by Allison Goh
Most alarming of all, Max received an update on the Green scientists. Back when he still held the reins of Etak Inc. as CEO, he had tasked a trustworthy source to follow the Green scientists after they fled the country when negative reports about the Infinity Chip surfaced. He had been furious at their desertion and was determined to track them down. Well it looked like his source had come through. The update suggested that the Green Scientists were back in the country.
Max raised an eyebrow as he perused the report. The Green scientists had been spotted entering a heavily guarded building that was owned by OrionWan-Nutrienas. The building was part of a massive industrial park that OrionWan-Nutrienas owned, known only as Sector A.
What on earth were they doing there? What was Orion’s involvement in all this?
Max crossed his arms and tapped his foot on the ground. This was most suspicious. He didn’t like that the technology he had developed was now being controlled by Orion and it didn’t help matters that the Green scientists, whom he had personally discovered and tasked to develop the Infinity Chip, appeared now to be working with Orion.
Wait, Max thought. He still had some leverage. He had all the proof necessary to link the Green scientists to the Infinity Chip and whatever long term side effects it was supposed to cause. The public couldn’t get Alex Etak but he was sure they would be happy to settle for the scientists who helped create the technology.
Max cracked a smile.
Looks like a little blackmail action was in order.
By hook or by crook, Max wasn’t going to let Orion have his way.
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The members of the Alpha5, dressed up in their nines, oohed and aahed appropriately as the Aculle family’s chefs showcased their creations for dinner that night. The Aculle family owned the Nutrienas business and they definitely knew their ‘food’. It was a wondrous sight to behold and the Alpha5 was not about to be stringy with compliments where it was clearly due.
Beneath their calm demeanour however, an undercurrent of unease pulsated through the room. After the meeting with Kate and seeing the shocking video of Ren at the hospital, the Alpha5 were besides themselves as to what to do with the information they now possessed. Tonight’s dinner party by the Aculle family was more than just a casual social event, it had been planned as a pretext to confront Orion and force him to admit the truth about Ren.
The shooting had been reported in the media. There were too many bystanders for them to deny the affair altogether, as no doubt Orion would have wanted to do. News outlets labelled the incident a terrorist attack and this created much uneasiness amongst the people as such high profile crimes were extremely rare in Egalia. And as the culprit remained elusive, talk was rife that the city was becoming unsafe.
Also, the victim’s identity was not revealed. It looked as if Ren’s secret was safe. The public only knew of the shooting but not of the victim. And it looked like Orion planned to keep it that way as not even a ripple of a rumour surfaced about the identity of the victim, even among the higher echelons of Egalian society. He was clearly doing his utmost job to keep this under wraps.
When the Alpha5 saw Ren tonight, just four days after his shooting, suave in a killer tuxedo and in the pink of health, their suspicions about Ren was confirmed. He definitely possessed some abnormal physical capabilities. But more than that, the fact that Orion did not even trust them, his inner circle, with the fact that Ren had been shot, it was clear that he definitely had something to hide. Logic demanded that he would discuss such a monumental event with them, at least to seek their cooperation in finding the culprit.
After dinner, the Alpha5 decided that it was time to confront Orion. Leaving their children to mingle by the pool, they went into the house.
Gathered in the lounge area, wine in hand, the members of the Alpha5 made small talk with each other as they waited for someone to address the white elephant in the room. Thankfully, the hosts spoke up.
“Orion, we have something to discuss,” Paul Aculle said.
“We know about Ren,” Patty Aculle added.
Orion stopped in his tracks and his grip on his drink tightened. Feigning calm, he strode to the nearest chair and sat down, his posture ramrod straight and his chest puffed out, as he eyed the room.
“What about Ren?” Orion said, his voice laced with saccharine.
“We know about the shooting,” Emily Zine said, her hand shot out to hold her husband’s hand as she shifted in her seat uncomfortably under Orion’s heated stare.
Squeezing his wife’s hand to reassure her, Zack Zine returned Orion’s gaze without missing a beat and said, “I think you owe all of us an explanation Orion.”
