The VTOL\u2019s engine hummed a steady, familiar rhythm beneath Lianna\u2019s calloused hands\u2014a cadence etched into her muscle memory from decades of flying under relentless pressure. Outside the cockpit, the barren Arctic tundra unfurled in an endless expanse of white and slate gray, where ice and permafrost merged into a featureless horizon. The low sun, barely holding back dusk, stretched long, angular shadows over the crystalline snow\u2014a stark reminder that even in August, this place brooked no warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They called it the Arctic Collider, though that label scarcely conveyed its true nature. Tucked away on Ellesmere Island, just northwest of Greenland, the installation lay concealed beneath centuries of ice. As the VTOL descended, the facility\u2019s floodlights slashed through the dim northern twilight, revealing a sprawling, military-grade complex designed for operations where the margin for error was razor-thin. The surface structures\u2014a raised landing pad, strategically positioned watchtowers, and reinforced geodesic domes\u2014masked the collider buried deep within the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engineered for year-round use, the landing pad jutted defiantly from the ice, its design a testament to human ingenuity in extreme conditions. Even in summer, ambient temperatures hovered just above freezing; by winter, they could plunge to -50\u00b0C without mercy. Along the perimeter, an imposing eight-foot wall stood as a silent sentinel against the relentless elements, while the compound\u2019s other outcroppings broke through the thinning ice like determined outposts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To the east, a six-reactor nuclear plant provided the facility\u2019s lifeblood, its cooling towers exhaling calculated plumes of steam into the frosty air. Lianna\u2019s eyes, sharp and unyielding from years of field duty, fixed on the glowing stacks\u2014every indicator on her HUD confirmed that the site was at full operational capacity. Bright perimeter lights blazed like tactical beacons against the encroaching dusk, vital in a region that saw only five hours of daylight at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her heads-up display refreshed with precision:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A synthesized voice\u2014smooth, almost devoid of emotion\u2014announced, “Landing conditions stable. Adjusting approach vector for northern crosswinds.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna\u2019s gaze narrowed as she gripped the control stick with unwavering determination. \u201cI\u2019ve got it,\u201d she murmured, overriding the auto-pilot with a series of deliberate, fluid motions honed by years of hard-earned experience. A swift flick of a lever\u2014it\u2019s cool metal reassuring beneath her fingertips\u2014silenced an errant alert that dared to disrupt her focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beside her, Aldin Carter, the wide-eyed co-pilot still wet behind the ears and raised on AI-dependence, offered a lighthearted comment. \u201cYou know, you could let the AI handle the descent. These systems are built to auto-correct.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna\u2019s steely eyes met his, carrying a lifetime of hard-won lessons. \u201cIn a high-stakes zone like this,\u201d she replied evenly, \u201cI don\u2019t leave my fate to algorithms. What if a sensor glitches or the core overloads? Machines can\u2019t account for every variable.\u201d There was no malice in her tone\u2014only the measured certainty of someone who\u2019d seen too many close calls to trust blindly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aldin shrugged, his youthful confidence a stark contrast to her battle-scarred pragmatism. \u201cThe redundancies are in place, Lianna. Multiple fail-safes guarantee stability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A wry smile tugged at her lips. \u201cAnd if the fail-safes fail?\u201d she challenged softly. For her, reliance on human instinct was not a luxury\u2014it was a necessity forged in the crucible of countless missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her fingers danced over the console as she verified sensor readouts and dispatched an encrypted status update to the crew. \u201cGreen light for landing,\u201d she announced crisply. \u201cExpect touchdown in under a minute. Ambient readings are deceptive\u2014nearly freezing outside. With nightfall imminent, every second is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turning to Aldin, she laid down the next directive. \u201cYou stay with the ship. I\u2019m leading the protective detail. When you receive my encrypted code for immediate takeoff, keep the VTOL hovering and ready to maneuver.\u201d She noted his company badge\u2014Aldin Carter\u2014and while his potential was evident, her trust was reserved for the years she\u2019d spent in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnderstood?