The new system was operational. Rook stood in the converted factory's command center, his eyes fixed on the monitors that displayed the first coordinated operation under the new framework. It was a test—a trial run to see if the system could actually work, if the networks could truly cooperate, if the vision that Amara had sold him could become a reality.
Irina moved up beside him, her voice low and careful. "The teams are in position. We're ready to move on your signal."
Rook was quiet for a moment, his eyes still fixed on the monitors. "This is it. The first real test of the new system. If this works, we might actually have a chance."
Irina's eyes met his, something shifting in her expression. "And if it doesn't?"
Rook turned to face her, and for a moment, the mask slipped—just enoug
