episode_0030

After finishing my shower and sitting in front of the terminal in my room, I finally had the leisure to calmly reflect on last night’s conversation with Gideon.

Although I had confirmed the existence of an enemy named Vance to Gideon, the reason Vance targeted him wasn’t clear. There must be something beyond a simple power struggle.

‘Even in the game, Gideon’s downfall was a fairly important questline.’ I wasn’t the type to meticulously follow the story, but because it was such a tragic and impactful event, fragmented pieces of information remained.

Gideon was upright and capable, but at the same time, he was depicted as someone far removed from corporate efficiency. Thus, he was an eyesore, bound to clash with pragmatists like Vance.

‘What Vance was aiming for was a project under Gideon’s command.’ I don’t remember the exact name, but it was a top-secret research project related to hazardous materials.

Gideon warned of the project’s dangers and insisted on its halt, while Vance tried to monopolize the technology to solidify his power base.

“And that’s the current situation.” I turned on the terminal and began searching the Icarus internal database using the temporary security clearance, Beta-3, granted by Gideon. Of course, directly searching for Vance’s or Gideon’s names would be foolish.

“Hazardous materials, project, within the last five years….” Numerous data points flashed across the screen. Most were confidential materials inaccessible with my current clearance, but I persisted in my search.

Then, finally, I discovered a record that caught my eye. Project Codename: Genesis Seed. Department in Charge: 7th Research and Development Department (Under Commander-nim Gideon’s direct jurisdiction) Project Status: Frozen Access Level for Related Data: Alpha-1 or higher

“I don’t think this is everything.” Using this as a clue, I could delve deeper. I entered new keywords into the search bar.

“7th Research and Development Department, funds. Personnel transfers.” This time, information related to Vance’s personal movements poured out. As expected, most of it was locked behind high security clearance, but I was able to find a few interesting points.

In recent months, there were indications of unknown funds flowing from Vance’s direct department to subcontractors related to the 7th Research and Development Department or to retired researchers. And there were records of several abnormal access attempts to the 7th Research and Development Department’s internal security system.

“It’s not definitive proof, but.” It was enough to solidify a strong suspicion that he was plotting something.

“I’ll have to ask him directly.” Anyway, my security clearance completely blocked access. I got up from my seat and headed towards Commander-nim Gideon’s office.

Commander-nim Gideon was still reviewing the tactical situation map through a hologram screen. Even seeing me enter, he didn’t take his eyes off it for a moment.

“Do you already need my help?” “I think I might know why Vance is targeting Commander-nim.”

At my words, Gideon’s hand gestures stopped. He slowly turned his head and looked at me. “Speak.”

“The Genesis Seed Project.” For a moment, surprise flickered across Gideon’s face. He stared intently at me, then, without further questions, let out a short sigh.

“Just how much do you know?” Gideon let out a long, deep sigh.

“Genesis Seed, it’s an incredibly dangerous spark. I intended to safely control and abolish it for the future of humanity and the corporation.” His voice clearly conveyed his anguish.

“That bastard Vance tried to monopolize and use it solely for greed and power. I had a rough idea, but was he trying to revive the project by pulling me down?”

“Commander-nim, we should use that against him.” “Use it against him?” “Yes, I have a good idea. It’s….”

It was at that very moment, just as I was about to explain the specific plan, that an urgent knocking sound on the office door interrupted the flow.

“What is it? Is it urgent?” “Ah, it’s an urgent report from the internal audit team. It’s something Commander-nim needs to confirm immediately.” “Come in.”

Gideon’s female secretary’s eyes widened in surprise the moment she saw me inside the office. A subtle hint of disdain and suspicion flickered in her gaze.

“Is it something that’s alright for him to hear as well?” “…It might be better if he hears it too.”

The female secretary looked at me meaningfully and continued her explanation. “The internal audit team has received an internal complaint and investigation regarding a rather unsavory matter of adultery.”

“Adultery?” Gideon’s brow furrowed harshly. If it were a minor issue, it would be impossible for it to be reported directly to him, the Commander-nim.

“Please, take a look.” The secretary handed the data pad to Gideon. Gideon checked the contents with a serious expression, and then his face stiffened chillingly. Without a word, he handed the data pad to me.

“What’s this?” A clear photo appeared on the screen. Last night, me, drunk and fallen with Yuna. There were photos taken from multiple angles, as if all surrounding CCTV had been checked.

‘It was really artfully captured.’ Yuna’s flustered expression made her look like a victim caught in an unwanted situation, and I, drunk, was distorted into a shameless pervert trying to pounce on her in anyone’s eyes.