Orion looked at the Zines, his face expressionless. “There’s nothing to say.”
“Come on Orion,” Paul Aculle said, “We know there’s something up with Ren. We know he was shot and now he’s here, nary a scratch on him!” Paul said, his voice grew louder in irritation.
“Now now,” Timon Titus said, running a hand through his jet black hair, “There’s no need to raise our voices here.” He looked at Orion with a steady gaze and said, “We’re not here to attack you Orion. You know us better than that. We saw some things that can’t be unseen and we just need some answers.”
Orion surveyed the room. Everyone had spoken now, except for Billion, whose gaze remained pointedly at the fireplace. It was just like him to avoid confrontation but his composed demeanour showed that none of this was new to him. Clearly, Ren’s shooting had already been discussed behind his back and this confrontation carefully planned.
Orion began carefully, “I don’t know what any of you are insinuating.”
Before he could continue, he was met with snorts of protest from Paul Aculle, who was already half standing up, ready to object to any more of Orion’s denials.
Cutting him off with a piercing stare, Orion said, “Listen to what I have say.”
Swishing his drink in his hands and taking a languid sip, Orion said, “Regarding Ren, whatever you think you know, it’s not true. And regardless, it’s none of your business.”
A murmur of discontent swept the room.
Orion put his drink down. He said, “I’m not doing anything to harm you guys, am I?”
“Yet…” Paul muttered under his breath.
Orion stood up and walked towards Paul. He placed a firm hand on Paul’s shoulder and leaned in, “Yet,” he said, a dangerous glint in his eye.
Orion placed his drink down and walked out of the room.
Orion summoned Ren and together, they left the Aculle’s mansion. Jean wasn’t here today, the events of the past few days leaving her in no mood for socialization and it was a good thing that she hadn’t shown up. Orion only demanded that Ren be present in the small off chance that someone knew he had been shot. He was determined to quell any such rumour. However, it looked like the Alpha5 not only knew about the shooting but maybe even about Ren’s abilities. They were proving to be quite the thorn in his side.
Back in the lounge room, the members of the Alpha5 were in an uproar. Not only had they failed to get any answers, they had been dismissed callously, almost as if they were mere employees. Orion’s thinly veiled threat was apparent and the members of the Alpha5 did not take such intimidation lightly. They too were men and women of power and influence. Who was Orion to threaten them like that!
Paul and Patty Aculle in particular were furious at the way Orion had handled their questions. After all, the Nutrienas company enjoyed a merger with OrionWan. They were equals in name and they deserved at least a respectful conversation.
Enough! They said. They had tried to give Orion a chance to explain himself, but it seemed that he wouldn’t take them seriously if they just asked nicely.
Immortality? This isn’t something that they could just let go out of the goodness of their hearts. They would confront him again, after they had gathered more evidence. If he wasn’t going to play nice, they wouldn’t either.
Chapter 9: House of Cards
Orion was on his way to see Mayor Wayne. The confrontation with the Alpha5 last night at the Aculles’ mansion had ruffled his feathers. He knew that they wouldn’t just let it go. If they really discovered Ren’s secret, his secret, there would be big trouble ahead.
Ålpha was his and his alone and he would not be forced to give it up or share it with others.
Orion’s features contorted in disgust. Those bastards! How dare they bite the hand that fed them! All those years as leader of the Alpha5, he had brought their companies to unparalleled heights. Now they dare spy on him? How they knew about Ren was beyond him and it was clear that they were not above turning against him. Whatever befell them next, they had only themselves to blame, he thought.
Reaching the Mayor’s office, Orion calmed himself down by taking a deep breath.
Orion smiled. This was going to be fun.
“Mayor Wayne! How nice to meet you!” Orion said, his eyes sizing up Oliver Wayne as he offered a handshake.
Mayor Wayne returned the greeting, though his was noticeably less pleasant.
They both sat down.
