Long-term salvation

As if sensing his subordinates' confusion, Armstrong simply sniffed the wine, placed the glass on the table, and patiently explained:

"The facilities and nodes attacked were widely distributed across continents and countries, including many locations that Atlas Corporation hadn't explicitly targeted... such as Southeast Asia, the Balkans, France, Eastern Europe, and Russia. Even so, they received 'coverage' and 'assistance,' and their actions were precise and ruthless, which would have been impossible without long-term intelligence support."

"Maybe there's an 'organization' behind Atlas Corporation, and they're coordinating forces around the world to fight against the 'organization'—that sounds really exciting, doesn't it?"

Armstrong said with a smile. He picked up the wine glass, took a sip of the wine, and let out a low sigh of satisfaction:

"The United States needs an adversary. In the past, it was Europe, then the Soviet Union. So, in the future, it's not a bad idea to consider Atlas as an adversary... But we still need to accumulate strength until we have control over both the real world and the other world!"

Such bold words made the others in the room look more agreeable. However, the cheerful atmosphere was interrupted shortly after by someone. The subordinate, who also wore glasses, asked:

"In that case, how should we respond to our 'allies'?"

"Just give them a casual prevarication... just say 'Multiple facilities have been compromised, billions of Warhawks must remain patient.' Then announce the intelligence analysis results at the regular internal meeting of the Organization. If these people think they can withstand the counterattack that Atlas Corporation must have prepared for, then there's nothing stopping them from using their military technology, but the weapons won't be provided for free."

Armstrong drained the drink from his glass, let out a loud roar, and then picked up his cigar and started smoking. He exhaled a few times and sneered disdainfully, saying:

"Tell them I have no intention of investing in something that is bound to fail."

"…But we still need to make a statement, Mr. Armstrong."

"Oh, of course. Don't worry. I'm encouraging the Pentagon to send more 'peacekeeping troops' to Somalia to resist the expansion of Atlas Corporation. And my contact with General Sheffield is also going smoothly. In the future, we will be the ones who sell wars and move from the backstage to the front stage."

Armstrong, smoking his cigar intermittently and in a good mood, reached out to touch the ashes in the ashtray and said casually:

"Even though I've been to the White House plenty of times, I'm going to install two buttons on that desk to order Coke."

This statement made his subordinates chuckle. They were quite dissatisfied with the current moderate President Graham, believing that he had not been tough enough in the current world situation with the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, the American people were quite satisfied with the president's achievements, such as "winning the Cold War and preventing nuclear war when the Soviet Union collapsed." Coupled with the continuous economic growth, President Graham's approval ratings continued to rise, and he was more than enough to complete two terms.

But even after completing two terms, Armstrong will face many strong competitors, such as Adam Benford (from the "Resident Evil" series), who has just been promoted to Director of the CIA and is preparing to enter the White House and become Vice President in the future.

Even Armstrong had to admit this man's experience, wisdom, means and ability.

It’s not easy to get to the top by legitimate means!

Because of this, at this time, Armstrong wisely did not promote his ideas. He needed to wait...wait for the right time.

Now, listening to his subordinates talking about the current political scene in the United States, Armstrong felt more dissatisfied and irritated - after all, the "deep government" that can only influence the direction of policy can no longer satisfy his own desires, abilities and dreams, and he must take control of this country completely, completely and thoroughly!

After letting these thoughts and ambitions circle around in his mind, Armstrong narrowed his eyes slightly. He remembered something more important:

"How's the nanoweapons research going under the Giant Mountain Mental Hospital? It's a research project of the Murkoff Corporation (from Outlast), a company secretly holding military technology. It's crucial to our future survival—is that Nazi remnant working diligently? He's never been very honest. It seems he even embezzled some funds and technology in the past, and I don't know where they went."

"But for now, he's very honest, Mr. Armstrong," the subordinate said, pushing up his glasses. "Also, Mukoff's current juvenile soldier project is going very smoothly. Perhaps we can have them implanted with nanomachines and conduct a demonstration."

"No, there's no need for a demonstration... Weapons are best used directly in actual combat. Find the best one and try it out. If it's not suitable, stop the project."

