Chapter 70: the researcher

The voice sighed, "Alright, alright," with a faint whine. "Just do it as soon as possible. And nothing prankish." John looked up at Michael triumphantly, feeling a wave of relief. He pushed the service door open, the pristine white hallway beyond standing in striking contrast to the rough trail through the mountains. John swallowed hard as they entered and heard the big metal door slam shut behind them. Dr. Lee had painstakingly stitched together a map, and they were following it. Their footsteps echoed unsettlingly through the empty halls as they made their way through a maze of antiseptic passageways. There was a little antiseptic odor in the air, which made them aware of the cold, calculated quality of the procedure they were about to interrupt. John felt a surge of excitement when he saw a flicker of movement in the corner of his eye. Michael was dragged behind a neighboring utility cart by him as he grasped his arm. John turned the corner and saw two soldiers pacing the