Chapter 34: We Stand Together

"John, take a look at this," she remarked in a quiet whisper. John moved closer, studying the drawing with a furrowed brow. With a tone of skepticism, he declared, "It's... a memory amplifier." "The very technology Dr. Petrova was researching." Marie had a chilly realization. Their discovery was the result of deliberate action rather than happenstance. Someone had purposefully brought them to the cabin, knowing of Dr. Petrova's studies, in the hopes that they would discover this secret knowledge. There was a tense quiet in the cabin. A floorboard creaked above them and then there was a gentle thump. John and Marie looked at each other in fear. "Remain here," John muttered as he reached for a fireplace poker. He slithered carefully in the direction of the steps, his pulse racing. Taking a hefty candlestick from the mantle, Marie's thoughts were racing. Taking a deep breath, she stood close to the door and listened for any noise. Agonizing minutes dragged into moments. A s