“…A fire has broken out. …The Fire Chief stated that ‘the fire department is keeping all possibilities open,’ and did not rule out the possibility of arson…”
Have you ever seen the candles on a cake?
Have you ever seen them just standing there silently until they are lit, then they illuminate their surroundings and emit the distinct smell of a burning wick?
Have you ever seen a candle malfunction, not merely burning at the tip but its entire body engulfed in flame?
And have you ever witnessed a pillar of fire rising from a cake?
That was precisely what happened on Wall Street.
It started like a drug-induced rampage; a truck went out of control, striking several people before crashing directly into a building. A madman seemed to be on a rampage, followed shortly by an explosion. Then the fire began to rise, quickly spreading until the entire building was engulfed, resembling a towering pillar of flames.
“Let us listen to an interview with a witness who was on the scene at the time.”
“…I woke up from my sleep with a start. ‘They must be building some strange art piece out there again,’ or ‘There must be a festival somewhere,’ I thought. But then I remembered my window faced Wall Street. It’s not like that dull neighborhood would throw a festival in the middle of the night, is it? So when I looked to see what it was, wow. There was this massive fire burning… I thought it was the end of the world.”
Naturally, numerous firefighters arrived on the scene.
They worked hard to extinguish the building’s fire, and their efforts bore fruit, as the fire was soon put out.
Fortunately, the flames did not spread to other buildings.
Unfortunately, however, there were victims.
Lucas Metathronius Goldsmith.
The owner of the building and the sole victim of the incident was found unconscious inside.
Lucas was immediately transported to the hospital by emergency responders. Unfortunately, due to inhaling a considerable amount of toxic gas, he has now fallen into a coma.
It was truly a sorrowful event.
*
The fire on Wall Street, whether it was an act of terrorism or arson, attracted significant attention.
Ordinary American citizens watching the news without much thought would consider this just another in the many incidents and accidents that happen routinely, perhaps casually shaking their heads while watching. Meanwhile, those who held a negative perception of Wall Street smirked in amusement, calling it karma.
Some mourned the fact that Lucas, their spokesman and hero, had fallen into a coma, while others snickered, calling it a fitting end for the supposed traitor.
Numerous concerns.
Various reactions.
Some grieved over Lucas being injured.
Others found joy in Lucas’ pain.
Some were relieved that there were no fatalities.
Still, others lamented the victim who had fallen into a coma due to the fire.
The response was significant.
Yet, it was fleeting like a mist that briefly forms and vanishes.
It wouldn’t last long.
Since the world has countless events happening continuously, and there is too much information flowing around.
Therefore, to those without a direct connection, this incident was merely trivial gossip.
A casual topic of conversation during lunchtime or small talk that would soon be dismissed in favor of other subjects.
But, to those directly affected, this was a pivotal event that warranted their utmost concentration.
Especially to those in the service of the nation.
In a certain bunker somewhere in New York.
In a place where many were engaged in “mission work,” a briefing was taking place.
“A report on the fire incident at M point—”
Far below the New York subway system lies a bunker that, after undergoing numerous security protocols within a government-owned building, reveals a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere, unlike what one might expect from a bunker.
Despite the inherent narrowness of bunkers constructed beneath major cities, the air here was fresh and crisp, with special lighting installed to mimic sunlight, creating a more above-ground ambiance.
In addition, the interior design resembled that of a high-tech corporation, with cutting-edge equipment and staff bustling around.
The atmosphere was more akin to a corporate office than a bunker.
In the conference room within this bunker, a gathering of many individuals was seated.
These people had undergone rigorous screening, proven their loyalty, and demonstrated their dedication to the nation, actively participating and significantly contributing to its welfare.
“After examining the data, we found there were a total of 12 individuals at M point. They were not from a single group but made up of several independent entities. There was no alliance, and they did not communicate with one another. They merely happened to assemble on the same day, at the same time, at the same place by coincidence.”
The attendees were focusing on the presentation and swiftly reviewing the holographic images appearing before them.
The holograms displayed protesters and others in uniform entering the building stealthily. The quality of the footage was impeccable, clearly showing the peculiar madness in their eyes, suggesting their odd fanaticism.
“First, let’s address these individuals. They belong to a philanthropic organization called ‘The Shepherds and the Sheep.’ Known in public as devout Christians who are generous towards the community, these individuals are considered good neighbors. However, the truth is somewhat different. They were nearly labeled as a heretical group by other American Christian organizations but managed to avoid such branding through influential connections.”
“Hmm.”
“In the data, as you see, they’re not particularly dangerous. Although they’ve been placed on the watch list, their activities benefit society significantly. While there are some radical tendencies within the group, their leadership mitigates the risk of their actions escalating to terrorism. Mostly, the members are focused on humanitarian rights and engage in altruistic efforts.”
“But considering the recent event, it’s hard to describe them as ‘moderate,’ right?”
“Yes, precisely. The actions were extreme enough to suggest a terrorist group. The cause is directly connected to this group’s influence due to—”
The presenter manipulated a ring-shaped device, advancing the data.
This time, instead of people, the hologram showed what appeared to be a factory.
A massive factory worthy of the grand scale of America was displayed.
Giant, purpose unknown machines.
Rows of cars and parts.
Robots that seemed either for use in the factory or on exhibition.
Researchers and workers in uniforms walked around in between.
At a glance, it seemed like a vast and ordinary factory.
But the people in this room knew exactly what this place represented.
“I’m sure everyone in this room is aware of it. This is an organization under high surveillance not just in the U.S., but worldwide, garnering the attention of many intelligence agencies. Yes. The group commonly referred to as the ‘Machine Cult’, a corporate alliance.”
“…Hmph. They’ve been quiet for a while.”
The mere mention of the ‘Machine Cult’ tightened the expressions of many people in the room. Some bore complex looks.
The reason their reactions were such was simple.
This so-called ‘Machine Cult’ had become an object of love and hate for them.
That’s correct.
It wasn’t just hatred—it was love-hate.
“If only these bastards weren’t American…”
Why this love-hate relationship is fairly straightforward.
This ‘Machine Cult’ was an all-American entity.
And not a small, inconsequential business either.
They consisted of global corporations renowned worldwide or ranked among the top in their respective fields.
Giant technology companies, highly influential in IT and advanced industries.
From a government perspective, they wanted to eliminate them immediately.
But they couldn’t.
Because they belonged to America and were one of the pillars propelling it.
What if one day they were gone or faded away?
Initially, it might feel relieving.
After all, it would mean the elimination of a high-risk group.
But the aftermath would be problematic.
The IT and advanced industries would suffer a downturn, and members of the ‘Machine Cult’ would shift operations abroad. Naturally, America’s competitiveness in this field would significantly weaken.
A terrifying and unpleasant scenario.
That’s why America couldn’t act directly against them.
Any retaliation would eventually harm America itself.
On the contrary, they even needed international intelligence agencies to help safeguard them.
Because each piece of technology they possessed was pivotal to U.S. national interests.
Thus, the love-hate relationship.
A bomb is still a bomb that cannot be detonated and, instead, must be protected.
Efforts to try and control them are often thwarted as they skillfully maneuver through laws and lobby their way out.
Maintaining antitrust law compliance while secretly forming research partnerships…
Even sending spies is challenging as they have advanced tech to identify them, often reprogramming them into double agents to extract intelligence from the agencies.
They were truly a nuisance.
