On the dark side of Mercury, beyond the transparent, shimmering dome, a slow procession of transport ships moves steadily. Each one, like a silver lightning bolt, passes through the airlocks and lands on the fenced-off docking platforms. The silence around is thick with tension, broken only by the faint hum of engines and the distant clink of metal.

  Yet among all the ships, there is one special zone — the VIP sector.

  At the very edge of the platform, like a forgotten statue, stands a man in a flawless suit. His face is relaxed, his gaze fixed on the exit, focused. He watches a ship just arriving from Earth. This is Vikar — chairman of the Mercury Corporation, a powerful, wealthy, and influential company whose achievements sometimes seem unreachable. Whispers around the corporation are always filled with dark rumors. It is said that its success is not limited to just innovations — there are dealings with the underground "Inquisitors" syndicate, hidden from most eyes.

  Today, Vikar is waiting for someone he trusts without question. Someone who has always been by his side, despite all the challenges and secrets.

  A figure appears in the distance. A tall man in a flight suit moves quickly, as though trying to finish the meeting and return to a safe place as soon as possible. His face lights up with a confident smile, though his eyes hide inner unease.

  — Glad to meet you! How was the trip, my friend? — Vikar’s voice comes surprisingly bright, almost theatrical. He spreads his arms, concealing his tension behind a strained smile, though his eyes still reveal a trace of wariness.

  — As always, boring, — Ivor responds, his smile genuine, his eyes still hiding that unspoken question. He casts a quick glance at the ship, then, almost casually, adds: — I brought the latest components. Everything went... without too much fuss.

  For a moment, the air grows heavy with silence. The two men fall quiet, their gazes locked on the scene unfolding around them. From the depths of the hangar, where just moments ago there was only stillness, a procession of vehicles emerges. They gleam with yellow warning lights as they drive past, clattering loudly across the metal floor. Forklifts begin their work, moving in a chain toward the ship, lifting containers. Above them, battle drones hover almost invisibly, forming an unseen protective shield.

  The containers disappear into the darkness of the hangar, swallowed by its shadow. Vikar squints momentarily, keeping his eyes on the process. He doesn't take his gaze off the cargo, as if something important is hidden within this moment. Something still to be negotiated.

  — The job’s done. Shall we talk in more comfortable surroundings? — Vikar says, his voice lowering slightly, with an almost imperceptible hint of satisfaction. His eyes remain fixed on the cargo, his words laced with a subtle tension.

  — With pleasure, — Ivor replies, his gaze, while still confident, takes on a slight edge of tension. He removes his hand from his hip, where a compact energy emitter is concealed, always carried for unforeseen situations. A shadow of a smile flickers across his face.

  A luxurious transport approaches the platform. Its sleek body gleams in the rising sun’s rays, reflecting the light. Vikar and Ivor step aboard, and the vehicle smoothly lifts off, soaring above the megacity, heading toward the sunlit side of the planet. The panoramic screens in the cabin show a majestic sunrise. Here, the sun shines fiercely, its rays seeming to burn everything in their path, yet the protective field gently dims their deadly power, creating an illusion of safety.

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  — Look at what we’ve achieved, — Vikar says, gesturing below. His voice is filled with pride, but the hidden weight behind his words carries not only triumph but a warning. — All of this — our factories. "Mercuria" controls more than anyone realizes.

  Ivor silently gazes into the distance, his stare heavy and focused. The dome stretching to the horizon, like an ink-black mirror, conceals a vast empire beneath. He knows that here, ergon is synthesized around the clock, this very energy fueling not only the planets but capable of destroying them. A shadow of doubt flickers in his eyes — too powerful, too dangerous.

  — We produce more ergon than civilization can consume, — Vikar continues, his tone unchanged, as though he himself doesn’t fully grasp what may follow. — Now we’re moving to the next phase. Synthetic materials. Mars’ technology. But with our energy. With our scale. We will change the market.

  The transport slows, coming to a stop above a massive structure resembling an ultra-modern palace. Through a diaphragm door, they descend inside. The landing. The hall. A corridor leading to titanium doors, gleaming with an exquisite sheen. It’s like stepping into a techno-palace, where every detail, from floor to ceiling, speaks of capability, power, and wealth.

  In the conference room, the table is lined with samples: smooth cubes, perfectly polished. Ivor picks one up, slowly rotating it between his fingers. His face remains calm, but his gaze is sharp — as if he feels the weight of each object he encounters.

  — We are taking away their future, — he murmurs softly, his words laden with hidden bitterness.

  Vikar watches him, his expression darkening, his eyes narrowing slightly, as though sensing Ivor’s underlying disagreement.

  — They chose to abandon it when they decided they could dictate terms to us, — Vikar retorts grimly, clenching his teeth, yet his voice remains confident, the tone of a master. — Mars will be angry. But anger isn’t power.

  Ivor places the cube back in its spot, his gaze sweeping over the walls, lingering on the smallest details, as if searching for hidden cameras. Everything in this place seems like a game of shadows, where every movement carries weight.

  — You think they won’t start a war? — Ivor asks, his tone shifting, growing slightly tense.

  For a moment, Ivor pauses, his expression turning serious, more so than ever before. His smile, concealed behind a cold mask, fades, and his eyes darken.

  — I think it's already underway. Just… in the shadows for now. — Vikar’s words are quiet, but there is certainty in them. He slows his breathing slightly, as if contemplating the consequences of his words. — By the way... — Vikar pauses, his gaze sharpening. — I have information that among us... there’s a leak. Someone is working for Mars. I’m trying to find out who.

  Ivor falls silent, his eyes instantly turning cold. He cannot ignore such words; there is a scent of betrayal in the air. But Vikar already looks away, not meeting his gaze.

  — We need to be more careful, — Ivor replies, almost in a whisper. He looks at Vikar, but there’s no fear in his voice — only a firm realization that caution is now a necessity.

  — Exactly, — Vikar nods, his tone regaining its confidence. — But you’ve always been careful, my friend.

  A silence descends in the room, growing more and more oppressive. Both men, each with their own thoughts, look in different directions. In their minds, plans are already forming, and someone’s shadow has crossed their ambitions — and these are no empty threats.

  Beyond the walls of the building, deep within Mercury, the machinery of future war begins to stir. The dark shadow is getting closer.