The Last Stand Begins
306 Words
The Alarm
As Victoria and her family leave the Phoenix Vault, red warning lights begin flashing.
Computer Voice: Security breach detected. Lockdown initiated.
Steel doors slam shut.
Emily: Grandma... what's happening?
Victoria: Someone knows we're here.
---
An Unexpected Betrayal
Agent Mason quietly steps away from the group.
He removes a hidden earpiece.
Agent Mason: Kane... they're trapped.
Victoria overhears him.
Victoria: Mason... what did you just say?
Mason slowly turns around.
Agent Mason: I'm sorry, Victoria.
For years, I've been working for Kane.
Rose is shocked.
Rose: You betrayed us?
Mason: I never had a choice. Kane has my family.
---
Kane Arrives
The vault doors open.
Kane walks in with a team of armed mercenaries.
Kane: Welcome, Victoria.
Did you really think you could keep the Phoenix files forever?
Victoria: This ends today.
Kane: No...
Today, your family ends.
---
Mason's Choice
Kane points his weapon at Emily.
Kane: Hand over the Phoenix files... or the little girl dies.
Emily begins to cry.
Mason looks at Emily, then at Kane.
He remembers all the years Victoria trusted him.
Finally, he makes his decision.
Mason steps in front of Emily.
Mason: No.
I won't let another innocent child pay for my mistakes.
Kane fires.
Mason is hit in the shoulder but stays on his feet.
Victoria: Mason!
---
Escape
Using the distraction, Victoria throws a smoke grenade.
The room fills with smoke.
She grabs Rose and Emily.
Victoria: Run!
The family escapes through an emergency tunnel while Mason remains behind, facing Kane.
As the tunnel door closes, Victoria hears gunfire echo through the vault.
She doesn't know whether Mason survived.
Outside, they emerge into the forest.
Rose looks at her mother.
Rose: Whatever happens next...
We'll face it together.
Victoria nods.
But high above them, a helicopter circles silently.
Someone is still watching.
FADE OUT.
- Writer
