Chapter twenty-one: a long time ago

"The Russians. That is how they will do it. They'll use the Russians to help kill off the eighth company. C-deck is the eighth. They hold data, as do all of the top tech companies. Their software is not the valuable thing. It is the information. They are rich in information on people and a threat to the future of the world. Same goes with the other seven.

The group of seven will secretly rig the upcoming election, loop it back to the Russians as the culprits-as if the Russians have the tech savvy to rig an election! The government spy agencies will get to work proving Russian meddling, only to discover a C-deck footprint in there. A classic shell game. And while all the tech companies know that a company like C-deck would never ever ever leave a footprint if they did do it, the facts are facts and they will get shut down.

"So friends," said Hector. "Our next discussion will be with Jim Hunter, principal share holder and CEO of C-deck. He is the eighth richest person in the world. A very powerful man.

We let him in on the conspiracy so he can get ahead of it. And in return he helps us. If he refuses we can let the other seven kill off his company and distort his power.

One, you are the architect on this. Kal, you will need to gather the troops and work closely with One to coordinate. And AJ, this will be a great day indeed in delivering the goods. Everyone get to work. We are launching tomorrow morning."

AJ needed to consult One.

"Hello? Are you there? One? Have I located the portal? Are we alone?" AJ was waiting for a reply.

"Well yes you have located the portal. And yes we are alone. But One has asked me to join you. I had heard for years that you were growing into the role. That they were watching. And here you are. The chosen one. It is indeed a great pleasure to meet you Ajax. I believe One may have mentioned me?"

AJ began to panic.

"One. I am not comfortable with this. I need you please. I am about to leave this space. Waiting. A few more seconds. Ok I am gone."

AJ scanned the room for One. She was nowhere to be found. And Kal was sobbing in a corner. "She's gone AJ. Oh dear. I feel responsible. Something happened. I closed my eyes for just a minute and she was gone. I cannot contact her. She is not answering. Oh god..." Kal ran into his room sobbing inconsolably.

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