Chapter 85
After the live stream of Mans Wild featuring Jacqueline was cut off, the management of the Special Operations Division began to panic.
A man in blue asked, “What’s going on? Why did the broadcast suddenly stop!“:
“Could it be that No. 7 has realized we’re making a move against her and decided to sever our tracking of her a bearded man said
A silver–haired man said, “Calm down. Ever since she landed on the island, we’ve had her under satellite surveillance. She’s still on the land. Thar
much is certain!”
But if she’s figured out we intend to eliminate her, she might take the entire production crew hostage to protect herself, hypothesized the man in
If it really comes to that, we’ll have no choice but to take mu No7 first, the bearded man concluded.
The silver–haired man said. “Don’t be silly A report just came in saying there’s a celebrity named Grg in the show. He’s riding high now after starring in a blockbuster film. It he suddenly goes missing, it’ll cause a massive upruar!”
A bespectacled man asked, “What about Mr. See? Wasn’t it agreed that he’d inform Noth and find an opportunity to deal with Nex 7o Why hasn’t No. Taken Action yet!”
The man in blur asked. “Yeah, where’s Mr. Sore!”
A subordinate said, “Sirf Mr. See has already departed for the island?
The man in blue said in surprise. “What He’s already gone?”
The bearded man said, “Well, if Mr. Snee is on it, there shouldn’t be any issues, right?”
The silver–haired man said. “Exactly. That’s Mr. Spee. He’s never failed before”
With that reassurance, the high–ups e
1 calmed down.
On a military speedboat slicing through the choppy waves, Clifford stood at the bow, unmoving as the spray of seawater splashed onto him.
Tyrone stepped out and shivered as he observed the man exude a chilling and brooding aura. While Chafford always wore a friendly unile in front of Nina, most of the time, his demeanor was cold, so cold that it was intimidating, especially when he was alone.
Tyrone had a good idea of what his superior was thinking.
The higher–ups had ordered Clifford to handle No 7, but No.9 was close with the war machines. Having Clifford directly involved was bound to complicate matters. Tyrone couldn’t imagine how No 9 would face Clifford if she ever found out he had deceived her and killed Na
No matter which side Nina chose, it would hurt. For someone like her, who had no experience with intricate social relationships, it was an impossible situation.
Tyrone hesitated before cautiously saying, “Um, Mr. Sner, maybe you don’t need to personally handle this! No.7’s death is inevitable. Anyone could reneve ber, but Professor Lawson sent you. It makes you the direct party involved. If Nina finds out you lied to her and that No.7 is gone, it might strain your relationship with her.”
Clifford snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at Tyrone. His eyes returned to the horizon. A sardonic smile appeared on his laps as he asked, Tyrone, do you know why that old man sent me?”
“Uh…” Tyrone paused to think before offering an analysts. “Just it to silence No.3, so she won’t reveal anything about the neural toxin in the control device?”
Clifford nodded and said, “Yes, that’s one of the objectives.”
of the objectives?” Tyrone was surprised and couldn’t help but wonder what the other objectives were
Seeing Tyrone’s perplexed expression. Clifford smiled and explained. “The higher–ups aren’t just guarding against those war machines. They’re guarding against me too.
“Guarding against your Tyrone was astonished. “Why You’ve devoted yourself entirely to the division?
Clifford had accomplished a lot over the years. His rapid rise to deputy director at such a young age was proof of that. Tyrone did not understand what on earth the higher–ups were thinking after Clifford had done so much for the Special Operations Division
1/2
Chapter 85
Clifford lowered his gaze. A faint smile played on his lips, and he remained silent.
Those high–ranking old men had their ways. They might not excel at producing tangible results, but their expertise in maintaining stability and securing their own power was an art form Clifford found himself needing to study more
Currently, his position wasn’t particularly high because he was still on the edge of the innermost circle of authority. Yet, it wasn’t insignificant either, as he wielded substantial real power. This made his stance crucial to the higher–ups.
To them, war machines had always been a concerning issue.
The machines were undeniably powerful. They were capable of taking on a hundred opponents alone and excelled as multi–functional operatives As they grew, their value would far exceed that
However, their greatest flaw was a lack of loyalty. The relentless pursuit of functionality during their creation meant their sense of belonging had never been cultivated. By the time the issue was recognized, war machines had formed their own awareness, treating ordinary humans as less than equals
The inability to comprehend the weight of life was a universal trait among the war machines, making them an enormous risk if they ever lost control
At this point, the higher–ups were divided into two factions.
The radical faction advocated using force to subjugate the war machines, leading to the development of control devices and neurotoxins
Whereas the conciliatory faction believed the war machines merely lacked empathy. If exposed to human emotions, they might gradually learn to: treat ordinary people with kindness.
After much debate, a compromise was reached. War machines would be put on control devices and be integrated into their families.
If they successfully adapted and formed bonds with humans, the problem would solve itself. But if they failed or acted out violently, the control devices could be used to suppress or eliminate them completely.
It was a good solution and perhaps the best option for both the war machines and ordinary people.
As the one directly overseeing operations involving war machines and had close ties to Nina, Clifford’s stance was critical to the higher–ups. If he didn’t firmly align with their side, it could spell disaster for both the leadership and the public.
Everyone was aware that Clifford treated Nina differently. He doted on her very much.
If Nina were to act out, Clifford might betray the division for her. Alternatively, if other war machines acted recklessly but Nina pleaded for their mercy. Clifford might compromise his principles for her sake,
To eliminate this risk, the higher–ups insisted that Clifford personally lead the mission to retrieve No. 7,
By doing so, Clifford would inevitably deceive Nina. And to avoid completely severing their relationship, he would have no choice but to comply with the higher–ups‘ orders to eliminate No.7
Clifford was genuinely curious about the mastermind behind the cunning plan. It was a ruthless move designed to crush both body and soul.
