Expansion Again

In the bustling heart of Terence City, the Akio family estate was undergoing a remarkable transformation. The once-staid manor buzzed with activity, its ancient walls witnessing a blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology.

Meanwhile, Clarke Higilton observed the shifting tides of power from his office, perched high in a skyscraper that sliced through the city's skyline. The harsh winter had passed, leaving a trail of upheaval in its wake. The demise of the Akio family had sent shockwaves through the power structures of Terence Province. Yet, as rival families readied to pounce, they were met with an unexpected resilience from the Higiltons.

Under Clarke's guidance, the family had replaced key positions lost in the turmoil with AI, discovering that these artificial minds outperformed their human predecessors in efficiency and innovation. This shift not only centralized power but also enhanced the company's administrative effectiveness, leading to a surprising recovery. Cybernetic Network Technology, despite initial stock fluctuations, began a steady ascent, recovering over 30 billion in value.

The rival families, notably Harmony Mining Company, watched in reluctant admiration, forced to retract their ambitions and retreat into the shadows once again. The balance of power, though precarious, was maintained.

"Master Clarke's strategic acumen is formidable indeed," remarked Zamba, handing over the latest Higilton family report to Clarke.

Clarke, gazing out at the sprawling city below, knew that overcoming the initial crisis was just the beginning. The underground psychic laboratory's construction marked a new chapter, and with no disturbances from the mysterious soul cocoons, a semblance of stability had been achieved.

Yet, Clarke's thoughts darkened as he remembered his brush with death. The missed bullet, the car crash he narrowly survived, these memories fueled his resolve. He had witnessed the vulnerability of the Akio family and the near downfall of his own. It was a stark reminder of the need for self-protection, for strength that transcended physical capabilities.

"I must enhance my ability to protect myself," Clarke murmured, his voice barely audible against the backdrop of the bustling city.

He felt a persistent unease, perhaps due to his outsider status in this world, or the knowledge that his path was set against the current of conventional power. Clarke Higilton was on a quest for a different kind of strength, one rooted in psychic powers and the untapped potential of the mind.

But before venturing into the realm of psychic abilities, he knew he needed a foundation of physical and strategic security. "To collapse before even starting would be a folly," he mused, staring pensively at the horizon where the city met the sky, a symbol of the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead.

As Clarke Higilton pondered his future moves, a surprising figure arrived at his residence in Credence, bringing with it an air of unforeseen developments.

Zamba, with a message in hand, approached Clarke's room. He tapped lightly on the door, his movements betraying a hint of anticipation. "Come in," Clarke's voice echoed from within.

Sitting up from his bed, Clarke's eyes were sharp, a reflection of a mind constantly at work. "What's the matter?" he inquired.

"Master, the chairman has arrived," Zheng said, his voice tinged with excitement.

This was significant. The outside world was awash with speculation about the Higilton family. Rumors swirled about the extent of their losses, with some even believing Clarke to be among the casualties. The truth, however, was that Phill, the head of Higilton, had navigated these treacherous waters, stabilizing the family amidst chaos.

For Zamba, the chairman's visit was more than a mere formality. It was recognition for Clarke, who had long been marginalized within the family. Could this signify a shift in the family dynamics?

Clarke, deep in thought, considered the complexity of his father's feelings towards him. The betrayal, the power struggle, how would a father view a son who had upended the family so drastically?

Yet, Phill was here, against all odds. Clarke dressed quickly and stepped outside to confront whatever this visit portended.

Phill waited in the courtyard, barred from entering by the vigilant android guards. He appeared thinner, more haggard than Clarke remembered. The weight of recent events had visibly taken its toll.

"Father?" Clarke greeted cautiously, his gaze lingering on the man who was both his progenitor and adversary.

"I know you're not fond of the family estate, so I made the journey here," Phill responded, his smile strained, his eyes lacking their usual resolve.

"The higher-ups have requested our presence," Phill continued, his voice heavy.

"The higher-ups?" Clarke's brow furrowed, then understanding dawned. "You mean Harmony Mining Company?"

Phill nodded, confirming Clarke's suspicions. The atmosphere in the courtyard grew tense, laden with unspoken histories and uncertain futures.

As they entered the float car, the vehicle gently rising to join the magnetic levitation track, a silence enveloped them. Clarke gazed out at the sprawling cityscape, while Chen She watched his son, each lost in their thoughts.

"Why haven't you asked what happened?" Phill finally broke the silence.

"I've heard some things through other channels," Clarke replied, turning to face his father.

Phill spoke of Leonardo Rochford, a key figure from one of the four families controlling Harmony Mining Company. Clarke was surprised to learn of the company's multi-family control, a testament to the complexity of interplanetary corporate politics.

"What's the purpose of this meeting?" Clarke asked, intrigued.

Phill hesitated before delving into a history lesson about the Second Corporate War, a tumultuous event that reshaped the power dynamics of the largest corporations, including the fall of economy. Clarke listened intently, absorbing the tales of corporate battles that transcended mere financial disputes, involving espionage, technology, and sometimes outright conflict.

As Chen She spoke of the possible repetition of history, Clarke felt a chill. The scale of these corporate giants, their capacity for influence and destruction, was staggering. A new power structure and three other behemoths had emerged from the ashes of the old, still dominating the T0 and T1 levels of corporate power.

Clarke's mind raced as his father's voice faded into a whisper, "And today, history may be on the brink of repeating itself..." The weight of this revelation hung heavily in the air as they journeyed through the vibrant streets of Terence, towards a meeting that could very well dictate their future in this complex web of power and intrigue.