Chapter 39: Negotiations II

After hearing Arthur’s demands the scarred officer scowled. “That’s a tall order, Sully. Military technology and classified research are humanity’s most closely guarded secrets. Handing them over to anyone, even someone like you, is out of the question.”

Arthur anticipated the resistance and kept his tone calm. “I’m not asking for unrestricted access to the most guarded secrets of humanity. I understand the importance of protecting certain technologies. But I need access to everything else, anything not classified as top secret. In return, I’ll settle for occasional supervised interaction with the restricted tech.”

The room fell silent again as the officials considered his counteroffer.

The silver-haired woman finally broke the silence. “You’re asking for a lot, Sully. Even limited access to restricted technologies would require oversight and constant monitoring.”

“That’s fine,” Arthur replied smoothly. “I expected as much. All I’m asking for is the chance to familiarize myself with the tools that could help me do what you’re asking of me, keeping humanity safe.”

Thalberg stroked his chin thoughtfully. “You’re shrewd, Sully. I’ll give you that.”

After a moment, he glanced at the holograms, a silent exchange passing between them. The silver-haired woman nodded, followed by the scarred officer, albeit reluctantly.

“Very well,” Thalberg said at last. “You’ll have access to technologies not classified as top secret, with periodic opportunities to interact with the more sensitive ones under strict supervision. But know this, you’ll be monitored throughout the entire process. Every interaction, every move, will be logged and scrutinized.”

Arthur inclined his head, suppressing the smirk threatening to form on his lips. This was precisely what he had aimed for.

“One more thing,” he added, his tone casual but calculated. “I’ll need a well-equipped lab for my personal use. Somewhere I can work on understanding and improving myself, as well as studying the tech you’ve agreed to let me access.”

The scarred officer looked as though he might protest, but the silver-haired woman waved a hand dismissively. “That’s reasonable,” she said. “A lab will be provided. Consider it part of your collaboration.”

Thalberg nodded in agreement. “You’ll have the tools you need, Sully. But remember, cooperation goes both ways. We’ll expect results.”

Arthur stood, his expression calm but firm. “You’ll have my cooperation, Admiral.”

Thalberg rose as well, extending a hand. “Then we have an agreement.”

Arthur shook the Admiral’s hand, the firm grip sealing the deal.

As he exited the office, Arthur allowed himself a small, fleeting smile. The negotiations had gone exactly as he’d planned. He had the access he needed and the freedom to work on his terms. The game had begun, and he was ready to play it.

Because, ‘Status’.

//--------------------//

[STATUS]

Name: Arthur Sully

Designation: ECHO

Age: 27

Height: 6'3"

Strength: 7013.8 Tons

Speed: 369.2 m/s

Durability: 89586.9 MegaPascal

[ABILITIES]

[Reactive Evolution] [Superior Regeneration] [Toxin Immunity] [Gene Lock] [Energy Absorption (Lv1)]

[Technopathy (Lv3)]: The power to psychically interact, communicate and manipulate technology with the power of the mind within a 5 km radius of the host. Able to understand the inner workings of any technology host interacts with.

//--------------------//

[A/N: Arthur’s top speed was faster than the speed of sound even before his fight against the Chimerians. But typically a human is only able to utilize around sixty percent of their strength with expert martial artists around ninety percent. So Arthur was unable to create sonic booms with his movements as he is unable to utilize the full potential of his body. He would need at least thirty to forty percent more speed than the speed of sound to easily break the sound barrier.]

With his improved technopathy it would allow him to achieve his goals without anyone knowing. It happened when Arthur was trying to decrypt the antimatter bomb encryption, he overused his technopathy leading to overloading his brain with information which forced his brain to evolve to use the ability better.

…

The hallway outside the Admiral’s office was quiet, its sterile white walls gleaming under soft lighting. Arthur’s boots echoed faintly as he made his way back toward the main corridors of the station.

The negotiations still swirled in his mind, each word, each subtle shift of power and control replayed in his head. But one thought stood out among the rest, should he allow them to replicate his regeneration ability?

Arthur’s lips pressed into a thin line as he contemplated the implications. His [Gene Lock] ability ensured that nobody could replicate his powers without his express consent.

If he allowed them access to just his regenerative abilities, it could mean saving countless lives on the battlefield. Soldiers gravely wounded in action could heal rapidly, potentially turning the tide in humanity's favor against the Chimerians.

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But the question wasn’t about capability, it was about trust.

Would these people, the admirals, the scientists, the shadowy figures lurking in UFE’s corridors of power, use this for the betterment of humanity, or would they twist it into something darker? Arthur shook his head, dispelling the thought. This wasn’t about them; it was about the soldiers risking their lives daily.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. ‘I’ll do it. For the soldiers.’ The decision brought a small measure of relief, a reminder that despite the power games, he could still choose to help in his own way.

‘But it’s up to them how much they are able to uncover from this ability.’ Arthur thought with a smile.

…

As Arthur made his way to the entertainment district, the atmosphere shifted. The once-sterile corridors gave way to brightly lit pathways, their walls adorned with holographic advertisements for restaurants, virtual arcades, and lounges. The low hum of conversation and laughter drifted through the air, a stark contrast to the tense silence of the command center.

He tapped his communicator and called Leo.

“Arthur! You finally done with all that top-brass stuff?” Leo’s voice crackled through.

“Yeah,” Arthur replied, his tone lighter. “Where are you guys?”

