The echoes in the static.

Chapter 24: Vanguard Security

The lower server gallery of Vanguard Headquarters was vast, stretching out under glowing white overhead strips like a high-tech fortress.

Unlike Arthur’s crude setup in the lighthouse, this facility was pristine. Dozens of automated patrol drones hovered silently along glass partitions, while heavily armed private security guards walked the perimeter catwalks above.

Elias and Riley ducked behind a row of cooling towers, keeping out of sight from the overhead cameras.

"We need access to the central routing node," Elias whispered, watching two guards pass overhead. "It’s located behind the main security atrium in the center of the floor."

"Getting across that open room without being spotted by the overhead cameras is impossible," Riley said, examining her tablet display. "Unless we give them something bigger to look at."

She brought up a network exploit script she had drafted during the drive north.

"I can overload the fire suppression system in Sector 4," Riley explained, tapping her screen. "It will flood the east wing with harmless cooling fog and trigger the evacuation alarms. Security will shift their focus to clear the floor."

"Do it," Elias said, preparing to move.

Riley executed the script. A second later, a loud alarm chimed across the gallery, followed by a hissing burst of dense white mist pouring from the upper ventilation ducts.

Red emergency lights began to flash as security personnel shouted over their radios, rushing toward the east wing to inspect the breach.

"Now!" Elias hissed.

Using the thick blanket of artificial fog as cover, Elias and Riley darted out from behind the cooling towers, sprinting across the polished floor toward the central atrium door.