“You know what psionic portals are right?”

“Found shortly after the existence of psionic energy by Dr. George J. Bombi-Saunui, famous for his research into the aftermaths of psionic battles has on nature. He accidentally found a portal about the size of his palm in the aftermath of two level 10 abilities being used against each other, where the final clash took place. Shortly after discovery through the portal collapsed upon itself”

“Since you know their discovery I’ll assume you know what they do.”

“Dr. Bombi- Saunui knew that portals existed, he then tried to create one in the lab. The result being a failure.”

“That’s what the doctor reported at least.”

Joseph Lock was resting in a reclining chair in the overhang office. Sipping a cup of hot chocolate, as he said he never really took to coffee. His secretary, Barbara, was standing just behind the chair.

I was watching the security footage. Although I already know how they took the object away, I didn’t know who did it.

Lock was obviously hiding something, as he knew that the potential of psionic portals had on the future of warfare. He obviously knew that the thieves had somehow created a device that could use a miniature psionic portal to steal the object. However, I could tell that they needed to be able to touch it, or else they might have just ignored using the acid on the case.

“When did they break in?”

“Around 2, 3 in the morning.”

Barbara answered, not even hesitating on responding.

“Show 2:30 please. I want cameras 4, 28, and 109.”

I said to the guard operating the playback system.

“Just a moment sir.”

“So Mr. Willus, any idea on who this could’ve been?”

“They got through security with ease, slipped past the majority of the cameras, and had acid strong enough to melt reinforced plexiglass in minutes.”

“Why do you say minutes?”

“Because of the amount of papers thrown around. The culprits had extra time on their hands, might as well perform sabotage on the research.”

“Excellent point Mr. Willus, I’ll leave you to your devices, if you need anything, just ask my secretary.” Lock said , standing up to leave.

“Here it is sir, cameras 4, 28, and 109 at 2:30 in the morning.”

“Thank you, now let us see who the culprits are.”

The thieves were professionals, in and out in under 15 minutes, most of that time was waiting for the acid to do it’s part. They were also familiar with the layout, camera positions, and guard postings.

Unfortunately they made a small, unknowable mistake at the time, I was on the job. The actual mistake was one, probably the newest person on the team, called a teammate by their actual name.

Normally this can’t be seen on the cameras as you can’t see the words they are forming with their mouths covered. However AOC fixes that.

“Well, I now know who the culprits are.”

“Already?!” Barbara sounded shocked at how fast I found out. How rude.

That was weird, it's almost as if that wasn't my...

One moment while I kill that portion of my memory…

JUST DIE ALREADY!

Problem solved, where was I?

Oh yes. *overly dramatic cough*

“They are a new organisation, terrorist group that does small jobs globally. However if you look at their kill count, it would add up to about 3 thousand. Call themselves IFF, International Freedom Force.”

“I’m not familiar with the term.”

“It’s more accurate to say they are a vigilante core than a terrorist unit, they mostly hit companies that are dealing with the black market. The 3 thousand body count? All people who had at least two bounties on their head.”

“But why target our company instead of our competitors, who by our informants information, have been doing behind the back deals with the black market.”

“You just answered your own question. Why not go for the company that has no connection to the black market? The reason is simple, to give the authorities a reason to shut you down.”

“I see, by getting targeted by IFF, people would assume that LOGIC has illegal connections, which would lead to liquidation of the company. Mr. Willus, you do have a way to prevent that, right?”

“Ms. Secretary…”

“Mrs. actually, I am married.”

“Oh you are, have kids?”

“Not yet, but I am planing on it.”

“My tip, don’t burn your husband’s comic collection when you find it. Just don’t have put out for a month, that should cure the ‘problem’”

“My husband reads comics?”

“He asks for money every sunday right?”

“Yea”

“About 30 to 50 dollars at a time?”

“Yea”

“Often says he’s going on a business trip, but takes twice as much money, and you get the company doesn’t pay for the ticket?”

“You don’t mean?”

“Can he read Japanese, Chinese, and English?”

“Oh my good Mr. Lock.”

Barbara’s hand covered her mouth in shock.

“Was that a swear?”

“Mr. Lock doesn’t believe in a god so we have to use his name when we swear, company policy.”

“Just don’t burn the books.”

“I won’t.”

“Good.”

saved another man’s hobby from the clutches of his needy wife.

“I’ll sell them with him watching.”

I… just subjected a fellow man to the worst torture possible. How horrifying.

“Now how will you solve the problem?”

“For that, we have to go to the Under City.”