\u201d she prompted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aldin\u2019s eyes remained fixed on the rapidly approaching landing zone as he nodded. \u201cYes, ma\u2019am. I\u2019ll have her ready at a moment\u2019s notice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWatch and learn,\u201d Lianna replied with a half-smirk before initiating a refined descent sequence. With a series of calculated commands, she throttled the engines down gradually, then executed a sharp lateral pull. The VTOL pivoted in a controlled, almost balletic spin\u2014thrust vectoring and momentum dancing in precise harmony\u2014before resuming its smooth, rapid descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aldin\u2019s quiet awe was barely masked as he observed the maneuver. \u201cI\u2019ll never get used to that,\u201d he admitted, his voice a mix of admiration and disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the finesse of a seasoned pilot whose reputation had been forged in adversity, Lianna guided the VTOL onto the landing pad with surgical precision. A final cascade of button presses shut down the engines and engaged the landing protocol seamlessly. \u201cTime to see why they needed a guardian with more than just technical know-how,\u201d she thought, unbuckling and striding purposefully toward the rear of the cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the door slid open, the rest of the crew was already methodically gearing up\u2014each silent, precise movement a testament to the gravity of their mission. In that charged moment, Lianna Kade\u2014steely, battle-hardened, and unapologetically human\u2014embodied the relentless spirit required to operate at the edge of technology and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember, this is just a meeting\u2014you’re all here in case things become more,\u201d barked Arnold Rothsman, one of the two suited men they were paid to protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without missing a beat, Lianna shot back with a wry smile, \u201cDon’t worry\u2014if things turn bad, we’ll be out as fast as you can run.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold, a girthy man nearly triple the size of his partner, growled, \u201cI don’t pay you for your mouth\u2014I pay you for your skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theodore Von Ellis, the lean partner in a crisp cream suit, broke the tension. \u201cArnold, let her do her job. You don\u2019t always have to berate the hired help,\u201d he chided, straightening his suit. \u201cThey know why they\u2019re here. Let\u2019s get moving\u2014I\u2019m eager to see where the project is currently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold Rothsman, massive and brash, snorted dismissively. \u201cTheodore, we\u2019re not friends\u2014we\u2019re business partners, and I hold 60%. Best you remember that.\u201d He grunted, rocking back and forth to build momentum until, with an awkward burst, he leaped up; catching the VTOL\u2019s edge just as he lost forward movement, he steadied himself. His disheveled navy blue suit did little to hide his rugged bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow that everyone\u2019s ready, let\u2019s make our way,\u201d Lianna commanded. The crew\u2014each concealing weapons\u2014stepped off with practiced precision. Though this was a science facility, they weren\u2019t here to blend in; they were here to protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Lianna turned to check on Theodore, Arnold shoved him aside and strode out first. Lianna noted Theodore\u2019s agitation as he chose to brush it aside. \u201cLet\u2019s move\u2014I hate the cold,\u201d Arnold grumbled, brushing past her with dismissive haste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unperturbed, Lianna silently observed that Arnold\u2019s clumsiness and lack of agility could prove problematic if a rapid response were required. Still, she was resolved to protect these men with her life if need be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over her comms, the tower\u2019s voice crackled instructions: \u201cProceed down the stairs; the main entrance is below the landing pad. Most transit here occurs underground.\u201d Lianna paused for Theodore, then followed behind while two armed personnel remained with Aldin at the VTOL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methodically, she tapped her comm, \u201cAldin, copy?\u201d After a brief silence came a light pop, \u201cYes, ma\u2019am. I hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood. Keep this line clear\u2014I\u2019ll reach out if anything happens,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they approached the edge of the landing platform, a circular staircase wrapped around the exterior, spiraling downward. Arnold descended with all the grace of a man unused to exertion, his heavy breaths punctuating each step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow much money\u2026 have we poured into this place\u2026 and they didn\u2019t install a damn elevator?\u201d he grumbled between labored inhales. Theodore offered a faint smile. \u201cThey\u2019re scientists, Arnold. Functionality first, luxury never.