Elisa disconnected the call, her voice crisp and commanding as she stood at the entrance of the hospital. The early morning sun cast a golden hue on her army uniform, the red faction badge prominently displayed on her shoulder. Passersby couldn't help but steal glances at her, curious about the striking figure in military attire.
"Jack, where are you? I'm at the front of the hospital," Elisa had said moments before ending the call. Now, she waited, her eyes scanning the crowd, her stance firm and unyielding.
"Hey, here I am!" Jack called out as he jogged toward her, a wide smile stretching across his face. He extended his arms, expecting a warm embrace. But Elisa's piercing gaze stopped him in his tracks, making him awkwardly lower his hands.
Jack cleared his throat, trying to mask his embarrassment. "So, why do you seek me?" he asked, his tone attempting nonchalance as Elisa began walking down the street, her hands tucked into the pockets of her khaki trousers. Jack followed at a slower pace, his curiosity piqued.
"The leader of the Red Faction wants to see you," Elisa said without looking back, her voice steady.
Jack frowned, his steps faltering for a moment. "I thought we agreed not to tell him about me," he said, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"He insisted," Elisa replied, stopping in her tracks and turning to face him. "Your information helped the faction survive. He believes it's crucial to meet you."
Jack sighed, resigning himself to the inevitable. "Alright, when do I meet him?"
"Today," Elisa said, her eyes meeting his. "That's why I came to fetch you in person."
****
In a dimly lit interrogation room, Aan slammed his hands on the steel table, his frustration palpable. "Speak up! What is that technology for?" he demanded, glaring at the captured Saltin spy before him.
The spy, a defiant smirk on his face, leaned back in his chair. "I can't tell you much, but I can assure you it's capable of making your kingdom a desolate bore."
Aan's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "We'll see how long that attitude lasts," he sneered, signaling for the guards to take the spy away and bring in the next.
The door opened, and a younger spy was ushered in, barely looking thirty. He seemed less defiant but equally enigmatic.
"What is that technology for?" Aan repeated, his tone icy.
The young spy chuckled, leaning forward. "It's for the EMP. Once deployed, it'll shut down your city's electricity and telecommunications."
Aan's expression darkened. "Are you saying a single device can do that?"
The spy shook his head, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Did I say it was just one? There are ten, strategically placed around the planet. Once activated, your kingdom will be plunged into darkness, and the destruction will begin."
The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the room. Aan pressed further, pulling out a notepad. "Explain this technology."
The spy leaned back, his demeanor smug. "I've said enough," he replied, rising from his seat. The guards escorted him out as Aan motioned for the third spy to be brought in.
****
Meanwhile, in a separate part of the facility, Elisa escorted Jack into a room where Sir James stood, observing the ongoing interrogations through a glass partition.
"Welcome, and thank you for accepting my invitation," Sir James greeted Jack with a warm smile, extending his hand. Jack shook it firmly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"So, why did you summon me?" Jack asked, getting straight to the point.
Sir James began walking, motioning for Jack to join him. "First, I wanted to thank you for the information you provided. It's been invaluable."
Jack nodded, his expression unreadable.
Sir James continued, "We had to present the information as our own to the government to keep the faction alive. I hope you understand."
Jack gave a slight nod but remained silent.
They walked through a corridor with freshly painted white walls, the scent of new paint lingering in the air. The pristine surroundings contrasted sharply with the tense conversation.
"Secondly," Sir James said, stopping to face Jack, "we're inviting you to join our faction."
Jack's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "I thought we agreed I'd create my own faction."
"We did," Sir James admitted, "but consider this: with us, you'll receive the best training, which will be invaluable in the war."
Jack shook his head, resolute. "I have my mission, and I intend to complete it."
Sir James placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, his expression earnest. "We can help. What if we offer you something in return?"
Jack raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like what?"
Sir James leaned in, his voice low. "Name your price."
Jack didn't hesitate. "Pay my sister's hospital bills."
"How much?" Sir James asked.
"Ten thousand dollars," Jack replied succinctly.
Sir James paused, then extended his hand. "Deal."
They shook hands, sealing the agreement.
As they resumed their walk, Jack couldn't help but ask, "Why do you want me on the team so badly?"
Sir James's expression turned serious. "We believe you can help us locate the remaining Saltin spies. According to one of the captured spies, there are nine more hideouts. With your skills, we can uncover them."
Jack's mind raced, weighing the offer. Though he had his doubts, the stakes were too high to ignore.