Major Jett Steelhart woke up in a medical room with navy blue accents. The mechanical arms of surgical robots loomed over her. She flexed her fingers and took a deep breath. Her synthetic lung seemed repaired, but she had no idea how much time she had spent unconscious.
Her personal interface displayed 8 missed calls, all from Reagan Walker, the Chief Security Officer of Weiwu, dating back to the previous week. An inorganic voice echoed in the room:
“Major Steelhart, welcome back. Your vital signs are now stable. An official from Weiwu Research is on the way. Please cooperate.”
“Shit,” replied the Major.
She knew exactly what to expect: a dirty trick from Walker. She sat up and briefly recalibrated her ocular implants.
No sooner had she finished than the door to the room opened, revealing a coalition of three soldiers and a Weiwu official.
“Major, your body is operational once again. Please stand up and follow us.”
She smirked to herself.
“Of course,” she thought. “That bastard is going to try to pin it on me…”
She got up without saying a word and followed them.
In the corridors of the corporation, whose interior was designed to reflect the fusion of high technology and the Chinese heritage of the company, executives hurried by with stern faces, nervous gestures, and rigid posture. The dim light that illuminated their faces day and night accentuated the intense stress weighing on each lower-level employee, while the executives, though equally stressed, enjoyed slightly more favorable working conditions on the upper floors. None of them bothered to personally deliver instructions unless it was a managerial emergency. Sometimes, drones equipped with screens would be sent, displaying the sallow and acrimonious faces of higher-ranking superiors.
As the Major moved swiftly through the corridor with her escort, she noticed a young employee vomiting at the corner of an intersection, likely due to the overwhelming pressure. Cybernetic implants were highly encouraged and even provided by the corporation : shedding a part of one’s humanity in favor of efficiency and productivity was highly regarded by the corporate elites, and it conveniently provided a means to monitor every action and gesture of their employees, both at work and in their private lives. When an employee resigned or was terminated, they were, of course, required to return the borrowed equipment. The few cases of refusal had led to legal proceedings on paper, but in reality, most matters were settled outside of court by unofficial teams recruited from the worst gangsters the streets of Jagaloma had to offer, working as freelancers.
It goes without saying that the rare individuals refusing any transplantation were ostracized and mocked by their colleagues. So far, there was no obligation for employees to accept bodily modifications, but rumors from higher up hinted that it would soon become a prerequisite to continue working at Weiwu Research.
The Major, the official, and the soldiers entered a spacious elevator adorned in navy blue and gold tones.
“Why this escort?” the Major asked the official in a tie, although she already knew the answer.
-It’s a precautionary measure by Mr. Walker.
-Very well. Am I now considered unstable?
-You fled the battlefield and left three of your men to die in gruesome conditions, mutilated by savages, Ms. Steelhart. Although I don’t have a say in directly assessing your mental health, it goes without saying that such unpredictable behavior cannot go unchecked.
-I see. Your obedience is beyond question.
-My vote is my own. And you know as well as I do that it carries little weight, doesn’t it?”
She clenched her fist.
“Don’t act like nothing happened. You’re well aware of the internal power struggles, just like me. You simply chose the wrong side, and I will remind you of that in due time,” the Major said.
The official smirked.
“We shall see, Major Steelhart.”
The elevator opened upon reaching the 102nd floor. They stepped out and crossed a spacious hall adorned with designer sofas, synthetic almond trees, screens displaying the latest stock market news, and a few executives with gleaming implants. Everything was sleek and minimalist, with brushstrokes of calligraphy adorning the walls, juxtaposing ancient Chinese characters with holographic projections of historical figures and sophisticated robots. Transparent glass cabinets housed cutting-edge gadgets that had once made Weiwu Research famous, while behind the glass partitions of the offices were high-tech workstations resting on finely carved wooden desks.
To the right stood one of the fifteen Zen meditation rooms in the building. Amidst the chaos of the company, it was meant to offer those coveted moments of self-reconnection that corporates worldwide loved to promote. Soft, natural tones on the walls, traditional meditation cushions, and modern reclining chairs supposedly helpful in finding inner peace; holographic projections of tranquil waterfalls and lush bamboo forests created the illusion of symbiosis with a vanishing nature, accompanied by the tinkling of wind chimes.
Then, at the far end of this gigantic hall surrounded by offices and laboratories, where scientists and engineers buzzed with activity, was the executive boardroom. Clearly, this was where the Major was expected. The soldiers took their positions against the wall on each side of the heavy door, its reinforced plating not apparent, while the official presented his face before a biometric identification device. It opened to reveal the pinnacle of power and decision-making within the megacorporation.
