Chapter 7 - Defense of the Foundry
The subterranean vault shook as the first explosion hit the surface entrance. Dust cascaded from the ceiling beams, coating the monitors in white powder.
“They tracked our secondary vehicle,” Marcus cursed, racking the slide of an assault rifle. “We have at least twenty hostiles moving through the tunnel entrance. They brought heavy breaching gear.”
“They don’t know about the blast doors,” Julian replied coldly, stepping into the tactical locker and strapping on a Kevlar vest. “Sarah, take Clara and Lily into the panic room behind the water reservoir. If the door opens and it isn’t me or Marcus, pull this lever. It floods the access tunnel with thirty thousand gallons of industrial runoff.”
Dr. Lin nodded, her face pale, and ushered the children into the hidden vault. Clara looked back once, her eyes pleading, before the heavy steel door sealed shut.
Julian took his position beside the heavy concrete barricade at the mouth of the access tunnel. Through the infrared cameras, he could see the advancing strike team—private military contractors wearing unmarked black uniforms, moving in tight formations.
“Light them up,” Julian ordered.
Marcus activated the Foundry’s automated defense grid. Twin ceiling-mounted turrets roared to life, unleashing a devastating crossfire down the narrow corridor. The point-men dropped instantly as screams echoed through the concrete tube. The remaining attackers scattered, returning fire with high-caliber automatic weapons and flashbangs.
Julian leaned out from cover, firing controlled bursts. Each shot found its mark with cold, lethal precision. These men weren't soldiers fighting for a flag; they were paid butchers sent to murder an infant and a toddler to protect political fortunes. Julian felt no hesitation, no mercy.
May you like
As the firefight raged, Julian caught sight of the team leader on the thermal monitor, hanging back near the blast door controls. On the man’s wrist gleamed a metallic band with an unmistakable engraved eagle.
Julian’s eyes narrowed into slits of pure venom. It was Thomas Sterling—Victoria’s brother, and Julian’s former college roommate.
