Lancheng, China
I can walk. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you too, X, but I'll match your experience with what I've been through with the Jackal," he says with a little anger in his voice, though it's not directed at you. "We're alive. Just stop laying blame. It doesn't help."
Jackal hurries by both X12 and Kevin, going after Raisa, but stopping at Dara. "Thank you, for everything you went through to help me Dara. I understand what it is like to have someone control you." He strokes her hair and she stands up and wipes her mouth, giving him a very slight and fleeting smile.
"Raisa, wait!" he calls hurrying after her. "You didn't get anyone killed. And you saved me. Thank you," he says with relief. "I'm finally free of him." He tries to give you a hug, but with just a blanket he doesn't have much luck and just shrugs with an embarassed smile, something very amazing for someone who has gone through what he has.
Dara wipes her mouth and looks down at Raisa. I don't blame you, she says to Raisa mentally, in a very voice that seems still very scared. Then she adds, speaking very softly, "I know who he was. He told me. His name... his name is Prophet." Tears start falling from her eyes, though her voice stays very level. "He's pure evil," she whispers, looking ahead with haunted eyes. "He wanted what happened to happen. He told me that if we wanted to live, we had to kill the Jackal and by doing that we'd set him free. He used us, and I'm afraid of what is going to happen."
Brazilia, SAA
SAP Corporate HQ
"I'll have my security forces work with the military to increase security on the borders. I'm guessing they'll try to transport it by sea or air; an overland, or underland route, would likely attract attention at some point," Ms. Vaile says.
"Alright, since time is of the essence, and Sanjay is anxious for he and I to get started, I'll have Mr. Santala be your liason. He's the young gentleman that greeted you at the airport, and who informed me of your arrival. Whatever information you need to help you, he will provide. I'll send him here shortly with instructions. Let's go, Sanjay."
Sanjay and Ms. Vaile leave, and very shortly after Pavo comes in with his aide. He seems a little less confident now, being thrust into a position he's not used to.
"Ms. Vaile suggests that we move as quickly as possible. It will take about six hours in your Van to reach the facility, or we can go by company hovership and have your vehicle brought to us. Mr. Rameirez," he says, adjusting his collar and appearing very uncomfortable. "Mr. Rameirez admitted to delivering a small sample of Anaconda to Mr. Afifi under interrogation. He also said," he says, then pauses. "Excuse me a second," he says, getting a glass of water. "He said that the theft is expected in the next week, but doesn't have a fixed time. And he has accomplices in security at the facility. That's the important things security got from him," he says.
"I already downloaded schematics of the facility itself for you and we're arranging for quarters for all of you there in case this watch lasts longer than a day. Is there anything else you want to know about? And should we pull those security officers from duty or leave them there so we don't tip off these mercenaries?"
Sanjay
Ms. Vaile leads you up farther in the building to her private offices and lab. The lab is unlike anything you've ever seen, and looks like something out of a science fiction movie, rather than real equipment. Ms. Vaile removes a jacket she had been wearing over her dress, revealing a thin silk top. She throws a lab coat over it, but leaves it undone, which is, in the short time you've been in the lab, already distracting you.
The lab is huge, and striking you as very odd, there are no other lab workers present. It's just you and Ms. Vaile, though a pair of security stand outside the room. You realize she is talking to you and you are staring.
"Sanjay, is there something wrong?" she asks. She's holding a vial with a clear liquid in her hand.