Questions and Answers

The sound of cameras clicking and snapping filled the air as the announcer stepped up to the polished podium at the heart of the Capitol Press Hall. The bright glare from the Quantum cameras and holographic recorders preserved and scrutinized every detail of the moment.

A large, polished podium stood at the center, flanked by the blue-and-silver banners of the Central Directorate. Behind it sat a long panel of high-ranking officials. Among them was Lysa Hale, the Director of the Central City. She scanned the crowd with her sharp, deep-blue eyes. Her neatly tied red hair gleamed under the lights as she chewed gum discreetly—a calm facade that belied the chaos unfolding beneath the surface. To her right was General Torran Voss, a towering figure in the black-and-gold uniform of the Enforcer Corps, his posture rigid and his expression unmovable.

Every seat in the room was filled with journalists, analysts, and concerned citizens granted special access to the public broadcast. This was no ordinary press conference. The past week's events—the explosion at the Enforcer Corps precinct and the forest crash- had sparked an uproar across the city. Questions about security, governance and trust hung in the air. The events the week before were not contained in the central city, rather they were happening across the nation. Public confidence in the Directorate was eroding, and Hale was here to stem the tide.

Director Hale stepped forward, gripping the edges of the podium. The room fell silent as she adjusted her microphone. The world was watching the broadcast live.

“Citizens of Central City and beyond,” Hale began, her voice calm with a smile on her face. “over the past week, we have witnessed an unprecedented act of defiance against the order and stability we have worked tirelessly to maintain. A group of insurgents infiltrated one of our most secure facilities, targeted our personnel, and caused significant damage to critical infrastructure.”

Murmurs rippled through the room, but Hale pressed on.

“We understand your concerns. How could such an event occur in the heart of our city? Who are these individuals, and what do they want? These are all questions we have asked ourselves. Rest assured, in collaboration with the Enforcer Corps, the Directorate is working tirelessly to answer these questions and bring those responsible to justice.”

General Voss leaned toward his microphone, his gravelly voice cutting through the tension anddemanding attention.

“Our initial findings indicate that this group is highly organized and well-funded. They used advanced technology, including experimental cloaking devices and cyber warfare tools, to carry out their attack. These are not registered citizens, nor do they appear to have active AIBI implants. At this point we have just cause to believe that the… violent acts committed around the world were all calculated and coordinated assaults aimed to disrupt the peaceful world we have created. These…insurgents are considered a high threat and will be dealt with per the protocols established by the Network.” We have strong evidence to suggest that the violent acts committed around the nation are part of a calculated and coordinated assault aimed at disrupting the peace we have built. These insurgents are a high-level threat and will be dealt with under Network protocol.”

One of the journalists, a young woman with sharp eyes and glasses stood and spoke. “Director Hale, the public wants to know—what was the target of the infiltration? What did they steal?”

Hale hesitated for the briefest moment, her expression unchanging. “I am not sure where you got your information from…but I want to assure everyone that nothing is missing from our precinct and… However, we will continue to investigate, and if there is anything to disclose, we will share it promptly with our citizens.”

Another journalist stood, this time a grizzled man with years of skepticism etched into his face. “With all due respect, Director, people are scared. The Enforcers are supposed to be the best central city has to offer. Do you feel maybe that the enforcers' standards have declined due to the long-standing peace?”

Hale’s jaw tightened, but her response was smooth. “Your concern is valid, and we take full responsibility for the lapse. Measures are already being implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. These include a new training regimen, a thorough overhaul of our protocols, enhanced surveillance, and the deployment of elite units to critical areas within the city.”

IN AN UNDICLOSED LOCATION…

Behind the scenes, a live feed of the press conference played on massive screens in a dimly lit room. Grayson sat in a high-backed chair, watching the broadcast with a small, knowing smile. The soft glow from a nearby briefcase illuminated his face, casting sharp shadows. Around him, his team moved with quiet urgency, preparing for the next stage of their plan.

“They’re scrambling,” Tala remarked with a smirk as she monitored data streams in her console console. “Trying to pin those murders on us. They are so hopeless.”

Grayson sipped from a glass of water, his eyes never leaving the screen. “We knew this would happen eventually. Still, the murders are quite inconvenient for our mission plan. We might have to accept that this situation is not entirely under our control and…I hate that.”

Grayson stood up abruptly switching the screens off as they left the room. “Tala, organize transport. We are going to meet an old friend.”

Back at the press hall, the conference was nearing its conclusion, but tension was still high.

“Director Hale,” a voice called out from the audience, “what about the public’s safety? There are rumors of more attacks. Can you guarantee that we’re not in danger?”

Hale straightened, her voice unwavering. “The safety of our citizens is and always will be our top priority. We are deploying additional Enforcers to high-risk areas, and we urge everyone to remain vigilant. Together, we will face this threat and emerge stronger.”

General Voss leaned toward his microphone, his voice like a hammer on steel. “That is all for now. We will not rest until this matter is resolved.”

The faint hum of medical monitors filled the air in the precinct’s O.R. Vega laid on her hospital bed, propped up by pillows, her expression bred but resolute.  Her new direct neural broadcasting conference feed abruptly cut off as the door creaked open and CIX entered holding a vase of flowers.

“Wow,” Vega teased, a smirk forming on her lips. “Bringing me flowers already? What’s next, a serenade?”

CIX chuckled, setting the vase down beside her bed. “Didn’t know you were awake. How’re you feeling?”

“Shoulder is kinda stiff,” Vega replied, flexing her arm gingerly. “But I’m fine. Got my AIBI fixed and upgraded. I’m ready to get back out there and catch these bastards.

CIX nodded, his expression softening. “Good to hear. We’ll need you out there. It’s only a matter of time before they move again.”