BOOK 10. There are two tales at the beginning. Zhao Yunlan is searching for a lost artefact while Black Robe is searching for the same thing in a different world. One story is partly an illusion, while the other is very real and when they merge...
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Jing was sitting staring at a useless blank screen while trying to figure out what to do next when he saw Zhao Yunlan and a stranger coming towards his office.
"I'm not in the mood for small talk so unless it's important or a way to sort out the computer problem don't bother sitting down."
Yunlan studied Jing's face. He was tired and stressed, with visible black bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. It seemed as if he didn't like this job and it had become too much of a burden for him to handle. Guo Ying signalled Chu to come into the office before he closed the door and placed a seat in front of Lin Jing's desk for Yunlan to sit on and talk seriously with him.
"I have a job opportunity that you might enjoy more than working here because I can tell by looking that you find this position stressful, you're not sleeping well, and you would rather be doing something else. And I know that you're smart enough to know what exactly caused the problem with the computers today. Stop me if I'm wrong."
Jing didn't know how to answer, yes he was tired, yes he wasn't happy in this position and yes he knew that it was a pulse that knocked out the computers today.
"Alright, I'm listening, but who would take my job here, and why would management agree to the change?"
"Don't worry about management, they will agree. Firstly what I am about to tell you is restricted information and it has to remain that way. As you probably know, the system was disabled by an EM pulse today which originated in The Weillan Complex. The position you are being offered is the technical manager, your job is to repair as much as you can or at the very least, give a detailed status report on the conditions of the computers at the source of the signal. When or if we can get back online in the Complex, you will be in charge of the system." Yunlan explained and waited to see what Jing would say.
"What if it's impossible to do anything with the computers? What would happen then?" Jing thought that the opportunity sounded too good to be true but if the damage had destroyed everything, he would be out of a job.
"Your services would be required for another project which could be just as important. During this initial process of assessing the damage, we can give you temporary accommodation in the Complex to save some time and the expense of travelling." Yunlan explained and he could see that Jing was ready to say yes.
"I have told you everything that your new job entails, you would still be a detective and officially still work for the police, and you would report to a new manager. I will be taking over in this office and Chu will be my second in command. From now on you cannot disclose anything you see or even find out by accident or we can clear your memory and you will be back working here, in a lower position."
Lin Jing felt that the need for security seemed strong and he wondered what he was getting involved in. He had heard about the Weillan Complex but had never seen it and never knew that this negotiator was involved. He looked at the stranger who had not been introduced but felt as if he was studying his every movement since he'd arrived.