Armstrong waved his hand, a hint of impatience on his face:

"I remember those psychopaths at Aperture Technology have been having a blast lately, and they've also been very close to Atlas. Let's target them."

Chapter 394: Everyday Life: Ordinary Dusk (2/3)

Detroit, once the abandoned automotive capital of the world, is experiencing a resurgence—by selling its body and soul to Aperture Technologies—and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

After Aperture Technology's massive capital and diverse industrial production lines were established in Detroit, they attracted highly skilled engineers and assembly line workers from surrounding cities like a bottomless pit. Consequently, working-class families, one after another, returned to this once prosperous city, driving their aging cars, bringing their children, cats, and dogs with them, becoming a key component of Aperture Technology's expansion.

In addition to the already prosperous city center and commercial districts, the outer peripheral blocks began to be included in the reconstruction plan. Roads that had not been well maintained were leveled, and trucks carrying labor engineering robots came in one after another, taking root and sprouting on every construction site.

The new blood from outside overwhelmed the original corrupt blood within two years. The huge profits and the economic activities that filled the middle and lower levels of the city naturally made the scum who parasitized the city rejoice - gangs, drug dealers, serious criminals... The old dust has not been swept away, and new dust has fallen, which is annoying to watch.

Aperture Technology clearly had no interest in these matters, and in fact, was even happy to see them happen. After all, the acquired Detroit Serious Criminal Institution really needed some "fresh blood," otherwise, finding suitable experimental materials would be difficult.

Detroit Police Department officers are exhausted by the city's stubbornly high crime rate, but they're still trying to change it.

Mana.jpg

At least when Rhodes walked down the street with his arm around Mana's waist, he had already seen two-wheeled police cars roaring towards the outskirts of the city, and even heavily armored explosion-proof vehicles - at this moment, neon veins were already winding between the buildings in the twilight, and colorful light and shadow fell on the pedestrians on both sides of the street, and on the never-ending flow of traffic.

"Looks like it's going to be another sleepless night."

Rhodes said with emotion, he looked at Nikki Mana who had changed out of her professional attire. The latter was dressed like a socialite, transforming the cold and rigid appearance into an elegant beauty.

The scattered neon lights dyed Nikki's fair neck blushing, and her plump chest rose and fell slightly, making every breath carry joy and regret for the fleeting time.

Noticing Rhode's gaze, Mana's lips curled up slightly, but she quickly suppressed the smile, reached out to gather her drooping black hair, and asked calmly:

"How does it compare to when the Commander first arrived here?"

"Well... the city's public services and infrastructure have improved a lot," Rhode shrugged, and the several handbags he bought while shopping with Nikki made a rubbing sound. "There are also fewer homeless people. Overall, it's better than before - if they haven't been expelled from the city or captured by Aperture Technology as experimental subjects."

"Mr. Carvin Johnson doesn't do that anymore."

Nikki covered her mouth and chuckled. Then she put her arm around Rhodes's arm, pressed her body against his, and exhaled softly:

"So, Commander, where would you like to go next? If you want to go back to the hotel, that's fine too."

"...I think we should go get something to eat first," Rhodes shook his head, enjoying the laziness and leisure brought by whileing away the time. "I haven't had a proper meal since last night, and I've been waiting for a possible enemy counterattack all day. So, let's relax and take a walk around Detroit."

"Did you reply to Mary and Yang the same way when you first came to Detroit?"

Rhodes: “…”

How did this topic jump so quickly?!

"Every one of you is going to go through this again, right? Let me go."

Reaching out to tug at Mana's cheek, Rhodes helplessly pushed aside the strands of hair on his forehead. His eyes swept across the police car not far ahead, where two Detroit police officers were on guard duty... One of them looked quite familiar.

After revisiting that face in his mind, Rhode, a slight smile on his face, pulled Mana over. According to the Detroit Police Department's requirements, after nightfall, field officers need to cooperate with traffic police and other law enforcement agencies at key points to ensure the safety of major urban areas and reduce the possibility of theft, robbery, and other crimes. According to the tradition of the United States, armed police officers standing on the street are a deterrent in themselves.

