CHAPTER 9 — THE FINAL CHASE
The elevator vanished into the darkness.
Ethan pounded the steel doors with his fists until blood streaked the metal.
"My son!"
The Ghost grabbed his shoulder.
"He's taking him to the control tower."
"That's where this prison was born."
The countdown flashed across every wall.
17:03
Explosions ripped through Cell Blocks A and C.
Concrete collapsed.
Smoke swallowed the corridors.
Freed prisoners rushed toward the exits while Ethan's newly awakened army escorted civilians through the chaos.
But Ethan wasn't leaving.
Not without his son.
The Ghost led Ethan, his wife, and a small rescue team through forgotten maintenance tunnels hidden beneath the prison.
The walls were covered with faded photographs.
Thousands of children.
Every photo had a number.
Not a name.
Ethan stopped in horror.
One picture showed him at six years old.
Another at twelve.
Another on his graduation day.
Every moment of his life...
Had been watched.
His wife whispered,
"They never lost sight of you."
"They built your entire life."
At the end of the tunnel stood an enormous blast door.
Above it were three words.
FOUNDER'S CHAMBER
The Ghost hesitated.
"I've never been inside."
"No prisoner has."
The steel door slowly opened.
Inside stood the prison's true command center.
Hundreds of giant monitors displayed governments, banks, satellites, military bases, and secret facilities across the world.
This wasn't merely a prison.
It was the headquarters of a hidden global network.
The Warden stood beside a massive control console.
Ethan's son sat calmly in a chair.
Not frightened.
Not crying.
Almost... waiting.
The Warden smiled.
"You finally made it."
"You were always meant to."
He placed one hand on the boy's shoulder.
"You think this child is your greatest weakness."
He shook his head.
"He's your replacement."
Ethan's heart stopped.
"What are you talking about?"
The Warden pressed another button.
A giant screen descended from the ceiling.
DNA profiles appeared.
PROJECT PHOENIX
Generation One: Ethan Kane
Generation Two: Noah Kane
The Warden looked directly into Ethan's eyes.
"Your son is stronger than you."
"Smarter than you."
"And unlike you..."
"He obeys."
Then Noah slowly stood.
He looked at Ethan.
His expression was blank.
Without warning...
He pointed a pistol directly at his own father.
The room fell silent.
"Dad..."
"I'm sorry."
May you like
"They told me..."
"...you were the enemy."
