Chapter 22 - Launching a desperate counter-offensive across treacherous mountain terrain while hunted by an invisible orbital execution platform.
The modified electric all-terrain vehicle rocketed out of the subterranean mountain base just as a kinetic warning strike hit the peak.
A deafening explosion rocked the Vermont wilderness behind them, sending a massive shockwave that rattled the vehicle's armor.
Julian gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles, navigating the treacherous, snow-dusted logging roads at breakneck speed.
Jonathan kept one arm wrapped securely around Clara in the backseat, shielding her from the violent jolts of the bumpy ride.
"They missed us by fifty yards! If Project Janus recalibrates their trajectory, the next strike will be a direct hit!" Thomas warned.
"Hold on! The NASA ground relay station is just past the next ridge!" Julian shouted over the roaring whine of the electric motor.
Through the windshield, a sprawling complex of satellite dishes and white communications domes appeared against the gray mountain sky.
The gates of the NASA facility were closed tightly, guarded by automated turret systems that hummed menacingly as the vehicle approached.
"They've already locked down the facility via remote override! The automated turrets are targeting our approach vector!" Dr. Hayes yelled.
"Julian, can you spoof their biometric scanner before those turrets open fire?" Jonathan demanded, bracing himself for impact.
"I don't have to spoof them; I have the master override code extracted from the Project Janus Trojan horse!" Julian replied confidently.
Julian slammed his fist onto the dashboard touchscreen, transmitting the encrypted bypass code directly to the facility's mainframe.
The heavy steel security gates swung open instantly, and the automated turrets powered down just as laser sights painted the windshield.
Julian floored the accelerator, driving the vehicle straight into the main subterranean communications bunker of the NASA station.
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They had breached the perimeter, but the race against time had only just begun as the orbital platform repositioned overhead.
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