Lieutenant Paul Fernandez drove alongside his team toward the location of the orphanage where Aiden had come from. The ship that transported them landed at the designated spot. With a metallic hiss, the door opened slowly. Paul stepped out with firm strides, closely followed by a companion whose face had also been altered thanks to Lady's advanced technology. It was a crisp morning, around ten o'clock, with a clear sky promising a sunny day.
Both were dressed in outfits designed to make them look like an ordinary couple, disguised as people eager to adopt a child. Their vehicle, a modest but well-maintained blue van, stopped in front of the main entrance. Paul, who was behind the wheel, rolled down the window and addressed the gatekeeper in a friendly tone:
"We're here to complete an adoption," he explained, though his expression quickly shifted from cordial to serious, almost irritated, when the man asked if they had an appointment.
The woman, sensing Paul's sudden change in demeanor, quickly intervened. She offered a warm smile as she responded to the gatekeeper:
"We don't have an appointment, but we're very excited about adopting. Could you help us?" Her voice was sweet yet laced with determination, and she accompanied her words with a trusting gaze that invited confidence.
The gatekeeper nodded and returned to his booth to make a call. One of the sisters from the home answered on the other end, instructing him to let them through. Before hanging up, she reminded him to collect their personal information. The man came back with a notepad in hand and asked them to write down their names. Paul wrote "David White," and she wrote "Erika White," false identities created specifically for this quest.
Once the registration was completed, the gatekeeper opened the gate and allowed the vehicle to enter. After parking, both stepped out of the car. Paul looked different; his skin now had a lighter tone, and his brown hair replaced his usual dark locks, giving him a European appearance. His companion, on the other hand, wore her hair tied back and dyed a light brown, concealing her true blonde color and her warm and brown complexion.
Together, they walked toward the main entrance of the large house. One of the sisters was waiting at the door. She greeted them with a welcoming smile and courteously said:
"Welcome. Please follow me."
As they followed the younger sister, they observed their surroundings. Children, teenagers, and young adults wandered through the hallways and gardens of the place. Thanks to the special glasses they wore, Paul and Erika could scan the environment, counting every face and recording details invisible to the naked eye. Additionally, Erika discreetly dropped tiny particles that resembled trash but were actually nanobots programmed to analyze the entire area. These minuscule devices not only counted all the orphans but also identified their ages and physical condition.
"This way is the office of the Mother Superior, who is the director of this place," the sister indicated before opening the door and discreetly excusing herself.
Upon entering, they saw the Mother Superior seated behind an imposing dark wooden desk. By her side, her loyal right hand, Elsa, remained attentive. Both women were absorbed watching the news on an old television set placed on a nearby piece of furniture. Just before turning it off, a reporter appeared on the screen, announcing enthusiastically:
"We eagerly await the theatrical performance that will take place tonight…"
Paul and Erika exchanged a quick but meaningful glance. They knew that every detail, no matter how small, could be crucial to their quest.
"Is it a very good play? Do you know about it?" asked Elsa with enthusiasm, breaking the brief silence that had lingered after turning off the TV.
"No, we don't watch much television because of our work," replied David—whose real name was Paul Fernández—in a casual yet firm tone.
"And what's it about?" inquired Erika, leaning slightly forward as if genuinely interested.
Elsa smiled broadly before responding:
"Well, a few days ago, there was a report about a supposed incident in a mountainous region of the neighboring country. Everyone thought it was real, but then it turned out to be part of a theatrical production. Now, everyone is anxiously awaiting the grand staging. Tickets are flying off the shelves… It's incredible!"
"Wow, that's fascinating," commented Paul, though his tone suggested otherwise. Then, without wasting time, he added, "But let's get to the point of why we're here…"
He's certainly direct and blunt, thought Elsa, frowning slightly at the man's abruptness.
"The gentleman is right. Let's cut to the chase," interjected the Mother Superior, nodding seriously. She looked directly at Paul and asked, "And who exactly are you?"
Paul opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Erika subtly elbowed him in the side. He caught the hint and quickly corrected himself:
"I'm David White, and this is my wife, Erika White. We've come from the western part of the country to adopt. We've been told that this is an excellent place to find children in need of a home."
"Pleased to meet you," said the Mother Superior with a polite smile, though her eyes remained sharp, evaluating every word and gesture.
"Well then… What kind of child are you looking for?" asked the Mother, as the nanobots sent precise information through the contact lenses worn by Paul and Erika. Within seconds, both had access to detailed data about the number of orphans present and their respective ages.
"Excellent," murmured Erika to herself, barely moving her lips.
"Excuse me?" The Mother Superior looked at her curiously, sensing something in her tone.
"Oh, forgive me, Mother," Erika apologized quickly, feigning nervousness. She took a deep breath and continued, "You see, I have a medical condition that prevents me from having children. My husband and I…" She paused dramatically and took Paul's hand, who responded with a sympathetic expression. "…have always dreamed of building a large family. We have the means to care for many children."
Her words came accompanied by false tears, fabricated thanks to the advanced technology in her contact lenses. Erika lowered her head, covering her face against Paul's chest as he protectively embraced her. Inside, Erika smiled triumphantly: What a great actress I am.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Mrs. White," said the Mother Superior with genuine empathy. "I can see that you have a big heart and wish to give many children a home."
