450: Helix Protocol Activated

Location: Blackridge Command Base, Tavara – 4:03 AM

The underground command center buzzed with a kind of fevered silence that only war could bring. Digital maps projected holographically in midair showed red zones expanding like bloodstains across multiple sectors—evidence that Dominus's influence was no longer just rumor. It was a contagion.

Damien Kane stood at the center of it all, surrounded by elite tacticians, heads of security, and covert operations leaders. He wore his authority like armor, and the air itself seemed to freeze around him.

"The Helix Protocol is not a drill," he began. "It's not a theory. It's not just about counterintelligence. It's a declaration."

He tapped a series of biometric locks and authorized access to the classified Helix Directive. On the massive central screen, the words OPERATION HELIX: STATUS – ENGAGED lit up in blood red.

"From this moment on," Damien continued, "we reclaim every compromised channel, disable every infiltrated node, and shut down every traitor—ruthlessly. No court hearings. No second chances."

A woman stepped forward from the shadows—tall, sharp-eyed, wearing a black tactical suit with the emblem of a red helix across her chest. "Commander Aelis," she said, introducing herself with a crisp salute.

"She'll lead Helix Task Unit Alpha," Damien said. "Specialized in urban insurgency, counter-espionage, and rapid elimination."

Lance raised an eyebrow. "She was declared rogue two years ago."

"I pardoned her ten minutes ago," Damien said flatly. "Because we don't need rules—we need results."

Aelis gave a half-smile. "The Syndicate's been sloppy. They think taking Nora and the boy will unmake you, Damien. But they've forgotten what made you in the first place."

He locked eyes with her. "Make them remember."

Suddenly, the room's lighting shifted as a private alarm tripped.

Aria's voice crackled through the comms. "Damien… you need to see this. Someone just accessed Vault Zero."

Vault Zero.

The original Kane Foundation archives—housing blueprints, war strategies, and sealed bloodline records spanning generations.

"Who?" Damien asked, already moving.

Aerial camera feeds loaded. A cloaked figure strode confidently through the retina-locked gates like he owned them.

"I can't get a clear facial ID, but the walk… it's familiar," Aria muttered.

Damien's voice dropped to a chilling whisper.

"Dominus."

The feed cut to black.

Without hesitation, Damien turned to Aelis.

"Full lockdown on the capital. Scramble Falcon Squad. I want boots in every corridor of Vault Zero."

"And if he escapes?" she asked.

Damien's jaw clenched.

"He won't."