The room exuded an atmosphere of opulence and authority. It was adorned with intricately carved wooden panels seamlessly embedded with state-of-the-art holographic displays depicting various dragons and suns amidst clouds. In the center stood the inevitable conference table, long and made of polished marble, surrounded by ergonomic chairs covered in luxurious silk. Six individuals with stern faces sat around, scrutinizing each other in the gaps their different occupations left available: when one tapped on their smartphone, another looked at them with predatory eyes, and when the latter became distracted and glanced out the window, it was someone else observing them, and so on. Delicate faux-paper lanterns diffused a soft and warm glow, a glow that fooled no one about the true nature of the atmosphere. It blended with the reddish-orange neon lights and the cool illumination of the digital screens scattered throughout.
At the back of the room, not far from the table and near a large window revealing the nighttime heights of the city center, sat Reagan Walker, the Chief Security Officer of Weiwu Research. In an expensive armchair, dressed in an equally costly suit, he looked toward the Major with an expression that blended arrogance and condescension. A slight, confident smile formed on his grayish face, which itself seemed encased in metallic plates with a texture alternating between iridescent steel and fine gold.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats,” he said, still wearing that small smile and keeping his gaze fixed on the Major.
The Major sat down. The official whispered something in Reagan Walker’s ear, then left, escaping the heavy atmosphere of tension. It was clear that they needed to find a scapegoat for the recent debacle while keeping it as secretive as possible.
A voice, unidentifiable and clearly altered, resonated in the room.
“Dear investors and employees, thank you for being here. As CEO, I have called this emergency meeting to address the recent failures that have plagued Weiwu Research. It is imperative to identify those responsible and take decisive action.”
One of the investors, visibly annoyed, took advantage of the brief silence to speak up.
“Mr. Zhìqiáng, we demand answers. This setback has eroded my confidence.
-Answers will come in due time, Mr. Lei. I invite the Major, who is present here, to speak and provide an explanation for her recent operation,” responded Reagan Walker, his gaze cold and still fixed on Jett Steelhart.
-Thank you,” she replied coldly. “We cannot deny the existence of systemic flaws that have hindered our progress. It is time to address the underlying issues rather than solely blaming individuals.
-You are evading your responsibilities once again, Mrs. Steelhart,” retorted Reagan. “We need collaborators assuming their responsabilites. These missteps are costly and tarnish our reputation day after day. I am certain that our respectable investors present here will agree with me.”
They all nodded in agreement.
“Certainly, but this is not the time for philosophy,” said another investor, graying beard and hair. “We demand immediate action. If we cannot find and rectify the source of these failures, Curatech will capitalize on our weaknesses, like the others.”
A heavy silence followed these words.
“I share your concerns, gentlemen. We must conduct an in-depth internal investigation to identify the culprit,” said the CEO, whose calm, emotionless voice and slow speech rate had the power to make every word weigh like the shadow of a guillotine.
Jett and Reagan, although aware that they were both implicated, did not look at each other.
“Mrs. Steelhart, Mr. Walker, both of you have been involved in this project. I need your assessment of the underlying causes of this failure.
-Sir, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive review of our recent operations, including the adequacy of allocated resources, decision-making processes, and communication channels. There is no other way to uncover the systemic issues I mentioned earlier,” the Major responded firmly.
“Sir,” Reagan interjected, “the Major is deviating from the initial subject once again. We must focus on the responsible individuals on the ground. They must be held accountable for their actions, and their recent track record does not speak in their favor.”
The investors began showing signs of impatience.
“Very well,” the CEO said. “The investigation will be overseen by an independent team composed of professionals with no prior affiliation to Weiwu. Their mandate will be to discover the truth. Of course, without bias or influence.”
Reagan clenched his fist slightly under the table. Jett noticed.
A third investor, who had not yet spoken, made himself heard.
“Can we truly trust an external team to conduct such a crucial investigation? With all due respect, sir, Weiwu Research’s reputation is at stake.”
The voice of the CEO resounded again, unwavering and monolithic.
“Trust is indeed a luxury we cannot afford to overlook. I will personally vet the team members and ensure that their competence and integrity align with our expectations,” the CEO responded.
Another silence ensued.
“Sir, I commit to fully cooperate with the investigation. It is in the company’s best interest to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads,” said the Major, looking at Reagan Walker as she finished her sentence.
Reagan, in turn, spoke through gritted teeth.
“It goes without saying that I will fully cooperate as well, CEO. We must identify the culprits and apply appropriate sanctions.”
The elderly investor leaned back slightly.
“Mr. Zhìqiáng, we appreciate your commitment. But as far as I’m concerned, this is your last chance. Now, I must leave.”
He stood up and approached the door, which opened but was blocked by the soldiers, who refused to move.
“Please have a seat, Mr. Sompak. We are not angry, are we?” said the CEO.
Sompak looked at the other investors, pale. His eyebrows furrowed.
“Is this an attempt to intimidate me, Zhìqiáng?”
Pause.
“You see, Sompak, regardless of being an investor, I have always despised people who act as if the world owes them obedience,” Mr. Zhìqiáng calmly stated.