\u201d Arnold\u2019s only response was a grunt, his breathing the loudest sound as the group unconsciously slowed to match his pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At last, they reached the entrance. Heavy, insulated doors slid open with a quiet mechanical buzz, releasing a brief rush of warm air\u2014jarring after the near-freezing temperatures outside. The entryway was precise, pragmatic: polished red-tiled floors met light gray walls, while daylight-mimicking fixtures bathed the ceiling in an even, shadowless glow. After a moment to adjust, the team moved forward, passing through a narrow archway that led to a side hall and an awaiting security checkpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A technician in a crisp blue-and-white uniform stepped forward. \u201cWe\u2019ve been expecting you, Mr. Rothsman, Mr. Von Ellis.\u201d His tone was measured, professional. \u201cAnother ship is scheduled to arrive soon\u2014this one from the south, a science sortie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna\u2019s eyes flicked toward him, then over her crew, her silence speaking louder than words. Arnold barely acknowledged the statement. \u201cWho cares? Everyone we need is already here. Take us to the meeting room.\u201d His tone was brusque, authoritative, his impatience bleeding through. The technician hesitated\u2014clearly unaccustomed to such blunt defiance toward the science branch\u2014but recovered quickly. \u201cUh, yes, sir. This way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold strode ahead without waiting for anyone else, his pace forcing the group to follow. The corridors widened as they moved deeper into the facility, transitioning from narrow, utilitarian spaces to larger, more cavernous halls. Some sections featured transparent ceilings, revealing the thin ice overhead\u2014a fragile barrier between them and the brutal elements above. Faint, filtered light seeped through the ice, mingling with strategically placed artificial illumination that flickered on as they passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personnel moved efficiently around them, clad in similar uniforms, each absorbed in a task too important to be interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of a long, echoing hallway, the meeting room came into view. Unlike the stark corridors, this space had a distinct presence\u2014its walls sculpted from a single piece of ice, their contours mimicking the natural lines of the glacier above. The effect was both intimate and imposing, a deliberate fusion of human ingenuity and the raw power of nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold\u2019s impatience shattered the quiet. \u201cHow long until the others get here? I hate waiting.\u201d The technician raised his arm and tapped a discreet panel on his wrist\u2014a sleek augmented reality interface. Lianna recognized the technology immediately. This wasn\u2019t some consumer-grade system; it was high-level, designed to interact with the facility\u2019s network of sensors and cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a moment, he responded, \u201cThey\u2019re moving this way now.\u201d Arnold grumbled but slid into a chair, making a show of settling in with exaggerated frustration. A low, indistinct rumble reverberated through the room. Not loud, but deep. Felt more than heard. Lianna instinctively scanned the space, watching the technician\u2019s face as he checked his readouts. His expression remained neutral, though his fingers moved a little faster over the controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breaking the tension, Theodore\u2019s calm voice cut through. \u201cHow long until it\u2019s at full power?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The technician hesitated before answering. \u201cThe reactor itself is functional\u2014that was our first milestone. But we\u2019re still recalibrating. When the original crew tried to destroy this facility, they didn\u2019t do a thorough job. Just enough to make restarting a nightmare. Until diagnostics are complete, we won\u2019t know the full extent of the damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold cracked his neck and muttered under his breath, \u201cWe know what they did. We\u2019ve run our own tests. What matters now is getting it operational.\u201d Theodore turned to him, his tone measured. \u201cRushing this could lead to catastrophic failures. Better to do it right now than spend years fixing mistakes.\u201d Then, shifting his focus back to the technician, he added, \u201cYour name?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOwen, sir,\u201d the man replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna noted the exchange, her instincts kicking in. She signaled subtly to her team, prompting them to spread out, positioning themselves strategically around the room. Her gaze flicked to the long, central table\u2014crafted for function but not devoid of comfort. The kind of place where long discussions happened, where critical decisions were made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Footsteps echoed down the corridor. Heavy. Measured. Disciplined. Four soldiers entered first, their movements crisp, scanning the space with the detached efficiency of men trained for control rather than simple protection. Another six followed, forming a tight formation. A presence of force, but not a show of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna remained still, neutral but alert. She wasn\u2019t here for them. Her focus was on Arnold and Theodore. But as she scanned the newcomers, something caught her attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A man walked between them. Not a soldier. Not a scientist. He wasn\u2019t restrained, but he wasn\u2019t entirely free, either. He moved differently\u2014slightly out of sync, but not resisting. