Page 44 of Klaz
As I moved deeper into the restricted areas, the lights flickered ominously. The air grew cooler, carrying the faint scent of ozone. I reached the antechamber to the vault and found myself confronting a sophisticated biometric lock.
I cursed under my breath.
This wasn’t in the specs Mama Raza had provided, and was going to take time we didn’t have. As I worked on bypassing the security measures, the power suddenly cut out completely.
Darkness enveloped me. I blinked, my Vinduthi night vision kicking in. The blackout was unexpected, but I could use it to my advantage. I heard panicked voices and hurried footsteps as security personnel scrambled to respond to the outage.
I slipped past them, my steps silent in the chaos. The emergency generators kicked in, bathing the area in an eerie redglow. I entered the vault antechamber and immediately spotted two more guards.
They moved to intercept me, but I was faster. A quick blow to the first guard’s solar plexus drove the air from his lungs. The second guard went for my head before I took him down with a swift kick to the knee.
In moments both guards lay unconscious at my feet, but was I sure neither of them had triggered a silent alarm?
I would have to assume that they had.
I hurried to the main vault door and began working on the complex locking mechanism. Tension stiffened my fingers as I bypassed security protocols one by one. Just as I neared completion, the power fluctuated again, resetting my progress.
“Seven hells,” I growled, slamming my fist against the door.
We didn’t have time for this.
CINTA
Ileaned in, my dress shimmering under the casino’s opulent lighting. The roulette table buzzed with excitement, chips clinking and voices murmuring in a dozen different languages. I flashed a dazzling smile at the Mondian couple to my left.
“First time at the Suraisu?” I asked, my smile dripping with charm.
The female Mondian’s scales rippled with delight. “Oh yes! It’s simply marvelous, isn’t it?”
I nodded, placing another bet. “Absolutely. I hear they’ve recently upgraded their security systems. Makes a girl feel safe, you know?”
The male Mondian chuckled. “Indeed. I overheard one of the guards mentioning new biometric scanners at all restricted access points. Quite impressive.”
I covered my mouth in feigned surprise. “Is that so? How fascinating. I wonder what other technological marvels they have hidden away.”
As the conversation flowed, I carefully steered it towards the casino’s layout and security measures. The Mondians, eager to show off their knowledge, provided a wealth of information.
An Orlian merchant joined our group, his sand-colored skin glistening under the chandeliers. I turned my attention to him, noting the intricate jewelry adorning his delicate appendages.
“Care to place a bet?” I asked, gesturing to the roulette wheel.
The Orlian nodded, his large eyes fixed on the spinning wheel. As he leaned forward to place his chips, I deliberately stumbled, my drink splashing across his chest.
“Oh, I’m so terribly sorry!” I exclaimed, grabbing a handful of napkins from a nearby table. The Orlian sputtered, his membranous appendages fluttering in distress.
In the ensuing commotion, I brushed past a burly security guard. My fingers, nimble from years of practice, slipped into his pocket and extracted his keycard. The weight of it in my palm sent a thrill through me.
“I think I’d better freshen up as well,” I said to the Orlian, pulling my focus back and gesturing to my now-stained dress. “Again, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.”
I slipped into a quiet alcove near the restrooms, pretending to adjust my earring. My fingers brushed the tiny communicator hidden there.
“Got the keycard and some intel,” I murmured, barely moving my lips. Quickly I ran down the gossip I’d heard. How much of it was true we wouldn’t know until we came up against it, but it was best to be prepared for all possibilities. “How’s it going on your end?”
Klaz’s deep voice rumbled in my ear. “Nearly to the vault. Stay alert.”
My heart raced at his words. We were so close now.
I slipped into the restroom, my pulse quickening as I approached the staff door. With a quick glance to ensure I was alone, I swiped the stolen keycard. The lock beeped softly, and the door swung open.