Chapter 16 - The Hidden Archive
The compound was a modern concrete structure built directly into the side of a granite mountain.
High iron gates opened automatically as Arthur's vehicle approached, closing swiftly behind them with a heavy metallic click.
Inside, the compound was equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, medical bays, and secure communication suites.
Arthur led Ethan and the baby into a high-security vault located three levels beneath the main living quarters.
"This is where your father stored the original paper trail, Ethan," Arthur said, turning on the bright overhead fluorescent lights.
The room was lined with steel filing cabinets, computer servers, and framed photographs of Ethan's childhood.
Ethan set the sleeping baby in a secure crib setup near the main terminal, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Arthur walked over to a high-powered medical scanner sitting on a stainless steel desk in the corner.
"We need to read the micro-chip data to verify its integrity," Arthur explained, preparing the optical scanning arm.
"Is it safe to scan him?" Ethan asked anxiously, standing right beside his sleeping son.
"It's a non-invasive radio frequency scan," Arthur assured him softly. "It won't hurt him at all."
Arthur gently passed the optical scanner over the tiny scar beneath the baby's armpit.
The computer monitor instantly lit up with thousands of scrolling lines of encrypted code and green data streams.
Arthur's face drained of all color as he read the secondary file headers flashing on the top of the screen.
"My God..." Arthur whispered, taking a step back from the monitor in utter disbelief.
"What is it?" Ethan demanded, stepping around the desk to look at the screen.
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"This isn't just a list of corrupt officials or bank accounts, Ethan," Arthur said, his voice shaking violently.
"This chip contains a live tracking sequence connected directly to the primary nuclear defense grid of North America."
