CHAPTER 24: THE BLACKOUT PROTOCOL
CHAPTER 24: THE BLACKOUT PROTOCOL
The threat materialized that very evening.
The foundation building was quiet, the children having been sent home hours ago. Our father sat in the library, reading a book to Sophie, the yellow lamp light casting a warm glow across the room.
Then, the perimeter alarms silent-flashed red.
The external security cameras cut out one by one, replaced by a static blue screen.
"Hannah, the grid is down," I shouted, running into the main lobby.
Hannah emerged from the server room, a tactical flashlight in her hand.
"They’ve cut the main fiber-optic line from the street," she said, her voice a tense whisper.
"It’s not a cyberattack this time. It’s a physical breach."
A heavy, mechanical thud echoed from the back entrance of the building. The reinforced steel doors shuddered under the impact of an industrial hydraulic spreader.
I ran to the library, grabbing Sophie’s hand.
"Mom? What’s happening?" Sophie asked, her eyes widening with a memory of the old fear.
"We’re going to the basement vault, Sophie. Right now," I ordered, pulling her toward the auxiliary staircase.
Our father stood up, his face pale but his jaw set with an unyielding determination. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out an old analog radio.
"I’m staying at the top of the stairs, Evelyn," he said, his voice steady.
"Dad, no. You’re not a soldier," I begged.
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"I spent twenty years being a coward, my girl," he replied softly, pushing me toward the vault door.
"It’s time I become a shield."