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes\u2026 his eyes were active. Scanning. Calculating. Assembling pieces of an unseen puzzle. Who was he?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She let the question settle in her mind. It didn\u2019t take long to get her answer. Arnold barely spared a glance before scoffing. \u201cIs that him?\u201d Dismissive. Detached. Like he was checking an inventory list, not addressing a person. Theodore, by contrast, gave a small nod, his voice polite, devoid of hostility. \u201cCommander Mercer. Hope they weren\u2019t too hard on you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna\u2019s mind clicked into place. Reid Mercer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She had heard the name before. Lunar operations. Fusion projects. A man who pushed boundaries. A name spoken with equal parts admiration and frustration. Some called him a genius. Others, a liability. But what the hell was he doing here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her eyes flicked back to him, picking up details she had overlooked. The faint scruff on his jaw, like he hadn\u2019t bothered to shave. The subtle tension in his stance\u2014not fear, not defiance. Just\u2026 patience. Like a man waiting for the picture to complete itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He still hadn\u2019t spoken. He didn\u2019t need to. Whatever was happening here, one thing was clear\u2014he was just starting to figure it out himself. Arnold, however, was perfectly at ease. \u201cWell, now that everyone\u2019s here, we can finally talk. Glad my friends got you here in one piece,\u201d he said, making no effort to rise from his seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTheodore tells me about your work,\u201d Arnold continued, his voice carrying the smug satisfaction of a man who already knew the answers. \u201cGraduated with honors from one of the most prestigious universities out there. But you never joined the white-coat crowd. Never joined the military either, yet you live by a military code.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pushed back in his chair, attempting to get comfortable, but his girth made the effort futile. The chair creaked under the strain, barely keeping him upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reid remained silent, still reading the room. Arnold smirked. \u201cYou think that little misstep got you grounded? Please. They didn\u2019t sideline you because of that. They had you there because you push limits. But even today, money goes a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He reached into his inner pocket and retrieved a thick cigar. With practiced ease, he clipped the end, then lit it with a gleaming silver lighter. Taking a slow drag, he exhaled a ribbon of smoke before continuing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI paid her to bring you back,\u201d he said, gesturing upward. \u201cShe just had to wait for the right excuse to make it look legit so people didn\u2019t suspect bribery. Your team pulled some good data on that last run, or so I\u2019m told.\u201d He flicked his cigar toward the table, hesitated as if looking for an ashtray, then shrugged and tapped the ash onto the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna watched Reid closely, trying to gauge his reaction. From what she knew, he wasn\u2019t the type to stay quiet for long. Finally, he spoke, his tone cool and measured. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold grinned. \u201cIt\u2019s not what I want. It\u2019s what you want. And what you want gets me what I need.\u201d Reid leaned back slightly, unimpressed. \u201cWell, what I want is to get out of here. And what you need is some gym time and willpower.\u201d Lianna tensed instinctively, waiting for Arnold to react. He frowned but didn\u2019t take the bait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want the same thing,\u201d Arnold said instead, his voice dipping into something more deliberate. \u201cFusion.\u201d He took another slow drag. \u201cYou\u2019ve hit a wall, and you don\u2019t have the answer. I\u2019ve found an answer. I just need a man willing to explore it.\u201d Reid\u2019s posture shifted slightly, interest flickering in his eyes despite himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold saw it too and pressed forward, straining as he leaned over the table. Lianna could practically hear his heart rate increase. \u201cYou\u2019re attacking the same problem from every angle and expecting a different outcome. What if we had something new to stabilize the fusion?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reid straightened, his sharp mind already processing possibilities. Lianna didn\u2019t fully understand the jargon, but she knew enough to tell that whatever Arnold was suggesting was big. Reid\u2019s voice remained cool. \u201cAnd how exactly do you plan on stabilizing fusion?