“A what..." he asked critically.

“A spy. I said I was a spy," Alex leaned back in his chair with an unrelenting stare, searching for signs of anxiety. Unfortunately for him, he would not be able to determine the veracity of my statement. Being in the Academy, having these powers and growing up under my father’s care and ‘training,’ I had to make the rules of being a good liar my own.

“You’re a spy?”

“Yes," I responded boldly after relaxing my lips, breathing easily, and keeping a natural tone.

“Okay then," he smirked. “Then answer these questions: which organization are you working for, and what does that have to do with you knowing confidential information about me?"

I maintained my focus, keeping my hands away from my neck and face before responding. “My name is Nicholai Bishop, and I work for the Resistance. Our goal is to overthrow the government and establish a democratic movement. If we can show the people the monsters that they really are, then we can ignite the flame of change."

“You’re of the resistance? How is it even possible for them not to have a record of this on your UI?"

“I have been working for the SSD in deep undercover for several years now. Some of our best men are being held here, and we need to get them out before the government has their way with this conversion. I needed to get in around the time that you were convicted; I just happened to have read your files. I glossed over all the files, but of course, my interest lies only with my men."

“Conversion?” he asked confusingly.

I squinted in surprise. “Just how oblivious are you? You really don't know about the conversion? The prison will be converted into a machine-operated hell-hole."

“Oh, that…” he exclaimed. “Yes, that. The prison will be inescapable!”

With brows slightly arched, his eyes narrowed to crinkled slits. “The prison is already inescapable."

“Is it?” I snickered.

A slight noise from behind drew our attention away from each other, and our heads turned. Just up left and over a shallow terrace stood trouble. One of them grabbed the rail and made one big jump to hurdle over, landing on his feet parallel to us.

“Well, well, well... What do we have here?" he smiled.

PRESENT Guard Uniforms… Hmm… So that’s what that Guard gave them, huh? But what the hell are they doing here? They removed their masks and uniforms and immediately started moving around the room as if they were searching for something. Lo and behold, in the midst of their rummaging, they halted at the sight of shipment 8356Z and began to rejoice.

“Good job, bro!" Todd praised.

“I told you not to doubt me," Josh cockily remarked.

They began to unravel the outer layer of the shipment and managed to open the crate it was in, revealing a 2.0 titanium containment box. The glass scanner lit up, and an automated message voiced a command.

Screen: Please place your hand on the scanner to confirm your identity. Please place your hand on the scanner to confirm your identity. Thank you!

I had no idea what was going on, but I was about to find out. No more waiting around for answers. “Great job! Now let’s get this over with and get the hell out of here!"

Rising up from down below, I braced myself and stepped slightly into the open. Just close enough to make myself visible but completely out of the range of attack. Their movements slowed and eventually came to a halt as they clinched their jaws at the sight of me. “I’m sorry… but I cannot let you do that."