The Heiress and the Female Gangster

+Region 1: Styx Organization Laboratory+

----Deus POV----

Clack clack clack clack

High heeled shoes stepped on the cold, shiny, white floor. The ceiling illuminates upon the corridor, silhouettes imprisoned by footsteps moving about.

With hidden rhythms in his heart, blood boiling restrained by pretence. Diaford stopped in a not so conspicuous wall, a bit hesitant and a bit apprehensive.

"Doctor Dane, is there anything wrong?"

Antares' blue eyes sharpened with a bit of vigilance. Cooperating with Diaford is a last resort. She doesn't know by which means he would rid Andromeda of the Controller but he certainly has other reasons for helping.

"There is nothing wrong, really. It's just..."

Diaford squinted his eyes at the third person behind Antares, with a silent implication. It's not that he cares. If it's a guard, the person is too casual, lacking the demeanor of a disciplined officer. If it is a relative, the person kept walking two steps behind Antares.

He has no opinion for these but this operation is of great significance to his studies. He will not allow an unknown variable to ruin it before they get started.

Antares knew him very well but she has her own considerations. She answered seriously to appease him otherwise something might happen.

"Meet my adopted daughter, Agora Struve. Agora, meet Doctor Diaford Dane, a Science enthusiast."

Agora was called from her reverie so she just replied with a short "yes".

Diaford didn't care. He pressed his palm lightly on the wall and swiped it, scrolling casually. An opening was created from which he entered.

At first, there was darkness. Diaford stepped forward a few times into it without care. Left on his trail are footprints alighted with a color of light blue.

The lights on the floor spread like waves until the ceilings flashed white, illuminating the Diaford, Antares and Agora.

At a glance, there are quite a few coffin-like cabins. As they passed by, the specimens inside wore peaceful expressions with eyes closed. Some were humanoid, some were not.

Agora who had the leisure to put her mind everywhere, wanted to ask many things but she only thought about it in her mind.

[It appears that the movies shown are not exactly accurate about certain things.]

[Biological experimental subjects such as these were often depicted to be put in a cilindrical glass container filled with unknown substances.]

[As I see it. These specimens are lying down and not floating upright.]

After a while, Diaford stopped before a cabin containing a female Alpha with exquisite contours: beautiful yet dangerous.

The sleeping person doesn't have any vital signs or breath, but the muscles lining perfectly on their own rightful places suggest exceptional strength.

"Here we are. What do you think about my masterpiece?"

Diaford was very proud. This is the result of his extensive research that spanned 25 years to complete. The time, money and people invested in it are truly considerable.

"What is this thing?"

Antares was very puzzled.

[Did Diaford abduct some innocent person to present to me? What about her as a masterpiece?]

"This is a carefully crafted vessel I designed for the purpose of seducing that thing out of Andromeda's body into it."

Disapproval was written on Antares' face. How could she allow others to host the Controller in exchange for her lover's freedom. She is that desperate but not that sick enough to disregard other people's rights over their own body.

"Doctor Dane. Even if you are her creator, you can't possibly be thinking about..."

Antares couldn't bear to continue her conjecture.

"It's too cruel."

Hearing her unfounded accusations, Diaford had a look of disdain for a moment, replaced by frustration. Wouldn't he be like a God if he can create a conscious living being without relying on biological reproduction?

"Hey, hey, hey! Can you please respect my professional ethics. I still have a bit of that thing, you know? My conscience is still there. In addition, I am still not that powerful to allow her to give birth to her own consciousness."

"Basically, this body is an empty shell. Isn't it perfect for our purpose this time?"

Knowing the ins and outs of their conversation. Agora understood that this body without consciousness is the key to saving her adopted mother's wife.

Aside from that, she also has lot of questions that she wanted to know.

"Uh, Doctor Dane Sir. May I ask? Does that Controller have a special preference to being a female Alpha?"

"And another thing. How exactly do you plan on executing your plot? Will you knock her out, abduct her or convince her with you rhetoric?"

Diaford was speechless by her nonstop questions. Why did he think this girl looked like a gossip reporter. If I didn't know the truth, I might suspect that she was a paparazzi.

"I determined her gender preference through inference. As for the plan, that is no longer my concern. I am a Scientific Researcher, not a Soldier nor an Ambassador."

