The temperature in the underground laboratory hovered precisely at sixty-eight degrees, but the chill that swept through the room had nothing to do with the climate control.
"Warning. Perimeter breach detected at ventilation shaft sector four," the AI's synthetic voice announced, a soft red pulse illuminating the glass walls of the lab. "Biometric signature unknown. Initiating lockdown protocols."
Ares did not flinch. He did not reach for the panic button. He simply kept his hands steepled in his lap, his eyes fixed on the shadows pooling in the far corner of the room.
"Cancel lockdown," Ares commanded smoothly. "Override authorization Alpha-Zero-Nine. Let him in."
"Authorization accepted. Stand down," the AI replied, the red lights instantly shifting back to a calm, icy blue.
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