Chapter 14 - ENTERING THE OVERRIDE CODE
The Doctor repeated the sequence of codes aloud, his fingers flying across the auxiliary surgical terminal.
"Enter manual cipher," the computer prompted with a flashing amber light on the main screen.
The Doctor typed the final digits provided by Mark, holding his breath as the system processed the input.
For three agonizing seconds, the machine sat in absolute silence, the crimson glow of the device dimming slightly.
Then, a harsh, blaring red alarm sounded, accompanied by a bright flashing error message across the display.
"Error: Invalid cipher. Secondary countdown initiated," the automated system announced in a chilling tone.
"You lied," Agent Miller snarled, pressing her pistol harder against Mark's skull as he burst into laughter.
"You think I'd give up my life's work that easily?" Mark cackled, struggling against the federal agents holding him.
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"Ten seconds to detonation," the computer droned mechanically, counting down the end of everything.
The Doctor didn't hesitate; he tossed the keyboard aside and reached directly into the open incision with his bare hands.
