Chapter 9 - The Purge Protocol
The piercing sound of the red emergency klaxons reverberated through the subterranean vault, turning the blue-lit laboratory into a flashing chamber of hazard warnings. Evelyn’s holographic projection flickered violently before stabilizing into a solid red outline as an automated warning banner scrolled across every digital display in the room.
"System purge initiated. Facility sterilization in four minutes," the synthetic voice announced mechanically. "All unauthorized biological units will be incinerated."
Julian moved instantly, scooping Leo up into his free arm while keeping the newborn safely cradled against his chest. He dashed toward the master control console where Evelyn's hologram remained frozen in a posture of desperate urgency. "How do I shut this down, Evelyn? Give me the override code!" he shouted over the deafening noise of the klaxons.
"There is no code, Julian! The board activated the dead-man switch the moment Arthur’s signal dropped in the lobby," Evelyn’s projection answered, her features distorting as the local power grid began to fail. "You have to take the children through the sub-level ventilation shaft behind the central terminal. It leads directly to the municipal water drainage tunnels."
Julian didn't hesitate. He slammed the butt of his heavy titanium pen into the glass casing of the emergency panel, shattering the protective screen. He jammed his fingers into the exposed wiring, ignoring the sharp jolt of electrical current that bit into his skin, and ripped the main power bus out by its roots.
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The lights went pitch black for three agonizing seconds before the low hum of backup generators kicked in, casting the room in a dim, eerie amber glow.
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