As night deepened, the streets were nearly empty under the city's full lockdown, save for uniformed patrols. The few civilians who were out walked hurriedly, afraid of drawing trouble.

At that moment, a ten-man patrol unit approached the small courtyard where Warrick was hiding.

Leading them was Mulder Frank, a burly man with a buzz cut. After ensuring the street was clear, he stepped forward and knocked on the courtyard door.

The knocking followed a distinct rhythm, like a secret code. After the first knock, there was no response, so he knocked twice more.

On the third knock, the gate finally creaked open a crack. A shadowed figure inside revealed only half their face and muttered in a low, deep voice, "The sun shines bright in the sky."

Without missing a beat, Mulder responded, "I raise my glass and ask the blue sky."

It was the secret code they had set up beforehand.

"Come in, gentlemen. Sir Prescott has been expecting you."

The courtyard door swung open, and Kalen gestured