For several terrifying seconds...
No one could see. The archive disappeared into complete darkness.
Somewhere nearby, a woman gasped.
A metal shelf rattled.
Then came the sharp click of rifles being raised.
"Protect the President!"
The command echoed through the basement.
Flashlights snapped on one after another, cutting bright white beams through the darkness. Dust drifted lazily through the air.
The explosion hadn't reached the basement itself. But it had shaken the entire building.
Elena already had her pistol drawn.
"Report!"Her voice was calm.
Professional.A crackling reply came through her earpiece. "Outer gate has been breached." Another voice interrupted.
"Negative... not breached."
Static swallowed the transmission.
"...vehicle explosion..."
"...communications down..."
"...multiple unknowns..."
Then silence.
Hayes muttered under his breath.
