He came forretrieval.
Which means—
This is not the end.
This is the opening move.
Malenkov straightens slowly, smoothing his jacket, forcing his breathing back into order. Control is not lost yet.
It has simply shifted.
Pierce believes he has won.
Jonah believes he has escaped.
They are wrong.
Because Malenkov does not need prisons to break men.
He needs time.
And war always gives you more time than you think.
He turns toward the remaining displays, eyes hard, mind already moving.
“Activate contingency Black Crown,” he says.
The technician pales. “Sir, that protocol—”
“—exists for a reason,” Malenkov finishes coldly. “And Ronan Pierce has just reminded me why.”
The screens begin to change again.
New files.
New targets.
New rules.
Malenkov allows himself a thin, dangerous smile.
They took his prisoners.
They humiliated him.
They think the board is clear.
But wars are not won by rescuing the wounded.
They are won by deciding who bleeds next.
And Malenkov has just chosen.
72
Jonah
Location: Forest Ridge → Extraction Corridor
