Chapter 13
Back in the main chamber, Cole strode through the smoke, stepping over the shattered ruins of the vintage computer terminals.
He stared at the dead mainframe screen, his face turning an unhealthy shade of pale grey as he noticed the flashing confirmation light.
"Sir... the upload finished right before the server was shut down," a technician reported frantically, tapping his portable decryption pad.
"Where did the data packet route?!" Cole demanded, grabbing the technician by the collar of his tactical vest.
"It routed directly to the federal grand jury pool in Washington, D.C.," the technician stammered in sheer terror.
"And... and automated mirror copies were simultaneously broadcasted to three independent American news networks."
Cole shoved the man away violently, his eyes wild with unadulterated panic as the full reality of his defeat set in.
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"Get my transport ready immediately," Cole snarled, turning toward the ruined exit corridor.
"We are heading back to headquarters before the federal marshals lock down the entire district."
