Chapter 22 - The Meridian Protocol
Sirens erupted throughout the underground complex.
Unlike the previous alarms, these were clear and rhythmic.
Victor's face lost all color.
"I know this protocol."
Henrik looked at him.
"What does it mean?"
Victor answered quietly.
"It means Meridian has accepted that the facility has been compromised."
Robert frowned.
"Isn't that obvious already?"
Victor shook his head.
"You don't understand."
"This protocol isn't controlled by people."
"It's automatic."
As if responding to his words, hidden doors began opening throughout Warehouse 19.
Heavy footsteps echoed from multiple directions.
Dozens of armored figures emerged.
Their uniforms bore no company logo.
Their helmets concealed their faces completely.
Each carried identical black cases instead of weapons.
Vale smiled again.
"They finally arrived."
Anton stared in disbelief.
"They're still active?"
"They've always been active."
The lead figure stopped several meters away.
A synthesized voice echoed from inside the helmet.
"Meridian Recovery Unit."
"Transfer the Keeper."
Marta instinctively stepped backward.
Robert stood beside her.
"You're not taking anyone."
The soldier ignored him.
Instead, the helmet turned toward Iris.
"Secondary Keeper."
"Transfer the crystal."
Iris closed her fingers around the glowing bracelet.
"No."
The soldier calmly opened one black case.
Inside rested another crystal.
Smaller.
Dark red instead of blue.
Victor whispered,
"I've never seen a second one."
Neither had Anton.
Vale looked genuinely surprised.
"What have you done?"
The armored figure answered without emotion.
"Protocol Omega has begun."
Even Vale had never heard those words before.
For the first time...
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The man who had manipulated Meridian for decades looked completely unprepared.
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