Chapter 16: Escape

*GSG9 Office in Hamburg, 2 days after the attack on Stracken's convoy. Some questions remained unanswered. Team leader Carmen Falke had summoned the main person of interest for a drink in her office. Victor had come in casual attire, still with his shy look and favorite sweater. Carmen wore a low-cut shirt and jeans.*

- Let's recap, Herr Stracken, shall we?

- Do I have to answer all your questions again?

- Who is the man who kidnapped you?

- I don't know, I've already said that.

- Who is the man who came to your rescue?

- It's Jay, he's a friend. *He said tiredly.*

- Ah, I thought he was a member of your security team.

*Victor paused and sighed.*

- What do you want from me?

- The truth. How did he know where you were?

- I have a transponder.

- Why would your "friend" have access to your transponder, which is top-secret ARC technology?

- Because we're friends? *He said sarcastically.* Look, I should have gone home a while ago. You have work to do, so do I, and the reason I didn't call my lawyer is because I want to be cooperative.

- And I appreciate that. *She said.* But I have a job to do, and you are under federal investigation, sir.

*He straightened in his chair and wiped his glasses briefly.*

- It's ironic. *Carmen said with a smile.*

- What's ironic?

- You're the global leader in pharmaceuticals, but you can't heal your own eyes.

- It's a hereditary condition. Treating it would be like playing God.

- Oh, I see... So, you can treat it? *She said with a smirk.*

- I... No comment.

- Who is the girl who came to save you?

- No comment.

- Who is the girl? *She yelled.*

- There was no girl. *Victor retorted angrily.*

*The door suddenly opened, and an old man in a suit nodded at Falke. She closed her file and followed him out of the room.*

- What are you doing?

- Putting pressure on him, he's going to crack.

- No, you're harassing the victim. Victor Stracken is an honest citizen who was the target of an attempted murder. Your job is to find his attackers, not to assault him.

- But...

- I don't want to hear it, Carmen. *He said firmly.* Release him.

*The old man left under the frustrated gaze of the young woman.*

- Scheisse.

*She entered the room and told Victor he was free to go. A radiant smile finally appeared on his face, and he left the room. Outside, he encountered the head of the office, who gave him a hug, and she immediately understood why he insisted on releasing Stracken. At the same time, she had no charges against him. Meanwhile, Victor was concerned about one last thing.*

- Can you have my friend released?

- Your friend? *Asked the chief.*

- Ja. His name is Jacob Wittman; he's really important to me.

- Okay, I'll take care of it, and...

- That won't be possible. *Said Carmen.*

- And why not? *Asked the chief.*

- He's in custody. Illegal possession of firearms.

- He's a member of my security team, and he has a permit for that.

- A permit he didn't have on him at the time of his arrest. And he pointed his weapon at a police officer.

- But... But this is ridiculous, you...

*The chief silenced Victor with a gesture and then turned to Carmen.*

- You have 24 hours. After that, you release him without delay. Is that clear?

- Very clear, sir.

*Victor left frustrated but resigned, while Carmen had a smirk on her lips. Once outside the building, a limousine awaited him, along with armored trucks at the front and back, and helicopters.*

- Look at that. *Said Mino.* He's protected like the president.

*Victor boarded the vehicle and found a beautiful woman with silver hair sitting in the back, dressed in a full white trench coat and sunglasses. She had an amused smile.*

- So, how did your meeting with the teachers go? *She asked sarcastically.*

- Haha, very funny. I've been there for 3 hours now. But why all this pomp? It's really too conspicuous; I don't like it.

- That's the point, to be conspicuous, so they know who they're dealing with. And it's your taste for discretion that got you attacked.

*Victor couldn't argue further and simply said okay.*

- As you wish, send a car to pick up Jay.

- It will be done.

- Oh, and one last thing. *He said.* Thanks for saving me, Sima. *He said, placing his hand on her knee.*

*She looked at him with a slight smirk.*

- But that's only natural.

*The convoy set off and left the premises. Meanwhile, Carmen got back to work immediately. She joined her colleague Mino, who now had a patch on his neck due to his gunshot wound.*

- Okay, what did you find out about this guy?

- His name is Jacob Wittman, his friends call him Jay. He's Australian and lives in Alice Springs with his wife and child.

- And what does our friend do?

- He's the head of Blackwood. With some friends, he organizes survival camps where he teaches people various skills. He's highly respected and a nature enthusiast.

*Carmen stopped walking and stared at Mino.*

- Don't you have anything else to tell me?

- He's a former military. He was part of the SASR for 10 years; his file is blacked out.

