of her leg moving upwards under the thin material of her dress. The hands at her waist guided her down, Eryn's mouth insistent against her own. No longer uncertain, she turned her body sideways as she lowered herself to partly cover the smaller woman.
She shoved at the cushions under their heads, allowing them to lay fully on the couch. The feel of Eryn's body along the length of her own was like nothing else, every nerve-ending was alive and her skin seemed to vibrate and burn where their flesh came into contact.
Anik lowered her mouth to Eryn's neck, kissing the skin below her ear before moving lower to the base of her throat, delighting in the feel of hands roaming over her back and shoulders through the satin shirt.
Tilting her head back to allow the blonde woman's kisses, Eryn slid her hands along the length of Anik's body, down along her back and the sides of her hips. As the young woman moved lower, nuzzling at the skin hidden by the scooped neck of her dress, Eryn gave into her desire. Cupping her hands around the firm, rounded cheeks of Anik's bottom, she pressed the young woman against her. The answering bolt of energy that ran through both their bodies heightening their arousal.
Anik's hands fought the material that separated them, her hands kneading at the skin it concealed too well. Covering a breast with her hand, she pressed her face into the softness, scattering kisses across her chest.
A low moan rumbled in Eryn's throat, her back arching into the contact. Spreading her legs slightly, she shifted sideways so that Anik would fall between her knees, moving her body to increase the pressure of her thigh between Anik's legs.
The young woman groaned Eryn's name and looked up to meet her gaze. Searching again for her lips, Anik pressed into her. The kiss infinitely tender as their mouths joined and separated,, tongues sliding against each other. Her hands travelled along the length of the smaller woman's body, squeezing and caressing, not content to remain in one place.
Questing fingers found smoothness where Eryn's dress had fallen open to reveal her thigh. Moving under the material, Anik spread her fingers over the rise of her hip, dragging the dress with her.
Eryn lifted herself up from the couch, wriggling to free herself from her clothing. Pulling it up and over her head, she threw the dress onto the floor.
Anik paused, lost in the curve of her breast and the feel of naked skin sliding against her. A shaking hand moved from hip to stomach, her fingertips leaving a trail of fire in their path. Anik traced the line of her ribs causing goosebumps to rise on her flesh and her breasts to harden in anticipation. Circling one breast, Anik watched as the pink nipple pebbled at her touch.
Eryn exhaled loudly, her own hands seeking naked skin, yet not wanting to interrupt Anik's explorations. Unable to wait, she pulled the shirt towards her, stopping only to allow Anik to duck her head through the opening. Tossing the shirt to join its companion, she pressed the flat of both her hands against Anik's chest, squeezing the full globes as she felt the young woman's nipples harden against her palms. As Anik leaned into her touch, she traced a path along the blonde woman's sides, settling on the curve of her hip.
Placing her hands either side of Eryn's head, Anik moved against her, allowing their breasts to brush against each other, their nipples teasing.
"Kiss me!" Eryn begged.
In an instant, Anik had claimed her lips. A naked leg wrapped itself around the slippery smooth satin of her hips, drawing them together. Falling back towards the edge of the seat, she twisted their bodies sideways, allowing Eryn's back to rest against the rear of the couch. The ache between her legs was almost unbearable and she moved against the smaller woman, their centres pressed against each other.
Eryn slipped one hand under the waistband of Anik's pants, wanting desperately to feel her naked skin, yet enjoying the way her own body slid over the satiny material. Inquisitive fingers tickled at her waist, forcing their way between their bodies to tangle in the curls at the top of her legs. Her clitoris throbbed, aching to be touched, she moved away from Anik's body to allow her more room.
Long fingers slid into the soft warmth of Eryn's centre, spreading the increasing wetness along the length of her. The auburn-haired woman cried out as a bolt of pure energy shot through her. Twirling her fingers over the delicate nub, Anik lowered her mouth to the breast that arched invitingly towards her.
Grabbing hold of the waist band of Anik's pants, Eryn pushed them down over her bottom. Kicking them off, Anik tangled their legs together, reveling in the feel of skin on skin along the full length of their bodies. Snaking her hand between them as Anik had done, Eryn found her goal. Gliding her fingers though the slippery velvet folds, she brushed the tips of fingers over Anik's clitoris, not quite fully touching her. Anik's hand moved against her as they explored each other, tiny moans and encouraging whimpers accompanied each movement. Fingertips slowly circled, bringing both woman closer to the edge.
Eryn's vision blurred as Anik's teeth grated against her nipple, drawing it into her mouth. Stifling a cry, she moved her fingers lower, circling and teasing Anik's opening.
Pressing down onto her fingers, Anik moaned into the soft flesh of Eryn's breast. Her fingers increased their pace as she felt her own climax approaching. Waves of ecstasy moved through her as Eryn's fingers slid in and out; moving to brush across her clitoris before returning to the depths of her centre.
