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Interlude: Network- (S:) Service Drive- Communications Archive- Date 23 August 2121

“I believe using conventional elements brings too much attention to our operation. This is the perfect scenario for the new direct-action soldiers to be tested in a field environment,” Jason Haskin suggested as he looked at the shadowed board members on his computer monitor.

“In fact, Mr. Gordon, you could lead the operation from the Alpha Subject,” Haskins caught a movement from one of the board members and hastily added, “Any of the board members who wished to could even take part as a ride along, or an inhabited element.”

“I think these freakish experiments have wasted enough or our time. These operations are supposed to be covert, not a joy ride for spoiled rich kids.” A bitter sounding older female cut in, her voice acidic and annoyed.

A thin woman then interjected, “Word of this find is already out there if we don’t move quickly, we will have every Corpo from Boston to Austin sending teams up here to claim it."

Gordon raised a hand and everyone fell silent, “Do you really think the Beta Subjects are ready for this? They have only really been used for demonstrational purposes,” Colonel Garshack asked with annoyance.

“Amber collection is what they were designed for in part. While we can’t currently use them in orbit, we can use show proof of concept here on earth. Once they have been proven completely controllable with the AI, then nothing should keep them from their primary mission,” Haskins said.

“Using conventional miners' control by AI is a bit different than using Outsiders and Mercenaries to attack-”

“Appropriate,” Gordon corrected with an admonishing look.

The bitter sounding would cough, then cleared her throat, “Yes, using Outsiders and Mercenaries to appropriate the existing Amber Pearls is hardly the same thing, but it should stand for a proof of concept.”

“What do you think, Colonel Garshack?” Gordon asked, his change to focused stunning everyone for a second as the Colonel stepped out of the shadows beside his chair.

“Sir, the Beta Subjects are fine, it’s the Alpha subject I am not confident with. The subject was never a stable element and with his enhancements, I’m not sure it is the correct time to deploy that kind of element,” he said.

“I’ve road the Alpha Subject myself, a magnificent subject for sure, but hardly strong enough of will, to overpower the AI control.” Gordon waved off his concerns.

“We need proof of concept that both the purely AI controlled subjects and the Alpha Subject can perform. Our investors will want results,” Jason said with a flash of his award-winning smile.

“We will move forward with the, proof of concept test. However, I want some conventional forces on hand in case they are needed. Are there any objections?” Gordon asked, but as expected no one said anything.

“Then we can close this session. Any board members wishing to participate please meet me in the Module Bay. I’ll even let someone else control the Alpha Subject, I want to control a female combatant this time around,” Gordon allowed the corners of his lips to turn up into a smile that sent visible shivers through several members of the board.