A soldier entered the room and gestured for Sompak to sit back down. The door closed, and the soldier remained stationed in front of it while the old man resumed his seat.
“I tolerate disrespect and falsehood even less,” continued Zhìqiáng. “It has come to my attention that your involvement in the recent mission failure of our esteemed Major runs deeper than it appears. Would you care to enlighten us about your role in this matter?
-I… I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Mr. Zhìqiáng. I am not involved in the Major’s mission, not in any way,” stuttered Mr. Sompak.
Reagan Walker’s face appeared frozen, as if it was paralyzed by some poison. The Major’s face remained passionless.
“Oh, let’s not play musical chairs, Mr. Sompak,” continued the CEO. “We have our sources, and they paint a rather different picture. It seems that you conveniently allied yourself with our esteemed Chief Security Officer, Mr. Walker here, to orchestrate Maven’s escape and the downfall of the Major. An attempt to safeguard your own interests, perhaps?”
The five other investors looked at Sompak and then at Walker, one after the other.
“This is absurd!” Sompak exclaimed, outraged. “I have no reason to undermine the Major or her mission. I am merely an investor seeking stable returns, aiming for progress.
-Stable returns, you say? It seems your definition of stability involves compromising the integrity of Weiwu Research. The evidence we have gathered depicts your clandestine meetings with Walker. You collaborated in sabotaging our operations…
-Mr. Zhìqiáng, I assure you, I never intended to…
-Intentions don’t matter, Sompak. The damage is done, and your involvement cannot be erased. Your ambitions have led you down a dangerous path.”
In the room, everyone remained motionless. Faces, illuminated by different technological lights, appeared frozen, except for the Major’s.
“M-Mr. Zhìqiáng, I…
-Stand up, Sompak. Approach this window.”
The soldier standing by the door stepped forward and pulled Sompak’s chair, then grabbed him by the shoulder to help him up. Sompak, miserable and teary-eyed, continued to stammer through a confused speech. The soldier pushed him, and he fell to all fours; he was forcefully lifted up again and pushed toward the window.
“Walker, my dear friend,” the CEO continued. “Would you please open this window? Wide.”
Reagan Walker, no longer looking anyone in the eye, head lowered, stood up and complied.
“There is only one way to redeem yourself, Sompak,” Zhìqiáng said as the old man, with disheveled hair and a rumpled suit in the cold wind, stared at the summits of the megabuildings.
“Mr. Zhìqiáng, I beg you, there must be a way to make amends, I…
- No, Sompak. There isn’t. You will jump, and in doing so, redeem yourself.
- I can’t,” Sompak sobbed. “I can’t… I have grandchildren…
- You should have thought about them when you decided to hinder the success of the Maven project. Let what is about to happen serve as a lesson to everyone here. Admire the city and embrace the darkness awaiting you below, for it is the only path left for you.”
As Sompak looked into the abyss, his trembling hands reaching for the edge of the window, and the wind whipping every part of his body while drying his tears, Zhìqiáng’s final words echoed in his mind.
The soldier who had entered earlier aimed his assault rifle at the old man. He didn’t need to pull the trigger.
After a few seconds, in a deafening silence, only disturbed by the traffic below, Sompak let himself fall into the void, without a word.
“Walker. Close the window,” said Zhìqiáng.
Walker, head lowered, closed the sliding glass.
“Effective immediately, you are demoted to the rank of a mere soldier and will be on the front lines to retrieve Maven. Your new contract is already available in your inbox, and I expect an immediate signature.
- Mr. Zhìqiáng, I…
- No one fucks me over, Walker. Sign this contract. I know you still prefer cooperation over what awaits you in case of refusal.”
Walker sat back down, visibly out of breath, under the gaze of the stunned investors.
“Major Jett Steelhart, although I know of your love for field operations, you are promoted to the rank of Chief Security Officer and will now lead Weiwu Research’s private army, in coordination with me. I commend you for your unwavering dedication despite your knowledge of the reckless risks incurred by yourself and your team during the last mission.
- Thank you, sir. Your trust means a lot to me,” replied Jett.
At the back of the room, Walker, sitting in his chair, trembled with rage.
“Gentlemen investors, you wanted direct action, and here it is. Let this incident not tarnish our friendship. I have no doubt that you will make good use of your critical thinking after such an event. For now, I must leave you, but you are all invited to the honor reception organized by me on the 91st floor; a buffet, drinks, and private masseurs and masseuses await you. Thank you for your unwavering trust in Weiwu Research.”
A notification sounded, signaling the end of the call. The investors, visibly traumatized, left one by one, under the watchful eyes of the soldiers, leaving Jett and Reagan alone in the same room.
“I hope office life hasn’t made you too soft, Walker,” said the Major.
No answer.
“First briefing tomorrow at 5 a.m.”, she added, before she left.
___
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