If you see their knee pads, the deterrent effect will be even higher.

"Officer Alex Murphy," Rhodes said as he walked over to the Detroit police officer who had noticed them. "I'm glad to see you haven't been transformed into RoboCop by Aperture Technology."

"What the hell is RoboCop...you are...uh...ahha, I remember now!"

Officer Murphy, wearing a thick bulletproof vest, patted his forehead. He was impressed by the young man in front of him with silver hair and blue eyes.

"Another beautiful lady... Oh sorry, I meant, we meet again, Mr. Unknown."

This made Mana, who was standing next to Rhodes, raise her eyebrows slightly. She didn't say anything, but looked away, wondering what she was thinking.

"You can call me 'Rod,'" Rod, unaware of Nikki's sinister intentions, turned his head to glance at the equipment of Officer Murphy and his female partner, Anne Lewis, and said with a smile, "It seems that since Detroit's economic recovery, the police department's equipment has also improved."

Hearing Rhodes' words, the two Detroit police officers seemed a little embarrassed. They looked at each other, and Officer Murphy said helplessly:

"We're now considered a 'private enterprise'. Aperture Technologies acquired the police department and invested in it—the entire city is Aperture Technologies's property! Except for those damn gangs and criminals... maybe even these scum were created by Aperture Technologies."

"You guys seem to hate Aperture Technology."

"If they don't make us sign all these awkward agreements," Officer Murphy said, patting his holster. "For God's sake, I haven't been to college yet! I've spent more time with a gun than a pen!"

"I don't think even a university degree would make it understandable. There are so many technical terms in it," my partner said. She glanced down at her watch and said with a touch of distance, "But enough small talk, you two. We have work to do."

"of course."

Rhode spread his hands and walked away along the street accompanied by Mana. A few minutes after walking out, Nikki suddenly asked:

"The commander cares about that policeman?"

"We've only met once, and he's a really nice guy. It would be a shame if he met with misfortune," Rhode said, putting his arm around Nikki's shoulders. "Now, let's find a place to eat and have a drink... I remember Mana really liked drinking. Back at Hill Manor, she used to get drunk every night."

"...Indeed," Nikki lowered her eyes slightly, shook her hair, and said with a hint of embarrassment, "But I don't like drinking outside. Buy some and take it back, Commander."

It is a virtue to be willing to accept good advice.

Rhodes understood this well.

Chapter 395: Daily Warm Morning (3/3)

early morning.

The sound of breathing still flows in the dim room, dancing in every vague touch. The hot dream slowly cools down and turns into a warmth that never fades.

Mana opened her eyes and saw Rhode holding the [Shiting Box] and looking at the data report inside. She also listened to Alona's shy complaints. The blue-haired girl had just seen Rhode leaning against the bed with his upper body naked...

Fortunately, the shattered screen of the [Box of Shiting] was just a special effect. Otherwise, Rhodes would really think that Alona was going to restore her original form and jump out from inside, knocking him unconscious with a punch and then dragging him in.

"Okay, just finish these tasks. Don't forget to archive the records. There's no rush to organize the other documents," Rhodes said with a smile as he looked at Alona, ​​whose eyes were darting around on the screen and occasionally landing on him. "Hey, if you're really embarrassed, then show me your..."

"that's it!"

Alona suddenly shouted, and she quickly retracted her head behind the pile of documents, leaving only the bunny ear bow on her head still shaking slightly.

Seeing her like this, Rhode, feeling satisfied, stopped teasing her. He put away the tablet, took Nikki in his arms, rubbed his chin against her forehead, and said with a smile:

"After returning to Aperture Technology headquarters today, I will stay for a few more days."

"Commander, don't you need to return to Hill Manor to prepare for the Organization's counterattack?" Nikki asked softly. She curled up slightly and buried her head in the man's arms, letting their warmth touch and blend. "We still have a lot of time to spend together, even just for one night would be great."

"I can still distinguish the important and the urgent," Rhodes said, but his palm slowly moved down dishonestly. Feeling the smoothness coming back from his palm, he continued:

"The 'counterattack' plan to deal with the enemy's counterattack has already been completed, and the reserves have been waiting for a long time. Not to mention that many combat units only need a simple repair before they can be deployed again - I really hope they have the ability to counterattack - that way, I can seize another opportunity to inflict heavy damage on them."