Seeing that it was useless to ask Diaford, Agora turned to Antares with specially suggestive eyes.

She wanted to infiltrate Cosmos and abduct Andromeda by herself. Not for any purpose other than her love for doing sneaky things without anybody's knowledge.

How could Antares not know what's going on inside her adopted daughter's head all day long? Even if she knows that Agora is capable and qualified for this operation, it is not within her considerstion.

"No, you shall not act on this matter Agora. I will not allow any possible harm that may befall my beloved wife. I absolutely must gain the upper hand if I want to talk about conditions with the Controllers."

Antares' nerves were tense. She must not make any mistake. Her face was very cold. She can't leave the capital for the time being because of the Vice President's matter.

The Controllers infiltration to Eldram Country is a very serious matter.

[National Security aside, I have to ensure that these people will not cause harm to the interest of my people.]

[As for dealing with that one in Cosmos, I have other ways to suppress her.]

After thinking about it, she made a call.

"Hello Aunt? Was I reported by my cousin again? I left work because I was worried about my fiancee. I'm not deserting on purpose. I promise!"

Really. Forget it.

"Nephew."

"Yes Aunt?"

Antares can't trust anyone except this one nephew. She didn't want to bother her sister and brother-in-law either.

"I have a favor to ask of you."

The other side spoke softly as if afraid of disturbing someone. Antares was somewhat envious.

"What is it, aunt? Since it's a personal matter, I will make time to do it."

Antares was relieved. Since Gayara agreed, she will certainly do it. That nephew of hers is a bit of an extremist.

"It's like this; I want you to find the Mother Meteorite of the Controllers and bring it to me intact."

"It sounds like I'm going to go treasure hunting. I like it. Let's just treat it as I'm on vacation. Do you have a deadline?"

"As soon as possible."

"Ok, Venus is hungry. I need to attend to her, bye!"

Gayara's actions made Antares miss her wife more. It had been 25 years since their separation. Save for the intermittent contact, they've never met even once to protect Antares from being known to the Controller.

Agora's enthusiasm was immediately discouraged.

"So that Mother Meteorite is your bargaining chip. After everything that happened, it all boils down to Politics."

After lamenting, Agora transferred her attention to the vessel.

"It's such a pity for such a perfect body, hey."

Amused by her, Diaford kindly made an offer. After all, as a Science enthusiast, he needs a lot of fund for personal use. If this kid is interested, he can earn big money this time.

"No matter how envious you are, it is not yours. However, if you would allow me, I can modify your body to its most perfect state!"

"Don't worry, my skills are the epitome of today's gene industry; not some shoddy plastic surgery from ancient times' face changing skills."

Agora was deeply frightened by the sudden sales speech. If anything, she was most wary of these guys who work in the laboratory. In her past experience, it was them who planted a bomb in her system. Up to now, she still doesn't have the right to take it out lest she die miserably.

"No thank you. I was born this way so I am very satisfied with my current body status."

Diaford was already used to people's evasion or fear of him. On the contrary, he felt it was normal as it proves his prestige among the masses. But since the kid didn't need his service, he immediately lost interest and began evicting the guests out of his laboratory.

"Okay, okay. Business is over so you can go out. I still have a lot of babies to take care of. And please inform me when the Mother Meteorite has been obtained. Good day, people!"

Standing on the brightly lit corridor, Agora was a bit unable to start. Just looking at her adoptive mother's increasingly grim face made her nervous.

"Adoptive mother, what now?"

Antares scrutinized her for a while before leading the way.

"Go back to the Capital."

+Black Sea+

----Venus POV----

The sun was a bit harsh but I can still manage the heat because of the constant sea breeze and the big umbrella over my head.

Aside from these, I still put on my disguise. Who knows how many people are peeping on us right now. Spying technologies have been well developed recently.

If I didn't know any better, the marine life or any creatures near us may as well be spies.

If not, any machine or device that are not self-produced by us have tracking, hearing and other unknown functions.

Such is the era of technological advancements. No one one knows how far the current civilization had reached but most are hidden within plain sight where you don't expect them to be.

I sat on a red, fluffy couch eating assorted barbecue paired with cool beverage that suit my appetite. They were all laid on a glass table; each of them were presented on an exquisitely designed, miniature plate.

