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Chapter 11 - Trust Niels More

Niels moved around in his work chair, tapping his fingers on the table. The man thought, as his eyes were fixed on the thin monitor screen in front of him. The e-mail from Rachel containing the code to access the communication feature with Cyclops Intelligence was re-opened. Rachel stated that the code would be effective until the entire experiment was completed.

Niels realized that Rachel was treating him special, but he wasn't sure whether to be happy or casual. But one thing is clear: he cares and is interested in the research.

Isabela's invitation to watch the Cyclops Intelligence press release was politely declined. It's nothing. Until the broadcast ended an hour ago, Niels hadn't remembered who Rachel was. He now remembers it better through his notes and photos that are spread on the internet, although it is quite difficult.

DING!

[Mobile Message Notification]

(Lars Austerlitz)

Have you watched today's press release?

Just to inform you that the determination of the success of the experiment will be carried out tomorrow. Aren't you curious?

Niels was silent for a moment, remembering and keeping his memories of the figures of Lars, Lore, and Philip. Niels grouped them into one circle: the political circle. Then, as soon as he remembered that, Niels frowned sharply.

(Niels Geyer)

Is the Prime Minister still pressuring you or Lore Hasenclever to thwart the experiment?

You have to stop it, Lars.

(Lars Austerlitz)

Still, I heard they met again.

Starting today, Lore Hasenclever was again allowed into the laboratory by Rachel. But to be honest, I don't know what he will do on Philip's orders

(Niels Geyer)

Then you won't do anything?

(Lars Austerlitz)

Of course, I will protect her.

But you know yourself, I'm not a powerful person.

I can't even go against Rachel.

(Niels Geyer)

You better keep Lore from getting too close to Rachel, Lars

(Lars Austerlitz)

Why do you suddenly care about her, Niels?

As I recall, you don't like dealing with other people who are not in your favor.

(Niels Geyer)

Rachel may be unfavorable to me.

But the success or failure of her research will have an impact on one federation, small or large. Don't you think so?

Tell Rachel that I want to talk to her on a video call an hour from now.

(Lars Austerlitz)

What are you going to tell her?

(Niels Geyer)

If you're still on Philip's side, you better not need to know, Lars.

****

Neurosurgery Laboratory

Cyclops Intelligence, Hatemoor

9 February 2157

01.20 NAM

Rachel once again adjusted the ginger brown wig on her head. He didn't know how many times he had been back and forth in front of the mirror, making sure he didn't look bad ten minutes before Niels promised to call. Oh yeah, this time they're going to make a video call, not a voice call. So there's no way Rachel would want to put on an operating room gown and show up with a bald head. Rachel wouldn't want to embarrass herself at her first virtual face-to-face meeting with Niels because it would probably be a moment she would remember for the rest of her life.

Rachel thought Niels was a nobody, but after all, he had been the only man that caught Rachel's attention, and she thought being attracted to a man during her 31 years of life was a valuable point in her life journey.

"How do I look, Lars?" Rachel asked Lars, who was watching her bored near the control room.

"That wig looks weird on your head. Why don't you choose another model?" Lars commented objectively, judging the shoulder-length haircut wig was not suitable for Rachel, who had previously always had long hair.

"I just want to try something new in front of him." Rachel spun in front of the mirror, convinced by the white shirt, navy blazer, and baggy jeans she was wearing. At first, I wanted to wear a dress, but it felt like it was too much. "I think I'll be buying more clothes like this in the future."

Rachel's words were stifled when Lars suddenly appeared behind her as she spun around, clutching her shoulder. "What's the matter with you, Rachel?" he asked seriously.

"What's wrong? What do you mean?" Rachel was confused.

Lars sighed, "You like him?"

Rachel fell silent, Lars's accusing gaze sharp. Getting Rachel's response like that, Lars finally smiled lopsidedly, patting Rachel on the shoulder lightly, "Congratulations, a success for you. I'm proud of you," he said.

"Proud? What are you proud of?" Rachel said, brushing Lars's hand on her shoulder, rushing towards the control room, and getting ready in front of her monitor. Lars followed, stopping at the door as he continued to smile teasingly, "So this is what it looks like when you fall in love."

Rachel sighed, "I'm not in love, Lars. Don't make assumptions," she said as she arranged some things for the video call. The girl was a little nervous because Lars teased her like that.

"That's a valid assumption, Rachel."

"What's in it for you and me?"

Lars smiled lopsidedly, "No wonder you like him. You both have the same mindset. What a perfect match for a potential partner."

"The same mindset? What do you value in him? "

Lars shrugged his shoulders, "Just ask him later. But my advice is to not trust him too much, Rachel. Unless you understand what Niels means with his care for you."

"I know what it means to approach me first," Rachel replied, making Lars frown, "What do you know?"

"Should I tell you? Didn't you already know?"

"I'm just testing whether Niels is telling you the truth or not."

"Let's be honest. You and Lore met Philips ahead of my experiment yesterday, aren't you?" Rachel raised an eyebrow intimidatingly, making Lars seem a little taken aback. "Niels didn't tell me that. He told me something much more mysterious and I want to ask you again today."

"You'd better rethink what our friendship means all this time, Lars. Maybe one day I'll trust Niels more, whom I've only known for a day or two, then you and Lore, who have known me for years but keep a lot of secrets."

Lars then stepped back immediately, preventing him from being squeezed by the door. Rachel had just closed the control room door before Lars even had time to retort Rachel's sarcastic words to him.

The girl sighed, rubbing her face roughly. "Tsk! Why should I be mean to him?" she muttered quietly. It's always been like that: Rachel shielded herself from harsh words towards others and regretted it later. Lars and Lore being caught meeting Philips made her feel insecure, alone and threatened. Rachel had always trusted them so much, but why did she have to know about such a meeting through a computer system report? It made her sad.

DING!

[Incoming video call from Niels Geyer]

"Oh..."

Rachel gasped, quickly straightened her seat, and took a deep breath before accepting the 'special' call.

CLICK!

The man smiled faintly, "Oh, hello, Rachel Richmann."