\u201d Arnold barely opened his mouth before Reid cut in, smirking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe only thing you seem to fuse is whatever chair you plant your ass on. With all that pressure, maybe you are the answer to fusion stabilization.\u201d He gestured vaguely. \u201cI mean, you\u2019ve got the gravitational mass for it. That\u2019s promising.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A beat of silence. Then Theodore exhaled sharply through his nose, amused despite himself. Arnold didn\u2019t laugh, but he didn\u2019t lash out either. Instead, he let the moment settle, then took another long pull from his cigar, his lips curling into something that wasn\u2019t quite a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna wasn\u2019t focused on the humor. She was watching the shift\u2014the undercurrent beneath the words. Arnold wasn\u2019t just talking; he was maneuvering. This wasn\u2019t some vague, theoretical pitch\u2014he had something real. And the most telling part? Reid was listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a calculated pause in the way Arnold delivered his words, a moment of deliberate restraint. He was setting the hook, waiting for the bite. And from what Lianna could see, Reid had already taken it\u2014he just hadn\u2019t realized it yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold leaned back, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. \u201cYou\u2019ll be well compensated,\u201d he said smoothly. \u201cYou\u2019re officially grounded for six months\u2014so I figure you don\u2019t have much going on. And your family?\u201d He waved the cigar in the air, embers flaking off lazily. \u201cThey weren\u2019t expecting you back anyway. I doubt you had time to reach them yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The twitch in Reid\u2019s jaw was the only reaction he gave\u2014but it was enough. \u201cAs a matter of fact, I have,\u201d Reid said, voice sharp and even. \u201cAnd they were expecting me until your goons kidnapped me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold waved a dismissive hand, sending another drift of ash to the floor. \u201cKidnapping is a bit dramatic. I\u2019d call it a strong job offer.\u201d He took another pull from the cigar, speaking around the smoke. \u201cYour family will understand once you explain. The job\u2019s simple: you lead the research team, get what you want, and we all walk away happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pushed forward in his chair, the wood creaking in protest as he shifted to glance at Theodore. \u201cHow long until this thing is operational?\u201d Theodore exhaled, considering. \u201cIf all goes well? A month.\u201d Arnold laughed, the sound rich with certainty. \u201cOh, it\u2019ll go well. We\u2019ve pumped enough into this project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He finally turned his full attention back to Reid, struggling to pivot in the chair. His weight made the effort slow and cumbersome, but Arnold didn\u2019t seem to care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter this meeting, you won\u2019t be kept any longer,\u201d Arnold continued, tapping excess ash onto the floor without a second thought. \u201cI\u2019ll have my men take you wherever you want\u2014first-class treatment. I just felt it was important for you to see this facility yourself, rather than some half-assed video call.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled slightly. \u201cPlaces like this have a way of making people think twice about leaving.\u201d Lianna watched Reid closely. There was a shift in his posture, subtle but telling. He was still guarded, but the tension had eased. He was considering it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theodore took the opportunity to press the moment further. \u201cWhen you complete this job,\u201d he said, his voice measured but firm, \u201cyou\u2019ll change the world forever. Not just for you, not just for us\u2014for everyone. Your family will be affected by this. Everyone\u2019s will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reid\u2019s gaze flicked between the men, assessing, calculating. Finally, he leaned back slightly. \u201cSo what\u2019s the catch?\u201d he asked, voice edged with skepticism. \u201cI find this big breakthrough, make a pile of money, and just fly off into the history books?\u201d Arnold let out a snort, shaking his head. \u201cHardly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He took another drag of his cigar, exhaling before speaking. \u201cYou\u2019ll be rich. Your family will be set for generations. And you\u2019ll help solve the energy problem that\u2019s plagued us for centuries.