20:55, February 9, 2295

  Quincy-Parker Conference Room, Floor 92, Triumph Tower, 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, Terra Alliance territory

  Director Artak Otis straightened his pristine white coat as he surveyed the gleaming oval conference table. The recently repaired chamber still carried the faint scent of new plastics and furniture sealant—a reminder of the Diabolisk attack that had torn through this very building just nine days prior. He settled into the central chair, his back straight despite his seventy-nine years, and arranged his notes with methodical precision.

  "Connection secure, Director," Diego Rodriguez announced as his hologram materialized in the chair beside Otis. Unlike the physical furniture's understated elegance, Diego's virtual seat shimmered with a subtle blue glow, marking him as present yet absent — a technological marvel that had become commonplace in Alliance governance.

  "What's our Psi Lynxes' situation in Taiwan?" Artak asked, his Armenian accent giving his words a measured cadence. His silver-rimmed spectacles caught the light as he turned to face Diego's projection.

  "Thomas is already in Songnei Starport. Emmanuel has done his part at the Amber Moon Spire and is en route to the extraction point. Both have remained outside the Imperium's radar." Diego's hologram flickered slightly as he leaned forward, his dark suit impeccably tailored even in digital form. "My StarWhale is still seeking a safe landing zone to retrieve them. The Radi-Mon situation has become...complicated."

  Artak's weathered fingers brushed against his temple. "The sudden emergence of the Fenris Horde in an Imperial city confirms our suspicions. The Imperium has failed to contain Skarn as the Svalbard Concordat demanded." Despite the gravity of his words, his voice remained scholarly, detached. "And Lorna?"

  "Also en route to the Starport. She's traveling in a civilian vehicle belonging to the ex-ZenFusion engineer who calls himself Xin." Diego's expression softened slightly. "He's the one who delivered the Moondust Crystal data and has expressed interest in joining our ranks."

  "With how many Imperial spies we've rooted out in the Corporate Assembly this past year alone, trusting an outsider so quickly carries significant risk." Artak studied Diego's projection with intensity. "I trust you've conducted the necessary background checks on this individual?"

  "Yes, Director. Extranet searches show he's a wanted criminal in Imperial territory, charged with 'Rape and illegal modifications of 11th-gen androids' and 'Inciting subversion of state power'." Diego's hologram met Artak's gaze with professional certainty. "His motivations for defection appear genuine."

  "Ah, but the Imperium ought to be more creative with all those falsified crimes, don't they?" Artak shook his head in amusement.

  The conversation halted as the conference room doors hissed open with pneumatic precision. Both men turned their attention to the entrance as the powerful figures of the Corporate Chamber began to file in.

  First through the door was Vivian Kim, her silver-streaked hair pulled back in a severe bun that emphasized the sharp angles of her face. As Executive Director of Quantum Pharmaceuticals, she controlled nearly thirty percent of the Alliance's medical supply chain. She offered Artak a curt nod before taking her seat, her neural interface bracelet glowing faintly as she accessed real-time market data.

  "Director Otis," she greeted, her tone neutral but her eyes calculating. "I trust the restoration of this tower hasn't been too disruptive to your operations."

  "We manage, Ms. Kim," Artak replied with diplomatic ease. "SIMU has always been adaptable."

  Behind her came Lawrence Campbell, the rail-thin operations chief of NexLink Communications. Despite his diminutive stature, he commanded the room's attention in a midnight-blue suit adorned with circuit-like patterns that subtly pulsed with light.

  "Otis," Campbell said, sliding into his seat with the casual confidence of a man whose corporation controlled most of the Extranet's infrastructure. "Your funding request made for interesting reading. Ambitious doesn't begin to cover it."

  Before Artak could respond, the doors parted again to admit Dante Pompeo IV, his massive frame seeming to fill the doorway entirely. Despite being 128 years old, the advances in life-extension technology had preserved his imposing physical presence. His pale blue suit strained against his bulk, and his fleshy face wore a perpetual expression of disdain. The silver medallion on his chest — marking his status as Overseer of the Special Economic Zones Committee — gleamed under the recessed lighting.

  "Artak!" Dante's voice boomed across the room as he approached, cigar already clenched between his fingers despite indoor smoking regulations. "I was just telling Harrison that your unit might be due for some structural optimization." The word 'optimization' hung in the air like a threat.

  Three more delegates entered in quick succession: Viktor Petrov of Arctic Resources Consolidated, Maya Williams from Pan-American Defense Systems, and Elijah Montgomery, the elderly but sharp-eyed representative of Boston Financial Group. Each greeted Artak with varying degrees of warmth before taking their assigned places.

