Chapter 60 · Hostile Command

"Take your hands off that console, Father."

Lucas stepped between Evelyn and the command core. His pistol was already aimed at Commander Vale's chest.

His father didn't flinch. One hand stayed pressed to the black glass while red warning lights crawled across the metal floor.

"You always did love making a scene," Vale said. "Put the gun down."

"You hijacked the tower."

"I reclaimed what belongs to my command."

Behind Lucas, Evelyn let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

"Your command?" she said. "You mean the murder machine your family buried under the city?"

Vale's mouth tightened. "She shouldn't be here."

"Funny," Evelyn shot back. "Everyone says that right before they try to kill me."

The tower groaned beneath their boots. The main console flashed from red to white. A deep vibration rolled through the platform and climbed into Lucas's legs.

He tightened his grip on the pistol. "What did you activate?"

"A purge sequence."

The words hit harder than the alarm.

Lucas raised the gun another inch. "Shut it down."

"No."

"That wasn't a request."

Vale finally turned from the console.