Chapter 29 - The Underground Chamber
Clara descended the narrow stone steps, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.
The air grew cold and damp, smelling of old paper, ozone, and ancient stone foundation.
At the bottom of the stairs was a massive, high-tech command center filled with glowing computer monitors.
Sitting in an ergonomic wheelchair in front of the main wall screen was an elderly man with snow-white hair.
He turned his chair slowly, revealing a face lined with deep scars, but featuring eyes identical to Clara's own.
"Hello, Clara," the man said, his voice raspy and mechanical through an electronic voice box.
"Father?" Clara breathed, tears spilling down her pale cheeks as she took a step closer.
"I built the syndicate, Clara," her father revealed, pointing a trembling hand at the screens.
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"And you just delivered all the military defense codes directly into my network."
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