"Wait!" Ariella's voice crackled through the comms, halting Theo mid-motion as he gripped the broken door handle. "I've got a better idea."
"Which is?" he asked, eyebrows arching beneath his visor.
"Drill a hole with your laser tool—just big enough for the drone. I'll scout ahead, feed you live footage. It'll shield you from any sudden stampede."
"That's brilliant," Ira piped up, her grin audible.
"We can always count on Miss Ariella—unlike certain people." Her jab at Theo landed with a playful sting.He rolled his eyes but stayed focused.
"Won't lasering the door amplify the noise through the cave?" Zara interjected, her tone measured as she adjusted her nano-suit's snug fit.
"You think so?" Ariella replied, unruffled. "Theo, aim the laser—leave it to me." Confidence laced her words.He obeyed, raising his arm as the suit's controls synced with her commands.
A searing red beam lanced from his forearm, slicing into the rusted door with a shrill creak.
