Chapter 72: Into the Desert

The heat of the North African desert starkly contrasted with the biting cold of the Arctic. The sun persistently hammered down, creating deep shadows over the barren landscape. The team’s transport plane skimmed low over the sand, the engines humming softly as Ava, Lucas, and Callum prepared for the next stage of their mission. They were close now—closer than ever to stopping Project Eclipse. But Ava couldn’t shake the weight of what still lay ahead. This was their last chance. The third and final encryption code was hidden beneath the desert's sands, inside one of Meridian’s most secure installations. If they failed to retrieve it in time, Eclipse would go live, and the world would be plunged into chaos. “Jess,” Ava said into her comms, her voice steady despite the tension. “What’s the latest on the facility? Any movement from Meridian?” Jess’s voice came through, calm but urgent. “I’ve been monitoring the network, and Meridian is already on high alert. They know you’re coming, and