CODE Headquarters - Midnight
The cold, humming silence of the CODE Headquarters broke when an emergency alert flickered to life on the central command board. The monitors buzzed—one after the other—as the analysts watched Harper's neurological patterns spike in an unusual way.
"Her dream activity is abnormal," said one technician, sweat beading on his brow. "We've never seen this from a level-two player. Not even from the veterans."
Natalie stormed into the control room, eyes sharp. "What is going on?"
"Ma'am," the lead technician stood, gulping, "Player —Harper—just had a multi-layered dream sequence. We couldn't access or monitor it. It's as if the system shut us out."
Natalie paled slightly but kept her composure. "That shouldn't be possible. The dream core isn't even installed for her level."
"Exactly," the technician replied. "But her readings... they spiked, dropped, and then stabilized on their own. It's like the system recognized a new input. Or... a new player."
She turned, whispering to herself, "He's interfering again."
The Gamekeeper walked into the room, silent as ever. All fell quiet.
"Should we initiate a recall, sir?" Natalie asked.
The Gamekeeper paused in front of the glowing console.
"No. Let her continue."
'But-
'You know Natalie, lately, you've been disobeying me a lot. It's like you now have a mind of your own'
'Sir. I'm just following his commands'
'Really? But at the end of the day, you're still my assistant '
"Sir. She's seen something. We don't even know what."
"We'll know soon enough," he said. "For now... let the dream linger."
---THE NEXT MORNING
****HARPER
Morning - Breaking News
I woke to the soft glow of morning. My dream haunted me—fragments of blood, a small faceless child, and memories that were not entirely mine. I reached for Chris, who hovered beside me, his blue light dim.
"You felt it too, didn't you?" I whispered.
"Yeah," Chris murmured. "Something is changing. You saw things you weren't supposed to."
Before we could continue, my phone buzzed violently on the nightstand.
BREAKING NEWS: Tragedy Strikes Police Family - Wife of High-Ranking Officer Murdered While Investigating Daughter's Disappearance.
I felt my throat close as I read it.
> BREAKING NEWS July 29th, 6:30 a.m.
Tragedy has struck the family of Officer Mark Benson, a respected figure in the city's police department. His wife, Mrs. Samantha Benson, was confirmed dead late last night after going missing during a private investigation concerning her abducted daughter, Sophie.
Sources have confirmed that Mrs. Benson was working independently without government approval, seeking to uncover details surrounding a mysterious program known as Project Eden.
Her body was found near the outskirts of the restricted development zone, covered in wounds that suggest foul play.
Leaked documents have hinted at connections between Project Eden and government-linked child trafficking schemes. Citizens are beginning to question the silence of top officials, including the Mayor himself.
I could barely breathe. Aunt Samantha...
Chris's voice was low. *We've made our move. There won't be anymore silencing anyone who gets too close.*
Social media exploded. While I sat numbly on my bed, I scrolled through public reactions:
> "The government knew. This isn't just tragedy—this is murder."
"Project Eden? That's not a conspiracy anymore. We need answers."
"They let Samantha die to cover up their dirty work. Justice for Sophie."
---
Inside the Mayor's Mansion
The masked lady—Mayor's daughter—stood frozen as the news played on one of her many wall-sized monitors.
"Ma'am," a trembling man approached. "We... We have confirmation. Samantha Benson is dead."
CRASH!!
A wine glass shattered against the wall. Then the chair. Then the vase.
"I told you not to let things get out of hand!" she screamed. Her voice quivered with rage. "Harper is ruining everything."
She paced, fists clenched. "First she sneaks into our facility. Then she escapes the realm. And now this? Public outrage?!"
The man tried to speak, but she silenced him with a glare.
"She's tougher than I think. Even smarter than her father, she thinks she can outsmart me? Hah. You don't know me, Harper," she hissed. "I never, ever give up."
---
City Press Conference - Two Hours Later
Mayor Jordan Bennett stepped onto the podium, looking pale but composed. A row of security agents flanked him. His human-like mask wasn't visible at all.
"Citizens of Seravale, we are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Mrs. Samantha Benson."
Boos rang out.
"Cover-up!"
"You killed her!"
"Where is Sophie?!"
The mayor continued. "We assure you this was not politically motivated. The investigation is ongoing and we will..."
A citizen threw a shoe. Another screamed. Chaos erupted.
Police held back protesters as the mayor was rushed off the stage.
---
Harper, Uncle Mark, and Aunt Samantha (Safe House)
The small room smelled of coffee and medicine. Aunt Samantha—alive and safely hidden—sat beside a fireplace while I and Uncle Mark looked over new intel.
"They bought it," Uncle Mark said. "Everyone thinks Samantha's dead. That was smart, Harper."
I nodded solemnly. "It buys us time."
Aunt Samantha, quieter than usual, reached over and placed a hand on mine.
"I owe you an apology," she said. "For what I said... I was scared. Angry. But you've been brave. Smarter than all of us."
I squeezed her hand. "You were grieving. I understand. We'll get Sophie back. I swear it."
"What's our next move?" Uncle Mark asked.
I opened my folder. "We wait. The mayor's daughter won't stay quiet. She'll respond. And when she does, we'll be ready."
Aunt Samantha nodded. "Until then, I stay here. No one sees me. Not unless it's time."
'No my dear. After we get our daughter back, we leave this city forever '
---
CODE Headquarters - Nightfall
Back in the command center, Natalie walked in, her expression unreadable. The Gamekeeper stood before the massive screen, watching Harper's feed.
"She's really turning the tide," Natalie said.
"She is," he answered softly.
"You said she reminded you of someone. Still think so?"
He didn't answer.
Natalie tilted her head. "They won't sit still after this. You know that, right?"
He nodded once. "Let them come."
Harper had changed the game.
The war for truth had just begun.