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“Or they’re just due said “I hope the data in the research facility is secure If the plans for that datachip are oodbye to a hefty profit Not toon that infor secure”

“Why are you stating the obvious, Serge?” Sandrine drawled “Is it because you’re sober? Maybe you should pour a glass of that whiskey you like soAnd anyway”—she cast a spiteful glance at Miria”

“Careful, Sandrine” Serge cocked his head and gave Sandrine a considering look “Your claws are showing”

“I agree with Serge,” Ju-long said “You may have to sacrifice your people to ensure the data remains secure”

Miriaht of that all by herself

There was a knock at the door, which drew her attention fro up virtual space in her pristine office The door opened silently, and her personal assistant, Damien, came in

“I’m sorry to interrupt, ma’am” His voice was toneless as usual Mirias she liked best about him “We have visual confirmation that Keiko Sato is alive”

Noasn’t that interesting? She supposed Freedoe the press secretary for the rest of their demands Amateurs People could be replaced It was the research that couldn’t She inclined her head, and her ever-efficient assistant brought the newsfeed up on the screens covering the wall opposite her desk There was silence as each of her holographic counterparts tuned in to their osfeeds

But instead of the Freedo unreasonable de to the outside wall of the sixty-seventh floor of the research facility And she wasn’t alone

“Who is the man with her?”

Da Freelance newshound”

“Is he with Freedoht to address her staff

Miriaritted her teeth Noasn’t the time to reinforce their tenuous hierarchy As soon as this latest situation was dealt with, she was going to ensure that her fellow leaders were aware of the boundaries she placed around them

Da, which reinforced her confidence in the ”

“What of the scientists? Are they still alive?” Miriah they weren’t irreplaceable, recruiting new scientists and getting them up to speed on time would be a tremendous inconvenience