Jack jumped into the passenger seat as Dr. Kim slid behind the wheel of the armored black truck. The doors slammed shut with a dull thunk that echoed through the garage like a warning. Maya climbed into the backseat, her jaw clenched tight, her eyes locked on the road ahead as if sheer focus could will the outcome in her favor.
The engine rumbled to life, a low growl that filled the cab and vibrated through Jack's bones. It was still dark outside stars faintly shimmered behind a thin layer of fog that clung to the road like a ghost refusing to leave. As they rolled out onto the empty highway, Jack glanced into the rearview mirror, catching Maya's reflection.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice low and uncertain.
She didn't answer right away. Her eyes were glassy but hardened, like a storm trapped behind a wall of ice. Finally, she spoke. " Promise me you will get her back."
There was no room for sympathy, no space for small comforts. Jack understood. He nodded slowly. "We're going to make that happen."
Dr. Kim didn't say anything, but the way her hands tightened on the steering wheel spoke volumes. This wasn't just another mission. This was the mission. The culmination of years of planning, sacrifice, and pain.
The truck moved quickly through the early morning darkness, headlights cutting through thick fog. Dr. Kim tapped the digital screen embedded in the dashboard, pulling up a live satellite feed.
"The transport convoy is headed toward Sector 7 a old government facility," she said, keeping her eyes on the road. The map zoomed in on two blinking red dots flanked by smaller blue ones. "They're relocating the time machine. Two armored trucks—one real, one decoy. Standard high-risk transfer. Full escort team, aerial surveillance, automated drone response."
Jack whistled softly, unimpressed. "So basically, we're betting our lives on picking the right truck."
Dr. Kim shook her head. "We're not betting. We know which one it is. I tapped into their comms this morning before they encrypted the line. Truck marked C-12 carries the machine."
Maya leaned forward, finally speaking with urgency in her voice. "What's the plan?"
Dr. Kim smirked faintly, a rare glint of mischief breaking through her otherwise steely exterior. "We intercept at the Blackwater Bridge. Single lane. No room for them to maneuver. Once Jack stops both trucks, I'll confirm which one has the device. We take it. Dump the other."
Jack arched an eyebrow. "Easy enough," he muttered. "Just lift two armored trucks like they're cardboard boxes."
Dr. Kim glanced at him. "You lifted heavier yesterday. You'll manage."
Jack leaned his head back, closing his eyes. His muscles still ached from the last trial. Every time he pushed himself too far, it felt like his bones cracked beneath the weight of his own expectations. But he knew the stakes. This wasn't about pride anymore it was about a promise. And love.
Fifteen Minutes Later
The truck slowed as they neared the designated location. Blackwater Bridge loomed ahead, its ancient steel structure creaking in the early morning breeze. The river below was wide and dark, its surface glinting under the moonlight like liquid obsidian.
Jack stepped out first, the cold air hitting him like a slap. His breath formed ghostly clouds in front of him as he walked to the center of the bridge. Every step felt heavier than the last. He clenched his fists and let the silence settle around him, the only sounds the distant cry of a bird and the soft hum of electronics in his earpiece.
"Convoy approaching," Maya's voice crackled. "You're up in five... four... three... two... go!"
Jack opened his eyes. The armored trucks appeared in the distance, flanked by military-grade drones that hovered like angry hornets. As the vehicles drew closer, Jack raised his arms. Energy surged through his body, coiling around his limbs like lightning made flesh.
With a roar of effort, he released it.
The two armored trucks lifted off the ground, their wheels spinning uselessly as they hovered in the air. The drones froze, recalculating. Jack's head pounded, his vision swimming as blood trickled from his nose. The trucks were massive, reinforced with anti-grav inhibitors and protective shielding. But Jack held on.
"Make it fast!" he growled.
Dr. Kim was already moving. She sprinted toward the first truck, leapt onto the side rail, and forced open the rear doors. A hollow clang echoed from inside.
"Empty!" she shouted. "Decoy!"
She jumped down and dashed to the second truck. Jack's arms shook violently now, and sweat poured down his face. The weight was becoming unbearable. But he gritted his teeth and kept the trucks suspended.
Dr. Kim pried open the second truck's door and froze for a heartbeat then grinned.
"This is it!" she called. "Time machine's inside!"
She climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine. "Jack, drop the other one now!"
Jack didn't hesitate. He released the decoy truck, and it fell like a meteor. It crashed into the river with an earth-shaking splash, water erupting in a violent geyser as the heavy vehicle disappeared beneath the surface.
Jack staggered back, his knees nearly giving out. The remaining truck rolled forward slightly as Dr. Kim pulled it into gear.
"Get in!" she shouted.
Jack sprinted toward the vehicle, throwing open the door and climbing into the passenger seat. Behind them, alarms began to blare bright red lights igniting in the distance like a second sunrise.
From the far end of the bridge, Maya revved the engine of the getaway car they'd arrived in. She leaned out the window, her hair whipping in the wind.
"I'll draw them off!" she yelled. "Meet me at the safehouse!"
"Don't let them catch you!" Jack shouted back.
She gave a small nod, then floored it tires screaming as she sped toward the oncoming security drones, zigzagging through the narrow canyon roads beyond the bridge.
Dr. Kim didn't waste a second. She turned the truck sharply and peeled off in the opposite direction, the stolen machine secured in the back. Jack clung to the door handle as the truck bounced over the uneven road.
He looked back once, just in time to see Maya disappear into the fog.
"She'll be fine," Dr. Kim said, glancing sideways at him. "Right now, we've got the machine. Time to make history... or break it."
Jack exhaled shakily, the adrenaline finally beginning to wear off. His muscles screamed in protest, but inside, a different fire burned hope.
Maybe, just maybe, they could change everything.