There is silence- an uncomfortable calm. In a semi-dark hallway illuminated by lamps, silence runs rampant, hiding in every nook and cranny of the hall. Refurbished doors are but mere designs along the tight walls, hiding an endless possibility of unknowns. In this beautiful dungeon, footsteps dare to battle the creeping silence. A figure that seems oblivious to the suffocating walls treads along this path, gaze locked onto his destination: a set of double doors at the far-end of the hall. An all too familiar symbol is delicately imprinted on the doors. It is that symbol which he is most proud of; a symbol in which his loyalties lie. He procedes without much hesitation.

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At the other side of the double doors, a biological form, resembling that of a human, sits without much comfort on a seemingly comfortable leather chair. The chair is facing the enormous windows, joining its occupant as he marvels at the prospering empire below. The only source of light in this room is a small lamp illuminating the papers on the desk behind him. On his left wrist is a gold watch which he fidgets with his right fingers, feeling the design of an exexutive luxury right at his fingertips. He then turns his chair around towards his desk just as a knock pierces through the solitude of his confinement. "Enter."

The double doors open without a sound, a tribute to the finely crafted wood and hinges. A man in his mid 30's enters the room and gently closes the door behind him, worried that the design imprinted on the doors might fall off if he closed it roughly. "Sir."

"I hope you bring to me an acceptable explanation as to why you disturb me in my solitude." The executive speaks without a hint of threat in his voice. He gestures towards a chair in front of his desk, "Sit."

The middle-aged man obliged. After composing himself in the chair, he began to speak, "Sir, our artificial farms have been tested and they are very productive. We do not need to worry much about food shortages for the coming event. We no longer need to trade food with the other towns."

"Yes, I'm glad that you are overseeing this project to your fullest extent. But I want to keep a healthy relationship with the other towns for a while longer. Let's continue our trade with them."

"Of course sir, this would make it possible for us to stockpile our produce. And if we fail to maintain trade with the others, we risk our motives being suspected."

"The foundation for the success of this plan relies on a good relationship from the start. We must keep our enemies close. What else do you bring? I am pleased to note that the economy of this city is in top shape. It would not be difficult for us to immediately harvest the necessary resources which- by the way, how goes the resource operation?"

"Ah, sir, that is another matter we may need to discuss immediately. Due to the geographical location of this area, we are only able to find sites to harvest various metals."

"Metals would be insufficient enough to sustain the effort."

"Sir, based on the analysis of some of our scientists, these metals can be broken down further to create different components. They may yet prove useful."

"Useful... Due to the fact that it has become a commodity."

"If it is possible, I request permission to set up underground dig sites that will connect to different areas with more resources."

"I do not wish to compromise the secrecy of this operation but if you must, I will allow you to do so within a 5 mile radius."

"But sir, in that disance, we will find nothing but metal!"

"The process of digging will take up much time; time that we do not have. Their forces are strengthening even as we speak. 5 miles is adequate enough. I want a swift and efficient operation. You have my blessing."

Tha man nodded and wrote some of the notes down into his notebook.

"How goes the industry?"

"It's the same sir. Without the necessary materials, productivity is at a minimum. Our inventory is not even enough to completely fill a closet. We need these resources badly."

"Tell your scientists to immediately begin researching about the components we can produce from the metals. There will come a time where in a constant supply of much needed materials will be denied to us. We must become more resourceful with what we have."

"It shall be done immediately. Oh and sir, the facility may take more time to be functioning optimally. But not to worry though, some of our more recent tests came out positive. This marks the success of the facility sir. We just need more time."

"Good. I am pleased with the progress we are making, Neil. I want everything to be running as soon as possible. You may take your leave now if you wish."

Neil stood from his chair, nodding. "My loyalty remains with you sir."

"I do hope so. You know, I do believe that loyalty does not allow even a small margin for error." the executive replied, turning his chair around to face the window. He fidgets his watch again, listening as the doors open and close as gently as before. 'Soon... Very soon...'

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"HA! It works! Damn thing's actually working again!"

The loud humming noise of a familiar engine echoes throughout a familiar workshop. Well, familiar to the current occupant, that is. Most of the time- correction, all of the time, the man bottles himself up in this large area, tweaking and putting together some weird contraption, asides from cursing and puffing smoke. Amidst the noise, his voice could be heard from within.

"Now that's how you oughta work!" the man is clearly in much joy. He inspects the engine more closely, searching for any loose parts and fixing them accordingly. With a huge grin on his face, he could not help but be pleased with his work. Unfortunately, as he uttered another 'HA!', the cigarette in his mouth fell into the inner workings of the engine. With a loud clang, it stopped.

"SON OF A BITCH!"

"You know, cursing will not fix that thing."

"Goddamn cigar! Where the fuck are you?" the man didn't hear the womanly voice from behind him. He continued fumbling for the culprit inside the engine. "Oh crap.."

The woman crossed her arms in front of her and tilted her head to one side. "So, what's the prob?"

"Fuckin' cigar..." He muttered, engrossed in the retrieval of the cigar.

The woman walked slowly towards the man, picked up a pair of pliers on the table beside him and pushed the man aside. With ease, she plucked out the cigar from the engine. Immediately afterwards, it began to run again. She held the cigar up in front of his face, "Told you that cursing will do nothing to fix it."

The man scratched his head, unaware that the oil on his hand is dyeing his hair, "Uh, thanks Shera." he then took the oil-covered cigar and pliers and placed them on the table.

"So, when are you leaving for Fort Condor?"

"Probably in two days. I have to get those parts I need while they are still in supply. Nanaki's coming along. Said he needs to get some stuff for the new farm in North Corel."

"Alright. You take care of yourself." with that, she turned and left.

He replied with a smirk.