Previous Story: 53. Safety or Freedom?

Cyborg would have preferred to meet his new allies in person but holographic projection was a good second best. He was in one of his mansion’s three studies, gazing across the room at four lifelike, full-size images. After the dramatic events that had transpired at Republic Square, he was glad to at last be face to face – virtually – with Buck and Pai of the Peacemakers and Lucky and Gadget of the Survivalists. Cyborg couldn’t help smiling at the one familiar face.

‘Hey, Lucky. Seems like fate keeps bringing us together.’

Lucky raised a thumb, the image shimmering slightly. ‘Looks that way, Johnny.’

‘And Gadget, pleased to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.’

‘Hey,’ said the mechanic with a friendly wave. ‘How’s life in Atlantic Heights?’

‘Pretty similar to the rest of town these days.’

‘Don’t forget us,’ interjected Buck, who Cyborg had made contact with after Plate and Threads had returned from Republic Square.

‘Of course not,’ said Cyborg before making some introductions.

Then Lucky continued: ‘I know I speak for Seeker too when I thank you and your guys for helping us out at the square.’

‘Our pleasure,’ replied Cyborg.

Lucky turned to Buck and Pai. ‘Meeting Nix and Bolt was an added bonus.’

After the pause that followed, Cyborg got down to business. ‘As we all know, it wasn’t just fate that brought our three groups together. We have to hope that our mysterious scientist friends are really on to something. We’ve certainly got the right people here to deal with whatever software is sent back to us.’ 

‘So do we,’ replied Lucky, pointing at Gadget.

Buck responded by aiming a thumb at Pai, who shrugged modestly.

‘We’re all set then,’ said Cyborg.

‘Hopefully,’ said Buck, though his tone was serious. ‘As long as we can secure the package.’

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Even before the crisis, Ryder Arcadia had preferred using holographic projection tech. Meeting people in person was so time-consuming and tiresome – all that coffee and shaking hands and making nice.

Alone in his office, he was interested to see what the infamous Lady Rose looked like; and instantly impressed by her stylish clothes and confident manner. She was leaning back against a desk, hands clasped in front of her.

‘Good morning, Mister Arcadia. I must say I was interested to hear that you also had people in Republic Square.’

‘Sounds like there was quite a crowd. May I call you Rose?’

‘Lady Rose, if you don’t mind.’

Ryder felt like rolling his eyes but controlled himself. She might be stylish and confident, but she was still a criminal!

‘As you wish. It occurred to me that now might be the perfect opportunity for your … organization to join forces with one of the big boys in San Lazaro.’

Lady Rose did roll her eyes. ‘I think you and the other big boys might be surprised to hear how much profit my organization made last year. In any case, what exactly did you have in mind, Mr. Arcadia?’   

Ryder chose his words carefully. ‘It now seems that we face a number of mutual enemies. What I had in mind was cooperation, particularly the exchange of information. Zephyr and Beater tell me that the name Neil Collingwood was mentioned in their discussions with your operatives. That name has some significance to me. I presume it has to you?’

‘It does,’ conceded Lady Rose. ‘But you called me, Mister Arcadia, so perhaps you should be the one to make the opening move?’

Ryder couldn’t help admiring her direct approach. ‘I suppose that’s reasonable. Here at Cynfo, we are developing a potentially game-changing program based on data obtained from the House Intelligence Chair. As is well known, Neil Collingwood is the chair’s chief of staff. As is far less well known, Collingwood also happens to be the largest black-market arms supplier in our fair city. Unsurprisingly, his position in government has given him all manner of advantages.’

‘Quite so.’

‘And I believe your operative, Fei, recently paid a visit to his premises.’

Lady Rose gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Ryder assumed that she knew exactly what he was after. He decided to emulate her direct approach:

‘I wonder if she came across a certain DNA drive? My intelligence sources suggest that Mr. Collingwood kept his most secure and sensitive files on it. We believe that some of those files relate to government experiments; even to the outbreak and the CyMS.’

‘I take it that this information will assist you with the development of your new program?’

‘It will indeed. And please believe me when I tell you that the program can be of great benefit to us both. The drive is a prototype – quite unusual. It’s disguised as a gun. If you’d seen it, you’d certainly remember.’

Lady Rose did not reply.

‘Have you seen it?’ pressed Ryder.

The leader of the Red Dragons paused for a moment, making an adjustment to her already immaculate hair. ‘Mr. Arcadia, let’s say for the sake of argument that I can deliver you the drive. What would you be willing to pay?’

Ryder grinned. ‘Now we’re talking.’

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