​Intermission 3. Michael

Michael was inside the cell. A sterile chamber meant only for data processing, deaf to any outside interference. His body remained perfectly still: gestures and movement were unnecessary. Everything happened in the mind.

A data packet marked with a red priority flag dropped straight into his consciousness — not as text or video, but as a raw block of information.

Final log of Agent Cassiel.

Processing required 0.7 seconds. The sequence unfolded: coordinates, target biometrics, audio telemetry, bullet trajectories. An identifier transmitted under duress. Nothing critical — just an identification code from another agent. Fracture of C1-C2 vertebrae. Static. Loss of signal.

The protocol had failed. Unanticipated variable: weapon susceptible under torture.

Michael issued a direct request to the technical division:

> Protocol update. Highest priority. Condition: threat of compromise. Action: forced disconnection from the servers.

The analysis of subject Eliza Dahmer was completed even before the update was sent. The status shifted: “research” replaced with “existential threat.” Further observation was deemed irrelevant.

The next impulse went out to three tactical teams. Short, like an electric spark:

> Target: Eliza Dahmer. Priority: highest. Directive: capture.