ERICK MAKES A DEAL WITH DARIUS

Erick Griffin, in contrast to his affluent counterparts, had to construct his wealth from scratch. He couldn't pinpoint when he lost his empathy in his quest to ascend the economic ladder. After amassing riches, he needed one final push to secure his place among the elite. Though he might have missed that opportunity, he was resolute in ensuring his son, Lameck, achieved esteemed status. Marrying his son into a wealthy lineage became his sole recourse.

However, a pressing matter needed attention before his plans could materialize: saving his people. Having sacrificed much to reach his current standing, the idea of perishing in that era haunted him. He faced two choices to succeed: resolving the cryonic chambers issue or disrupting the mayor's project to focus on constructing Deep water bunkers. Luckily, he found a kindred spirit who shared his vision.

Erick, "I got your message. What's up?"

“I just wanted to speak with the Finance minister!” Flisk replied.

"Please! I'm not part of that group. The Major and the General have acted like kings for too long, they now think they're royalty. You, more than anyone, understand how precarious life is here!" Erick responded.

Flisk stated, “Minor flaws in our nature make us follow basic needs, mistaking self-sufficiency for greed. I'm just a businessman; if it enriches me, who am I to judge?”

Erick lamented, “Clutching onto wealth even in death. Look at this nation! The wealthy live lavishly, indulging in vices, expecting someone else to fix everything. None of them bother to assist the Major with his plan. They're too busy indulging in debauchery and violence. I don't condemn using resources to make money, but we must ponder our purpose here.”

Flisk queried, “I thought you opposed the Major's plan.”

Erick clarified, “I'm not naive. I know the project remains our best chance to go home. But as businessmen, we realize desired results do not always come as expected. It's been 42 years. Counting on the project is as unwise as allowing these people to exist.”

Flisk remarked, "Thanks to them, we have enough CB19 to maintain the C-engines."

Erick expressed his suspicions, "I believe the queen and the major are concealing something. I need your help in locating certain individuals for me."

"Who?" Flisk inquired with curiosity.

Erick, “The boys who caused a ruckus at the major’s estate. One was apprehended today. I'm certain the others are hiding in the city. Can you find them by today? Your ears never miss a thing."

Flisk revealed, "That's the issue I wanted to discuss. They are hiding at the tea house. Apparently, the fools are planning to incite a rebellion."

"What! Why haven't you reported them yet?" Erick questioned.

Flisk disclosed, "One of them is favored by the princess. However, supporting them further jeopardizes my business. Do you have a plan for dealing with them?"

Erick, “I think I can turn this in my favor. Excellent tools for my plans. I’ll provide them the means to put up a good fight and they’ll get rid of my problems without getting myself involved.”

After that, Erick explained his plans to Flisk.

Later that day, Flisk conveyed Erick's proposal to Darius and the group. They agreed to meet with Erick, and Flisk organized a gathering for discussions. They were thrilled that things were finally going according to plan, until they heard his outlandish proposal.

"So, you’re offering us weapons in exchange for demolishing a structure. The major's residence?" Peter sought clarification.

Erick specified, "The underground basement precisely. Destroy everything there, and you shall receive your weapons."

Darius, skeptical, questioned, "How can we trust that you won't deceive us?"

Erick reasoned, "If I intended to capture you, wouldn't I have brought guards with me? Consider this a mutually beneficial business deal."

Darius probed further, "Why are you doing this? Aren't these your people, on your side?"

"My wealth, my possessions, those are my allegiance. People betray, deceive, and kill each other, all in the name of family. They cloak their wrongdoings with noble intentions. But in truth, greed, envy, and self-interest govern every man's heart," Erick elucidated.

Darius, "Are you suggesting that those who fight for their families are wrong? People, my people! are starving to death every day in this country. Is it a sin for a mother to steal to feed her starving children?

Erick, "The selfish act of greed to protect one's offspring is ingrained in our DNA. I am not a judge. I do everything for my children's sake. I am willing to cross any line to ensure their safety. That's why I consider the ruler and everyone else at the palace as much strangers as you are to us."

Furious at Erick's words, Darius added, "Ask the servants toiling in your farms and factories. Ask a person of color walking in the street with a band on their arm. Ask them how it feels to be judged based on skin color. You are just like us, a person of color. Why can't you comprehend our struggles? You claim not to take sides, yet you have slaves in your home like the rest who came with you!"

Erick replied, "I do empathize with you on this issue. The mistreatment of your people is unjust. However, I can assure you it has nothing to do with skin color. It's simply an unfortunate last resort."

"An unfortunate last resort?" Peter interjected. "If that's all you can say, then you truly do not grasp the situation! People are capricious. You may claim not to judge based on skin color, but that's all we perceive from our standpoint. How long until they also turn against you?"

Gentlemen, let's refocus. Mr. Darius and team require weapons, and the minister seeks the destruction of the underground basement. I have a history with the minister and Mr. Jackman. Let's stick to the agenda and finalize the plans.

Flisk then outlined the execution strategy before leaving them to consider the proposal. "Will you arm them if they succeed?" Flisk inquired, questioning the rationale behind arming potential adversaries.

"Fear not. Even if they came armed to the teeth, they wouldn't stand a chance against him. Their demise is certainly assured!" Erick assured confidently

“General Alaric Sterling! He’s that strong!”

Erick, “He’s like a dragon thrown into a colosseum to fight chickens. They must hope they never cross paths with him.”

Yet, Darius and the rest didn't completely trust Erick and couldn't pass up the chance to steal weapons from the palace. So that very evening, the trio, Darius, Peter, and Tom, devised a plan with Annie's assistance to sneak into the palace and take the weapons. Little did they know, they were enlisting the queen's daughter to betray her own mother and country.