Around 8:00 p.m., Ruth arrived in Salt City and headed directly to the Williams residence."Who do we have here? A lovely visitor," exclaimed Amelia with enthusiasm. "Have you had dinner? If not, let me arrange something for you."Ruth smiled appreciatively and replied, "Thank you, Mrs. Williams. I'm actually here to see Eric. There are some confidential matters I need to discuss with him.""Oh, I understand. Well, you two, go ahead and talk. Once you're finished, we can all have supper together!"Eric and Ruth entered Henry's study. Originally, the Williams had planned to construct a study for Eric, but he had declined the offer. Since he didn't permanently reside there, building a study seemed unnecessary.Accompanied by a few officers from the Combat Department, Ruth's demeanor turned serious as they settled in."Eric, we now have enough evidence to confirm that this is indeed a war."Eric's expression shifted slightly. He was aware that the landscape of warfare had evolved s
After supper, Amelia motioned for Sylvia to join her privately."Mom, what's the matter?" Sylvia asked, perplexed by her mother's demeanor.Sylvia sensed that something was awry.Amelia glanced around cautiously, ensuring Eric wasn't within earshot before addressing Sylvia, "Sylvia, can't you be more observant?"Her words left Sylvia even more bewildered. "Mom, what exactly is happening?""You still haven't grasped the issue?!" Amelia responded with irritation."Look at Eric. The scars on his face have been fading lately. I'm certain they'll vanish completely soon."Once they're gone, he'll have his handsome appearance back. A handsome and talented young man is bound to attract many admirers!"That young woman who visited us tonight is quite remarkable. Beautiful, fair-skinned, long-legged, well-endowed... She's not different from you!"Sylvia finally understood Amelia's apprehension. She couldn't help but chuckle. "Mom, Eric isn't that type of person. And regarding Ruth, she'
"The distinction between humans and animals lies in humans' capacity to think and control their desires. If one cannot even manage trivial desires, what sets them apart from animals?"When I was young, herding cattle on the mountain, those bulls and cows paid no heed to whether anyone was watching. They simply acted. If humans cannot exercise self-restraint, we are akin to animals."Sylvia chuckled. "You're absolutely right. There is indeed a significant disparity between humans and animals!"She agreed with Eric's perspective. Life wasn't solely about sex, after all. Based on her understanding of Eric, she knew he wasn't inclined in that manner."Let's turn in early. I'm taking tomorrow off to spend the day at home with you. There's a new deployment looming, so I might get busy soon," Eric said.He was also preparing for the future. Although there weren't many indications within the Combat Department yet, it was only a matter of time before the truth would surface.Upon hearing
Considering the situation and following a discussion among Eric, Sylvia, and Andy, they decided to institute an employee allowance. Each individual, including janitors, would receive 100 dollars. Additionally, those on duty would be granted an extra 50 dollars.Employees stationed overseas wouldn't receive the allowance but would instead be compensated with increased subsidies.In reality, work at the Innova Group had temporarily ceased, including research and development, while equipment production gradually declined due to employee safety concerns. Some high-level executives initially considered increasing production under the assumption that a cure would be developed. However, subsequent events proved their caution justified. Despite being curable, the disease left lingering effects, impacting employees' health.The Innova Group prioritized its workforce and spared no effort in distributing funds. They recognized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among employees
It was a serene day for Eric as he lounged in the sun with Sylvia, savoring afternoon tea.The following morning, Ruth sent over crucial data. After days of meticulous effort, they finally traced the virus' origin. Regrettably, the initial infected individual had already succumbed to the illness. Consequently, the Combat Department grew increasingly convinced that the virus had been intentionally unleashed.Coincidentally, the outbreak coincided with a large exhibition hosted in Dortmund City, providing an ideal opportunity for the virus to spread.Upon checking the data, Eric even began to harbor suspicions regarding the Oberdeens' involvement. If indeed they were implicated, it would suggest the existence of other collaborators aiding them in profiteering from this dire situation.However, the complexity of the matter far exceeded Eric's initial estimations.-A few days later, an urgent report arrived from the Combat Department."We have uncovered a grave case of confidential
In the evening, Eric returned to the Williams residence. He rarely worked overtime unless faced with a significant project.After dinner, he pondered for a while and decided it was time to speak with Queenie. After all, he had made no breakthroughs in the case over the past few days.When Eric sought out Queenie, he brought Connor and Sylvia along to prevent any misunderstandings.Queenie was aware that the viral outbreak incidents in Dortmund and Salt Cities were under official investigation when Ruth and several members of the Combat Department visited the Williams. The commanding presence of Ruth and her colleagues was not something an ordinary person could easily exhibit.At this juncture, Queenie discovered that Eric was also an official agent. Connor asked, "Queenie, can you confirm whether the Oberdeens have indeed developed the cure?"This question was crucial and required confirmation. Once confirmed, it would significantly streamline Eric's efforts. Originally, the Comba
Eric also understood that it would be futile even if Queenie desired to warn the Oberdeens now. There were forces in this world that defied easy intervention. Even with the Oberdeens aware of the potential consequences, retribution would not be immediate. Thus, they succumbed to their desires.Nevertheless, it fell upon Connor to keep Queenie safe. If Queenie chose to inform the Oberdeens, she too would bear the consequences when the scores were settled.Although Eric and Sylvia were aware of Queenie's disappointment in the Oberdeens, they remained her family.Eric told Sylvia, "By the way, Dr. Gundry headed to Phoenix City with the genetic data from the lab."Eric could freely discuss matters regarding the Combat Department with Sylvia. She was, in essence, considered half a member of the department. When Pierce faced arrest and Eric and Ruth sought refuge in Phoenix City, Sylvia exonerated them.The Combat Department's assessment portrayed Sylvia as a woman who equaled men in ev
All of Lewis' items were now neatly packed and placed on the table in front of him: USB drives and some paper documents.Eric continued. "I had people in Phoenix City check. There haven't been any recent academic exchange conferences there, so what were you doing?"Lewis' face fell. He had heard from Kirk that Eric was not someone to mess with and was beyond his league. Now, he truly felt that Eric was an extraordinary figure with unparalleled capabilities.He had done his homework well before going to Phoenix City. Once he was there, it was virtually impossible for people from this side to bring him back. Moreover, they had assured him protection. Yet, it was exactly those people who claimed to protect him that personally put him on the plane."Who exactly are you?" He looked at Eric, feeling fear for the first time. He had been in Phoenix City, breathing the air of freedom. How had he ended up in this situation?!In reality, he might have successfully taken these things out befo