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Chapter 24 – Hiding in Plain Sight

[Location: Decontamination Depot t3rm1nu5 - Machine Tool Shop]

The overhead L.E.D.s in the tool shop clicked on and washed the area with a bright white light. Racks of gray metal rods and piping stood on the right side of the room next to a cut-off saw. On the left side of the room, a Mazak automated lathe and an antique Bridgeport mill stood guard. The air was laden with the sweet aroma of cutting fluid and the sweat of hard work.

A sliding metal hatch was attached to the far wall. Pulling the grimy waist-high handle to the side provided access to a trash shoot. The square shape of the shoot narrowed into darkness, hiding its final destination.

A green circuit board was unwrapped from its hiding place inside of an orange shop rag with bits of lint and orange thread stuck to the electronic components. It flew down the metal shoot, bouncing and hitting the sides as it headed into the darkness.

The hatch was pulled shut. The orange rag was balled and tossed on the floor next to the lathe, hiding it in plain sight. The overhead L.E.D.s were turned off and the room was deserted.