âReally, there is nothing free in this world.â
Notably, it had been a long drive. Uno had to make sure that they were not detected or followed by any prying eyes. As far as he is concerned, both of them are now wanted. Well, it was not different from his previous status. But, he would have guessed he was bumped into the highest spot because of this event. As for her, her normal life is greatly shattered. He would not hold it above the Government if their pictures are shown across the digital screens scattered across the domes as crazed criminals or something. He would need to lay low and figure out how to get those lapdogs out of his hair.
The hoverbike came to a stop as the hood retracted to its storage revealing its passenger. He felt a bit relieved that there had been no obstructions along the way. Looking at the unique girl in his arms, he could tell that she was tired from this whole ordeal. Well, anyone would be when one moment everything was astonishingly normal and the next everything was absurdly fitting for some demented movie. He will be tired as well, however, this is a lifestyle which he had grown up to since he was a young lad. "We're here." He stated as he got off the bike and made sure she was comfortable as much as and went towards a seemingly abandoned house.
Inside, there was nothing different. It was clearly left in shambles by its former owner. His steps echoed through the hollow grounds as he turned into a corner. There he slipped through the gaping walls which overlapped each other giving an illusion that there were no entrances present. Through that narrow passageway were stairs leading downwards into a secret chamber. Once there, they stood before large bolted doors. The scanner located atop the steel frame activated and run a biometric scan of them. "Uno Summus. Please proceed for confirmation. Unidentified personnel. Not Authorized." A computer-generated voice reverberated through with the characteristic of a female.
He stepped towards the control panel which was raised from the ground. Presenting his eyes and his hand for scanning, his identification was confirmed as it flashed through the floating HUD screen. He then spoke. "Activate guest protocols for Stella R. Iaret." There was a moment of processing before an answer was given. "Confirmed. Welcome back Uno Summus and Guest Stella R. Iaret." The bolted doors started unlocking itself in a series of gears and then, it was finally opened as he entered with the girl he was owing a certain degree of debt. Once inside, the doors closed behind them initiating the secure protocols and the lights were turned on as it revealed the room which was rather spacious and homely. It was a studio-type room.
Approaching the couch, he placed her down. He lowered himself to level with her as his eyes of orange inspected the wound she received from the Government Shooter. "It's almost closing up." That was odd in many ways, but she was not normal after all. "So shielding, flying, and now healing. Is there anything you can't do?" He noted with his rather casual tone of faint sarcasm. Taking a deep breath, he stood once more and pointed towards the kitchen area. "If you want to eat, there's food in the fridge. I'll leave you alone for now." He stepped away and proceeded towards his designated bedroom. But then stopped midway when he remembered, "Just shout when you need something." He stated while looking over his shoulder, then left her alone for now.
When, he was now alone. He took off his trench coat and looked at his own damaged self. The shooter obviously shot both of them. He was hit at the lower left lumbar area. By the looks of it, the bullet was still inside and moving was actually painful. However, he ignored it and thankfully the earlier situation they were in provided a good distraction. Now, he was being reminded again with the dizziness and all. He sat at the edge of his bed and would need to treat himself. So, it was no wonder that there was a blood trail in the path he took if one would be observant enough even if it was scarce. This was mainly because of his coat which soaked much of the blood he spilled. Anyway, he shook his head and reached for his med-kit at the nearby table and muttered. "This job sucks..."
âThis mission will be accomplished no matter what.â
Crux did not waste time returning to the Central Authority. It was the main headquarters of the Government. There was something different about him. He exuded a sternness which he had not done earlier. His eyes of ice blue glazed with a degree of intention. He understands that there are certain information that will be withheld in preference of confidentiality. It was fine with him as long as it would not interrupt with his mission parameters. The abilities of Stella R. Iaret were beyond human comprehension. It is true that he had been informed that he might be met with strong retaliation. However, he had categorized it as a human danger not inhumane. Seeing that the girl is able to match against Darcia, he would need full disclosure about the target subject.
The building layout is complex, however, he had already memorized it. So, there was no problem in getting lost. In any case, he has a specific destination in mind. He made his way towards the Military Section and entered the elevator in which the passengers were only him and Darcia. "Supreme General's Office." A feminine voice echoed answered. "Confirmed." As the elevator lifted them to their preferred location, he leaned on the reinforced glass and closed his eyes in thought. He recalled the interactions he had with Stella Iaret and Uno. There were noted traits in his observation which was starting to make sense. Regardless, he would need certification about his conclusions. As for the connection, he could not determined anything except the bizarre twist that Uno was simply a consequence. The employer Remullio Jackson was privy with a data he was not. Purpose? He was not to question it just to understand, so he could plan more better, he could see their next move.
"Supreme General's Office." He opened his eyes and straightened himself as he entered the corridor. The secretary did not stop them as she was already been informed. As for him, he simply gave a nod of acknowledgement to the woman and proceeded on. The doors to the office opened and before them was the one responsible for the whole operation of the Military, the Sword and Shield of the Government, Caine Abernatty. Upon his entrance, he immediately gave a proper salute. Caine's eyes drifted to him and then to Darcia. "At ease." He stated as he glanced at the documents in his hands. "Are you angry Crux?" The question was swiftly answered as Crux relaxed moderately in his stance, "No. I am incapable of that. Sir. I am merely here to be properly briefed. Sir." Caine put down the documents and stood from his seat. "It was not needed since I believed it would be done without any foreseeable retaliation."
There was silence from Crux who was unperturbed by his superior's implication. "However, we also did not expect a leak about this." Caine stated with a relative sigh as he took something from his drawer which would be revealed to be a brown envelope. "There had been no changes in your orders." He stated with a decisive tone before handing the said envelope to Crux as he left his table and now stood in front of them. "You will be visiting Dr. Dietrich Engels. He has been informed of your visitation." He then looked at Darcia who would be well-familiar with that name. "He has been told to tell what you need to know about the EDEN project." He returned to his desk and took a seat. "Failure is not an option."
Those blue eyes looked at the envelope now in his hand. "Understood." Crux answered shortly and saluted once more. This meeting was over for now. "We shall take our leave, Sir." Caine nodded and simply raised his hand and gestured for them to go. Giving another salute, Crux left the room and headed to the Research and Science Division. "Record everything, Darcia." He stated as they were now in the complex of where the Brain and Power of the Government are found. Soon enough, they were in office of its leader, Dr. Dietrich Engels.