Page 135 of Dating Goals
“Let me guess,” I interrupt. “You’re going to hold them hostage for one million dollars?”
“Onebilliondollars,” Griffin adds, channeling his Doctor Evil impression.
Nero’s eye twitches. “This isn’tAustin Powers. My plan is far more sophisticated.”
She swipes her hand across the air, and the hologram changes to display microscopic robots crawling across what appears to be brain tissue. I suppress a gag.
“Nanobots,” she explains, her voice rising with excitement. “Delivered through the air filtration systems, activated byspecific neuro-frequencies. Once deployed, every leader at the forum becomes my puppet.”
Griffin stifles a laugh. “Sorry, did you say mind control nanobots?”
“Mock if you must,” Nero continues, unbothered. “But while you’ve been skating around on the ice, I’ve been developing technology beyond your comprehension. The nanobots are merely phase one.”
She expands the hologram again, showing people across the globe with glowing eyes.
“All World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders have unwittingly received a dormant code during routine check-ups. On my signal, synchronized coups will occur worldwide.”
Griffin and I exchange glances. His expression says what I’m thinking. This woman is off her rocker.
“So, basically Skynet,” Griffin mutters. “And you came from the future to kill Anika and me before we have a son that will destroy your operation.”
My whole face brightens. “You want to have kids with me?”
“I want everything with you,” he says with the most dazzling smile I’ve ever seen. It would be romantic if we weren’t being held hostage.
Nero steps between us, blocking my view of Griffin. She really hates that he cares for me.
“Have you heard of Project Blue Beam, Mr. McGregor?”
“Can’t say I have,” he replies. “Sounds like a toothpaste commercial.”
The hologram shifts again to show what appears to be images of spaceships in the sky.
“Is that…an alien invasion?” Griffin asks incredulously.
Nero starts pacing the room.
“Project Blue Beam is a classified technology capable of creating any illusion anywhere on Earth. Imaginethe possibilities! Alien invasions, natural disasters, political assassinations. I could create mass hysteria with the flip of a switch.”
Griffin snorts, which earns him a withering glare from Nero.
“So you’re going to…fake an alien invasion? Why?” I ask, trying to keep up.
“The masses will believe anything they see.” She spins around, arms spread wide. “Fear is the greatest weapon, and it will be mine to wield. Governments destabilized by events which never physically occurred. The possibilities are endless. And the best part? Because of the mind-control nanobots, nobody will know I’m the one who holds the strings.”
Griffin clears his throat. “This all sounds very…creative. But what exactly do Anika and I have to do with your, uh, world domination plan?”
Nero stops, blinking as if remembering we exist. “Nothing, actually. You were just collateral damage.”
I furrow my brows. “You kidnapped us for nothing?”
“Well.” She shrugs. “Griffin is quite the pretty little bauble. I might keep him and do away with you.”
She walks back to her desk and presses a button. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…”
Two more guards enter the room.
“Take them to holding until I decide what to do with them,” Nero orders.
