Chapter Six: Threads of Intrigue
The Martian city's neon glow bathed me in its otherworldly light as I made my way to the rendezvous point with Liza. The 1st generation CSU unit was secure in my possession, its weight a reminder of the history it contained. As I approached Liza's designated spot, anticipation stirred within me, curiosity and satisfaction mingling in a cosmic dance.
Liza's familiar silhouette appeared on the horizon, her presence a blend of professionalism and camaraderie. "Rogue," she greeted, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You've returned with the artifact."
I nodded, a sense of accomplishment tingling at the edges of my consciousness. "Indeed. The CSU unit you requested."
Her expression shifted, a mix of gratitude and surprise. "Thank you, Rogue. This artifact holds more significance than you might realize."
"Significance?" I echoed, curiosity piqued. "What's the story behind it, Liza?"
Liza's eyes held a glint of intrigue. "Actually, I have news for you. The person who posted the job—well, they want to meet you in person to collect the artifact."
A sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. Meeting a client in person was an unusual request, one that hinted at hidden motives. "Liza, who is this person?"
Liza's gaze met mine, her voice a mixture of caution and solemnity. "He's a wealthy man, legit in the eyes of the law. But behind closed doors, he's involved in some shady dealings, controlling the illegal markets across the solar system."
I arched an eyebrow, a cascade of questions forming in my mind. "And what does he need the CSU for?"
Liza's expression darkened. "He's searching for something called origami cells. He claims the CSU contains memories of someone who witnessed their power firsthand, a rampage that destroyed part of Earth."
Origami cells—the very technology that resided within me, the same cells that had mapped the labyrinth of the underground base. An uneasy tension settled within me as I considered the implications of this revelation.
"I've never heard of origami cells," I said with feigned ignorance, my voice steady.
Liza's gaze bore into mine, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "I see. Well, he's waiting for you at the designated location."
Before I could respond, Liza's voice was a whisper. "Be careful, Rogue. The currents of the solar system run deep, and sometimes the surface is just a reflection of what lies beneath."
With that, Liza handed me a sealed envelope containing my payment, a tangible reminder of the secrets and intrigues that pulsed beneath the surface of our cosmic tapestry.
I made my way to the designated meeting place, the neon glow of the city fading as I entered a more secluded area. The wealthy man stood there, an enigma wrapped in wealth and power. As I approached, he regarded me with a mix of curiosity and calculation.
"Rogue," he greeted, his voice smooth and measured. "You've delivered the artifact, I see."
I nodded, my voice neutral. "As requested."
His eyes held a glint of intrigue as he continued. "I'm searching for something, something elusive. Have you ever heard of origami cells?"
I maintained my façade of ignorance, my expression a mask. "Can't say that I have."
He studied me for a moment before leaning in, his tone a hushed confession. "Supposedly, the CSU unit contains memories of someone who witnessed the origami cells in action. A relentless power that turned destructive, a rampage that shattered the world."
I met his gaze with unwavering composure, my response practiced. "I'm sorry, I can't help you there. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another job waiting for me."
As I turned to leave, the door swung open, an employee entering with urgency etched across his face. "Boss, we intercepted a transmission. It's something you'll want to hear."
The wealthy man's attention shifted, his eyes locked on the employee. As I slipped away, a sense of unease accompanied me, a reminder that the web of intrigue extended far beyond my knowledge.
In the quiet solitude of the city streets, Charlie's voice echoed in my thoughts. "Rogue, it seems our security might have been compromised."
I nodded inwardly, the weight of the situation settling in. "Indeed, Charlie. We need to tread carefully."
As I made my way back to my ship, the Martian city whispered its secrets in the night, a reminder that every thread of the cosmic tapestry held a story, and that the fabric of the solar system was woven with intrigue and enigma.