“If you interrupt the stream, the data will self-destruct.”

*41% completed.*

The screen flickered.

The backup generator in the basement hummed, a low vibration that we could feel through the soles of our shoes.

The light in the ceiling dimmed for a second, then returned to its dull amber glow.

“Julian,” Vanessa said, her voice distant from the microphone. “Keep the lance ready.”

“He’s standing right by the door, Nathan,” she warned.

“He can see the seals.”

Nathan didn’t answer.

He typed another command, his eyes scanning the lines of code.

A small notification popped up in the bottom right corner of his screen.

*Satellite link established. Bandwidth: 14 Mbps.*

It was working.

The uncorrupted security framework was beginning to search for the federal network.

But the progress bar was only at *58%*.

“Nathan,” Vanessa said, her voice dropping all pretense of warmth.

“The file structure looks strange.”

“This isn’t the standard Caldwell database format.”

“What are you sending me?”

Nathan didn’t hesitate.

“It’s the legacy archive,” he said.

“The decryption keys are embedded in the administrative root.”

“You wanted the full software suite, Vanessa.”