2025-08-22 13:30:16
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— 97 —
The press conference was held at the Denver Press Club, a neutral venue that gave the permitted a small gathering without allowing hostile journalists access to Michael. Zara had spent two days negotiating the terms, knowing they were walking into an ambush but seeing no alternative."Remember, every question is designed to trap you," Zara whispered to Michael as they waited in a side room. "Answer honestly but carefully. Do not give them too much information so they don't use it against you."Michael adjusted his tie and checked his appearance in the mirror. He looked tired, which was accurate since he had been surviving on three hours of sleep while avoiding federal agents."How many reporters are out there?" Michael asked."About forty," Zara replied, checking her notes. "Local media, some national outlets, and unfortunately several journalists who are definitely working with Victoria's people.""Which ones should I watch out for?" Michael said as he peered outside."Rebecca Johnso
— 96 —
Michael woke up at 5:30 AM to the sound of his phone ringing continuously. Before he was fully conscious, he knew something was very wrong. The caller ID showed Zara's number."Michael, you need to get to the office immediately," Zara said without preamble. "Victoria's revenge just hit us.""What happened?" Michael asked, already getting dressed."Federal agents raided our offices twenty minutes ago. They have search warrants, asset seizure orders, the whole package. And that is not even the worst part."Michael felt his stomach drop. "What is the worst part?""Turn on Channel 7 news. Now," she said.Michael grabbed his remote and switched to the local news station. A breaking news banner scrolled across the bottom of the screen: "FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO DENVER CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE."The news anchor was speaking over footage of FBI agents carrying boxes out of Sullivan Solutions' offices."Federal authorities conducted pre-dawn raids on multiple locations associated with businessman
— 95 —
Two days after Philip Medici's devastating press conference, Michael sat in his office watching international news coverage with a mixture of satisfaction and unease. Victoria's world was collapsing faster than anyone had anticipated, but he knew cornered enemies were the most dangerous kind."Thai authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Victoria Medici," the CNN anchor announced. "The charges include environmental terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, and bribery of government officials."Diego looked up from his computer, his arm still in a sling from the Geneva fight. "Vietnam just issued their own warrant too. They want her for the factory operations that killed those villagers.""How many dead?" Michael asked grimly."Official count is thirty-seven people," Diego replied, reading from his screen. "But local activists say the real number could be over a hundred when you include cancer deaths and birth defects."Michael felt sick thinking about families destro
— 94 —
Some days later, Michael sat in his office watching multiple news broadcasts on different screens. It was 6 AM Denver time, which meant it was evening in Southeast Asia where the first phase of their media campaign was launching."Thailand National Television is going live now," Zara announced from her position at a bank of computers. She had spent the week coordinating with journalists across three continents, timing everything for maximum impact.The Thai news anchor spoke in rapid Thai with English subtitles scrolling below. The story was devastating: "Foreign Factory Owner Poisoned Our Water Supply.""Vietnam News Network is broadcasting now," Zara continued. "And the Philippine Daily Star just posted their online story."Michael watched footage of contaminated rivers, dead fish floating on the surface, and families holding pictures of children who had died from cancer. The visual evidence was undeniable and heartbreaking."What about domestic coverage?" Alexis asked. She had been
— 93 —
Three days after the raid on Wagner's facility, Michael sat in the Sullivan Solutions conference room staring at the place where Professor Nakamura should have been sitting. The empty chair felt like an accusation, reminding everyone of what their mission had cost."He died a hero," Salvatore said quietly, noticing Michael's gaze. "Nakamura saved us all.""That does not make it easier," Michael replied, rubbing his tired eyes. "He had so much more to give to the world."Diego was sitting with his arm in a sling, still recovering from Geneva's attack. His shoulder wounds were healing, but the doctors said he would need weeks of physical therapy."Any change in Ava's condition?" Michael asked.Diego shook his head sadly. "Still the same. Her consciousness core is intact, but the trauma to her systems was severe. I estimate she might wake up in a few days, maybe a week at most.""We cannot wait for her to wake up," Octavian said from his position at the head of the table. Michael's older
— 92 —
Geneva stumbled through the darkened parking garage like a wounded animal, her systems failing one by one but her core programming still driving her to eliminate the intruders. Sparks flew from damaged circuits in her torso where the emergency flares had melted through her armor plating."Power reserves at thirty percent," Geneva announced automatically, her voice becoming increasingly distorted. "Estimated operational time remaining: six minutes."Professor Nakamura was helping Diego bandage his shoulder wounds with strips of cloth torn from their jackets. The young man had lost some blood, but he was still conscious and mobile."Six minutes is still too long," Diego said through gritted teeth. "She could kill us all in six minutes."Michael crouched behind a concrete pillar, Wagner's pistol in his hand. The unconscious general lay nearby, but Michael kept glancing at him to make sure he stayed down."Professor, is there any way to speed up her power drain?" Michael asked.Nakamura t
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