Chapter 25 – For the Greater Pack

(Location: Various homes across the world – 5 days after the Council vote on Project Cerberus)

The orders came quietly.

Not through press.

Not through news.

But through unmarked vans, sealed letters, and uniforms with no insignia.

"By Emergency Code 17-B, the Unified Earth Alliance requests transfer of canine units suitable for Phase Cerberus."

They didn't say "take."

They said "request."

But no one could say no.

Scene 1 – Cairo, Egypt – Rooftop Apartment

Lina, age 9, sobbed into the fur of her golden retriever, Fido.

Her father, standing by the door in a police uniform, looked away—tears held by duty.

"Please don't take him… he sleeps in my bed… he knows when I'm scared…"

The soldier knelt.

Not to intimidate.

But to cry with her.

"We need him. We need him so men can come home to their kids too."

Fido didn't bark.

He just looked back.

And went.

Scene 2 – Kansas, USA – Farm House

A teenage boy argued with the sergeant.

"You want me to just give up Charlie? He's a damn rescue. He rescued me!"

His mother took his hand.

Her face pale.

Her voice even.

"Maybe he gets to rescue someone else now."

The boy knelt, forehead to Charlie's, whispered:

"You're not a dog. You're my brother."

Scene 3 – Siberia – Military Outpost

Some refused.

One old man chased the officers off with a shotgun, screaming in broken Russian:

"He fought wolves for me! He howled when my wife died! You will not take my heart and call it strategy!"

They didn't take the dog.

But they left behind a medal.

Scene 4 – Inside the Dogs' Transport Convoy

Crates rattled.

Dozens of dogs—hundreds—lay quietly.

Some whimpered. Some stared blankly.

One large black shepherd barked once.

And across the convoy… other dogs barked back.

Not scared.

Communicating.

Like they already understood.

"We're being called."

Scene 5 – Back in Hollow Earth (brief)

The High Priest sat on a throne of obsidian, far below.

He stirred.

Eyes flickered open.

"They bring the old ones…"

He scowled.

"Let them try."