At Federation Corp’s headquarters, the air was thick with the scent of disinfectant and metal, the dim lights in the technical analysis room casting a gloom that weighed on the heart like a shadow. Rebecca Shaw sat frozen at her workstation, staring blankly at a message on the screen: “Evan Carter, mission failed, suspected of desertion, killed by colonial army.” Her hand gripped the coffee cup tightly, her knuckles white from the pressure, the cold coffee inside long since forming a thin film, a layer of dust settling on the surface like an invisible barrier separating her from reality. She read the words over and over, her eyes hollow, as if they had never existed, as if staring long enough would make the cold pixels twist and dissolve, turning into a cruel prank—Evan’s name would leap out of the text, carrying his usual smile, telling her it was all just a scare to tease her.
Outside in the corridor, whispers drifted in as a few colleagues passed by, deliberately lowering their voices, but the words still pierced her ears: “Evan, that guy, who would’ve thought? He seemed so honest, but he dared to collude with deserters.” “I heard he gave supplies to the colonial army’s enemies—serves him right to get taken out.” “Shh, don’t talk about it. Boss Kane is watching closely—who dares to speak up? Just do your own work.”
Rebecca shot to her feet, her chair clattering loudly as it hit the floor. She rushed to the doorway, pointing at the group and shouting, “Shut up! Evan wasn’t a traitor—he was a hundred times better than you lazy bastards who just coast by!” Her voice trembled, but she held back her tears. They don’t know how honest Evan was, staying up until midnight every day just to fix machines for this rotten company. And now? He’s gone, without even a shred of justice.
The group froze for a moment, then lowered their heads and hurried away, none daring to respond or speak up for her. The entire company seemed shrouded in an invisible fear, everyone accepting Evan as a traitor, as if saying a single word more would put them in Victor Kane’s crosshairs. Rebecca returned to her desk, burying her face in her hands. He’s gone, and even the truth has been buried. Why am I still here?
A few days later, the tech department grew even colder. Rebecca’s workstation was deliberately isolated, her colleagues either avoiding her or casting mocking, scornful glances. Someone left a note on her desk: “Traitor’s lover, get out.” She stared at the note, her fingers clenching until they creaked. Evan is dead, and they won’t even give him justice—just like that, they label him a traitor. This company is a black hole that devours people, using them up and tossing them aside.
At that moment, Derek Voss walked in, holding a cup of hot tea, a fawning smile on his face. He stopped beside Rebecca and said in a low voice, “Miss Rebecca, I know you’ve been struggling lately. Evan’s situation… sigh, who could’ve seen that coming? I even put in a good word for you with the higher-ups.” He paused, his gaze slowly roaming over her. She’s isolated now, the perfect chance to get close. If I win her over, there might be some unexpected benefits. He forced an even brighter smile. “Look, the tech department can’t do without you. If you need any help, I’m at your beck and call!”
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Rebecca looked up, staring at him coldly. This guy, full of lies. When Evan was alive, he always dumped the dirty work on him, and now he dares to act sympathetic? She stood abruptly, pushing the teacup away, her voice icy. “I don’t need your help. I’m resigning.”
Derek froze, his smile stiffening. “Resigning? You’re joking, right? Our company is the best in the system—where else would you go?” He hurriedly stepped closer. She’s the prettiest woman in headquarters—I’ve worked so hard for this, it’d be a shame if she left. He lowered his voice. “Don’t be rash. I’m sorry about Evan, but we can work together—”
“Shut up!” Rebecca shoved him away, her eyes filled with disgust. “Don’t mention Evan in front of me—you’re not worthy.” She turned to pack her things, her mind set on one thought. This place is beyond saving; even the air stinks, suffocating me. I have to leave, far away.
Derek stood there, his face alternating between pale and flushed. This woman, she really doesn’t know what’s good for her. Fine, it’s better if she leaves—less of an eyesore.
That night, Rebecca packed her belongings—a few pieces of clothing she and Evan shared, a pulse gun, and the blue stone—stuffing them into her backpack before walking out of Federation Corp’s gates. She stood at the edge of the city where the headquarters was located, looking up at the false prosperity of the cybernetic metropolis. Skyscrapers pierced the clouds, neon lights flowed like veins, hovercars whizzed by on elevated tracks, casting harsh light and shadow. Giant holographic billboards floated in the air, looping Federation Corp’s propaganda: “Join us, embrace the future of the system!” On the streets, security drones in silver uniforms buzzed as they patrolled, while pedestrians hurried along with their heads down, faces full of wariness, like prisoners trapped in a grid. The air was a mix of engine oil, metal, and cheap perfume, unable to mask the stench wafting from the sewers. This was the heart of the system, brightly lit yet cold as an ice cave, where suspicion and conflict defined every interaction, and even a moment’s peace was crushed by greed. She gripped her backpack straps tightly, muttering a curse under her breath, “This city is nothing but a gilded cage—shiny on the surface, rotten to the core. Evan was swallowed by them, as if he never existed.”
She bought a black-market ticket to an outer planet and boarded a rickety cargo ship. The ship shuddered as it took off, the city’s lights shrinking into a distant speck. She leaned against the bulkhead, closing her eyes, her fingers rubbing the blue stone, a single conviction in her heart: I can’t let him die in vain.
