DAVID BROOKS: "Can we recover the local cache?"
TECHNICIAN: "Some records may still be stored on the terminal."
DAVID BROOKS: "Recover everything."
The technician began working again.
A progress indicator appeared.
Several damaged files were restored.
Then a new directory opened.
SHADOW ARCHIVE — SECONDARY RECORD.
The technician examined the access requirements.
TECHNICIAN: "Sir, this archive requires a second authentication sequence."
DAVID BROOKS: "Can the glove provide it?"
The technician looked at Marcus.
TECHNICIAN: "Possibly. The first sequence opened the original incident record. There are additional markings beneath the damaged lining."
Marcus turned the glove over.
He examined the inner seam.
A small section of fabric had folded over itself.
He carefully lifted it.
Beneath the damaged material was another sequence of letters and numbers.
MARCUS REED: "There is something else."
The technician leaned closer.
TECHNICIAN: "That appears to be a secondary key."
Brooks looked toward the display.
DAVID BROOKS: "Enter it."
The technician typed the sequence.
A new message appeared.
SECONDARY ARCHIVE ACCESS REQUIRES LIVE OPERATIVE CONFIRMATION.
TECHNICIAN: "It requires confirmation from an active field operative."
DAVID BROOKS: "Identify the required credential."
The technician opened the verification field.
A name appeared.
NOAH REEVES.
Marcus looked at Brooks.
MARCUS REED: "The system needs Reeves."
DAVID BROOKS: "Can we use the original personnel record?"
TECHNICIAN: "No, sir. The system requires a live authentication token."
MARCUS REED: "But he is officially dead."
The technician examined the remaining information.
TECHNICIAN: "There is an alternative. The system allows a secondary witness to confirm the original operation."
DAVID BROOKS: "Who is listed?"
The technician entered another command.
A second name appeared.
SERGEANT DANIEL FOSTER.
Marcus took a step closer.
MARCUS REED: "Foster."
Brooks looked toward him.
DAVID BROOKS: "You said he was part of your team."
MARCUS REED: "He was with us until the tunnel collapsed."
DAVID BROOKS: "Then we need to locate him."
The technician opened the final message stored inside the archive.
It contained only a short warning.
IF THE GLOVE HAS BEEN OPENED, THE FIRST LOCK HAS FAILED.
DO NOT TRUST THE ORIGINAL COMMAND CHANNEL.
THE SECOND RECORD IS STILL ACTIVE.
Marcus read the words carefully.
MARCUS REED: "What does the second record contain?"
DAVID BROOKS: "Hopefully, the complete authorization history."
MARCUS REED: "And the names of everyone involved."
DAVID BROOKS: "If the archive is intact."
General Mercer finally leaned forward.
GENERAL MERCER: "Mr. Secretary, I strongly recommend moving this investigation to a secure location."
Brooks turned toward him.
DAVID BROOKS: "Why are you so concerned about where we discuss this information?"
GENERAL MERCER: "Because the security of the country may be at risk."
DAVID BROOKS: "Or because the people involved may be listening?"
Mercer did not answer.
Marcus watched him carefully.
Until now, Mercer had remained silent while Hayes and Cross controlled the proceedings. His sudden concern suggested that he knew more than he had admitted.
MARCUS REED: "General Mercer, were you involved in the original mission review?"
Mercer looked at Marcus.
GENERAL MERCER: "I reviewed several operational documents."
MARCUS REED: "Did you know the second extraction team had been withdrawn?"
GENERAL MERCER: "I cannot recall every detail."
MARCUS REED: "Did you know the cancellation order was sent before we reached the facility?"
GENERAL MERCER: "That information would have been handled through the appropriate channels."
MARCUS REED: "Did you know Sergeant Foster was missing?"
Mercer lowered his eyes.
GENERAL MERCER: "I was informed of the personnel losses."
MARCUS REED: "Then why was the search request rejected?"
Mercer remained silent.
Brooks studied him.
DAVID BROOKS: "General, I suggest you answer the Captain's question."
Mercer looked toward the Secretary.
GENERAL MERCER: "There were concerns that a recovery operation could expose sensitive intelligence assets."
MARCUS REED: "Foster was a soldier, not an intelligence asset."
GENERAL MERCER: "The situation was more complicated than that."
MARCUS REED: "It always becomes complicated when someone has to explain why a soldier was abandoned."
Mercer looked away.
The technician continued searching the local cache.
A new notification appeared.
INCOMING CONNECTION.
The screen flickered.
A small message appeared.
NOAH REEVES IS REQUESTING CONTACT.
Marcus stared at it.
MARCUS REED: "He's alive."
Brooks stepped toward the console.
DAVID BROOKS: "Can you establish the connection?"
TECHNICIAN: "The signal is unstable, sir."
DAVID BROOKS: "Try."
The technician entered the command.
A low electronic tone sounded through the speakers.
Then a man's voice came through.
UNKNOWN MALE VOICE: "This channel is compromised."
Brooks leaned toward the microphone.
DAVID BROOKS: "This is Secretary of Defense David Brooks. Identify yourself."
A pause followed.