In Lands Command’s underground Command and Control Center, Belga Underville observes Elno Coldhaven manage a tense situation while watching Parliament’s feed. Pedure is identified in the hall, and General Smith’s hostage proposal shocks the room. As Smith steps away, attention shifts to Air Defense alerts of three missile launches from ice subs.

Autologs claim the launches are Accord assets, but conflicting inputs and analog-radio rumors push Coldhaven to conclude the net is compromised. With targets converging on Southmost in minutes, he orders Plan Network Corrupt to isolate command from the networks and use analog and couriers. Parliament descends into panic as impact nears.

Before the isolation can be completed, the CCC blast doors open without authorization. Lieutenant Victory Lighthill—General Smith’s daughter—enters with an armed team and asserts authority to conduct “inspections.” They rapidly control the room, block escapes, and force Coldhaven away from his console, preventing the disconnect.

Amid accusations from Kred Dugway that Smith is a Kindred-aligned traitor, Belga demands to know what reports are real. The Parliament video dies as the dome buckles under nuclear blasts. Lighthill confirms the strike on Southmost is real, even as she maintains control of the CCC to keep it on the net.