Orion got comfortable in his seat. “Mayor,” he said, “You look terrible. The Infinity Chip giving you problems?”
Mayor Wayne’s eyes darted away at the mention of the Infinity Chip. He shook his head quickly, “No, no, I’m fine.”
Mayor Wayne was not fine. When the news reports about the Infinity Chip started circulating in the media, he didn’t believe them at first. After all, his own experiences with the Chip had be wonderful, he was incredibly productive and efficient and all without needing a wink of sleep. He had endorsed the product for god’s sake!
But as of late, he had started getting some mild headaches and even when he attempted to sleep, even though he didn’t actually need to, he found himself battling serious insomnia, resulting in even more tiredness.
He felt angry at Alex Etak for duping him but also himself for believing him.
He sighed as he thought of the predicament he was in with no way out. He couldn’t admit to any signs of weakness or else his political career would be over. He had to stick to the bluff that he was one of the lucky few who weren’t affected by the Infinity Chip’s side effects.
“I’m glad to hear you are okay,” Orion said, “But, I have bad news.”
Mayor Wayne sat up when he heard that. He really couldn’t handle any more bad news, he was too tired.
Orion continued, “You must know that I’m in charge of rehabilitating the Infinity Chip patients.”
Pausing to make sure Mayor Wayne was following, he said, “There’s no easy way to put this but several patients have actually died.”
Orion paused for dramatic effect.
“And, I’m pretty sure it’s the Infinity Chip,” he said.
Mayor Wayne almost fell out of his chair in shock. His hands shook as he reached to get his glass of water, gulping the water down hurriedly.
Orion laughed, a great big hearty laugh.
“Ah, not to worry Mayor Wayne. Don’t look so panicked. It’s not as if you’re going to die. Didn’t you say you were fine?” he said, a look of practiced concern on his face.
“No, no, uhm, yes,” Mayor Wayne stuttered. “Uhm actually, I’ve been having some headaches. I’m at a loss actually. What… what do you think I should do?” he said.
Orion smiled, gesturing to his assistant to open the briefcase he carried.
“I thought you’d never ask,” he said, pointing to the briefcase. “We’ve actually developed something, a cure you might call it,” he said, watching Mayor Wayne’s face intently.
Orion hid a smirk when he saw the look on Mayor Wayne’s face.
Oh, this was too easy. Like taking candy from a baby.
Mayor Wayne looked utterly revived. His eyes lit up and he leaned so closely trying to take a look at the contents of the briefcase, he almost fell over. It was comical really.
Just as Mayor Wayne reached out to touch one of the glass syringes lined neatly on the insides of the briefcase, Orion’s employee hastily shut it with a satisfying smack, startling the Mayor.
Orion tutted his disapproval, “Patience, Mayor.”
Looking into Mayor Wayne’s desperate eyes, Orion knew he had won. The Mayor was now putty in his hands. He would do whatever he asked him to.
Orion finished their meeting with satisfaction. He obviously exaggerated the deaths of customers of the Infinity Chip. Maybe by a hundred percent? But Mayor Wayne didn’t need to know that, Orion thought, chuckling to himself.
The cure for the Infinity Chip did work. It was a ‘watered’ down version of the immortality injection Ålpha he administered to himself. The efforts of a 10 year research project using Ren’s DNA. The scientists he had employed had managed to create a stabilized injectable cultivated from Ren’s DNA, which when administered on a regular basis, would give him the same abilities as Ren. The ability to regrow and repair damaged cells, making his physical self virtually immortal.
While the deaths were exaggerated, the side effects of the Infinity Chip were real. And this concoction for immortality, in small and watered down doses were just the thing to alleviate the Infinity Chip’s symptoms.
To be perfectly accurate, it was actually a cure-all. After all, Ålpha possessed the ability to regenerate cells, no matter how or what caused the damage. In all likelihood, it could cure almost anything.
Orion smiled to himself. Now that he had Mayor Wayne in his pocket, he could proceed to expand his plans toward his ultimate goal. At the moment, it was enough to have cast his bait. He would reel Mayor Wayne in at a later date.
