The chamber's door hissed open. Lucas stumbled out, collapsing into Chief Argo's arms. His breaths were ragged, sweat-soaked hair plastered to his pale forehead. His vision blurred around the edges.
"Help me," he croaked.
Argo reacted instantly, scooping Lucas into his arms and signaling sharply for his team to follow.
Two officers helped clear the corridor. Argo barked into his comm: "Send staff, now. Diana, Yuin—get him to the medics!"
Diana and Yuin—tempered, capable professionals—hustled forward, gently easing Lucas onto a gurney.
"Just hold on," Diana whispered, slipping Lucas's limp arm through the IV strap.
Lucas's eyes flickered open briefly. "The signal—sent…" His voice dwindled.
Yuin nodded. "It went through. They know where we are."
Argo closed his eyes for a moment, steadying himself. "Copy. Commencing primary operation: take Naehr—now."
