Chapter 46 - THE SYMBOL IN THE DARK
Nobody in the courtyard recognized the emblem immediately.
The white circle crossed by a single vertical line appeared on every tactical uniform descending through the elevator shaft. Their movements were disciplined, silent, and perfectly synchronized.
Daniel studied the security monitor.
"They're not military."
Bennett nodded.
"Not police either."
Arthur's face, however, changed the moment he saw the insignia.
"I've seen that symbol before."
Alex turned toward him.
"Where?"
Arthur hesitated.
"Not during Orion."
"Before Orion."
Silence spread across the courtyard.
Even Voss stopped watching the monitors and looked at Arthur.
"You remember them?"
Arthur nodded slowly.
"When I was recruited, they interviewed me first."
"You mean Orion?"
Arthur shook his head.
"No."
"They recruited people for Orion."
Daniel frowned.
"So Orion wasn't the organization."
Arthur looked directly at him.
"It was only one program."
The tactical team reached Level C.
The security cameras automatically switched between corridors as the operators advanced.
No unnecessary movement.
No conversation.
Every corner was checked.
Every doorway secured.
"They know the building," Bennett observed.
"They're not searching."
"They're following a route."
Voss quietly added,
"They've been here before."
Alex stared at the emblem again.
For reasons he couldn't explain, it felt strangely familiar.
Not because he remembered seeing it...
...but because seeing it made his chest tighten.
Arthur noticed.
"What is it?"
Alex touched the pendant around his neck.
"I don't know."
"But I feel like..."
"...I've been afraid of that symbol my whole life."
Before anyone could answer, every monitor flashed simultaneously.
One of the soldiers stopped walking.
He slowly turned toward the nearest surveillance camera.
Then, with calm precision...
...he looked directly into the lens.
May you like
As though he knew Alex was watching.
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