"Nia, I need a localized power surge," I said, splicing a small, remote-detonated short-circuit device into the wiring. The device was light in my hand. It clicked against the metal panel of the junction box with a small _tick_. "Nothing that triggers the backup generators. Just enough to blow the breakers for the basement hallway."
The wires were stiff. The insulation peeled away under my blade. Copper showed underneath, bright against the gray.
"Prepping the surge," Nia replied. I could hear her typing. Fast. "Give me the word."
I moved to the heavy steel door of the HVAC room, cracking it open just enough to see down the long, brightly lit corridor. The door was cold. It moved with a soft _hiss_ of air.
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. _Bzzzz._ The light was white and flat. It made everything look washed out.
