Chapter 3 - The Call to Shadow Command
The secure line connected in less than half a second. There were no rings, no static, no automated routing operators. Just a sharp, electronic click followed by a crisp, formal voice that radiated absolute discipline.
“Vanguard actual. Go ahead, General.”
Clara closed her eyes, a shiver running down her spine. It was a voice she hadn’t heard since she was a teenager living on secure military installations around the world—a voice belonging to Colonel Marcus Vance, her father’s former executive officer and current director of operations for a secretive federal defense oversight division known only within elite circles as Directive Seven.
Arthur didn't look at David. His icy blue eyes remained fixed on a blank spot on the hospital wall, his voice dropping into that low, gravelly parade-ground tone that commanded instant, unyielding obedience.
“Marcus,” Arthur said quietly.
“General, we’ve been monitoring your perimeter,” Marcus responded instantly from the other end of the encrypted channel. “Is there a breach at the hospital? Do you require an extraction team?”
“No breach of the facility,” Arthur replied evenly, though every word carried the weight of an impending storm. “We have an internal contamination. A local asset—David Sterling, CEO of Sterling Development Group—has exhibited gross insubordination and hostile action within a secure family zone.”
David stood frozen by the door for a moment, his brain struggling to process what he was hearing. General? Vanguard actual?
Then a arrogant smirk crept back onto David’s face. He let out a loud, derisive snort, stepping forward and waving a hand in front of Arthur’s face.
“Are you senile, old man?” David scoffed, looking back at Clara with a patronizing grin. “Is he playing soldier now? Look at him, Clara! Your father has completely lost his mind. He’s standing here talking into some plastic walkie-talkie like he’s starring in a cheap spy movie! This is pathetic.”
Arthur didn't blink. He didn't even acknowledge David’s presence, continuing his transmission as though talking to an insect buzzing near his ear.
“Marcus,” Arthur continued, his tone chillingly calm. “Initiate Protocol Red-Zero. Target: Sterling Development Group. All commercial accounts, municipal contracts, zoning approvals, and offshore holdings. I want every single corporate asset frozen, audited, and seized within the hour.”
Marcus’s voice came back over the encrypted earpiece without a single second of hesitation.
“Understood, General. Protocol Red-Zero initiated. All regional asset-freezing protocols deploying across federal networks now. Shall we also initiate asset reclamation on his personal estates and vehicle fleets?”
“Everything,” Arthur said softly. “Leave him with the clothes on his back and not a penny more.”
“Consider it done, General. Vanguard out.”
May you like
The line clicked dead.
Arthur slowly lowered the black satellite terminal, sliding it back into the pocket of his faded flannel shirt. Then, and only then, did he turn his head to look directly at David Sterling.
