In the span of one minute, Ahce did three things that would change the course of everything that followed.
She forwarded the mysterious audio through multiple encrypted relays, fragmenting the signal across her network of allies, analysts who could trace its origin, cross-reference its frequency patterns, and confirm whether it came from a human voice or a synthetic imitation. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she locked down the compound into full defensive posture.
Alarms didn't blare. Instead, invisible systems hummed to life, drones deployed to perimeter watch, gates sealed, and the air filtration system engaged. Finally, she gave the third order, the one that made the air in the command room thicken.
"Ash," she said, voice low but steady, "prepare the team for covert insertion. No signatures. No official trail. We move tonight."
The acknowledgment came instantly, a curt
"Yes, ma'am," before the line cut.
