Chapter 2 Mysterious lab draft

CHAPTER 2

The sun had barely risen over Belly Ridgeon when Alexander assembled his team in the Manor's tactical room. "We need to extract Ember," he said, his tone resolute. "She's a liability, and we can't let her fall into Nexus's hands again." Ezekiel leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed straight ahead, his eyes narrowing as if calculating probabilities. "I'll take lead on this op," he said, his voice flat. "I'll track her down." Kolton and Miles exchanged dubious glances, but Alexander nodded. "Alright, Ezekiel. You're in command." As they departed, Luther fell into step beside Ezekiel. "You think we'll retrieve her?" he asked, his voice low. Ezekiel's expression remained impassive. "I'll find her." Luther's eyes flickered, but he said nothing more.

The atmosphere in the strategy room was tense as Alexander's team discussed the plan to retrieve Ember. Ezekiel's calm demeanor belied the intensity of his focus, his calculating gaze suggesting a mind already working through the logistics of the mission. As they set out, Luther's question hung in the air, but Ezekiel's response was resolute, his confidence unwavering. The group's dynamic was palpable, with Kolton and Miles's sceptical glances hinting at underlying doubts, but Alexander's trust in Ezekiel seemed to be the deciding factor. Ezekiel's unyielding determination propelled the team forward, their mission clear: find Ember before the Nexus did.

In the dimly lit council chamber of the subsidiary base, the soft hum of the ventilation system filled the air. Doctor Karan stood at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping the room. "Ember's defection was a substantial setback," he said, his tone calculated. "We must deliberate our next course of action." Alexander leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "We need to apprehend her, make her accountable for her actions." Ezekiel's shrug was nonchalant, his expression detached. "She's just a pawn. Vulnerable and foreseeable." Kolton's eyes narrowed, his silence speaking volumes.

Ezekiel's disdain for women was palpable, and his dismissive attitude towards Ember's betrayal didn't surprise the others. "She was never truly part of our group," he said, his gaze steady. Ezekiel sat in his dimly lit apartment, staring at a blank canvas, his mind elsewhere. He hadn't painted in years, lost in thoughts of the past. His gaze drifted out the window into the night, unfocused. A knock broke the silence, and Luther stood at the door. "Ezekiel," Luther said softly, "I brought the documents you asked for." Ezekiel took them, his eyes meeting Luther's briefly, a flicker of something crossing his face before he masked it. "Thanks," he said flatly. "I'll be on my way," Luther said, heading for the exit.

Luther navigated the crowded streets, his eyes scanning the crowds. He had a meeting with a contact, someone who might have information on Tatiana's whereabouts. As he turned a corner, he spotted his contact, a woman with piercing green eyes. "Luther," she said, her voice husky. "I have what you're looking for." Luther's eyes locked onto hers, his expression intense. "What is it?" The woman smiled, handing him a folder. "This is detailed information about Tatiana's son, Lucian. She's been keeping the fact that she has a son from the higher-ups. You can kidnap him and use him to lure her out." Luther's eyes flickered, but he said nothing, taking the folder and disappearing into the crowd. Meanwhile, in a different location, the forest surrounding the castle connected to the back mountain was expansive. After entering, they navigated past a grove of maple trees.

The inky blackness of night enveloped the woods as two men, phantom-like, moved with agility, evading surveillance and bodyguards with ease, and slipped back into the villa undetected. Meanwhile, Kolton and Miles navigated the Manor's concealed passageways, their flashlights casting ominous silhouettes. "I had no idea this existed," Kolton breathed. As they descended the stairs to the lowest level, their eyes widened in astonishment at the sprawling underground laboratory. The Manor's patriarch had been ruthless in his ambitions, constructing such an extensive facility beneath the surface. According to Alexander's map, the greenhouse marked the entrance to the subterranean lab.

As they explored, they stumbled upon a large stack of laboratory reports in a hidden room. The details belonged to an unnamed individual, the owner's identity concealed. The reports were labeled, hinting at crucial information, but the specifics remained unclear. Kolton's gaze met Miles'. "We need to show this to Alexander," he said. Miles nodded, his expression grave. "This could be significant." They exited the room stealthily, avoiding detection. Back at the villa, they informed Alexander about their discovery. He dispatched a message, summoning an emergency meeting in the council chamber for the next day. The council chamber was a spacious, refined space that embodied sophistication and professionalism. Its modern design featured clean lines, minimal embellishments, and a focus on functionality. Every detail had been carefully considered, from the plush area rug to the discreetly placed audiovisual equipment. The result was a space that was both functional and elegant, ideal for high-stakes meetings and productive discussions.