**INT. OBSERVATORY LAB - CONTINUOUS**
Thorne turns slowly, his eyes widening as he sees the device. He approaches cautiously, extending a trembling hand.
By the temporal continuum... they actually built it. The temporal key.
What is it, Aris? And why would Chronos kill for it?
Thorne takes the device, examining it with a mixture of awe and dread.
This changes everything. The temporal key can bypass the need for a Chrono Shifter. It allows direct manipulation of time streams. But it's unstable. Dangerous. That's why I left Chronos when they started pursuing this line of research.
He places the device on a console, and it projects a holographic display - complex equations and temporal schematics.
They're planning something big. Something that will give them absolute control over time itself.
Suddenly, alarms blare throughout the observatory. Red lights flash.
David! Multiple energy signatures approaching. Chronos enforcers. They've found us.
Thorne's face hardens.
I knew they'd track you here. We have to move. Now.
He grabs a data chip from the console and shoves it into his pocket.
There's more. Come on.