String Theory

Chapter 8

"Comparing the analog data to the automated readings?" Edwards asks, smiling pleasantly, and Peter feels like he's going to throw up on the spot.

"Yeah," Peter manages, voice arching with the effort of being casual. He flashes a nervous smile. "Someone's gotta do it."

"That they do. Not many people volunteer for the job, so I commend you." Edwards moves as if he's going to leave, but he narrows his eyes at Eggsy, who's doing his very best to look bored. He tilts his head a little. "I think it's time for a uniform upgrade, son."

Eggsy raises his brows, then looks down at his pants, awkwardly tight in the crotch and too short at the ankles. He makes a little face at Edwards. "Too expensive. Haven't got this week's paycheck yet."

That's enough to make Edwards suspicious, and he examines Peter a little more thoroughly. His eyes land on the USB drive, and then the backpack, which is left open enough to see Peter's normal clothes stuffed inside, and finally, he spots the nametag. His expression shifts. "You're not Travis," he says, and when Eggsy breathes a curse, Edwards turns on his heels and bolts in the direction he'd come from.

"Pack your shit!" Eggsy shouts, taking off after him.

The hallway is now filled with the sounds of shoes against tile, followed shortly by Eggsy's grunts as he scuffles with the scientist. Peter's heart is racing as he shuts down the virus he'd put in the Mesonet's framework, trying to erase any trace of his presence. The tingles are making his hands shake on the keyboard, and for once, he's beyond irritated at the spidey sense. I get it, I'm in danger. I get it! Shut up!

Eggsy has the scientist in a headlock, trying to cut off his air supply. If he passes out, maybe Eggsy can switch clothes again. When Edwards keeps wriggling, Eggsy shifts to slam him face-first against the wall. "Quit fighting, for fuck's sake!" Eggsy scolds, and Edwards stretches an arm out, groping for something on the wall beside him.

The fire alarm goes off.

"Shit," Peter mutters, snatching his backpack off the ground as he runs after Eggsy. "Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! "

The alarm is piercingly loud, and the building's power shuts off abruptly, throwing the hallway into darkness. Eggsy slams Edwards' head against the wall, and the scientist slumps to the ground, unconscious. Eggsy's vision is throbbing with white specks as his eyes try to adjust to the pitch blackness engulfing him. He turns, and as he does, Peter smacks into him full force, sending both of them tumbling to the ground. Eggsy gives a grunt as he hits the ground, trapped beneath Peter.

"Fuckin' hell, Stark! Goddamn wrecking ball —"

"Sorry!" Peter yelps over the alarm, struggling to detangle his limbs and get to his feet. "Sorry. I'm so sorry. I couldn't see you." Though it's dark, he can feel heat flushing his cheeks as he grips Eggsy's hand and pulls him to his feet.

Eggsy fumbles to grab Peter by the shoulder and gives him a little shove towards the stairwell. "Go. Go!"

The door to the stairs pops open easily, and the flashing red lights illuminate the steps in quick, blinding bursts. A few flights down, half a dozen security guards flood into the stairwell, sprinting up in single file. The boys are taking three or four stairs at a time, rushing down the narrow space as quickly as they can. When they get to the guards, Eggsy flattens against the wall to give them room, and points to the top floor. He struggles to shout over the screeching. "Some SHIELD fucker set the alarm off! I think he wrecked one of the computers, too!"

The captain of the guard gives a sharp, "Got it! Get out of here," and continues up the stairs with his posse in tow. When they're out of the way, Eggsy and Peter continue their mad dash down the stairs, hearts pounding, breathing raggedly with the quick pace.