The empress was very pleased with Will's work and with the country that she threw a royal ball to knight Will and bestow upon him lordship within the nation. Will did not realize the significance of this until he was too late.

As Will dressed for the ball, he sported his favorite blue vest that complimented his eyes and black suit attire. He felt good, attractive, and distinguished. This was his night. He was amidst daydreaming when he heard a knock at his door. He opened it and practically melted. Standing before him in a matching blue dress was his love. She smiled a beautiful smile at him and he knew he could never love another. For she looked beautiful, but it was her inner beauty that convinced him he had not made a mistake. Her smile conveyed only love for him and it was as if she was wearing his heart for him.

"I need my captain to escort me. You are my champion, are you not?"

"That I am, my empress."

"It's Valentina, mi il Tesoro."

"What does that mean?"

"Are you not Italian?"

"I am, but I do not speak it."

"Well, it means my treasure. Because you are. I love you. Ti amo."

"Ti amo mi amor." he said to her as they approached the stairs. The whole ensemble of the country greeted them and they cheered for him. The ladies swooned at the sight of Will, and the lords bowed their heads as she walked by and then looked up to observe her ass as she walked past them. Both individuals noticed this, but couldn't care less. They were each other's. And that's all that mattered.

(Present)

Will and Jake hurried through the ruins of what had once been New York City. It had been rebuilt in the Emperor's image, and it reflected his dominance. Gaps impossible to traverse without Will's spectacular athletics and a network of circuits impossible to decipher without his brain and Jake's hacking abilities. Jake's cybernetic arm had also been fitted with an ion cannon that could make short work of anything it came into contact with. The two were an unstoppable force. That and no drones had been deployed. Despite the heavy security and billions of people alive, none were in New York.

This is all probably a trap. But what choice do I have. He took everything from me.