# The Crate at Warehouse 4

Synthetic manuscript for the public research demonstration. The people, dialogue and incident are invented; this is not a historical account.

## Chapter 1: The Eastern Gate

Mara stopped beneath the quay lamp. Someone had tried the eastern gate of Warehouse 4. Fresh scratches crossed the lock, and an abandoned crate stood beside the wall.

The night watchman asked her to wait. Beyond the quay, a small launch disappeared into the mist. She could hear its engine long after its lights had vanished.

By dawn, the crate would reach the customs station. Mara stayed behind to write down what she had seen, leaving the officer to explain what the crate contained.