Chapter 2012

Gab nodded, "I came to Zion to do two things: destroy those viruses and more importantly, to

investigate Raiden!"

The two settled onto the couch, and Jonathan asked, "Does Raiden know you guys? Was he part of

your inner circle?"

Gab nodded again, "I've had my suspicions. A few of my guys have gone down, and it all ties back to

him. He's got an uncanny knowledge of my people and some of the organization's secrets, making him

deadly effective!"

Jonathan let out a derisive snort, "Bet he is. Got any suspects?"

Gab shook his head, "No one I work with would betray me. I've looked into a few who've left the

organization, but none of them match Raiden's profile. That's why I wanted to come here personally

and figure out who he really is."

Jonathan frowned, "I'm worried he might be after Ella."

Gab reassured him, "Estelle's safe for now. We'll help her complete her mission, you'll take her back,

and I'll continue the investigation at my own pace."

Jonathan nodded, "The twelfth floor underground isn't the priority. I have a hunch; Triceratops wouldn't

put all his chips on that spot."

"Your intuition is spot on!" Gab's eyes were steely, "Yesterday, my guys reported they'd captured one of

Triceratops' confidants. Under pressure, he spilled the beans – Triceratops has secretly developed

seven cobalt bombs."

Jonathan's expression darkened, "So, the microwave weapon is just a smokescreen for Triceratops'

real project – those cobalt bombs?"

"That's my guess!" Gab said, "I've already sent out a team to find out where these bombs are stashed."

The vast, uninhabited areas of Citadel made it tough to locate Triceratops' hidden military bases.

"I know where they are!"

A clear voice came from the door.

Both men turned, their gazes softening instantly.

Gab stood up, arms open, "Ella!"

Estelle walked over and hugged him tightly, her eyes brimming with tears, words of joy stuck in her

throat.

They'd only had a brief encounter the other day, but knowing he was safe filled her with more

happiness than she could express.

Jonathan watched the embrace, his brow furrowing, his hand pressing into the leather couch,

reminding himself that this was Ella's brother.

Her brother!

Still, his grip left deep indentations in the soft leather.

Gab released Estelle, patting her shoulder, "After this mission, I'll take two months off to go back and

spend time with you and Grandpa."

Gab asked, "Does Grandpa know you're here?"

It shouldn't be the case – Grandpa had sent her a video message just that morning.

Seeing Estelle's anxious eyes, Jonathan's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively shook his head,

"No!" Coոtent оf

Estelle breathed a sigh of relief, "Good!"

"It's alright!" Gab chuckled, "We'll be heading back soon enough!"