Chapter 71: The Cracks in the Empire

Ethan Carter stood in the war room the next morning, the faint buzz of the holographic displays blending with the quiet hum of the building. The successful interception of the processors had been a crucial blow to Aurora Dynamics, but the tension in the air was far from eased.

Jessica was seated across from him, a tablet in hand as she reviewed the latest intelligence. "Aurora hasn't officially responded yet, but their operations are showing signs of strain. Internal emails we intercepted this morning indicate production delays across their AI project."

Mark leaned against the table, arms crossed. "They're going to retaliate. They can't afford to let this slide, not when the clock is ticking on Echelon's replacement."

Sophia, who had been quiet until now, looked up from her spot near the window. "It's not just about retaliation. They'll want to send a message—to us, to their investors, and to anyone else thinking about crossing them."