  As the Chamber members settled, a hush fell over the room. The far doors slid open once more, revealing President Harrison Polk flanked by two Vanguard marines in their distinctive white composite armor. At seventy-two, Harrison moved with the practiced confidence of a career politician who had survived five terms in office. His tailored suit — conservative in cut but made from material that subtly shifted hues as he moved — spoke of tasteful wealth rather than ostentation. His close-cropped hair and clean-shaven face gave him an almost military appearance, belied only by the calculated warmth of his smile.

  "Director Otis," Harrison greeted as he took the head position at the table, his Alabama drawl softened but still present after decades in politics. "I've read your reports. Your request for increased funding this year is—unusual." He settled into his chair, blue eyes sharp beneath heavy brows. "Let's hear your pitch."

  Artak rose from his seat with deliberate grace, nodding to Diego's hologram, which stood alongside him. A three-dimensional projection materialized above the conference table—a rotating model of what appeared to be a crystalline structure, its facets capturing and refracting the light.

  "Ladies and gentlemen of the Chamber, Mr. President," Artak began, his voice gaining resonance as he slipped into the role of educator. "What you see before you is a digital recreation of the Moondust Crystal—an artifact of immense power created by an ancient civilization that once inhabited the Five Realms of our Sol System. Recent intelligence suggests this Crystal is not merely an archaeological curiosity, but a tool capable of unprecedented psionic amplification."

  The hologram shifted, showing comparative energy readings beside a human silhouette.

  "Our analysis indicates that whoever controls this Crystal could potentially manipulate minds on a planetary scale. Imagine enhanced communication, improved social harmony..." Artak paused, knowing his next words would resonate with the audience before him, "And unprecedented opportunities for market alignment."

  "And have you already secured the artifact, or is this another simulated scenario?" someone in the audience rose their hand.

  Diego's hologram subtly tensed beside him, but maintained a professional demeanor. "Most of this information is from the Deep side of the Extranet. Rest assured, they have been verified for legitimacy."

  "SIMU believes the Crystal's location to be a Nirboh vault somewhere within Osram's core. With proper funding, we can mount an operation to secure this artifact before the Imperium or Directorate reaches it." Artak replied.

  "So you don't know its exact location?" a different delegate in the chamber joined.

  "Not yet, esteemed Delegates. But soon." Diego raised a hand, attempting to soothe the unease now palpable in the room. "Our team is just about to retrieve a crucial data containing that very information —"

  "Jesus Christ. Again?" someone in the seats spoke.

  Artak straightened, his scholarly demeanor giving way to conviction. "This is not merely about military advantage, but about securing humanity's future against threats we're only beginning to understand."

  Several Chamber members exchanged skeptical glances. Diego noticed their reactions and maintained an awkward smile beside his superior, clearly sensing the uphill battle they faced.

  "As noble as that last goal may sound, Director, we cannot act on the vague stance of moral high ground," Harrison finally interrupted, holding up both hands with a polite smile. "What do you think this is, the United States?"

  A wave of chuckles rippled through the Chamber. The reference to the fallen nation was clearly meant as a jab — the United States having collapsed under the weight of its own idealism and financial mismanagement over two centuries ago.

  "The Terra Alliance does not and will not repeat the mistakes of the United States, which fell due to over-expenditure. Of this there is no doubt," Artak replied, tilting his head in acknowledgment while trying to salvage his momentum. "Our proposal is grounded in practical benefits to Alliance interests, both strategic and economic."

  "I don't see why we need you folks anymore, to be honest," Dante interjected loudly, his voice filling the room as he tapped ash from his cigar into a pocket receptacle. "Last I checked, simply dumping Helionite onto the Far Side of Osram—" he paused, clearing his throat with theatrical disdain at using the Moon's official name, "was more than enough to reduce Radi-Mon incidents in our borders by an impressive sixty percent!"

  Murmurs of agreement circulated around the table, as several delegates nodded in affirmation.

  "Delegate Pompeo," Artak began carefully, his eyes momentarily searching for the proper honorific. "While that argument has merit, dumping Helionite instead of processing it properly represents an irresponsible approach on the international stage—"

  "The hell does that matter?" Dante interrupted, waving his massive hands dismissively. "Your SIMU unit was assembled back when Radi-Mons were chewing up our settlements on Jupiter. Well, that ain't a problem anymore, is it?"