"That's right, Mother," Erika replied, raising her gaze and gently wiping away her tears. "I'd like to adopt all the children under seventeen years old. They're the ones who cause the least trouble, if you understand me."
The Mother Superior blinked in surprise. She exchanged a quick glance with Elsa, who also appeared bewildered.
"Are you sure you'll be able to handle so many children? There are over a hundred boys and girls fitting that description," said the Mother, cautiously but with a glimmer of hope in her voice.
"Yes, don't worry. I have so much love to give," assured Erika, letting another strategic tear slip down her cheek. Her performance was paying off; she could feel herself touching the heart of the Mother Superior and, little by little, even Elsa, who was usually strict and distrustful.
"Well, we're a wealthy family that travels the world often. We have the means to care for many people," added Paul, taking over with a convincing yet controlled tone.
"I see, Mr. White," said Elsa, interjecting with a colder, more professional tone. "If you don't mind, I'll need some documents to back up what you've just said."
Elsa still didn't fully trust him. Something about his demeanor made her uneasy, like a persistent feeling that something wasn't quite right. However, Erika inspired confidence. There was something about her feigned vulnerability that struck deep chords, even in someone as cautious as Elsa.
"Yes, of course. Here's everything you need," said Erika with a calm smile as she handed over a tablet where all the fake documents she had prepared during the flight were neatly organized.
Elsa took the tablet and began reviewing it meticulously. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the figures displayed in the bank accounts.
"It's incredible… You earn so much money!" commented Elsa, impressed, though her tone remained professional and somewhat suspicious.
"That's just how we are," responded Erika casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "And when we have, we help various organizations. It was at one of those institutions where they spoke highly of you. That's why we're here. In fact, we can make a generous donation to support your noble work."
The Mother Superior and Elsa exchanged a quick but meaningful glance. The Mother Superior nodded slowly before speaking:
"If everything checks out, we can begin the process. However, after the official paperwork, it would take two to three weeks to complete everything."
"Two to three weeks? We don't have that much time," interrupted David, his face shifting once again into a serious and irritated expression. He knew perfectly well that if he didn't comply with Zeus's orders, there would be consequences he wouldn't soon forget.
Erika, sensing the rising tension, quickly intervened to save the situation:
"What my husband meant to say is that we're so excited to have these little ones with us as soon as possible, to give them all our love. It's understandable, isn't it?"
The Mother Superior smiled kindly, though her stance remained firm:
"Oh, I see, Mrs. White. I'm very sorry for the delay, but that's how things are around here. The law is the law."
Erika then displayed a screen on her tablet showing an exorbitant amount of money, leaving it visible to both women. Her voice was soft but loaded with intention:
"Even if we offer a small incentive…"
The Mother Superior, unfazed, responded firmly:
"Even so, Mrs. White, we must be strict with procedures. The law must be respected to protect our reputation and the safety of the children."
Inside, Erika boiled with frustration: Damn old woman, you'll pay for this. But outwardly, she maintained her facade of peace and love. She gripped David's hand tightly, trying to calm him as she said with feigned sweetness:
"I understand, Mother. Well, we'll be staying at the plaza, at the hotel. This is our number if you need to contact us."
David, whose gaze had now turned terrifying, managed to restrain himself thanks to Erika's firm grip on his arm.
"Well, we'll take our leave," she announced with a final polite smile.
Elsa escorted the couple to the exit. Once they closed the door of the Mother Superior's office behind them, Elsa turned to the latter:
"What did you think, Mother?"
"I found this visit from these two very strange. It's unusual for them to want to take almost all the children from this institution," reflected the Mother Superior. "Looking at what they sent us, everything seems to be in order, and there's no issue with the information. But attempting to bribe me… You know I always follow the rules. Rules are rules."
"You're right, Mother. I'll investigate these two supposed millionaires further," said Elsa with determination. "It didn't sit well with me that they wanted to adopt so quickly."
In the car, both were visibly angry as they left the orphanage grounds.
"You almost ruined everything," Erika reproached him in a low but sharp tone.
"And what about your actions? It wasn't perfect either. The Mother is very strict and sticks to the rules and laws. What made you think bribing her was a good idea?" he countered.
"My performance was Oscar-worthy," Erika retorted arrogantly. "I can't help it if that woman is immune to money. But my charms? I doubt she could have resisted those."
"Not quite, Vera," said Paul, using her real name to emphasize his point. "Don't be so vain."
Erika looked him directly in the eyes, defiant:
"Are you jealous? Besides, you're always so temperamental, Paul."
They continued arguing until they reached the ship. Once inside, they contacted the general overseeing the operation. On a large monitor, the imposing figure of the general appeared.
"How did it go?" the general asked bluntly.
Before Paul could speak, Erika interjected:
"We'll have to wait two or three weeks. That would be the optimal path, though it could extend to months if the paperwork gets delayed. Of course, if it weren't for the lieutenant's fault."
"How dare you?" exclaimed Paul, and they began arguing again.
The general raised a hand with authority:
"Enough! It doesn't matter who's to blame. We knew this wouldn't work out smoothly. Mr. Zeus wants us to complete the mission as soon as possible. All units around the world have reported the same. I didn't have luck."
He paused before continuing:
"Tonight, we'll initiate Plan B."
All present responded in unison:
"Yes, sir!"