Episode 3: The Truth
The Apex corporation’s off-site lab was like a fortress at the edge of New Haven’s industrial District. Cipher and Kane stood in the shadows of a nearby storage facility.
“We’re in and out.” Kane said his voice low but firm. “No killing, no loose ends. We grab the files, and we’re gone.”
The Apex’s Corps Lab was like a maze of hallways. But Cipher moved, knowing the building’s layout off by heart. They reached a door marked archive’s and headed to the nearest computer.
Kane stood with his gun out as Cipher plugged his console into the system, downloading the core files onto the Phoenix Protocol.
“Almost got it.” Cipher muttered.
Suddenly, the sounds of footsteps echoed down the hall. Kane raised his weapon as guards appeared.
“Drop your weapons!” A guard yelled.
Cipher disconnected the console and dived for cover as Kane fired.
“Back exit now!” Kane barked.
The two sprinted down the hallway, Cipher leading the way. They arrived at the loading dock only to find more guards blocking their escape. Cipher ducked behind a crate. “We need a distraction.”
Kane looked around the loading dock and spotted a gas line. He fired, which created a small explosion that sent the guards flying.
Hours later, at the safety of Cipher’s hideout, Kane paced furiously as Cipher uploaded the stolen files to the mainframe.
“This better be worth it.” Kane growled. “We almost got killed back there.”
Cipher didn’t answer immediately. He pulled a file and turned to Kane. “This is everything we need. Test subjects, information about the implants, Brown’s warning and the meeting between the corporation. It’s all here.”
“Now we bring them down.” Kane’s eyes widened as he scanned the screen.
The next day, Cipher hijacked the city’s broadcast network to tell the truth. Screens across New Haven displayed the horrors of the Phoenix Protocol. Protests erupted and Apex’s CEO was arrested.
https://x.com/havennews5/status/1864434113479893225
Cipher and Kane met one last time in the junkyard looking at the city.
“You did good.” Kane said, lighting a cigarette.
“There’s something you should know.” Cipher hesitated.
“What now?” Kane turned to Cipher.
“Your partner… He was working with Apex.” Cipher replied.
Kane froze, sweat running down his forehead. “What are you talking about?”
“I didn’t want to kill him, but he came at me when I found out. He was going to hand me over to Apex. It was self-defense.” Cipher told him as he stepped away from Kane.
“You’re lying. You killed him, and now you’re trying to justify it.” Kane trembled with rage.
Kane’s chest heaved as anger coursed through him. He drew his gun and pointed it at Cipher.
“Killing me now won’t change what they’ve done. You have seen what Apex is capable of.” Cipher replied, his voice breaking.
Kane placed his finger over the trigger. In a sudden blur of movement, Cipher activated an emergency switch on his wrist console. A flashbang detonated and Cipher was gone.
Kane pulled out his walkie talkie and contacted the police to pick him up.
Moments later he stumbled out of Cipher’s hideout, his ears were ringing, and he had a headache. He stood in the junkyard, his face illuminated by the flashing of lights from approaching police cars.
Kane stared into the distance; his mind consumed with a single thought. Vengeance.
In a distant tower, a shadowy figure watched the protests in New Haven unfold.
“Initiate Phase Two.” The mysterious voice said as the screen flicked off. The man picked up his black fedora and left the room.