Chapter 45 - The Stolen Legacy
The central terminal suddenly chimed, a synthetic voice echoing through the quiet laboratory: *Warning: External biometric link terminated. Estate security breached. Activating Legacy Protocol 4.*
"Arthur’s dead," the security commander said, touching his earpiece as a report came through from upstairs. "The magistrates just confirmed it. His heart failed on the ambulance gurney in the courtyard. The medical team couldn't revive him."
"His death triggered the failsafe," Leo shouted, frantically typing on the console as crimson warnings replaced the amber interface. "Claire programmed this terminal to respond to Arthur’s death! If Arthur died while the trust was still contested, the system was built to release the child and purge all external data drives so Arthur’s overseas backers couldn't trace her!"
"Then what’s the problem?" Daniel demanded, looking up as a mechanical grinding noise echoed from the drainage channels around the pod.
"The coolant lines!" Leo cried, pointing to the frosted copper pipes feeding the capsule. "They’re venting! Because the manor’s primary grid was cut by the magistrates upstairs, the automated drain pump doesn't have enough auxiliary voltage to siphon the fluid safely! If the fluid doesn't drain in ninety seconds, the pod will initiate an emergency pressure vent—the shockwave will rupture the internal chamber!"
Daniel didn't hesitate. He stripped off his coat and moved toward the manual release valve mounted on the base of the cylinder. "Commander! Help me with this wheel! We have to bypass the digital lock!"
The two men threw their combined weight against the heavy cast-iron valve. Rust and crystallized coolant resisted their efforts, sending sharp screeching sounds through the chamber. Below them, the floor grated as valves shuddered under immense pressure.
"Sixty seconds!" Leo yelled, watching the pressure gauge spike toward the red line. "Dad, the digital interlock is overriding the valve! It needs Claire’s vocal authorization or a matching retinal scan!"
"Claire isn't here, Leo!" Daniel shouted, his muscles straining against the iron wheel.
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"You have her ring!" Leo shouted back, pointing at Daniel's hand. "The wedding band you kept after she died! Look at the interior bezel—it’s not an inscription, Dad! It’s a micro-printed biometric pattern!"
***