  "Delegate, the recent invasion in Chicago — the assault on this very building just last week — should be sufficient evidence that a specialized unit dedicated to combating Radi-Mons remains essential," Diego countered, his hologram stepping forward slightly.

  "Well, I heard it was ninety percent Agent Weiss's doing, wasn't it? Her and our trusty Vanguard marines." Dante shrugged, his weight making the reinforced chair creak audibly as he took another drag from his cigar. "I say we disband the rest of you SIMU folks. Let Weiss and Mendoza serve as senior specialists in the Armed Forces. We could even promote them to Majors and give them their own squads."

  The atmosphere in the room grew tense as Artak recognized the precarious position his unit now faced. The scholarly idealism that had guided his career was colliding with the corporate pragmatism that ruled the Alliance.

  In that moment, he understood. He would need to speak their language if SIMU and their mission to secure the Moondust Crystal were to survive.

  Artak took a measured breath, his eyes scanning the room. He needed something that spoke to the true currency of the Terra Alliance.

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  "Perhaps I've been approaching this from the wrong angle," Artak conceded, his voice taking on a calculated precision. "Let me speak plainly about what the Moondust Crystal represents in terms you'll find compelling: market dominance and shareholder value."

  He gestured to Diego, who adjusted the holographic display. The Crystal's image dissolved, replaced by economic projections and market forecasts.

  "The nation that controls this artifact will have unparalleled influence over consumer behavior," Artak continued. "Imagine being able to subtly guide purchasing decisions across entire populations without the exorbitant costs of traditional marketing."

  Lawrence Campbell of NexLink Communications leaned forward, his interest visibly piqued. "You're suggesting mind control for profit margins?"

  "I'm suggesting enhanced market efficiency," Artak corrected smoothly. "The Crystal's influence is far more nuanced than crude control. It creates...mental alignment. Receptiveness."

  Dante scoffed, the sound harsh in the quiet room. "Pretty words for a pipe dream. You don't even know where this magical rock is! Somewhere in — what was it?—'Osram's core'?" He punctuated his mockery with air quotes. "How many billions are we supposed to sink into this treasure hunt?"

  "SIMU doesn't deal in maybes, Delegate Pompeo," Diego interjected, his hologram flickering slightly as he stepped forward. "Agent Weiss and our team in Taiwan are currently retrieving the exact coordinates. Data that the Imperium was keeping under strict security at considerable expense, I might add."

  "The same Imperium that 'contained' Skarn?" Dante retorted. "Forgive me if I don't share your confidence."

  President Harrison raised a hand, his expression that of a man accustomed to managing conflicting interests. "Let's assume for a moment that this Crystal exists and functions as described. What's your timeline, Director Otis? The Alliance doesn't write blank checks."

  "Three months," Artak replied without hesitation. "With proper funding, we can locate, secure, and begin preliminary testing of the Crystal within that timeframe."

  "And if the Imperium or Directorate reaches it first?" Vivian Kim's question cut through the room.

  Artak's expression darkened. "Then we face a future where our competitors possess the ability to influence not just markets, but minds. The Imperium already controls significant portions of the Inner Sol. With the Crystal, they could expand that influence exponentially."

  "The Directorate would be even worse," Diego added with theatrical gestures. "Their philosophical stance on android rights and resource sharing runs counter to our economic model. Imagine them with the power to spread those ideas on a psionic level!"

  Dante's dismissive laugh echoed in the chamber. "Fear-mongering! Next you'll tell us the Zorian Covenant will use it to turn us all into religious zealots."

  "I don't think we need to wait for the Covenant for that," Artak replied dryly, earning a few chuckles from the delegates.

  Harrison tapped his fingers on the table's surface, considering. "I'm still not hearing concrete numbers, Director. What exactly are you asking for?"

  "An increase of one hundred and twenty million Atomic Dollars to our annual budget," Artak stated. "Plus priority access to specialized equipment and personnel from Pan-American Defense Systems and NexLink Communications."

  The room erupted in protests, with Dante's voice rising above the others. "Outrageous! That's more than double their current allocation!"

  "Order," Harrison called, his voice cutting through the clamor. "Let's maintain decorum."

  As the room quieted, Maya Williams of Pan-American Defense Systems spoke up. "Our cooperation would require significant contractual guarantees. R&D contributions of that magnitude need tangible returns."

  "And there's the matter of Operative Weiss," Dante pressed, seizing the opportunity. "She's clearly the most valuable among your ranks. Wouldn't our resources be better spent supporting her directly rather than maintaining an entire unit that apparently relies on exceptional assets like her and Mendoza?"

