"Commodore," The Raven ground out, his face ashen. "Is Project Zero-Transit truly willing to take things this far with Obsidian Sun?"
The figure in the dark set the communicator down and slowly met his gaze. "This far?"
Lucius's voice was devoid of a single trace of warmth. "Did Obsidian Sun consider 'this far' when they shoved their hands into my private transit lines?"
The Raven's eyes turned predatory, his jaw tight. "After all the years Obsidian Sun and Project Zero-Transit have partnered together, you're really willing to sever everything over Specimen Fourteen and-"
"You're wrong," Lucius cut him off sharply. "This is not about Specimen Fourteen."
"Even if the cargo you smuggled on board was a crate of useless scrap metal, my reaction would be exactly the same."
"Our partnership grants you the privilege to trade. It does not grant you the authority to dictate what my ship transports behind my back." Lucius's tone dropped to a terrifying whisper. "The rules of Project Zero-Transit are simple. You can negotiate business. You can negotiate the price. But you do not ever take me for a fool."
The Raven's expression darkened into an absolute abyss.
He stared at the imposing silhouette hidden in the shadows. For the first time, he realized that all their past leverage, their mutual profits, and even the terrifying reputation of Obsidian Sun meant absolutely nothing right now.
Project Zero-Transit was out for blood.
"Raven," Lucius said smoothly, though his gaze felt like ice against the man's spine. "The fact that you are still standing in this Nexus as a guest is the only shred of dignity I am leaving for The Overlord."
"Do not push your luck."
The Raven's eyes flashed with lethal intent.
Before he could force out another word, the doors to The Nexus hissed open. A squad of elite security personnel marched in.
The lead guard bowed respectfully into the dark. "Commodore."
Lucius broke eye contact, his voice casual. "Escort Mr. Raven back to his quarters. Make sure he is well taken care of until the investigation concludes."
"Ensure no one enters or leaves."
"Yes, sir." The lead guard stepped forward, gesturing rigidly toward the exit. "Mr. Raven. Please."
The Raven didn't move.
'Escort' and 'taken care of' were pretty words for house arrest.
If he was locked down, his operatives outside would be entirely blind and paralyzed.
The
grip, his furious gaze snapping back
ushed the papers in his
to the darkness Commodore you
are potting me under house arrest?
"Need I remind you, the man standing behind me is The Overlord."
The threat finally made the shadowed figure pause.
The Raven watched the silhouette closely, assuming he had finally found his leverage.
But then, Lucius's lazy, modulated voice
oed through the room.
"Then tell your Overlord to come
find
me personally the wants you back.
The words lodged in The Raven's throat, choking him into silence. He was completely out of chips.
The lead guard took another step forward. "Please."
The tone was heavy. If The Raven didn't walk out on his own two feet, they were prepared to drag him.
The Raven's eyes swept over the armed guards before locking fiercely onto Lucius one last time.
The figure in the dark didn't flinch.
With his fists clenched tight enough
to shake, The Raven turned on his Feel and stormed out of The Nexus Gontent
The security team fell into formation behind him.
Their footsteps faded down the corridor before the heavy blast doors slid shut, sealing the room.