With your head pulled in you slipped through the shadows of the huge metal wall that kept the COG settlement separated from the rest of the world.

It was awfully silent, despite the fact that it was broad daylight. Usually, people were working around this time of the day. But there were no signs of human life.

Somehow, this made you feel unsettled. It felt like a sign to run away.

But you needed this access. Even better if Jinn would provide the answers herself. Maybe she knew what those strange crystals were, after all, she was older and knew about the time before the settlements had been rebuild. And if she wasn't willing to talk, there was still a man left that knew it all.

At the thought you had to swallow hard. JD would have hated it if you visited him. But it seemed to be a necessary sacrifice. No one else was as informed about anything strange as he was.

With a deep sigh, you slid the access card through the scanner to open the secret escape exit. This was just one of many benefits that working for the COG occasionally brought. You had your own entrance to come and go whenever you pleased without having to deal with other people or formalities.

Not a second passed after the door fell shut behind you and the lights turned on.

A bright, white flash filled the metal staircase. Little lamps of red lit up. The sound of engines running filled the silence, buzzing and electric.

But you couldn't climb up more then a few stapes before being stopped by a robot with a flat screen face. It was a DeeBee, accompanied by two others of its kind.

With a grim look on your face, you stopped and eyed the thing before pulling a face.

"Jinn.", you spit the name out as if it was poison on your tongue. "I'd say I'm not pleased to meet you, but that would be a lie this time."

The screen on the DeeBee flashed up and the face of a black-haired woman with glasses and a grim expression appeared.

"Doctor.", she greeted you. "This morning we got a notification that you tried to gain access through one of the devices we provided."

You rolled your eyes, but did not pull the crystal out yet.

"I'm doing important research."

"Research that could benefit humankind?"

"No matter if you could get benefits out of it or not, I need access to those information and files if there is anything to know about it."

The face of the First Minister darkened. It was impressive how clearly human emotions could be shown through a robot.

"We cannot give you all our research without anything in return.", she said.

"But you promised me no censorship. If this research should bring any successes then I need the recourses."

"I'm willing to overthink everything. If your research can help us. The COG."

For a moment you considered showing her what made you be so persistent. But then the thought came to you that Jinn could use your knowledge to her advantage. And if there was anything you did not want to do then it was playing into her cards.

With a deep sigh, you shook your head and turned your back on her to walk down the few steps back to the exit.

Jinn watched you with grim eyes.

"Where are you going, doctor?", she asked. "It seems your research isn't as important as I hoped it would be."

Biting your lips, you suppressed an annoyed growl.

"Thanks for nothing, First Minister.", you hissed and rushed out.

Before you dared to set foot on the estate, you took some time and considered your options. This was the very last option you had.

And yet.

You couldn't help but feel like this was necessary.

"Argh, shit!", you cursed and knocked on the door. "Marcus? Are you there?"

For a long moment everything was silent.

Relieved, you turned away, thinking that you had time to reconsider your decision. But you on,y had a few steps time before the door swung open.

"James?", a deep, growling voice asked.

With an apologetic grin, you turned to the man, Marcus, JD's old man.

JD didn't look a lot like his father, but the height and build were definitely thanks to Marcus' genes. Despite the fact that he was more than twice the age of his son, he was still well build and fit. Only the grey of his beard and hair, which he kept hidden under a bandanna, made you realise that he was indeed old enough to be your father too.

"Sorry to disappoint you.", you said but swallowed hard as the expression on his face remained harsh. "Uh, am I interrupting?"

With a short shake of his head, he stepped aside to make way for you to enter.

"You're alone?", he asked and closed the door again.

"Disappointed?"

"A little. How is he? Did you talk to him recently?"

"Yesterday. And he's well. Don't worry about it. I take care of him.", as you ensured Marcus that his son was well, you couldn't help but remember the night before.

The memories made you blush. The hint of a smile made the corners of your mouth twitch.

Marcus noticed. Despite his harsh exterior, he let out a deep breath that was the closest to a chuckle you've ever heard from him and smiled.

"Congratulations.", he said and gave you a bump to the shoulder. "Was about damn time."

Blushing, you avoided his eyes.

"Wa-what do you mean?", you laughed but almost choked. "I mean... We're friends."

With a shake of his head he let himself fall into a chair and offered you the other.

"You've been friends for the longest time.", he said with raised eyebrows. "But I'm glad you two finally made up your minds. He made a good decision with you."

You sighed.

"Thanks?", you smiled sheepishly. "Anyways, I need your help."

His expression darkened.

"And I assume JD is not supposed to know?", he asked. "Otherwise you would have brought him with you."

"He still doesn't want to talk to you. But I really need your help."

"Then it better be worth it. He'll be pissed."

"Ugh, I know..."