The federal trade data hub sat behind three reinforced security gates. Elena parked the vehicle at the visitor checkpoint. Alexander handed two sealed clearance envelopes through the guard booth slot. The guard scanned the barcodes. Screen flashed yellow. Pending verification. He typed a query into the terminal. Pulled up the patent activation codes. Cross-referenced them against the federal executive override registry. Screen turned green. He handed back two laminated access badges.
"Terminal access requires dual escort," the guard said. "Follow the yellow line to checkpoint two. Badge scanners active. No deviation. Do not enter restricted server aisles. Violation triggers immediate lockdown."