Eryn moaned softly and pressed her hips forward, sliding her fingers along Anik's length one final time before finally granting attention to the aching nub at the apex of her legs. As their worlds closed in around them, their lips searched blindly for each other. Bodies shuddered as tongues joined together. Waves of pleasure threatened to overwhelm them, both women crying out. They held tight to each other, fingers slowly swirling and touching, hoping to make the moment last for eternity.
Encircling the smaller woman in her arms, Anik graced her forehead with feather-light kisses. They lay together in peaceful silence, their heartbeats gradually returning to normal.
Something tugged at the back of Anik's mind, she tried to ignore it and concentrate on the soft caress of Eryn's hand on her arm. With a glance at the kitchen, she realised what it was.
"I think we burnt our dinner."
Eryn opened her eyes and looked over at the woman she held in her arms. "Were you planning to get up?" she asked.
"No," Anik answered with a smile.
"Then don't worry about it." A hand snaked out from under the blanket and tugged Anik's head closer once more.
***
A flash of light lit the apartment an instant before the building rocked on its foundations. A blast thundered outside, shattering the windows and throwing glass across the room. Clambering out of bed, Eryn and Anik rolled with the force of the blast, their hearts thumping in their chests.
"Get dressed!" Eryn ordered, grabbing her work pants off the floor beside the bed and pulling them on.
"I can't believe the Ila'Cor would choose to attack now!" Anik yelled over the noise from the street, running to the bathroom in search of her uniform.
"I don't think that was Ila'Cor," the older woman shouted in reply. "We had better both report in. Your presence will definitely need to be accounted for."
Stepping into her overalls, Anik grabbed her workbag and headed towards the door.
"Stay safe!" Eryn called.
Stepping quickly back across the room, the young technician wrapped her arms around Eryn's slender waist. "I promise you," she said, ducking her head for a kiss.
Leaning into the contact, Eryn tightened her grip, squeezing gently before releasing her. She remained standing in the centre of the room as Anik hurried out the door. A second blast far in the distance echoing around her.
***
The streets were littered with glass and rubble. A haze of smoke and dust sat low in the sky, obscuring what little light the early morning sun might have offered. From every direction, people hurried past, anxious to report to their duties. Breaking into a jog, Anik jumped over the debris that lay scattered on the ground.
Shouts could be heard as she neared the facility. A tendril of smoke snaked through the fog, black and churning as it covered the sky above the Daihatchi laboratories. The technician hoped that she would not be denied access if it was indeed the labs that had been the target of the attacks.
Security guards lined the main entrance, their stun pistols replaced with far more deadly disruptor rifles. A blue-coated lab assistant approached them and was escorted into the facility, the guards forcing their way through the mob of people gathered on the ramp.
Anik moved towards them, scanning the damaged building. Its pristine white walls were now stained black, the toughened windows buckled and warped from the explosion and resulting heat. A section of wall had crumbled leaving the security screen sparking and flashing where the circuitry had been fused. Seeing an opportunity, Anik altered course.
Weaving through the crowd, she moved to the end of the large building. The fallen rubble cast shadows on the wall, enough maybe to conceal her from the guards for the few moments it would take her to form a hole in the security grid. Her blue coveralls would mark her as an employee should a member of the crowd take exception to her presence. Removing her belt from her bag, Anik draped her empty tool pouch over her shoulder, hoping to at least look like her task was approved.
Moving steadily towards the wall, Anik kept her eyes focused on her goal. A tangle of wires lay exposed on the ground, the slagged remains of a control panel below them. Crouching against the warm surface of the building, she grabbed the wires, knowing instinctively that the electrical field would not harm her. Finding the two she needed, Anik twisted them together. A spark of light and an acrid smell told her the field was down.
Pressing her back against the wall, Anik dared a quick glance towards the guards and the throng of people pushing and shoving in the street. Scrambling over the piles of brick and tile, Anik pushed her way inside. The smell of chemical smoke was almost overpowering and the young woman fought to hold her breath.
Another blast thundered outside as another missile found its target somewhere across the city. The sound of disruptor fire echoed in its wake and the crowd screamed. Increasing her pace, Anik tumbled over the last of the rubble, sliding to the ground in a cloud of dust. Remaining low, she crawled into the room, searching the walls for clues to her location within the facility.
A the green and orange hatch identified the area as having level five security, Anik smiled, with any luck the high security storage bays would start in the next corridor, at worst she was only one wing away.
Ducking under fallen beams and stepping over the crumpled remains of office furniture, the blonde technician moved towards the doorway. A blue light flashed beside it, indicating the locking mechanism had failed. Repair teams would generally have been notified and the problem fixed immediately. Today, however, it was safe to assume they had other priorities.
Pressing her ear to the doorway, Anik listened for any sign of movement beyond. Hearing nothing other than the rumble of the crowd and the settling of debris, she pushed forward, stepping confidently into the corridor and continuing deeper into the complex.
***