February 10, 2059 –
Neutral warehouse, edge of Gary, Indiana
Freezing rain drums the metal roof. The warehouse is empty except for one folding table, two chairs, and a single hanging bulb.
Delphine Kane waits alone in the shadows, Saints cap pulled low, shotgun resting across her lap. The Liberty Line is half a mile back—close enough to move if needed, far enough to stay hidden.
The side door opens.
Dr. Elias Harrow steps in—fifty-something, tailored coat over a dark suit, no visible weapons. He carries a slim briefcase.
He stops ten feet from the table.
"Mrs. Kane."
Delphine doesn't stand. "Dr. Harrow."
Harrow sets the briefcase down, opens it slowly.
Inside: USB drives, printed schematics, a single vial of clear liquid.
"Full Purity formula," he says. "Reversal agent included. Academy blueprints. Nullifier frequencies. Everything."
Delphine's eyes narrow. "Why?"
Harrow exhales. "Because Iron Patriot is no longer controllable. He's turning public sentiment against the program. If he keeps escalating, the whole system burns. I need a counterweight."
Delphine's voice is steel. "You want us to be your insurance."
"I want a future where powers are managed, not feared. Your people have proven they can protect children without becoming monsters. That's rare."
Delphine leans forward. "You collared kids. You built the cages."
Harrow meets her gaze. "I did. And I'm offering the keys to unlock them."
Silence stretches.
Delphine reaches out, takes one USB drive. Her fingers close around it like a promise.
"If this is a trap—"
"It isn't," Harrow says. "But if you use it, the world will know who gave it to you. And they'll come for both of us."
Delphine pockets the drive.
Harrow closes the briefcase. "One more thing. Patriot's next move is Chicago. He's planning a public demonstration. Something big. Soon."
He turns to leave.
Delphine's voice stops him.
"Why now?"
Harrow pauses at the door.
"Because I'm tired of watching children die for my mistakes."
The door closes.
Delphine stands alone under the bulb.
Outside, freezing rain keeps falling.
Inside, the Liberty Line gains a dangerous gift.
And a ticking clock.