Orion knew that if he could obtain both business and political might, his position as Egalia’s most powerful man would be solidified. Step by step he would make his way there, until he had the world at his feet. Best of all, Orion thought; Once he reached the top, he would be there forever.
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Later that evening, Orion was informed by his butler that the Aculles had showed up at his home. No doubt to discuss the matter about Ren again, he thought irritably. Didn’t they get the hint from the last time? He couldn’t be bothered with such petty things right now. He had more important things to do!
In the dining room where they were all seated, Orion closed his eyes and leaned back into his chair. He was trying very hard to contain his anger as he listened to their accusations. Why wouldn’t the damned couple leave him alone?
Paul and Patty Aculle had spent the last fifteen minutes laying out all the evidence they had gathered about Ren and his unnatural healing abilities, including the video Kate had showed them of Ren at the hospital.
“Orion, we know the truth. You can’t deny it. The evidence is all here,” Paul said.
“Stop avoiding us,” Patty said, glaring at Orion whose eyes remained closed, seemingly unfazed by their relentless questioning.
Orion sighed. He opened his eyes and sat up straight. “Are you done now?” he said.
“Well yes,” Patty said.
“But we want the truth Orion, no more lies,” Paul said.
“What exactly do you want me to do?” Orion snapped, “Give myself up to the authorities? Get myself arrested? Is that what you guys want?”
Paul looked startled at the suggestion, he said, “Well no, not exactly…”
Patty cut in, excited that they finally got a reaction from Orion, “So is it true?” she said, “Does Ren really have healing powers? How did you engineer this? What didn’t you tell us!”
“I don’t need to explain myself,” Orion said. “Even if you get some kind of admission from me, how does it benefit anyone? I don’t think I need to remind you that our companies’ fates are tied together. Getting me arrested will pull your shares down as well.”
Paul frowned at the mention of their company. Merging their companies had been a terrible idea, he had tried to dissuade Patty but his wife had insisted that it would be beneficial for them all, especially since it would sol
idify the union between Ren and Paris, their eldest daughter. But after the merger, Orion had never ceased meddling into the company’s affairs, gaining more and more control each year through his domineering ways. This might well be the golden opportunity to finally kick Orion out of the company!
“This is wrong,” Paul said, “What you’ve done with Ren is wrong. This goes against the natural human order, it’s unnatural!” he said, almost shouting.
Patty nodded, “Yes!” she said, “And if you’ve kept this secret for so long, who knows what else you’ve been hiding. How are we supposed to trust you from now on?” she said.
Paul agreed vehemently. Patty was right, there was definitely more to the story than they knew. Orion was an insatiable man. They were probably only scratching at the tip of the iceberg. Paul’s eyes widened as Kate’s words about Orion’s own agenda came to mind.
“Orion, don’t tell me…” Paul said, “Are you? Did you also do something to yourself? Paul said, his voice wavered as he himself scarcely believed what he was suggesting.
Orion snapped out of his daydream, he hadn’t been paying much attention to Paul and Patty’s incessant whining. He was just hoping to endure this conversation, convince them to drop it and never speak to them again.
But, Paul was onto him. It was one thing for Ren to be exposed, but NOT him.
“No!” Orion said, his voice reverberated around the room as his eyes shot daggers at Paul, daring him to challenge his statement.
Paul winced. That definitely crossed a line. Orion looked furious.
At the same time, with such a strong denial from Orion, Paul and Patty instinctively knew that he was lying. They had struck a nerve and he was desperate to cover it up. Orion was using Ren’s abilities for his own benefit as well. And that scenario was almost too daunting to picture.
Paul looked at Orion warily, wondering how far he was willing to push the tiger. He spoke softly, “Look, we won’t stand for this Orion. No matter how long we’ve been friends, or even business partners, what you’re doing is crossing the line…”
Orion’s face had returned to its usual stony state. He checked the time and adjusted his watch. “Don’t push me,” he said.