JC: We have three watching the front doors from a barricade and two on the upper landing in conversation. One turret and camera at the top of the stairs, both now off. Backroom is blocked by laser tripwires, we could disable it but the vents are looking like a better option. Get in formation and follow me.

With JC leading the way and moving as quietly as possible, we make our way down the stairs into the lobby. The stairs lead down into an open area with a statue of the liberty torch in the middle and square pillars around the outside supporting the second floor. Off to the right is a desk with a few odds and end on it and behind that the entrance to the back room. Blocked with laser tripwires just like JC said.

Up on the second floor, there is an NSF soldier leaning on the railing, facing away, talking to someone we can't see and on the other side of the torch statue is three NSF behind a metal crate barricade watching the doors and talking. Luck is with us for the moment, no one is watching the stairs.

We move down the right side of the stairs and everyone follows JC over to the vent that he is opening but I got low and stopped by the desk first. In the game, there were some items and a data pad with the login and password on it for the security system. The items aren't really important but I better grab the pad as it will explain why I know the login and password to get Gunther out.

Not wanting to we left behind and wary that I might be spotted I grabbed everything on the end of the table and covered it with my jacket since future tablets seem to always leave the screen on for some reason. I duck into the vent and could feel JC's annoyance that I didn't follow orders as he lowers the vent removing most of what little light we had. Unfortunately, it's a tight fit since everyone seems to be waiting instead of moving forward.

David: Go forward until you hit the wall and then turn left, it shouldn't be far.

I hear more than see as the people in front start heading down the vent and eventually we come out in a storage room out the back. Game knowledge to the rescue again as I grab the multi-tool that is on the floor. I'm quickly running out of pockets, number one on my new list of stuff I need, an inventory. Space bags and inventories have to be the cheatiest tool in fantasy.

JC: Trainee, you could have got us all trapped and under fire with your stunt. You better have had a good reason, explain yourself.

David: Sir, I think we might find this datapad worthwhile.

I slip the pad out of my jacket and quickly look at the screen. The data pad has a random message from one NSF to another but more importantly is the follow up comment, Computer login NSF001 and Password Smashthestate. As I read it I'm first reassured but quickly my stomach drops out. The password is slightly different from the game. It was all lower case in the game. I'm suddenly really glad I grabbed it and now slightly worried that I might have over sold myself earlier.

JC glances at the data pad from my side an actually freezes in surprise. Something else I wasn't expecting considering his machine-like behaviours so far. Maybe my adrenaline is wearing off or all the craziness of tonight is finally getting to me but I'm starting to feel less and less sure of myself.

JC: This will be greatly helpful, how did you know to get it?

David: Sir, I saw it with the terrorist's equipment when we came down the stair. Fresh intel is always helpful and it was only two steps away from where I was anyway, so seeing the coast was clear I grabbed it and anything else that might be useful since I was there. Since I already said I could handle the computer side for us I guess I got even luckier. I also got a LAM and a lockpick, do you want them Sir.

JC: I'm not sure if it was reckless or clever thinking but for now this is useful and good work again. Keep the extra gear on you, it might be useful. Seems we will be using your computer skills after all.

Jill: What's on the pad.

David: Oh ah, it's the NSF login and password for the security system.

I'm a bit awkward saying this to her since the other know this is based off a game or at least fantasy after Kovit's intro and will probably see through all the crap I am saying to JC. I might be getting into the roleplay a bit much too with all the sirs. Despite my awkwardness, Jill and Adam looked surprised but Kovit just gives a quick look and follows after JC.

Despite the fact that JC had only left long enough for that short interaction, by the time I turn and follow too he is already putting his lockpicks away and cracking the door to see down the hallway.

JC: I see a hallway in front of the door and a room to the right with at least one entrance probably two, one a few meters past the door and I suspect one where the hall veers before continuing. One NSF is patrolling the hall and judging by the voices two are chatting at the far entrance.

JC closed the door and turned back to us.

JC: The plan of attack will be, Trainees Kovit and Cox will move to cover in the first entryway and wait for my signal while Trainees Stone, Haines and I move down to the second entrance. Stone with Haines assisting will move on the hallway patrol and as they do I will signal you two to move on the room. Take the NSF down quickly and quietly and we will move on down the hallway to assist with any NSF and recover Agent Hermann. Form up in your teams and get ready while I check that we are clear.

JC moves to the door and peeks out again and Jill comes and stands beside me.

Jill: You go first OK. I don't know these kinds of things.

David: Sure no worries.

JC: Ready and … move.

JC slips out the door and I follow him. I hear the others moving behind me but I keep my eyes on the guy in the hallway. JC moves into the second entryway but I ignore it, he's the last person here that needs help.

The guard is almost to the end of the hallway as I get in range and he tenses up. Thinking he heard me I draw back and swing down at his head with the crowbar. He turns to look back but the crowbar is still close enough catching him on the right side of the head and knocking him back into the wall as I step into the corner of the hallway and recover my balance. Jill catches up to my right side but immediately yelps and gives a small step back. I turn from the guard to tell her to calm down only to see what actually frightened her.

There is another NSF agent just past the corner and he has already started to lift his pistol to shoot me. No. I've had enough of being stabbed and beat and in danger with my life on the line. I won't freeze or stop or get shot anymore and just like earlier with the knife a path opens. Unlike last time it's not like breaking through something but smoother like I open a door and something I already had flows into me. Once again I can feel my whole body and my instincts see what is needed. My body moves like liquid lightning, everything together and all at once.

My right foot pushes me towards the enemy, only half a step as my left lands making me stable and putting me in range. Left and right arms move in different directions ready for their purpose. The pistol comes level with my chest and clicks sadly as my arms' first actions come to completion. The left pushing the gun's slide back emptying the chamber and the right brings the crowbar to his wrist breaking it and causing the gun's release. Using the rebound of the blow to cancel the inertia of the crowbar, the arm becomes a guide to the jaw. The crook of the crowbar locks around the back of the neck pulling him forward off balance as the left hand already cocked from taking the gun moves across finishing him with a punch using the base of the gun grip just below the ear that knocks him into the far wall.

Unlocked Genetic Potential: First Stage.

Challenger exceeded body limiters. Rewarded 500 points, intelligence and reaction time increased by 20.

The feeling leaves as it came, with the danger and I'm panting like a dog and feeling like I've got acid in my veins again. It's not as bad as last time but I feel wrecked, like I ran a marathon instead of a two second fight. Glad I got some points and stats however that works but what the hell is unlocking Genetic Potential, that sounds kind of weird.

Jill: Holy shit. Where did you learn that?

David: Ah *wheeze* I don't know … just instinct. Ah, I feel like crap.