Chapter 6: The Hidden Offer

  Location:

  Zurich, Switzerland

  **Date: 12/005/**2025

  VELA Headquarters, Main Command Office

  The sleek, modern glass building of VELA's headquarters stood tall in the heart of Zurich, a city known for its neutrality and precision. The room inside was pristine, its white walls and polished surfaces reflecting the seriousness of the meeting about to take place.

  At the long conference table, several figures sat, their faces hardened by years of experience in the cutthroat world of global logistics and energy. The air was thick with tension as the executives of VELA—the Vital Energy and Logistics Authority—prepared for a critical discussion on the future of their Dominion Project.

  VELA, a private, multinational organization, was known for its interests in resource trading, advanced weaponry, and cutting-edge technology. While officially operating under the guise of advancing global energy solutions, many knew VELA’s true objectives were far less altruistic.

  The Meeting Begins

  The room grew quiet as Mme. élodie Marchand, the head of VELA's European Division, adjusted the papers in front of her. Her sharp eyes scanned the others at the table, gauging their reactions.

  "We’ve reached a critical point in the Dominion Project," élodie began, her voice steady. "However, the lack of stable energy sources is limiting our ability to advance. We need a solution, and fast."

  Dr. Renjiro Sato, the head of VELA's Asia Division, leaned forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the polished surface of the table. "We understand the urgency, Mme. Marchand, but the data from our latest experiments is inconclusive. We need more time for testing."

  élodie’s face hardened. "Time is something we do not have. The global market is already on the brink of collapse. If we do not act swiftly, we risk losing everything. But there is another way."

  The others in the room exchanged looks of uncertainty. "What do you mean?" asked Dr. Klaus Reinhardt, head of the German division.

  "There's a name we should consider," élodie replied, her voice lowering. "Lucas Bernardt."

  The name hung in the air for a moment, drawing the curiosity of the table.

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  "Who is this Lucas Bernardt?" asked Prof. Liang Xiu, the head of VELA’s China Division. He had a habit of dismissing what didn’t fit his direct interests, but this piqued his interest.

  "He was a promising scientist from Germany," élodie continued. "I knew him briefly during my time in Leipzig. He was working with Goom, the brilliant mind behind some of our recent breakthroughs in energy research. Bernardt was highly intelligent—perhaps the only one capable of understanding and harnessing the experimental energy flux from the Hakone findings."

  Liang Xiu’s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. "I remember hearing about a young scientist involved in a crash during a field test. Wasn’t that the same case from Canada? Goom's associate?"

  "Yes," élodie confirmed. "Lucas Bernardt was thought to have died in that accident. But there are reports from Canada suggesting otherwise."

  The room fell silent as the weight of élodie’s words sank in.

  Scene 2: Lucas' Research Site

  Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

  Date: 15/05/2025

  Time: Early afternoon

  Meanwhile, far away in the dense jungle of the Amazon, Lucas Bernardt was deep in his research, surrounded by the ancient remnants of a long-forgotten civilization. The sun filtered through the thick canopy above, casting an eerie glow on the ruins. Lucas stood before an array of strange, glowing crystal formations, his fingers tracing the patterns on the surface of the largest shard.

  The shards emitted a low hum—an energy Lucas couldn’t fully understand, but he was close to unlocking its potential. He made detailed notes in his journal, the familiar weight of his scientific mind pushing him to dig deeper, even as doubts lingered in his thoughts.

  "There's something more here," he muttered to himself, staring intently at the shards. "This energy… it's unlike anything we’ve encountered. I just need to make the connection."

  As Lucas adjusted his equipment, scanning for more data, a subtle rustling broke his concentration. From the shadows of the jungle, a figure emerged—dressed in nondescript clothing and wearing a neutral expression.

  "Lucas Bernardt?" The figure’s voice was calm, but the presence was imposing.

  Lucas didn’t flinch. His hand instinctively went to the small device in his pocket, but he kept his posture relaxed. "Who are you?"

  The figure stepped forward, a thin smile crossing their face. "We’ve been searching for you for some time. I represent VELA."

  Lucas raised an eyebrow. "VELA? Why would you be looking for me?"

  "We’ve been tracking your research," the figure continued, producing a sleek, high-tech folder and sliding it toward him. "We are offering you a position. A chance to take your research further, with all the resources you could need."

  Lucas eyed the folder suspiciously. "What’s the catch?"

  The figure’s expression didn’t change. "There’s no catch. We simply require a commitment. A partnership to help us with our global project. Dominion."

  Lucas frowned, flipping through the contents of the folder. The numbers, the data, the projections—everything was meticulously arranged. It was an offer, no doubt about it, but there was something off about the way it was presented.

  "You’re not here to help me," Lucas said, locking eyes with the figure. "You’re here because you think you can control the energy I’m researching."

  The figure remained calm. "We can provide you with what you need—support, funding, and protection. But you need to make a decision quickly. Time is of the essence, and your work is critical to our future."

  Lucas stood in silence for a moment, contemplating the offer. There was a weight to the words—something he couldn’t ignore. But in the back of his mind, a shadow loomed. His past. The life he’d left behind.

  "Why now?" Lucas asked. "Why come to me?"

  The figure leaned in, lowering their voice just enough for Lucas to hear. "Because... we know where you come from. And we know what happened to you. We have eyes everywhere, Lucas."

  A tense silence followed.

  "Let me give you a taste of what we’re offering," the figure said, reaching into their pocket and pulling out a small, intricately carved object—something that only Lucas would recognize.

  "This is from your past. A reminder," they added, handing it over. The object seemed to pull at something deep within Lucas. His past. A past he’d tried to bury.

  Lucas stared at the object in h

  is hand, his fingers trembling. "How did you…?"

  The figure only smiled, a knowing smile.