  Artak's eyes narrowed slightly—the first crack in his composed demeanor. "Agent Weiss is exceptional, yes, but SIMU's strength has always been in its diverse capabilities."

  "Yet you admit she's your star player," Dante persisted, smiling like a predator sensing weakness. "If she's so valuable, why not restructure around her? Why maintain an entire unit when we could focus our resources on our proven assets?" His gaze swept the room. "The Chamber deserves to know exactly what we're paying for."

  Diego glanced at Artak with barely concealed concern. They both knew the dangerous territory they were approaching.

  "Agent Weiss is exceptional, certainly," Artak acknowledged carefully. "But SIMU's strength lies in its integrated approach. Our analysts, field agents, and technical specialists work in concert—a structural advantage that cannot be replicated by isolating individual operatives, no matter how skilled."

  "That sounds awfully bureaucratic, Director," Dante said, his tone shifting from combative to almost reasonable. "But let me be clear—I'm not questioning the value of your agents." He set his cigar down, leaning forward. "What I'm questioning is whether the Alliance's security is best served by chasing ancient artifacts when the Imperium is annexing colonies on Mars, and the Directorate is expanding their presence in the Realm of Divines. Every single year."

  Several Chamber members nodded in agreement.

  "The true threats are flesh and blood, not myths and legends," Dante continued. "The Imperium has also doubled its fleet at Venus. The Directorate's new Isazi carriers can deploy twice the Ologuns of previous models." He spread his hands. "Meanwhile, we're diverting resources to chase a crystal that might not even exist!"

  Artak felt the momentum shifting. "The Moondust Crystal is not mutually exclusive with addressing conventional threats, Mister Dante. In fact, it could provide us the decisive advantage in confronting them. Our intelligence indicates both the Imperium and Directorate are pursuing the Crystal themselves."

  Harrison raised a hand, his expression thoughtful. "Director Otis, what guarantees can you offer that this operation will yield tangible results? The Chamber's responsibility is to ensure Alliance resources are allocated efficiently."

  "No operation comes with absolute guarantees, Mr. President," Artak responded, standing straighter. "But consider what happened in this very building nine days ago. A single Diabolisk assaulted Triumph Tower — one of the most secure structures in Alliance territory — and nearly succeeded in destabilizing our financial hub."

  He gestured to the recent repairs still visible in the conference room's far corner. "Traditional military responses are inadequate against modern threats — Radi-Mons or Imperium. SIMU was established precisely because conventional approaches proved insufficient."

  "And yet," Dante interjected, "you've offered no concrete evidence this Crystal will help us against either the Radi-Mons or our human adversaries. You're asking for blind faith."

  "Not blind faith," Artak countered. "Calculated risk. The same kind of risk that built the Alliance's dominance from the ashes of the United States. The potential returns far outweigh the investment."

  Harrison studied both men before speaking. "I propose we put Director Otis's funding request to a preliminary vote. The Chamber will assess whether to proceed with a more detailed proposal phase."

  "Mr. President," Dante said, his tone respectful despite his obvious disagreement, "without concrete data on this artifact's capabilities or exact location, I believe we'd be better served focusing on verifiable threats."

  "I understand, Delegate Pompeo," Harrison replied, his accent thickening slightly. "But I'm not suggesting we approve SIMU's full request, merely that we consider it worthy of further discussion."

  The Corporate Chamber fell silent, the power dynamics shifting visibly.

  "A vote, then," Harrison continued, his voice level. "Delegates in favor of advancing Director Otis's proposal to the formal consideration phase, indicate your support."

  For a moment, no one moved. Then Campbell of NexLink raised his hand, followed hesitantly by Williams of Pan-American Defense. Kim and Montgomery exchanged glances before they too signaled their support.

  Dante remained motionless, his expression contemplative rather than angry.

  "Four in favor," Harrison nodded. "Those opposed?"

  Dante's hand rose with deliberate slowness, joined by Viktor Petrov and two others.

  "Four to four," Harrison announced. "As procedure dictates, this matter advances to formal consideration with additional requirements for transparency and oversight." He turned to Artak. "Director Otis, you'll need to provide comprehensive operational details and financial projections within seventy-two hours."

  "Thank you, Mr. President," Artak replied, his relief carefully masked behind professional courtesy.

