Oblivion - Kingdom Come

Chapter 10: The Doctors Emergence

Tension thickened the air in the shadowed confines of Dr. Ryder's secret mountain base. It was two to three days into the tournament, and an urgent summons had arrived, beckoning Dr. Ryder to a high-stakes meeting with Mr. L and the president of The North American Association. But before stepping into the viper's nest, Dr. Ryder sought an update on a critical matter.

"Before I meet with the council, can I get an update on Amaterasu? As far as I can tell, she has already contacted Carly, Bruce, and Ahmik," he inquired, his voice steady yet laced with concern. Assistant Jessica, her fingers flying over the control panel, responded, "Yes, she currently is fighting; oh fuck... Sir! He's here. She's fighting him!"

Dr. Ryder's eyes narrowed as he observed the old man aiding Carly and her team on the monitor. A flicker of disbelief crossed his features. "I thought he had died a long time ago... I'll need to care for him myself to keep Mr. L from discovering what's happening." Assistant Jessica's brow furrowed in confusion. "Aren't you already convinced he has? He must have sensed his presence already."

A hint of certainty laced Dr. Ryder's reply, "No, he hasn't. He's been suppressing his energy this whole time; Mr. L wouldn't have known. This is why I haven't been able to sense him either. After this meeting, he will be our next order of business. Amaterasu can't defeat him alone, so we must get her out of there as soon as possible. While I'm at the meeting, please prepare for that."

"Y-Yes, sir, I will do so immediately," Assistant Jessica affirmed, her fingers resuming their dance across the console.

As Dr. Ryder's gaze lingered on the monitors displaying the locations of Sinn, Ethan, and Riley, he vanished in a swirl of teleportation energy, materializing in Mr. L's meeting room. There, Steven Thompson, the imposing president of the North American Association, and the enigmatic Mr. L greeted him, their faces masks of anticipation and power.

Dr. Ryder's gaze lingered on the monitors, each one a window into the lives of his most intriguing subjects: Sinn, Ethan, and Riley. The screens hummed softly, a chorus of technology that filled the room. Then, in a sudden swirl of teleportation energy, he vanished, the monitors' glow the only evidence of his recent presence.

He materialized in Mr. L's meeting room, which exuded power and secrets. The air was thick with anticipation as if the room held its breath. Steven Thompson, the imposing president of the North American Association, stood by the window, his silhouette tall and commanding against the light. Beside him, the enigmatic Mr. L leaned casually against the mahogany table, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"Ah, Dr. Ryder," Mr. L's voice broke the silence, smooth and resonant. "It's a pleasure to see you again, doctor. I believe this is your first encounter with Steven." Dr. Ryder, still regaining his bearings from the teleportation, nodded curtly. "I do not believe we have met."

Steven stepped forward, his presence dominating the room. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Doctor," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his position. "As president, I look forward to working closely with you on all your Association projects and any projects we decide to fund. This includes the ones you currently have."

The words hung in the air, heavy and imposing. Dr. Ryder's eyes narrowed, a storm brewing in their depths. "I never agreed to this!" he snapped his voice a sharp contrast to the controlled tones of the others. "Who the hell do you think you are interfering with my work?"

He was in Steven's face in a flash, the space between them charged with tension. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing as the confrontation unfolded. The monitors' soft hum was a distant echo, overshadowed by the palpable power struggle in Mr. L's meeting room.

Mr. L's voice cut through the tension, as calm and unyielding as steel. "Ryder, relax. It's in the best interests of the country. As the world's top doctor, it's only right that you share your expertise with the nation that fostered your brilliance." Dr. Ryder's jaw clenched, his fury barely contained. "I've always achieved my goals solo. I never needed assistance, especially not from a government whose competence is... questionable, at best."