After a few seconds of silence, Rhode kissed Nikki's lips lightly and said with a low smile:

"But we really can't be too lazy. Get up, we're going back to Aperture Technology."

"Okay, then let's go back to Aperture Technology and have breakfast?"

"Let's stay here. I'm a little worried that Old Man Calvin will drag me to try Aperture Technology's new product again. What do you mean by 'a hamburger that cures constipation'? Isn't that just a pure laxative?! And he's even thinking of naming it after William Wallace... I guess the British will be happy about that."

Listening to the nagging voice, Mana narrowed her eyes and nuzzled into Rhodes' arms, then got up from the bed and dressed before he decided not to have breakfast.

He kicked the falling wine bottle away, bent down to pick up the clothes on the ground, put on his glasses and looked back in the morning light.

Mana pushed up her glasses, and a ray of light hit Rhodes' face as he tilted his head to admire the beautiful view. After the two stared at each other for a few seconds, Nikki, who was no match for the man, turned her head away with some embarrassment and said unhappily:

"So, Commander, could you please get up quickly? We still need to confirm the time for the helicopter to pick us up... Should we go to the restaurant, or have breakfast delivered to the room?"

"Oh, of course, of course. Let someone bring breakfast over."

Rhodes got up reluctantly, put on his shirt, and figured out how to cover the lip print on his collar with his suit jacket. He also made a mental note to put a few more sets of daily clothes in the storage space in the future.

After a quick wash, Rhodes and Mana waited for the hotel waiter to deliver breakfast. The variety of dishes was not dazzling, but impressive enough, especially when the rich and fragrant coffee slowly flowed down the esophagus.

Putting down the coffee cup, Rhode reached out and picked up the newspaper on the corner of the plate. He glanced at Nikki who was slowly sipping the sweet wine and asked with a hint of curiosity:

"That wine tastes good with breakfast?"

"No, I just feel like drinking," Nikki replied softly, her fingers sliding across the rim of the small wine glass, her words lazily, as if she were half drunk. "But you don't need to worry about me delaying work. Alcohol is nothing to Nikki."

So, last night was all fake, right?

Rhode raised his eyebrows, reached out to grab the wine glass, and drank the rest of the wine in one gulp amidst Nikki's soft protest. Finally, Rhode smacked his lips and said pretentiously:

“The taste is average.”

"How can anyone drink like you?"

With a coquettish cry, Mana tried to snatch the wine glass back, but Rhode grabbed her wrist and dragged her directly into his arms. He said shamelessly:

"There's not much wine left. Can we split it between the two of us?"

After saying that, Rhodes threw the wine glass into the trash can, and then kissed Nikki lightly in her trembling eyes full of expectation and shame.

After fooling around for a while, Rhodes put his clothes back on and walked towards the helicopter pad on the roof of the hotel, holding Mana, whose cheeks were still blushing.

The underground salt mines where Aperture Technologies' underground headquarters are located are still quite a distance from Detroit, and helicopter travel is the fastest way to get there. However, according to Carvin Johnson, he also plans to open a subway directly connecting the city and the headquarters, but it is still in the early stages of geological exploration.

Standing at the edge of the helipad, Rhodes looked at the helicopter flying from a distance. The rotor blades flashed brightly in the morning sun, like a meteor slowly streaking across the blue sky.

"I really hope that after I go back, no one will cause trouble for me again."

Rhode muttered softly, while Nikki beside him reached out to tidy up her hair and said with a smile:

"If you're too persistent, it might backfire. Besides, everyone at Aperture Technology can cause trouble every day; the only difference is the size and duration. So, you'd better get used to it as soon as possible."

"Let's forget about this."

+ + + + + + + + + +

"Jack, you are about to go out on a mission that is crucial to the success of this project...and you understand the consequences if you don't get it done."

"What's the mission?"

"Spy on Aperture Technology's headquarters, steal technical data, or assassinate important individuals. In short, let our superiors see your abilities."

"……I see."