\u201d He tapped the cigar against the table absently. \u201cWhoever cracks true fusion energy doesn\u2019t just make history\u2014they control the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And there it was. The truth. Lianna\u2019s stomach tightened. Now she understood why she was here. This wasn\u2019t just about research, or energy, or even money. This was a power play. Arnold wasn\u2019t some eccentric billionaire chasing a dream. This was bigger\u2014a trillion-dollar gamble on something that, if successful, would give him absolute leverage over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The secrecy suddenly made perfect sense. Lianna had seen men like him before\u2014arrogant, crude, self-serving. But Arnold wasn\u2019t just throwing money at an idea\u2014he had a plan. And he was making sure the right people played their roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reid\u2019s gaze moved between the men, then scanned the room, taking in the silent figures surrounding them. Too many unknowns. Too many hands in this pot. \u201cI don\u2019t appreciate being played like a pawn,\u201d he said finally, his voice even but edged with irritation. \u201cBut\u2026 you do have my curiosity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He exhaled, running a hand over his jaw before continuing. \u201cIf I take this on, it\u2019s not for glory or money. I\u2019ll take the money\u2014for my family. But I don\u2019t answer to you. If this project has a real shot at breaking the barrier, I bring my own people. I don\u2019t trust you. Or anyone in this room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold snorted, shaking his head. But the slight curl at the edge of his lips betrayed amusement rather than offense. \u201cOf course,\u201d Arnold said, his tone almost patronizing. \u201cThis is a simple proposal, Mercer. I pay you to get results. I don\u2019t care how you get them. This is private sector\u2014no government red tape, no bureaucratic meddling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pause. Lianna watched Reid carefully. He was calculating, turning the information over in his head, dissecting every angle. Arnold saw it too. \u201cOh, don\u2019t give me that look, Reid.\u201d He grinned, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. \u201cWe both know your answer. You were already going to say yes the minute you walked in here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, with a lazy shrug, he added, \u201cAnd for the record? Those power-hungry snakes in the government already signed off on this. Took some convincing, but in the end? It\u2019s a bargain compared to the payout.\u201d He flicked the last of the cigar\u2019s ash onto the floor without a second thought. Then, out of habit, he reached toward the table\u2014hesitated\u2014and instead tossed the spent cigar filter to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna felt the shift settle into place. This mission was never just a routine security detail. They\u2019d been told it was simple\u2014escort Arnold and Theodore to a meeting, ensure safe passage back. Nothing more. But they were all pawns in something bigger. Reid\u2019s distaste was obvious, but Lianna didn\u2019t mind. So long as the pay was good, the mission stayed clear-cut, and no moral lines were crossed, she would do her job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold leaned forward slightly, his voice dipping into something smoother, more persuasive. \u201cThis is my one and only offer.\u201d His eyes locked onto Reid\u2019s, confident. \u201cYou run this experiment. You get the results I want.\u201d Then he let the weight of the next words land. \u201cYour compensation will be one hundred million. Tax-free.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna flicked a glance toward Reid. If that number meant anything to him, he didn\u2019t show it. He remained still, unreadable. But she knew he was considering it. Finally, Reid exhaled through his nose and spoke, his voice casual, almost indifferent. \u201cI pick my crew. They\u2019re compensated the same. And I see my family before we start.\u201d His eyes met Arnold\u2019s, unwavering. \u201cThat\u2019s my final offer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A long silence. Arnold\u2019s expression didn\u2019t change. Lianna had only been around him for a short time, but she already knew one thing\u2014he didn\u2019t care about the cost. Money, pride, morality\u2014none of it mattered. Only results. Arnold finally gave a small, satisfied nod. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have offered you anything less.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna shifted slightly, a quiet realization settling in. She\u2019d signed up for a simple job. It wasn\u2019t simple anymore. Arnold exhaled and leaned back, motioning with his hand. \u201cWell, now that it\u2019s settled, you\u2019re free to go. My men will take you wherever you tell them.\u201d He gave Reid a final glance. \u201cJust be ready for the call.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, with obvious reluctance, he made an attempt to get up. His large frame shifted in the chair as he scooted forward slightly. Then, rocking back and forth in small bursts, he gained momentum with each sway. Finally, with a grunt of effort, he launched himself upward, gripping the table to stabilize himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a brief second, he stood there, catching his breath. Then he turned to Lianna. \u201cNo need to stick around any longer. I\u2019ll be much happier once we\u2019re out of this frozen hellhole.\u201d Reid smirked at the sight. