Page 67 of Hunter's Game
“They’re not just scanning us,” she observed, studying the symbols that appeared on the touchscreen interface. “They're revealing more of the system architecture. Showing us how to access deeper functionality.”
“Show us what your mother discovered,” Katherine added softly. “Why Alexander had her killed before she could expose the truth.”
Before Eden could respond, familiar footsteps approached the gallery entrance. She felt Hunter tense through their connection even before his warning came.
“Alexander’s headed your way. And he’s not alone.”
Eden and Katherine shared a look of perfect understanding. In seconds, they adjusted their positions and monitoring equipment to appear exactly as Alexander expected—Eden the dutiful granddaughter and Katherine her dedicated assistant, both seemingly learning to use the technology under his careful guidance.
“Impressive progress.” Alexander’s voice carried cultured approval as he entered with his guest. “You see, Minister Li? Mitchell blood carries unique properties,” Alexander said, gesturing to Eden. “My granddaughter’s aptitude for this technology could revolutionize everything.”
Eden kept her expression neutral as she studied the newcomer. Minister Li carried himself with the careful precision of old money and older violence. His eyes held the same hunger she’d seen in others who visited the gallery—the desperate need to access power beyond normal human limits.
“Indeed.” Li’s accent was pure Beijing elite as he examined the active devices. “Though I notice the system responses are particularly effective when you work together. Almost as if your methods complement each other.”
“A natural result with compatible operational approaches.” Alexander’s smile never reached his eyes. “Certain individuals work more efficiently intandem. When the right...partnerships are arranged.”
Understanding hit Eden like a physical blow. Through their tactical communications, she registered Katherine’s matching reaction as pieces clicked into place.
“You’re not just studying how different operators interact with this technology.” Eden kept her voice steady despite the fury burning in her chest. “You’re trying to identify specific skill combinations. Create teams with enhanced effectiveness to manage these advanced systems.”
“Very good.” Alexander’s approval made her skin crawl. “Your mother understood too, how certain expertise could be cultivated, combined in ways that improve operational efficiency. Why do you think I encouraged her relationship with your father?”
“You arranged their marriage.” Katherine’s voice carried deadly certainty. “Used Sarah’s technical knowledge to enhance the Mitchell resources...”
“While ensuring the next generation would be even more effective.” Alexander spread his hands, indicating the active devices around them. “Look at what you two can accomplish together. Imagine what future teams might achieve with the right training and partnerships.”
Eden registered Hunter’s increased heart rate and respiratory changes through their encrypted communication system—subtle indicators ofcontrolled rage that only someone intimately familiar with his patterns would recognize. Their weeks of operating together had created an intimate connection that transcended standard tactical coordination, allowing them sense things what each other was feeling and sometimes even thinking with minimal effort.
She maintained her careful mask while acknowledging his protective response with an almost imperceptible finger tap against her comm device—their established signal for ‘maintain position.’
“Is that why you let us find each other? Why you arranged for Katherine to help me expose Romano’s operation?”
“Romano was a fool who never understood the bigger picture.” Alexander dismissed his former ally with a wave. “He thought these artifacts were just tools for accumulating power and influence. “But you, my dear.” Alexander looked at Eden, then to Katherine. “And Sarah’s protégée—you both understand their true purpose.”
“To reshape reality itself.” Minister Li’s voice carried hungry anticipation. “To bend probability and circumstance to favor certain bloodlines...”
“To maintain balance.” Eden felt her confidence strengthen as she spoke truth wrapped in lies. “These artifacts weren’t meant to serve individual ambition. They respond to Mitchell blood because my family was chosen to protect equilibrium between competing forces.”
“Exactly!” Alexander’s satisfaction was genuine, making the deception even more bitter. “Which is why certain...arrangements must be made. Certain markers combined in specific ways to ensure that balance serves the right interests.”
Understanding passed between Eden and Katherine through a single look. Alexander Mitchell wasn’t just studying inherited abilities—he was playing a longer game. Using arranged marriages and carefully documented genetics to create increasingly powerful combinations.
“And Minister Li’s interest?” Katherine’s voice carried perfect political polish despite the rage Eden sensed burning inside of her—because she felt it too.
“Minister Li represents certain parties who understand the value of genetic compatibility with advanced technology.” Alexander’s smile was pure predator. “Parties who might be interested in arranging beneficial partnerships with promising genetic lineages that demonstrate enhanced interface capabilities.”
Eden had to shift her thinking again as pieces of a larger pattern emerged. She knew from studying her that Katherine was soaking in everything Alexander said—every implication, every layer of his true plans.
“Of course,” Alexander continued smoothly, “such arrangements would require proof of compatibility. Demonstrations of how different genetic markers might interact...”
As if on cue, the artifacts’ indicator lights brightened. Eden observed the systems responding to her biometric signature. Through their tactical communication, she could tell Katherine was manipulating the equipment settings, making the display screens show the expected data patterns.
“Remarkable.” Li’s eager eyes tracked every technological demonstration. “And you say these aptitudes can be passed down? Enhanced through appropriate training?”
“With the right mentorship.” Alexander’s satisfaction was palpable as he watched Eden and Katherine operate the systems. “Mitchell expertise carries unique advantages, but imagine those skills combined with other specialized backgrounds. Other teams who have their own technical proficiencies...”
Eden detected Hunter’s carefully controlled anger through their communication channel as pieces clicked into place. Alexander wasn’t just studying skilled operators; he was creating a personnel database. Cataloging every individual with specialized training, arranging strategic partnerships to produce increasingly effective teams.
