Dead end (Part 3)
06 Mar 2024Haraldsen
Victoria Hothis did not let her chance slip by, noting his weak reaction immediately. Riehl just said what she'd expected he'd say. She leaned forward in her seat again, placing her elbows on the desktop in front of her as she regarded him intently, her chin perched delicately atop her steepled fingers."If you will forgive me, Lord Investigator Riehl. Allow me to provide a different suggestion." Victoria spoke slowly, savouring each word. She noticed the pain flicker in Riehl's countenance before continuing, "Our investigations clearly demonstrate that Mr. Barlow's unauthorized intrusion resulted in him copying corporate records. It further establishes the fact that a significant and substantial part of these documents, information and material contained highly sensitive and proprietary Azimuth property. In other words, Lord Investigator, his actions directly interfered and influenced our research, compromising our development program in certain highly advanced and innovative technology. Now, how would your organization define that? Is it possible that his actions could be considered as acts of sabotage?" she chided him like a parent telling a disobedient child about something they'd told the boy to not do, scolding and yet simultaneously channelling it toward constructive guidance.
"Yet, trying to avoid litigation, Azimuth Biotech remains willing to step back," she assured Riehl solemnly, looking back at the holo with an almost perfect imitation of a compassionate expression. "But it's absolutely essential to understand that what we wish to do is to protect the interests of our company and maintain the ongoing confidentiality and integrity of certain information," she informed him sternly, her voice bearing an insistent edge. "If such information was released, and Azimuth were required to divest assets in order to resolve disputes arising out of our current project, this will severely jeopardise future technological progress and place millions, or billions, of investors and consumers' welfare in doubt. Surely, Lord Investigator," Victoria tilted her head to the side and squinted, "you would agree, nothing is worth endangering this? What we offer instead is a way out. A way, in which, as far as your own career and family welfare is concerned, would enable you to emerge from this nightmare unharmed," she explained kindly, offering the information to the investigator almost as if it was a reward for the cooperation and obedience shown so far, instead of another means of keeping him under control.
"What we ask," Victoria resumed, her voice and facial features composed and devoid of emotion once again, her words firm and admonishing, "is that no information leaks or confidential data is distributed or revealed to public scrutiny, and any inquiries regarding us and our research projects would be resolved without filing charges in Imperial court and would not lead to uncompensated damages. That's it. For you."
Victoria held up a hand as Riehl's brows came down in consternation, cutting off whatever argument he was going to make, "Now," Victoria said firmly. "All we have left is one minor thing to settle the dispute and draw an end to this rather vexing story," Victoria continued to look at him intently. "I am positive, due to the outstanding integrity of our business ventures and past dealings with your organization, we'll both benefit from our negotiation and the compromises we'll reach. As for Azimuth Biotech's relations with ISA," a soft smile returned to her face, "I'm sure they will remain in a manner to continue to the greatest mutual benefit for all parties involved." Victoria cocked her head to one side and looked back at him with a slight smirk playing on her lips. Her eyes twinkled. "Do you accept this?"
Riehl ran the palm of his right hand against his cheek in a gesture that combined frustration with disappointment, a habitual response to an unexpected situation of great importance. He knew. By all gods, the investigator understood her implied meaning: 'Play our game or we'll squash you'. And by no means was he stupid enough to question it. As her statement became clearer to him and sunk deeper into the folds of his brain, Riehl frowned, a faraway look on his face as if he was thinking deeply. There was also a look of defeat etched across his features. He lowered his eyes and, shaking his head slowly, looked up at the holographic image of her again, studying it for a short while before he made up his mind. Riehl gazed intensely at the image of Victoria Hothis that kept flickering in front of his desk. Finally, with a slight nod he acceded. "Fine. Yes."
"Excellent," Victoria applauded him, beaming at him with satisfaction as she leaned forward, peering through the connection. "Now, what will happen next will take just a minute. Please, stay with me, Lord Investigator. I am sending you a non-disclosure document to be read and acknowledged. Upon acceptance, the document will automatically be sent back to me and a secure data packet will be dispatched containing the full report of your investigation and its final conclusion. We will deal with this... discreetly, in the best possible manner, taking into account our organizations' interests. Then, no one will notice any sort of involvement or association," she told the investigator, smiling knowingly, "which, in itself, will be extremely convenient for you in the aftermath. Regarding Azimuth and the course we have elected to pursue, all traces of any proceedings will be completely removed. These documents, these leads will disappear and this will be considered resolved, brought to a satisfactory end," Victoria added as an afterthought and nodded.
"It's really very good news, in many senses, I'd say, Lord Investigator Riehl. At last, we will be able to focus and redirect both our attention to more... important issues... those that are beneficial, you see."
The tone of her voice betrayed nothing, yet Riehl understood. It was simple and plain: the entire ordeal would vanish as though it never existed; the pressure on Azimuth and its operations would be removed, and no questions asked, the ISA and its operations in the sector were unscathed and their image and integrity protected. With a frown and an unmistakeable look of helplessness on his face, Riehl stared back at his holo display with a growing sense of foreboding. For a few minutes, silence stretched uncomfortably between the two, each contemplating the contents and implications of their exchange until finally Riehl began.
"With that cleared out," he cleared his throat nervously, his mind working furiously to figure his next course of action, "I have one final query, in this particular case. What about the... ah... side business slave trade deal between Haraldsen and the Emerald Dawn? Does Azimuth intend to intervene... directly?" the man questioned nervously.
