40.- Natla Technologies
It's another day in the business for the latest branch of Natla Technologies, established in 2002, in Aksaray, Turkey. The branch has been opened for the purpose of a sole big client, who commissioned the transportation of sensible biological material from Aksaray to Prague, under the secret code "The Sleeper." A completely strange operation. Payment has been rendered, thankfully, but some members of the logistics team went missing. Right now, negotiations are being conducted to recover the truck, which has been tracked down to the Strahov Fortress.
But it could also be a special day, as the facial recognition system installed by the company has recognized a VIP by the company reception counter. "Is it possible that you are Lady Lara Croft?" the counter girl asks. "Yes," Lara answers. "This piece of equipment works like a wonder," the counter girl says. "It's almost like Sci-Fi. You and your companion can go to the VIP lounge. I'll tell the boss you are here. Security, escort Lady Croft and his guest to the VIP lounge." Lara thanks the counter girl for the hospitality, but Kurtis feels nervous about it. "What is it with this company?" Kurtis asks. "It's the only company I know that could possibly manage the logistics on the Sleeper," Lara says. "I expect some answers."
The VIP lounge is nice. It provides a beautiful sight of the city, despite the walls being just screens. A small buffet is prepared for Lady Croft and his companion. "Lady Croft," the lounge bartender says. "You are expected to wait an hour to receive a call from our president. Can you wait for an hour?" "Sure," Lara answers. "I'd love to meet your boss."
An hour later, a screen in the middle of the room turns up, showing a moving logo from Natla Technologies. "Back again," the familiar voice says. "And you," Lara answers. "How are pyramids treating you lately?" "Not quite different from you, I believe," she answers. Kurtis feels he's being left behind in this exchange. As if he didn't matter at all. He can hardly recognize the blond woman who's on the other side of the screen.
"You brought a hipster dog with you," Natla says. "It's quite unlikely for a lady." Kurtis gets mad at her. "Watch your mouth, vixen!" Kurtis says. "I guess priest training has decayed in this era," Natla jokes and sighs. "I believe you are here to ask me about the Sleeper." Kurtis feels amazed that someone would speak so lightly about the Sleeper. "The commission was made by the Karel estate," Natla discloses. "These nephilim are quite an unfit species, they require way too much energy to survive. I don't know the actual address of the place you are looking for, only that it is on the outskirts of this city. You'll be better off with a local guide. Anyways, it's been nice to catch up with you, Lara. And I wouldn't mind if you returned the book you've stolen from me. It's a precious memory..." Lara coldly stands up and leaves, Kurtis just follows her. The mission is still on.