EPISODE 4: THE SIEGE ## CHAPTER 1: THE REINFORCEMENTS They came with specialists. Marcus watched through a crack in the ancient wall as new figures entered the exploratory heading—not the tactical team from before, but something different. Men and women in what looked like medical gear, carrying equipment that hummed with electronic frequencies. "What are they doing?" Sarah whispered. "Trying to counter the guardian's effect." Victor's voice was grim. "They've had seventy years to study this mine. They must have some understanding of how the chamber's defenses work." One of the specialists approached the gap, wearing a helmet that covered his entire head, wires trailing to a backpack unit. He moved slowly, deliberately, and this time he didn't stop at the threshold. He pushed through. Marcus and the others pressed themselves into the shadows as the specialist emerged into the chamber, his headlamp sweeping across the ancient structures. His movements were jerky, mechanical—the helmet suppressing the fear that would have stopped an unprotected person. "Target location confirmed," the man spoke into a radio. His voice was monotone, sedated. "Three subjects detected. Proceeding with acquisition." More specialists followed. Three, then five, then seven—all wearing the same neural-dampening helmets, all moving with the same drugged deliberation. They spread through the chamber, cutting off escape routes, hemming in the three survivors. "Guardian,"...