CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN - BACK TO THE BASE

The corridors were eerily quiet as the group made their way back through the complex. John kept a tight grip on Zaya, supporting her as she regained her strength. Lady Becky and Gwen took up defensive positions around them, weapons at the ready. "We need to get out of here quickly," Gwen rumbled, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. John nodded grimly. "Agreed. Nancy and Jurgen could return with reinforcements at any moment." They hurried through the winding halls, stepping over debris and the occasional still body. The tang of smoke and gunpowder hung heavy in the air. John tried not to dwell on the carnage they were leaving in their wake. At last, they reached the main entrance, the heavy steel door standing ajar. Daylight streamed through the opening, a beacon guiding them to safety. John felt his shoulders relax slightly as they emerged into the open air. But their relief was short-lived. A harsh mechanical whine split the air as a pair of sentry guns swivel