A wall of frosted glass separates the boardroom from the icy abyss of the Swiss Alps. Snow falls in heavy drifts, silent and unyielding against the jagged peaks. Inside, the dim glow of monitors casts eerie shadows on the twelve figures seated around an imposing, circular table. Each figure's identity remains shrouded, their faces hidden beneath hooded silhouettes, but their presence radiates authority and menace.

Marcus Raine stands before them, his expression taut with controlled fury. He's still bruised from his encounter with Dan Archer during the Outback operation, but the pain fuels his resolve. "The Outback facility is gone," Marcus begins, his voice steady despite the sting of the admission. "Archer and his team destroyed it. Strain Theta is compromised."

One of the figures leans forward, their voice sharp and cutting. "And you let it happen. You were supposed to eliminate Archer."

Marcus narrows his eyes but doesn't falter. "I underestimated his team. But the mission wasn't a failure. We've gathered critical data from the operation, and Archer has no idea how deep this goes."

Another figure speaks, their tone cold and calculating. "We don't care about Archer's ignorance. What matters is Erebus. Is the AI ready for deployment?"

Marcus nods. "Phase one is complete. The global infrastructure tests begin in forty-eight hours. Once activated, Erebus will cripple financial systems and disrupt power grids worldwide. Governments won't know where to turn."

A murmur of approval ripples through the room, but one figure raises their hand, silencing the others. Their voice is deeper, more commanding. "Archer is still a loose end. He's unpredictable. Dangerous. And he's closer to uncovering the truth than you think."

Marcus stiffens, his jaw tightening. "Leave Archer to me."

The commanding figure leans back, their hood casting a shadow over their face. "See that you don't fail again, Raine. Loose ends are unacceptable."

As Marcus leaves the room, the figures turn their attention to the monitors, where streams of data flow like rivers of light. The words Phase One: Erebus Activation flash across the screens, signaling the dawn of a new global threat.