Chapter 3: Whispers in the Dark

The hum of engines filled the cramped quarters as the transport vessel sped through the deserted outskirts of Neo-Tokyo. Atlas sat on the cold metal bench, flanked by three other operatives he barely knew—each handpicked by Dr. Marlowe, a woman he trusted less with every passing day. The others shared his silence, their gazes steeled and distant. This was his team now, whether he liked it or not.

Across from him sat Raven, a young operative with a grim focus. She was rumored to have a knack for infiltration, her record lined with whispered achievements in dismantling corporate networks. Next to her was Thorne, an older man with a hard look that hinted at more field experience than the rest of them combined. And beside Atlas, a wiry figure named Felix seemed jittery yet intensely observant, his fingers constantly tapping against his thigh. They all had their secrets; secrets were a currency now, more valuable than gold.

Atlas checked his equipment for the third time, his fingers brushing over his father's watch. The Genesis Protocol had taken almost everything from him—family, purpose, identity. It was time to reclaim something, even if it came at a steep cost. Dr. Marlowe's mission was to infiltrate a classified research outpost just outside the city. Rumors hinted it was a storage facility for failed projects, technology left behind in the scramble for progress. But they knew better. If Marlowe's intel was correct, they were about to step into the shadows of something far more sinister.

"Atlas," Marlowe's voice crackled in his earpiece, breaking the silence, "remember, we're not just after information. The artifact is crucial."

"Copy," Atlas responded. The "artifact" she referenced had been left vague, but from Marlowe's tone, it was clear she saw it as their key to unlocking the Genesis Protocol.

Their vessel docked with a quiet hiss, and the metal doors slid open to reveal the underground facility. The smell hit them first—a mix of antiseptic and decay. Raven took the lead, her gaze sharp as she moved forward without hesitation, her footsteps barely audible.

"Stay close," Thorne murmured, his hand hovering over his weapon.

The corridors were silent, lined with transparent panels that exposed rows of pods. Inside each one lay the remnants of what Atlas guessed were failed clones. Some were grotesquely malformed, others appeared almost peaceful in their suspended animation. It was a testament to the horrors of the Protocol's early days, where ethical lines blurred, and progress justified everything.

"Did they…?" Felix whispered, unable to finish his sentence.

"Let's keep moving," Atlas urged. Whatever was in these pods, the Genesis Protocol was far darker than he had imagined.

Raven led them deeper into the facility until they reached a chamber secured by an access terminal. Her fingers moved deftly across the keys, and within seconds, the doors slid open. Inside, a circular vault hummed softly. At the center was a pedestal holding a small, intricately designed device encased in glass. The artifact.

"Got it," Raven whispered, reaching for the glass casing. The moment her fingers touched it, alarms blared throughout the facility.

"We need to move. Now," Thorne barked, his voice steady as he raised his weapon. "Raven, grab the artifact."

As Raven lifted it from the pedestal, the room's lighting flickered, and the whirring of heavy machinery stirred from somewhere above. Atlas's pulse quickened. Shadows shifted in the darkness, and he heard footsteps approaching fast—soldiers, guards, something. He couldn't tell.

"Get out!" Marlowe's voice rang in his ear, urgent and filled with rare fear. "You're not ready to face this yet. Escape while you can!"

The team raced back through the corridor, dodging in and out of cover as bursts of gunfire erupted. Atlas felt adrenaline surge through him. They were so close. Just a few more yards and—

A shot rang out, and Felix went down, clutching his leg. Thorne immediately ducked, covering him as he dragged Felix to safety.

"Go!" Felix shouted. "I'll hold them off!"

Atlas hesitated, locking eyes with Felix. He knew that look—the resignation, the willingness to sacrifice everything. He'd seen it before, long ago. Atlas nodded once, silently honoring Felix's choice, then followed Raven and Thorne down a narrow side passage.

They emerged into a hidden exit route, but Raven skidded to a stop. "Where's Felix?" she demanded.

"He… made a choice," Atlas said, his voice tight. He pushed forward, refusing to look back.

Outside, the night was cool and unwelcoming. The team regrouped on the edge of Neo-Tokyo's industrial zone, the artifact safely in their hands. But Atlas couldn't shake the image of the facility, of the failed clones frozen in time. Marlowe's orders still echoed in his head, leaving him uneasy about the depths of her intentions.

The Genesis Protocol was a Pandora's box, and they had only just begun to pry it open.