Chapter 252: Trouble’s Brewing

“Interesting, I’ve crossed paths with Walkerson from Natural Force again,” Du Qiu mused upon receiving Imanka’s report, his interest piqued by the secret that Walkerson spoke of.

Du Qiu’s acquisition of the Golden Finger crystal pillow, tied to the Maya civilization, was knowledge only Walkerson was privy to, who had sent people to attempt its theft multiple times. Limited by his own strength at the time and unwilling to complicate matters, especially after unraveling the mysteries of the crystal pillow, Du Qiu had deliberately disabled its connectivity to the extraterrestrial civilization machinery before selling it to Walkerson.

The method used by Walkerson’s envoy to authenticate the pillow had utterly astounded Du Qiu.

It was clear that Walkerson had an item that complemented the crystal pillow. Du Qiu had even considered seeking out Walkerson again in the future.

Unexpectedly, today, Walkerson had come knocking on his own.

Imanka, once an agent for GIA and professionally trained, had been assigned to oversee security affairs in the periphery industrial park and preliminarily screen personnel since arriving at the base, which led her serendipitous encounter with Walkerson.

As for Walkerson choosing the security department, he speculated that since Dream Technology was presently at odds with the U.S. Military, claiming a major security issue would provide easier access to the company’s higher-ups.

Ning Shuangshuang, looking at Du Qiu, voiced her concern, “Walkerson coming to us at such a time probably doesn’t bode well.”

Du Qiu shook his head, reaching out to pull Ning Shuangshuang’s hand into his, caressing it gently as he spoke, “From the current situation, he doesn’t seem to be aware that I control Dream Technology. His proposition may not necessarily be a bad thing. By seeking out our top executives, it’s clear that he was impressed by Dream Technology’s recent victory over the U.S. Military. I think it’s likely some capability we possess that has caught their attention.”

Ning Shuangshuang’s cheeks turned a slight red, as Du Qiu always made affectionate gestures when they were alone, evoking feelings of joy and bashfulness within her.

“We’re discussing serious matters…” she gently chided.

“Right, we are discussing serious matters,” Du Qiu responded with feigned surprise.

Her gaze reminded him, “My hand…”

Looking down innocently, he replied, “This isn’t hindering our serious discussion, is it?”

Slightly helpless, Ning Shuangshuang let him be and inquired, “Do you want to meet Walkerson?”

“Of course I want to meet him,” Du Qiu declared. “That guy gave us quite the headache in the past. While we eventually profited from him, there’s still a lingering resentment in my mind. Resentments should be dealt with; otherwise, thoughts can’t flow freely.”

Ning Shuangshuang asked with a smile, “You plan to deal with him?”

Du Qiu shook his head, “There’s no need for that. However, the NX project at the biological research institute is progressing well. I think we could use him as a test subject.”

Her expression changed slightly, “Is that… appropriate?”

“We still haven’t discovered the financial backer behind Natural Force, Star Ocean informed me that the individual is likely adept at staying hidden. Given that Walkerson is a core member, he might be privy to this secret. Should everything go smoothly, it would indicate the NX project’s results are ready for practical application, which would indeed be a great victory,” Du Qiu explained.

Ning Shuangshuang’s worry was evident as she voiced, “If the NX project’s technology falls into the wrong hands, it could be a disaster for mankind.”

“You’re overthinking it. All great technologies have a double edge. Used for good, they benefit humanity for generations; used for evil, they’re equally a disaster. Consider nuclear technology—though it could be used maliciously, it has maintained a state of terrifying peace on Earth. Otherwise, the major powers would’ve been at each other’s throats by now,” he assured her.

Ning Shuangshuang sighed, “I can’t win against you. Nonetheless, it’s best to keep such technology from spreading too widely.”

“This technology is meant to enhance humanity, making us stronger. With such high barriers to access, it’s not going to be disseminated carelessly.”

After finalizing their discussion, Walkerson, who had been waiting in the reception area, received a message from Imanka.

“Mr. Walkerson, having reported your arrival, the boss wishes to meet with you. However, he needs time to arrive, so we ask that you rest here tonight and meet with you tomorrow.”

Walkerson nodded slightly, responding, “I really appreciate it. Please arrange as you see fit.”

Imanka had someone usher Walkerson and Leader Wolf into a lodging within the building, then left the room.

Their accommodations were a large suite complete with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, fully-equipped for a comfortable stay. A clearly synthetic robot butler inquired about their dinner preferences.

Quickly, they ordered a French dinner, curious if it would challenge the robotic butler. However, a group of synthetic robots was summoned, and they swiftly got to work in the suite’s kitchen with an assortment of ingredients.

Twenty minutes later, the pair sat enjoying their meal, commenting, “Captain, this tastes as good as a Michelin three-star restaurant, doesn’t it?”

Before Walkerson could reply, their butler interjected, “Our robot chefs are trained to Michelin three-star standards.”

Walkerson glanced at the butler, thanking him for the service and requested privacy for their meal.

Understanding the hint, the bot butler withdrew, carefully closing the door behind him.

Leader Wolf, rising, swept the dining area with an electronic scanner, nodding at Walkerson, “No surveillance equipment.”

“Let’s continue our meal then. I was just planning on some light chat,” Walkerson beckoned.

“The engineering robots of Dream Technology are renowned, but I didn’t expect their domestic robots to be on par with those from Dream Technology,” Leader Wolf remarked.

Walkerson patiently finished his steak before indulging in a few sips of red wine. With evident satisfaction, he suggested, “I think the two companies might be connected. Ah, this steak is indeed excellent…”

Their light banter and lavish dinner lifted the gloom of several days.

Once clear, Leader Wolf rechecked every room with his portable device, confirming the absence of any monitoring equipment.

Walkerson, standing by the expansive living room window, gazed at the brilliant lights of the industrial park and the crimson sky over distant Dar es Salaam city.

A fresh wave of worry overwhelmed him.

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Simultaneously, in California’s Los Angeles, Monday morning rush hour was congesting the city with slow-moving traffic.

Dr. Mila was on her way to the hospital for heart surgery, growing impatient with the sluggish traffic. Her phone rang, and she answered via Bluetooth headset, still preferring it over smart glasses.

“It’s David. Where are you now?” her ex-husband’s urgent voice came through.

Interrupting her assumption about their daughter, Karen’s whereabouts, David asked, “What’s your location?”

“I’m on my way to the hospital, just two blocks away, but it seems there’s a jam ahead,” she responded, uneasy.

“Get out of there immediately! Find an open area– there’s going to be a massive earthquake!” David’s alarming declaration jolted Mila into action.

She trusted David, a geologist. She exited the vehicle, perceiving the unsafe surroundings, with high-rises and billboards everywhere. She raced towards a crossroad leading to a park, hoping the open space would be safer.

Shouting “Earthquake! Get out!” to other drivers, her hasty departure incited annoyance.

As a driver cursed her abandoned car and the absurdity of a midday earthquake, the ground shook violently.