Page 76 of Undercover Infidel
“Kick it away,” Bennett ordered.
I complied, watching it skid across the polished floor.
“Now, step away from the console.”
As I moved back, McLaren approached, her attention divided between me and the neural interface, which continued its ominous power build.
“You’re working with Orlov,” I said, the betrayal bitter in my mouth.
“I’ve been working with Viktor for twenty years,” McLaren corrected, reaching the control station. “Since long before either MI6 or Unit 23 understood what we were developing.”
“You led us here,” Lex said, her voice taut as she remained in Bennett’s grip. “The entire operation was a setup.”
Bennett’s laugh held no warmth. “Not initially. We needed to monitor your progress, keep you chasing shadows while we completed the final phase.”
“But your expertise became essential when we encountered integration issues,” McLaren added, fingers moving across the control surface. “The defensive algorithms wouldn’t stabilize.”
“Defensive?” I challenged. “You’re building a weapon of mass disruption.”
“It was never meant to be a weapon!” McLaren’s voice rose with unexpected passion. “The neural interface was designed as a shield—a way to protect essential infrastructure during conflicts while allowing targeted, minimal force against military objectives.”
“Targeted weapons still kill people,” Lex countered.
“Fewer than conventional warfare,” Bennett retorted. “Thatwas the original intent—precision that would minimize civilian casualties.”
McLaren’s expression darkened. “Until Viktor saw the true potential. Not just acting as a shield, but actively targeting whatever anyone wanted. Beyond military communications, power grids, hospital systems, and air traffic control—anything with an electronic signature.”
“Mass devastation,” I concluded.
Bennett’s grip on Lex tightened. “We discovered his plans eight months ago. Evidence of contracted attacks against sixteen nations simultaneously—enough to trigger global chaos and allow certain interests to consolidate power.”
“So you’ve been trying to stop him?” Lex asked, disbelief evident in her tone.
“We needed access to the core programming,” McLaren explained, her fingers still working at the console. “But Viktor compartmentalized everything after he realized we had doubts.”
“The threats against you at Blackmoor,” Bennett continued. “We orchestrated them, trying to separateyou from Carnegie. We needed your expertise without drawing attention to our involvement.”
“You’re saying you’re the good guys?” I scoffed, inching imperceptibly closer.
“We didn’t have a choice!” McLaren snapped. “Viktor is activating the system today. If we don’t complete the countermeasure algorithm, millions will die when he demonstrates its ‘limited capabilities’ to his financial backers.”
“And you need Lex because?” I pressed, gauging the distance between us.
“It takes two people to complete the countermeasures and sabotage the entire system,” McLaren explained, desperation edging into her voice. “One to stabilize the neural mapping while another corrupts the targeting parameters. I can’t do it alone.”
“You expect us to trust you?” Lex demanded, still struggling against Bennett’s grip.
“You don’t have to trust us,” Bennett replied. “But if you want to stop Orlov, you need us.”
A new alarm sounded—more urgent, more final than those still blaring throughout the facility.
“He’s here,” McLaren whispered, her face paling. “Viktor is initiating the final preparations.”
Bennett’s attention wavered for a fraction of a second—enough for Lex to drive her elbow into his solar plexus. As he doubled over, gasping, she twisted free, ducking low as his weapon discharged wildly.
I lunged forward and retrieved my sidearm. Before I could aim, the laboratory doors burst open and Orlov entered, flanked by at least a dozen armed operatives in tactical gear.
“Evelyn,” the Russian scientist called, his gaunt face registering surprise rather than alarm. “What is happening here?”