  "My concerns aren't personal, Director," Dante said, his tone surprisingly conciliatory. "But while SIMU chases artifacts, I receive daily reports of Imperium expansionism and Directorate insurgency. Those are enemies we can see."

  "Then perhaps your perspective will be valuable during the formal consideration phase, Delegate Pompeo," Harrison said as he scanned the room. "This meeting is adjourned."

  Dante nodded, rising with surprising grace for a man of his size. "I look forward to reviewing the detailed proposal." He directed a pointed look at Artak. "I trust it will contain more than theories and promises."

  As the Chamber members began to file out, Diego's hologram flickered beside Artak. "I should check on our operatives in Taiwan," he murmured. "The timing could be crucial now."

  Artak nodded almost imperceptibly. "Keep me updated on Lorna's status. We can't afford any complications."

  Diego's projection dissolved, leaving Artak alone to face Harrison, who now stood by the vast windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. The city lights mirrored the stars above.

  "You're walking a tightrope, Artak," Harrison said once they were alone, his formal tone giving way to something more personal. "The Chamber tolerates SIMU because you've delivered results. But this Crystal quest..." He shook his head. "You're asking for a lot of faith."

  "It's not faith, Harry. It's foresight," Artak replied, moving to stand beside the President. "The Crystal is real, and its power is beyond anything we've encountered. If we don't secure it, our competitors will."

  Harrison sighed, his reflection in the glass revealing the weariness his public face concealed. "What aren't you telling me about Agent Weiss? There's something more to her involvement in this operation, isn't it?"

  Artak hesitated, measuring his words carefully. "Lorna Weiss was born Sigrún Fjeld in Bj?rgvin."

  Harrison's expression sharpened. "A Nordling? How in God's name did she pass the genetic screenings?"

  "With my help," Artak admitted. "Her abilities are exceptional, Harry. And there's reason to believe her Nordling heritage may create a unique resonance with Nirboh artifacts."

  "You've been harboring a Nordling in a federal agency," Harrison's voice dropped to a whisper. "Do you understand what would happen if this became public? The quarantine laws are absolute."

  "Precisely why her identity is classified at the highest level," Artak replied. "Her official records list her as a Valoran from Osram's New Savannah."

  Harrison paced the length of the window. "The detention centers in Wyoming are overflowing with Nordlings who haven't shown a single symptom in decades, yet we keep them contained because public fear demands it." He turned back to Artak. "And you've placed one in our most elite unit."

  "I placed our most qualified candidate in a position where she could best serve humanity," Artak corrected. "The question is whether you'll allow her to continue that service."

  Harrison studied him for a long moment. "Make sure your team succeeds in Taiwan. The Chamber's provisional support won't last if you come back empty-handed." He straightened his tie, his presidential demeanor returning. "And this conversation never happened. As far as the Alliance is concerned, Lorna Weiss remains a Valoran from New Savannah."

  "As you wish." Artak nodded, a cryptic smile on his ivory countenance.

  "Now I must leave. Victor and I will be celebrating our 17th anniversary tomorrow." Harrison’s posture relaxed as he turned around.

  "Of course, Mr. President. Please give my regards to your husband." Artak added in a gentle voice.

  Just as the President walked toward the door, Harrison paused. "Dante may be narrow-minded about your Crystal theory, but his concerns about the Imperium and Directorate are legitimate. Don't fixate so much on one objective that you miss the broader threats."

  The door hissed shut behind him, leaving Artak alone in the vastness of the conference room. Outside, Chicago continued its bustling existence, oblivious to the machinations within.

  In that moment, his gray Quantum Watch chimed softly, indicating an encrypted message. He tapped the interface, revealing Diego's urgent update:

  ‘Situation in Taiwan deteriorating. Lorna pursuing Skarn at Songnei Starport. Extraction plans compromised. Standing by for instructions.’

  Artak closed his eyes briefly, feeling the weight of responsibility settle more heavily on his shoulders. The timing couldn't have been worse.

  His fingers moved rapidly across the Quantum Watch's holographic interface, his weathered face reflecting the blue light as he composed his response: ‘All personnel to prioritize extraction over engagement. Weiss is too valuable to risk on a confrontation with Skarn at this juncture.’

  He hesitated for a moment before pressing send, the weight of his decision heavy in his chest.

  "Take care of it, wherever you are," he whispered to the empty room, knowing Diego couldn't hear him. "The future of SIMU—and perhaps humanity itself—depends on what happens in the next few hours."

  He gathered his notes and straightened his white coat, preparing to leave via an elevator. The real battle, he knew, was just beginning.