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be much happier after a couple of meals. That looked like it took a lot of energy.\u201d He gave a mock-considering look. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll discover a way to move you around a little more gracefully while we\u2019re at it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold scowled. \u201cGet out of here before I change my mind.\u201d Reid turned toward the man who had led the unit that brought him here. \u201cHow does it feel,\u201d he asked dryly, \u201cto be a babysitter for the world\u2019s largest eyesore?\u201d The man didn\u2019t respond, his expression impassive. Instead, he glanced toward Arnold, waiting for direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reid smirked. \u201cI see you feel the same way.\u201d He rolled his shoulders, then gestured loosely toward the exit. \u201cWell, now you\u2019re my taxi, so take me home.\u201d Again, the man looked to Arnold for confirmation. Arnold exhaled heavily, waving his cigar-stained fingers dismissively. \u201cI told you already. Take him back. We\u2019ll call when he\u2019s needed.\u201d The man gave a curt nod before turning back to Reid. \u201cFine. This way.\u201d He pivoted and stepped toward the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reid turned slightly, catching Lianna\u2019s gaze. His smirk widened. \u201cYou look a little small to be guarding that mass.\u201d He gave a small nod toward Arnold. \u201cBe careful. Big target.\u201d Lianna didn\u2019t respond, but her expression remained neutral, unmoved by the remark. She simply watched as the military unit moved to escort Reid out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arnold let out a breath, his frame still laboring slightly from the effort of standing. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t need that bastard,\u201d he muttered, voice tinged with irritation, \u201cI\u2019d leave him at the bottom of the ocean.\u201d Theodore chuckled as he straightened his suit. \u201cYou\u2019re not paying him for his polite demeanor, Arnold. You\u2019re paying him for what he can do.\u201d He tilted his head, considering. \u201cFrankly, I found him rather charming, all things considered.\u201d Arnold grunted. \u201cCharming. Right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theodore sighed, brushing nonexistent dust from his sleeve. \u201cThe consortium is confident this will work.\u201d His voice was quieter now, more introspective. \u201cGod help them if it doesn\u2019t.\u201d He gave Arnold a sideways glance. \u201cYou\u2019re spending a lot on their dream.\u201d Arnold snorted. \u201cIt\u2019s not a dream if it works.\u201d Then he turned to Lianna. \u201cLet\u2019s get the hell out of here. I\u2019m not staying a night in this frozen pit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lianna gave a silent nod, stepping aside as Arnold braced himself against the table for balance. Just as he was about to push forward\u2014Hurried footsteps echoed down the hall. Arnold stilled, his irritation flashing across his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStop this insanity!\u201d The voice rang down the corridor, sharp with anger. Lianna immediately moved between Arnold and Theodore, her stance shifting subtly into defensive readiness. With a slight motion, she signaled to her team. They repositioned smoothly, not reaching for their weapons, but ready to if needed. A moment later, a figure came into view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man was older, his full beard streaked with gray, his clothes more utilitarian than refined. His stance, his presence\u2014he didn\u2019t look like a scientist or military personnel. He looked like a worker. Arnold sighed loudly, rolling his eyes as if this were nothing more than an inconvenience. \u201cDamn it. Another protester.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three more figures followed behind the older man. The first was tall\u2014easily six-three\u2014broad-shouldered and built like someone who had worked hard his entire life. He wasn\u2019t large in the way Arnold was. This was muscle, not excess. His features suggested African or Middle Eastern descent, and his stance was measured, deliberate. Not impulsive, but ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind him, a shorter man and a heavier-set woman moved forward. The woman was speaking in urgent, hushed tones, her hands gesturing as she tried to calm the older man. But Lianna could tell she wasn\u2019t just here to hold him back\u2014she had something to say, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All three wore scientific attire, but only one of them looked like he belonged to authority. The older man was in charge. Lianna could feel it. As she observed, Theodore took a step forward, placing himself at the front of their group. Arnold crossed his arms, exhaling through his nose. But it was Theodore that spoke. \u201cAh,\u201d he said with a knowing smirk. \u201cI was wondering when you\u2019d show up.\u201d His gaze locked onto the older man, the familiarity evident. \u201cIt\u2019s been a while, Rowan.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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