Fortress

«A.B.» Chapter IV

IV

Andrew opened his eyes, but all he could see was darkness. His body refused to obey his commands to move. He was paralyzed. At that moment, Harrison began to doubt that his leverage-blackmail regarding Project Soi-would be enough to save his life. Panic set in as his thoughts raced, imagining torture in a basement deep under one of Prottech's skyscrapers. Surely a military technology corporation like Prottech had advanced methods of interrogation. About fifteen minutes after regaining consciousness, Andrew heard footsteps and a voice.

"You tried doing it quietly, Alice. If what he said is true and his disappearance leads to Project Soi being exposed to the media, we'll be ready for it. We must retrieve the data at any cost," said a male voice.

"Understood," replied Alice.

The footsteps grew closer. A door creaked open, and muffled sounds became clearer. A hood was removed from Andrew's head, revealing Alice and an unfamiliar Black man standing in front of him. The man dragged a chair across the room's turquoise marble floor, placed it backward, and sat, resting his arms on the backrest. The surroundings were far from what Andrew had expected. This wasn't a basement. It was a luxurious office with six-meter-high ceilings and a huge panoramic window. The smart glass was activated, and outside, a large hologram of Prottech's logo-a shield-shaped pentagon with two "T"s-was displayed. Alice approached Andrew and attached metallic rings to his wrists, ankles, and neck. A strange tingling sensation ran through his body.

"Soon, you'll be able to speak and move. Before you ask, these are neuro-impulsive blockers. They emit electromagnetic pulses that disrupt communication between nerves and muscles. Right now, they're doing the opposite. And if you're wondering why you're here... you already know. We need information about Soi."

Andrew gradually began to regain feeling in his head and limbs.

"O-kay..." Harrison struggled to say. "I'll give... you the key... to the vault... with all the... data," Andrew slowly started to regain control of his body. "But I... need guaran-tees..."

"Guarantees?" the man asked mockingly, grinning. "You're in no position to ask for guarantees, Adrian. Our goal is to finally locate Soi and become the first company with the technology for full immersion into virtual space. If your threats were true, we're not afraid of people finding out about the project early."

"Who are you?"

"My name is Thomas Richter. I'm the Director of Security. Intelligence, counterterrorism operations, and pretty much any action involving the company's security division."

Andrew was now able to move his arms and legs, though still with difficulty. Alice handed him his ardy.

"And don't be silly, Mr. Brouwer. I can see right through your ardy."

Harrison removed the blocker from his neck and attached his ardy. He extended his hand toward Thomas. A key appeared above his palm.

"A bit old-fashioned for you, Mr. Brouwer," Richter remarked as he took the key.

In front of Thomas, something resembling an old chest appeared. Using the key, he unlocked it, and the entire contents of Robert Kinsky's computer were transferred to Thomas-his personal journal, information on every immersion attempt, and technical data.

"Is that all it took to intimidate Healthy Space into leaving you alone? The information on how their lead specialist stole their technology and went mad? That's it?"

"This technology... was their last chance to... save the corporation from the pit... it had fallen into over the last five years," Andrew forced himself to speak steadily. "And even that... they couldn't see."