At the very moment when the head of intelligence leaves the office of the Director of Security, an intense preparation is underway in a top-secret laboratory at the other end of Earth for the meeting between the mercenary and the Mars agents. This is the very meeting Nicholas had briefed Camilla about. It is this laboratory that all the intelligence services of the Central Belt are desperately trying to locate, yet so far without success.

  In the center of the spacious hall, illuminated by bright halogen lamps, stands a long metal table. On its surface lies motionless a small flying robot resembling a bird, with sharp-edged wings, as if ready to strike at any moment. Its smooth, perfectly polished surface reflects the light, creating a mysterious and cold glow.

  Next to it stand two individuals. The young man wears a spotless white lab coat, marking him as a laboratory employee. His face is tense, his gaze focused. He carefully moves through various instruments, but his fingers tremble with impatience, knowing that the success of the operation—and the safety of the entire planet—rests on their work. It seems his mind is operating at maximum concentration, each movement a measured and deliberate step.

  The woman beside him is dressed in a comfortable athletic suit that highlights her toned, athletic figure. She watches him. Her gaze cuts through the space, prepared to detect even the slightest threat. There is a cold resolve in her eyes and a hint of wariness—she is not just an observer in this laboratory, she is an integral part of the operation, and her role is crucial.

  Tension fills the air. Each of them has their own perspective on the situation, but their actions are synchronized. The laboratory is preparing for something large and dangerous, and none of them can afford to make a mistake.

  "I suggest we send him to the meeting," Alex says, pointing to the drone lying on the table. He appears confident, but his gaze betrays a flicker of tension. "It’s equipped with all the necessary scanners, and more importantly, it can lift the container into the air. What do you think, Julia?"

  Julia doesn’t respond immediately. Her gaze glides over the device before shifting to Alex. A faint smile plays on her lips, but her eyes reveal a hidden caution.

  "I fully support it," she says, her voice firm, with a tone of trust. "I think we can trust the technology in this case."

  Suddenly, a small kitten rushes to her feet. Julia is initially taken aback, not understanding what’s happening, but then she laughs, leaning down to pet it.

  "What is this little miracle?" she asks with genuine surprise, as if encountering such a creature for the first time.

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  Alex watches the kitten with mild surprise, but then he relaxes and responds:

  "It’s a kitten," his voice softer than usual. "You don’t know? I created it recently. Watch."

  He gently picks up the kitten and carefully places it on the table. Julia watches him with growing interest.

  "It’s made of nanomaterials," Alex explains, pointing at the creature. It sits on the table, staring at them with its big eyes. "But any scanner will show that it’s alive. It even has some consciousness. This isn’t just a toy—it's an advanced reconnaissance machine. It comes with a container."

  Julia can’t hide her curiosity. She examines the invention he’s created with keen attention.

  "What container?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with interest.

  With a smile, Alex pulls a small device from a drawer and places it next to the drone and kitten. He slows his movements, almost as if savoring the moment.

  "I’ll show you."

  He carefully places the electronic creature into the container and presses a hidden button. The lid opens, and it’s empty inside.

  "It’s gone," Julia whispers, unable to hide her admiration.

  Alex nods, but then immediately presses his finger to the surface of the container. A small hatch opens, and the same kitten leaps back out.

  "Perfect camouflage," he explains, clearly pleased with the result. "No scanner will detect what’s inside."

  Julia, unable to hide her excitement, can’t take her eyes off the kitten.

  "It’s genius," her voice trembles with awe. "The container will definitely come in handy. And this little Charmer… it’s so adorable."

  Alex looks at her for a moment, a smirk tugging at his lips.

  "I’m glad you like it," he says, his words tinged with light sarcasm. "You named it Charmer. I’ll call it that too."

  Without thinking, Julia suddenly moves closer and hugs him. For a moment, Alex is caught off guard but quickly returns her embrace.

  "This is my thanks," she whispers, her voice soft, but there’s a hint of playful humor in it.

  Alex is a little taken aback, but nevertheless, with a smirk, he says:

  "I like this kind of gratitude."

  Julia steps back with a mischievous smile, her eyes sparkling.

  "I hope you’ll earn my favor more than once," she replies, before switching her focus back to the task. Her expression becomes serious.

  "Alright," she says, quickly turning to the screens. "Release the drone."

  Alex, still a bit flustered by the sudden shift in mood, makes the final adjustments. He sets the course, and the artificial bird rises smoothly into the air. Its movements are graceful, like those of a real living creature. He glances at Julia, who nods, her gaze focused.

  The drone flies into the unknown, a symbol that the operation has begun. In that moment, a sense of inevitability hangs in the air, as though the unfolding events are beyond any chance of reversal.