Chapter 36: Determining Limits

Marie's engineering skills proved beneficial as she dived further into the amplifier's technical features under the direction of Dr. Petrova. A ghost in the digital realm, Anya kept a close eye on the Syndicate's whereabouts and fed them carefully selected intelligence that furthered their descent into a rabbit hole of made-up clues. The tension persisted, a steady hum that pervaded every aspect of their life. Sleep was considered a luxury, as research, strategy sessions, and nerve-wracking monitoring took up interminable evenings. But despite the tension, a calm happiness emerged. John and Marie took comfort in one other's company, sharing meals and precious moments of laughing, their love a never-ending source of support. Dr. Petrova gasped sharply as they went over a complicated set of diagrams one evening. She cried, "I think I've found it," in a tone that was equal parts nervousness and enthusiasm." John and Marie drew closer, staring at the page of the diary that Dr. Petr