"Protocol update confirmed," Adam announced.
"Privacy mode engaged. External monitoring disabled."
I opened my eyes slowly.
"New primary directive established."
"Protect Jack Kane's concealed identity. Priority set above all existing protocols."
I exhaled.
The gamble had paid off.
The next day, Paul arrived with a tablet.
On the screen was a 3D face—sharp, handsome, around thirty.
"This is how you looked at that age," he said."To align with public records, facial reconstruction is required."
I stared at the face.
My new mask.
"Proceed."
Cold lights.Anesthesia.Darkness.
When I woke, my face felt tight and swollen.
"Adam."
"Facial reconstruction complete."
The mirror activated.
Alex Wieland stared back at me.
I smiled.
Three days later, the city lay beneath my feet.
"Adam."
"Yes, sir."
"Retrieve all classified files on General Logan."
Data flooded the air.
The Rebirth Program.
The athlete.
Eighty-five percent compatibility.
I issued the orders calmly.
Alter.Block.Erase.
When the display vanished, I leaned back.
Revenge had begun.
"Report."
Adam's voice echoed in my mind.
"General Logan has destroyed all encrypted terminals in his military office."
I did not respond immediately.
I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city at night.
Lights burned brightly. Traffic flowed endlessly.
This was the Weyland empire.
A colossal machine built from capital, power, and lies.
Logan was nothing more than a cog.
The real rot lay with those who believed they were forever untouchable.
I slowly turned around.
My reflection stared back at me in the glass.
The face of Alex Weyland.
Calm. Controlled. Emotionless.
"Adam."
"Yes, sir."
"Notify the board."
I paused.
"Tomorrow morning. Nine o'clock."
"I want everyone present."
A brief silence.
"Command confirmed."
I raised my hand and drew the curtains shut.
Darkness swallowed the city.
"The purge has begun."