*Carmen sighed and resumed walking with Mino toward the parking lot.*

- Australian special forces, I thought so.

- He left the service in 2023, and since then, he seems to lead a quiet life. Just look at his Instagram—family photos, gym sessions, pictures in the mountains with friends.

- I want to know his connection with Stracken's friend. Keep looking; you'll find a link.

*She got into her car and started it.*

- Okay, but where are you going?

- To find out who the bastard was that shot at you.

*The bastard in question was in a bad spot. After the subway attack, he was thrown onto the tracks by a shockwave and hit by a train going 300 km/h. But right now, he was in an office in Reimstein, idly working on his computer like any respectable bureaucrat.*

- Hey Wayne. *Said the man across from him.* Wayne... Wayne

- What, Mickey?

- Stop slacking off, idiot. We still have a pile of reports to submit.

- I've already finished writing mine, so I'm slacking.

- Huh... Are you kidding me?

*He got up and came to check his computer; indeed, all the reports had already been written. What he didn't know was that he had used an AI to do it faster.*

- Well, you're quick. Could you give me a hand?

- In your dreams, idiot.

- Oh, come on. By the way, how did your seminar in Hamburg go?

- Perfectly.

*Meanwhile, while Mickey was talking, he himself was linked with his team's operator, Gael.*

- Damn, this asshole never shuts up. Are all Amadorians this annoying? *He asked, exasperated.*

- Only the Americans, apparently.

- I've sent you the itinerary I covered.

- White Star was tracking you, so no need. I've already erased all digital traces of your presence. If you left any blood on the pavement, that's no longer my concern.

- Thanks, man, I owe you one. By the way, tell me what happened?

*Ted straightened up and signaled Mickey to move. He left his office and headed to the coffee machine to focus.*

- I was hit by an electric pistol. The same kind used for hostage situations. The shot targets only the hostage-taker.

- Your gear didn't hold up? *Gael asked.*

- It's infiltration gear, not combat gear. *He said irritably.* And even the voltage was too high; it seems to be a prototype.

- Or a failed finish. That bastard is giving our technology to the Amadorians. *Gael sighed.*

- It would make sense. You're alone in the middle of 8 billion idiots, and you have a know-how 5 centuries ahead of them. Personally, I'd put it to use.

- It's a federal crime, Warner, don't forget that.

- Yeah, yeah. Keep me posted if you hear anything new; I'm hurting. *He said, touching his side.* My ribs aren't healed yet.

- No surprise; you were hit by a train at full speed and thrown like trash. Without your suit to absorb the impact, you'd already be dead.

- I'll get you back for this.

*The transmission ended, and Ted returned to his tasks. As soon as the transmission cut off, Gael started another one in England, where he transmitted the information to Gaines.*

- Here's basically what happened. *He explained.*

- So it's confirmed, in addition to stealing our technology, he's sharing it with our enemies.

- They're not technically our enemies, and it's still a rudimentary version of ours.

- I'm just repeating what the four-star generals will say when they see me. *He said dismissively.*

- What are you doing, Gin? I hear noise.

*Gaines was in a suburb driving a BMW Y8. He was dressed in a three-piece suit and wearing gloves.*

- Nothing extraordinary. Just helping out our MI6 friends.

*An explosion rang out, and a building caught fire. Gaines quickly resumed driving, moving away from the explosion site.*

- Tell Nikto that I'll need his services soon.

- I'll keep him informed. What about the two young ones?

- They're just companions. Tourists. Let them live their lives; remember, we were supposed to be only four to begin with.

- You're right. *Said Gael, smiling.* You're the boss.

*As he ended the transmission, a few hours later, Stracken's helicopter landed on the roof of a massive skyscraper with "HIVE" written in large letters. With him were Sima and some plainclothes guards.*

- Good to see you in one piece, President Stracken. *His secretary said.*

- Yes, me too. *He said impatiently.*

*She tried to speak, but he interrupted her and continued immediately.*

- Contact the site and the R&D lab. Tell them that I will take over the program personally.

*The young secretary looked at him, surprised.*

- Personally… But…

- Also contact the Security Council and the Grand Council. Tell them they need to meet ASAP.

- But it will take days to clear time in their schedules...

- I don't think you understand, Carol. *He said, looking her straight in the eyes.* This is extremely urgent. So please, make it happen.

*He then hurried away with his guards escorting him into the building, leaving the young woman stunned. Sima approached and patted his shoulder.*

- You'll find a solution, don't worry. After all, you're the best, aren't you?

*End of Chapter*