“We’re at Nexus Lounge. Second level. You’ll see Elena waving; she’s been trying to flag down every poor soul who looks like you.”

Arthur chuckled. “Got it. I’ll be there soon.”

…

The Nexus Lounge was alive with energy. Neon lights flickered overhead, bathing the room in hues of blue and purple. A stage in the corner hosted a band playing soft, upbeat tunes, while hardlight holographic waiters weaved through the crowd, serving drinks.

Arthur spotted his teammates at a corner booth. True to Leo’s word, Elena was waving enthusiastically, drawing a few amused glances from nearby patrons.

“There he is!” Elena called out as Arthur approached.

“Finally!” Leo grinned, sliding over to make room. “Thought you’d gone AWOL.”

“Not this time,” Arthur said, smirking as he took a seat.

Samir leaned back, his arms crossed. “So, what was all that about? You’ve got the look of someone who just made a deal with the devil.”

Arthur hesitated for a fraction of a second before shrugging. “Let’s just say there were... negotiations. They wanted something from me; I got something in return. It’s nothing that’ll affect us…yet.”

“‘Yet’ being the operative word,” Elena quipped, raising an eyebrow. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Arthur.”

“Always,” he replied smoothly, grabbing a glass of water from the table.

As the team settled into casual conversation, Arthur found his thoughts wandering back to his earlier decision. Eventually, he brought it up.

“Leo, Samir, Elena,” he began, his tone more serious now. “If you had the chance to give the soldiers out there something that could save their lives, a piece of yourself, but at a risk, would you do it?”

The table grew quiet.

“I mean... it depends on the risk,” Samir said cautiously.

“And who’s asking,” Elena added. “But if it’s for the grunts on the ground, I’d probably do it. They’re the ones in the line of fire, not the people making the big calls.”

Leo nodded. “Yeah, same. Those guys deserve all the help they can get. Why’re you asking?”

Arthur leaned back in his seat, his gaze thoughtful. “Because I have the chance to do exactly that. I can share a part of what I have…regeneration. It won’t weaken me or cost me anything, but it could mean the difference between life and death for a lot of soldiers.”

The team exchanged glances.

“Then do it,” Leo said simply. “If it doesn’t cost you, and it can help, why not?”

Elena frowned slightly. “Just make sure they don’t twist it into something ugly. You know how these things go.”

Arthur nodded. “I’ll keep it under control. Thanks, guys.”

…

The Nexus Lounge buzzed with life, the warmth of camaraderie replacing the cold efficiency of the station’s corridors. Arthur leaned back in the booth, a faint smile tugging at his lips as Leo recounted a story from their mission, adding exaggerated flourishes that made even Samir cringe hearing that.

“And then,” Leo continued, waving his hands for dramatic effect, “Arthur here just walked through that storm of plasma bolts like he was on a Sunday stroll. I swear, the Chimerians were more scared of him than we were of them!”

Elena rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smirk. “Leo, you’re impossible. The only reason you’re alive to tell that story is because I had your back from a kilometer away.”

“Oh, come on, Elena,” Leo said, holding up his drink. “Let me have this one!”

The group burst into laughter, the sound blending into the hum of the lounge. For a while, the war outside felt like a distant memory.

…

As the evening wore on, a group of recruits approached their table, hesitant but clearly eager to speak. Arthur recognized them immediately, they were part of the platoon he’d helped during the mission.

“Excuse us,” one of them, a young woman with short-cropped blonde hair, said. “We just wanted to say thank you.”

“For what?” Arthur asked, genuinely curious.

“For saving our lives,” another recruit, a tall man with a nervous smile, replied. “If you hadn’t intervened when you did... well, we wouldn’t be here right now.”

Arthur’s expression softened. “I was just doing my job. You all fought hard and held your ground. You should be proud of yourselves.”

The recruits exchanged glances, clearly grateful for his words. One of them, a curious-looking young man with glasses, hesitated before asking, “If you don’t mind me asking... How are you so powerful? I mean, the things you did out there, no one else can do that.”

Arthur paused, the question hanging in the air. A small, enigmatic smile crossed his lips, but he didn’t answer.

Before he could deflect, Elena leaned forward, her sharp tone cutting through the moment. “It’s none of your business.”

The recruits stiffened, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Elena,” Leo said, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. “They’re just curious. Cut them some slack.”

She huffed but leaned back, crossing her arms. “Fine. But they should know there are some questions you don’t ask.”

Arthur raised a hand, his voice steady but kind. “It’s okay, Elena. They’re just curious.” He turned back to the recruits. “Let’s just say I’ve been through a lot of experiences that led to it. That’s all there is to it.”

The recruits nodded, sensing that was all they were going to get. “Understood,” the blonde-haired woman said. “Thank you again. For everything.”

“Keep up the good work,” Arthur replied.

The recruits gave quick salutes before retreating, their gratitude evident in their expressions.

…

As they left, Leo leaned back with a grin. “You’re becoming a legend, you know that? If you’re not careful, they’re going to start naming drills after you.”

Arthur gave a weak smile. “Let’s hope not. I’d rather not have my name attached to burpees or something equally awful.”

Elena chuckled despite herself, and Samir raised his glass. “To surviving another day, and to Arthur, our walking, talking miracle creator.”

The team clinked their glasses together, the sound ringing out like a promise.

The evening wore on, the group’s camaraderie a welcome distraction from the weight of responsibility. As they laughed and joked, Arthur allowed himself a moment of peace. He had made his decision, and for now, that was enough.

***