Page 66 of Anders
Malcolm leaned closer, his expression darkening as he scanned the document.A coordinated intelligence operation against all major shifter communities.
Exactly.Anders pulled up another file.And there’s more.The neural interface—the mark on Etta’s neck—isn’t just a control mechanism.It’s connected to something they call the Epsilon Protocol.
And that is?
A kill switch.
A kill switch?Malcolm snarled.That’s horrific.
Anders nodded, his expression serious.If an asset is compromised or begins recovering memories that threaten the operation, the Epsilon Protocol can be remotely activated.Based on these technical specifications, it delivers a neurological overload that essentially fries the subject’s central nervous system.
Killing them.
And destroying any evidence of the program’s existence.Anders’s jaw tightened.I think that’s what happened last night.Mercer and his team initiated the first stage of the Epsilon Protocol.
But she escaped before they completed it,Malcolm concluded.
For now.Anders pulled up a map on one of the monitors.But she’s carrying what amounts to a ticking time bomb in her nervous system.And based on these documents, the people who did this to her have resources, training, and technological capabilities far beyond what we’ve encountered before.
Malcolm was silent for a moment, absorbing the implications.When he spoke, his voice was quiet but firm.You have to find her.
Anders glanced up sharply, caught off guard by the alpha’s change in tone.
This goes beyond one wolf, or even one pack,Malcolm continued.If what we’ve uncovered is true, every major shifter community is compromised.This Chimera Program threatens our entire kind.He met Anders’s gaze directly.You need to find Etta, not just because she’s your mate, but because she might be the key to stopping this.
Relief washed through Anders.I’ll need resources.Transportation, supplies, communications equipment that can’t be tracked.
Take whatever you need.Conall and Quinton can maintain security protocols in your absence.He hesitated, then added,How will you find her?If she’s deliberately running from the pack—from you—she’ll be covering her tracks.
Anders turned back to the monitors, pulling up a different set of data.I think I’ve managed to hack into the broadcasting system the implant uses.
Malcolm raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.
She’s heading east, avoiding major highways.Moving like someone who knows she’s being pursued.
By us, or by them?
Both, probably.Anders studied the tracking data, his tactical mind calculating distances, routes, likely destinations.She has at least a four-hour head start, but she’ll need to rest eventually.And when she does…
He let the sentence hang unfinished.They both understood what he wasn’t saying—when Etta stopped, the people hunting her might catch up.The neural interface in her neck was like a homing beacon broadcasting her location—not only to Anders, but also to whoever controlled it.
How long do you need to prepare?Malcolm asked.
Anders was already moving, gathering specialized equipment from the various storage compartments built into the command center walls.One hour.Then I’m gone.
The council will want a briefing before you leave,Malcolm began, but Anders cut him off.
The council gets this.He tossed a sealed flash drive to Malcolm.Everything I’ve uncovered about the Chimera Program, including the other compromised territories and what little we know about their methods.The council can debate and discuss all they want, but I’m leaving in one hour with or without their approval.
Malcolm studied him for a moment, then nodded.I’ll handle the council.You focus on preparation.
As the alpha turned to leave, Anders called after him.Malcolm.
The other man paused in the doorway, looking back.
Thank you.
Malcolm’s expression softened slightly.Bring her home.And take down whoever did this to her.