Her smile disappeared at his last inquiry. Her countenance displayed a flash of annoyance, "No. As far as you're concerned, that business never even existed." Victoria told him bluntly, gazing blankly at him as her lips formed a pout. Then, the hint of a smile settled back, and she added, "I am simply explaining how Azimuth wishes to deal with matters to prevent a crisis," she gestured emphatically as she said it, leaning back in her seat again as if to distance herself. Her blue eyes glittered coldly, staring at the investigator with some amusement.
"It's understood." Riehl acknowledged her statement with a brief nod of the head, lowering his gaze in defeat.
Victoria watched the investigator keenly for a long, uncomfortable moment before her expression relaxed. "I think, then, we are done here. Which leaves one minor task to complete," she said as a single fingertip touched the left bottom corner of the screen, typing and then scrolling down as if searching. It didn't take long for her to finish, "Yes, there we are. A single electronic signature on the line, please. Then you'll receive your... final investigation report." Victoria assured him, raising her eyes and locking them with his.
Taking a deep breath and rolling his sleeves to his elbows, Riehl narrowed his eyes a little. Leaning over the screen, he stretched one hand out to type a string of numbers and characters on a floating touchpad projected above his desk. His eyes glowed briefly red as he added an official digital seal to the document using the built in retinal scanner on the workstation, and glanced back at her. "There, finished. No further charges against Azimuth Biotech in accordance and in relation to the ISA's investigation of this specific event have been or will be raised."
"So recorded," Victoria concluded with a decisive nod and an unmistakable hint of satsifaction, "Good work, Lord Investigator. This case is now completed, and I am grateful. Good luck regarding your future endeavours, and if the opportunity ever presents itself, you can be sure I'll not hesitate to extend Azimuth's cordial offer of partnership again." Victoria said, standing up with a cheerful smile. Reaching to the base of the holo-monitor, her fingertips grazed against it gently. Then she activated a small black box attached to the equipment's underside, sending a unique passcode along with an encrypted signal to transmit a confirmation notice to a non disclosed recipient. Only visible to her, it flashed bright orange in confirmation: 'Black Flight SV:8. Commencing clean up protocol'.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Investigator Riehl." She said sincerely as her image grew fainter, almost transparent, before the holo cut off finally.
Riehl took another deep breath and leant against the console, staring at the dead comm panel on his desk and considering his situation. What's done is done.
* * *
Victoria sat in her comfortable office situated on an orbital station, her eyes looking toward a wall decorated with a series of holo images. Smiling inwardly, she stared at her own reflection, nodding thoughtfully as a barely audible, computerised voice spoke out in the stillness around her.
"All first hand witnesses eliminated, Mission Command." The cold-sounding voice spoke to the woman, "My unit confirms the successful elimination of Mr. Barlow, Mrs. Barlow and their children and guests in accordance with mission parameters and guidelines. As far as the local police authorities are concerned, they were the unfortunate victims of a heavy goods transport accident. The entire neighbourhood was destroyed when a Type 9 transport crashed into the space station compartment. A tragic coincidence. The number of collaterals will help conceal the incident."
"Excellent, SV:8. You're always efficient. Is that all? Any other status reports?" she asked, looking away from her own reflection. The entire area outside her office was shrouded in shadows, a row of tall cabinets of red glowing screens on one wall provided the only source of light in the dimmed space, save illumination atop her workspace, and the holo images set up in the wall. The empty darkness seemed to be her best companion.
"Lord Investigator Riehl's behaviour met expectation," the voice informed her succinctly, "Mission Command, would you wish to proceed to eliminate him?" The cool and detached voice asked her.
She did not reply at once, allowing the information to sink in. A thoughtful look flickered across her face, "This will certainly warrant reconsideration. But at present, I see no direct threat from the man," she said slowly, turning to gaze back at her computer. Her brow creased and, crossing her arms across her chest, she gave the computer display on her desk an absent minded tap, her expression contemplative. "The less we expose the less problematic things get, I suppose," she breathed, glancing back at the wall on her right, the words escaping her mouth before her thoughts fully settled, "unless," Victoria paused, tapping a fingertip against her cheek thoughtfully. Her gaze appeared far-off and dreamy for a moment, she then shook her head. She ran her hand over a flat surface just above her desk as the soft, artificial white glow of the lights dimmed further, providing a more suitable environment to suit her musings and concentration.
"No, too much involvement would draw too much attention. We have invested heavily and successfully. I've no desire to disrupt an effort which has produced excellent results, yet. If something or someone interferes with our objective," a menacing edge laced her calm and cool voice, "it should be dealt with firmly."
"Understood," came the neutral reply. A short pause, followed by another brief observation, "The details of the incident and the accident have been made known and transmitted to the necessary parties. I confirm. Project objectives will remain unimpeded. I stand by ready for new instructions."
"That will be all. I trust your discretion. Dismissed, SV:8. Maintain minimum profile unless otherwise ordered," Victoria instructed.
A brief pause before the voice responded, "Commencing stealth protocol and awaiting standby instructions."
Victoria cast a scrutinising look at her holo-terminal for a second before touching a control, disconnecting the call, then leaned back in her chair. Her mouth pursed, eyes staring contemplatively into empty space, then after a moment or so a subtle smirk appeared, gradually curling her lips upwards as her fingers drummed slowly and rhythmically on the work surface. Finally, a small laugh escaped the woman's lips, her features softening as an expression of pure triumph crept onto them.