Page 232 of Silent Target

“Let them.”

My skin goes cold.

“The evidence they recovered will identify selected members of the Second and Third Circles. Assets whose exposure has already been calculated.”

Fathom swears.

“The files contain sacrifices.”

“Not all of them,” I say. “The murders and financial records are real.”

“But Whitmore decided which members he could afford to lose.”

On the screen, Whitmore continues.

“While governments investigate the names provided, Black Banner will proceed beyond their attention.”

The map changes.

One location begins flashing near Charleston, South Carolina.

ARCHIVE SEVEN.

The same place circled in the journal.

Fathom leans closer.

“That archive isn’t only a backup.”

“What is it?” Rook asks.

“A relay site. Look at the infrastructure connections.”

He highlights fiber routes, shipping lanes, and offshore communication cables.

“Whitmore can use it to contact surviving Black Banner assets around the world.”

The recording ends.

A countdown appears.

ARCHIVE SEVEN ACTIVATION: 71 HOURS.

Cobra studies the timer. “Three days.”

“Less,” Fathom says.

Rook looks toward Mac.

“What will happen when it activates?”

Mac stares at the Charleston marker.

“I don’t know.”

Fear enters his voice.

“Whitmore never discussed Archive Seven in front of me.”