“Commander-nim, this is….” Just as I raised my head to explain, Gideon snatched the data pad from me and threw it to the floor.

“That Vance fellow is playing such petty tricks. To think he’d stoop to such schemes to drive a wedge between us.” He ran a hand through his hair, then sighed.

“Co-Commander-nim. Are you just going to dismiss it like this? How can you treat a matter with such clear evidence in this way….” The female secretary, seeing the shattered data pad on the floor, couldn’t hide her flustered expression and retorted in a trembling voice.

“Don’t you realize how serious this transgression is? According to Icarus regulations….” “That’s enough. This is Vance’s vile scheme.”

“But Commander-nim! This is footage transmitted directly from CCTV, with no signs of manipulation.” She glanced at me with an unpleasant look and said. Gideon clicked his tongue at her persistence. Indeed, such a reaction was normal for her. Rather, Gideon’s fierce trust in me was almost frightening.

“We’ll simply confirm it with the person involved.” “Ah, understood.”

The female secretary, understanding Gideon’s meaning, hastily bowed her head and seemed to be summoning Yuna. Not long after, the office door opened and Yuna entered.

She had a puzzled expression at the sudden summons, but she quickly glanced at the heavy air lingering in the office and the shattered data pad on the floor, seemingly sensing that something was amiss.

“You called, Commander-nim?” As she saluted respectfully, Gideon approached her and handed her the new data pad the secretary had brought.

“Look at this.” “Th-this is.” Yuna’s face flushed crimson as she checked the screen. Her silver eyes trembled with bewilderment, but she soon spoke in a calm voice.

“Last night, our team members had a light drinking session in the lounge.” Light? After drinking several rounds of strong liquor, Yuna continued her explanation with a brazen face.

“And on our way back to the dorms, he stumbled and fell due to the alcohol, and I merely fell with him while trying to help him up.” Yuna frowned as if troubled.

“To report directly to higher-ups without even informing the individual first… what kind of handling is this….” She muttered to herself as if at a loss, then glanced at me and continued.

“Jin-woo did not attempt to harm me in any way. I attest to his innocence, Commander-nim.”

“You certainly recorded that statement, didn’t you?” When Gideon spoke to the female secretary, she nodded silently.

“I’ll personally speak to the audit team, so you may withdraw.” After speaking, he looked between Yuna and me.

“Since the three of us are gathered like this, Yuna, I suppose I should tell you something as well.” “What are you referring to?”

“That Sector Echo-14 mission last time, that was a trap set by that Julian Vance fellow to bring me down.” “A trap…?”

Her reaction was one of complete surprise. Even if she was aware of the mission’s danger, she likely couldn’t have imagined it was connected to an internal conspiracy directly targeting Commander-nim Gideon. She was momentarily speechless, looking at Gideon as if engulfed in shock.

“All circumstances point to his doing.” Gideon took a step closer to Yuna.

“His long-cherished desire must be to seize the Genesis Seed project and remove me from power.” He placed a hand on her shoulder.

“It feels like just yesterday I first met you there, but several years have passed already. You were so small back then.” Gideon smiled as if looking at his own daughter.

“You’ve never disappointed me, not once. You’ve always dedicated yourself to Icarus and completed missions with skill surpassing anyone else.” “Thank you.”

“Vance will undoubtedly use your relationship with me, and your relationship with Kang Jin-woo, to sow discord and attack us.” “I understand what you mean. We must stomp out any bugs that harm the corporation.”

Gideon smiled with satisfaction at Yuna’s answer.

“Then now, is it time to hear that good idea you spoke of, Kang Jin-woo? To use it against him?” “Vance is blinded by Genesis Seed. His greed and obsession with that project can become his greatest weakness.”

“Indeed, his actions to solidify his position with it were clear.” Gideon nodded, as if recalling old memories.

“So, we leak the information Vance wants. Of course, it’s not real information, but fake information.” “Fake information, what kind?”

“For example, information suggesting that top-secret project data is being covertly taken outside. Anything is fine.” “It could be a dangerous gamble, though?”

“Vance is already one step ahead of us. We can’t just sit back and take it, can we?” “That’s true.”

Gideon fell silent for a moment, lost in thought. “But for Vance to fall for that fake information, its credibility would have to be very high. It’s impossible without an inside collaborator.”

“Yuna is right. That’s why we need an inside collaborator who can perfectly deceive Vance.” At my words, Gideon and Yuna’s gazes simultaneously turned to one spot.

The face of the same person seemed to have appeared in their minds. “You don’t mean Lazer, do you? I have seen the two of them meet privately sometimes.” “Jin-woo, how do you know that?”

What are you talking about? I just said it on a whim. Why did Lazer’s name come up here?