[This is life!]

Enjoying life away from the scrutiny and supervision of many people, this is the moment when I am the happiest.

Even if it is artificial, I am content. Unfortunately, it is always short-lived.

"Venus, how could you just disappear without informing us? You know it puts us on edge everytime you do that!"

Mercuria sat across me with a very frustrated expression. Although I understand her feelings, I am especially wronged with regards this matter.

"I did inform you though?"

Of course, Mercuria was even more excited. She took out a post it note from her pocket before pushing it on the center of the table.

"You mean this? You could have at least told us where you wanted to go. In this way, we can protect you."

I was a bit cranky. On the one hand, I take on missions personally because I wanted to escape surveillance. After all, I must distinguish between public and private matters. There are some things only I should know.

On the other hand, Gayara and I were a bit too excited last night and did it for four hours. I still need to rest.

Before Mercuria could continue admonishing me, Gayara came back from a call.

"It's okay, Mercuria. You can go do your thing for now. Venus is very tired. She needs a peaceful and quiet environment. Don't pester her for a while."

Gayara acted very gently. Taking me into his arms while diligently feeding me meat and vegetables.

I tried reaching out for the cool beverage but he was ahead of me and chose the warm water he took with him when he arrived.

"Drink warm water. It is gentler than cold drinks. You can take a nap first before talking about our destination."

I like it when we cuddle like this. I feel comforted and soothed. I don't know why. When he talks to me gently, all unnecessary things disappear.

"Ok."

Too bad. Aside from me, my parent-in-laws, his Aunt and Venus, Gayara's relationship with everyone is mediocre.

It is better to say that they feel intimidated based on how they behave around him.

Sighing at Mercuria's fleeing back, I made a vow to change things for the better. As a business-oriented person, it is very rare to see her compromising without a fight.

[I must find opportunities to heal him while on the mission.]

Looking at his drowsy appearance, I can't help but be fascinated. Who told him to look so inviting. Yes, just like my favorite food.

[Don't disturb him. Just a kiss is enough.]

Kissing his cheeks, it's a kind of secret excitement. As if receiving a signal, he tightened his embrace on me.

I was panicked for a while before settling in his embrace to observe the other three.

I saw Mercuria peeping on the holographic window Yeraya was working on. Yeraya still had that miserable appearance but she was very busy.

When she saw someone peeping at her work, she immediately closed it for fear of leaking important data.

She always felt that this woman is a bit playful. When Mercuria approached her, she gives the feeling like something will be lost if she is not careful.

Mercuria was a bit baffled by her defensive stance.

[I didn't do anything yet. This woman is a bit too good. She deserves to be Venus's Secretary.]

"Hey, you're still working in the middle of the sea. I'm a bit envious of Venus for having such a worker. Hmph! Look at her idling there; sticking to my Boss as tame as a kitten."

"My Secretary on the other hand..." Sigh

[She's been missing for 969 days 48 minutes and fifty seconds. I don't know where she is now. Such a cute and mature dumpling. Was she kidnapped when I didn't know?]

Without saying anything to Mercuria, Yeraya separated a speedboat. She took a canned orange juice, put it next to her and started working again.

Mercuria wasn't discouraged either. She went to Nguyen, looking very interested in whatever he was doing.

Moving closer, she heard him talking cautiously.

"Sister Shall, when is your next day-off? Do you have anything to do on that day?"

When Mercuria arrived, she saw an image projection of an indistinguishable person garbed in protective headgear, vests and other stuff.

She seems to be driving very focused but she still answered very considerately.

"Well, it's my day-off today. As for what I'm doing, I'm currently competing on a Car Driving Obstacle Course Race."

She sounded very happy.

[A wild girl at heart. Sadly, I'm weak when it comes to these thrilling games.]

Mercuria thought secretly.

"Do you like it that much? How many times have you participated in that Race? I'm very worried about you."

Nguyen was like an old mother worrying about his troublemaker child but didn't know how to get along with her.

"I like it. I like it when it seems like death is close at hand. Everyone is fleeing but they fall one by one as time passes by. In the end, I use the speed that makes me feel alive to get to the end. It is my victory."

Shall was passionate about her heart.Nguyen thought she was talking about the competition. Mercuria thought she was talking about her life.