Chapter 12: The Phoenix Protocol**
Hissing valves on the ceiling began venting white mist into the sealed chamber.
“Marcus, gas masks!” Julian shouted, immediately securing a mask over Clara’s face while Marcus fitted one over Lily.
Julian knew they had less than three minutes before the backup power locked them inside permanently. But Julian Vance hadn't built a trillion-dollar technology conglomerate by playing defense.
Julian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small tactical transmitter Clara’s chip had activated. It was linked directly to the facility’s central geothermal power grid—a system Clara had originally engineered.
Julian entered an emergency protocol on his smartphone: *THE PHOENIX PROTOCOL.*
Instantly, the facility’s main circuit breakers exploded in a shower of blue sparks. The magnetic locks on the blast doors failed open, plunging the corridor into darkness.
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Julian kicked the heavy doors wide open, charging out into the hallway like an unstoppable force.
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