Space Exploration HQ, Luxemburg.
Rachel scribbled notes on her desk as she thought about what she had just heard.
Her son, James Moriarty told her that he found something at a place called Itomori after getting its coordinates from a gravitational anomaly. His investigation indicated that part of the Tiamata comet might have fallen to Earth, according to ancient paintings at that location.
Initially, this comet wasn't interesting to them since Mars was their current objective, and they had allocated all their resources to the planet instead of the comet. But now, since Moriarty mentioned a possible upcoming disaster, his words were taken seriously because this entire project was his brainchild.
She wasn't sure why this was happening, but that was not important right now.
"What the hell was he thinking?" she muttered.
She couldn't understand why he brought them to such a dangerous place. If he knew something led him there, he should have gone alone. He was also the one involved in the drone incident make her worried.
"Ai told me that he's really attached to my granddaughter."
Rachel remembered Ai mentioning that James was a slave to his daughter. She chuckled at the thought that James Moriarty had this flaw. It was funny to think that he would do something so risky just because his daughter wanted to come along.
Beep beep!
[Director, everyone is here.]
"Good. I'll be right there."
Today was supposed to be a holiday, but if there's a comet that might hit the Earth, the company couldn't stand idly by. If they were pursuing humanity's future on Mars, they couldn't abandon Earth either. Rachel knew that if they had proof, they could save people from this impending disaster.
Rachel got up from her desk and walked to the door. However, she didn't expect the guest in front of her.
"Rachel… I was about to knock. You startled me a little."
"Eileen? Why are you here?"
The woman with auburn hair in a braid smiled at her. "I visited your house earlier, but you weren't there. So, I assumed you'd be here. Work?"
"You could say that... sudden work."
Eileen tilted her head slightly. "Is that so? Then what is this? It's sunday morning. I know everyone should be enjoying the holiday. So, I thought it'd be a good time for a tea with you after so long."
"I'm sorry, Eileen. There's something I need to do. You probably need to come with me first."
Seeing Rachel's hurry, Eileen could tell something was going on. For now, Eileen followed Rachel to see what was happening. While Rachel worked on something, Eileen sat calmly, observing her and her team from afar.
"This comet… hm…" As she held her chin, Eileen smiled.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Eileen."
"It's fine, Rachel."
"Don't say that. It's rude to leave the Queen alone without anyone to accompany her."
"It's alright. You're one of the few people I allow to do that."
Rachel paused.
"My sister said that you visited her."
"Yes. I checked on Teresa to see how she was doing."
Eileen hummed. "She must be enjoying herself before getting married to Duke Charles."
Rachel sighed. "Eileen, are you sure this is the right thing to do? After what her brother did to her, shouldn't Teresa have the right to decide her life and her future partner?"
Eileen smiled. "It's something she can't avoid. Since the beginning, it's been her responsibility as a royal family member to do anything for the benefit of the kingdom. If this marriage happens, it will become our bridge to bring England into our new alliance, as they will have to keep their promise..."
It's a pity.
Rachel couldn't do much about this since she wasn't royalty. Teresa couldn't escape to becoming a tool, as she was caught in the strong current of powerful people around her. Rachel pitied Teresa for having to accept this arranged marriage to fulfill Eileen's ambition. After all, Teresa didn't have as much influence compared to her sister.
Initially, she had hoped that James would take Teresa, but he already had someone else.
"I know what you're thinking, Rachel..." Eileen took her cup and stared at the tea, "Don't be mistaken. I won't let him go for anyone else besides me, not even for my cute little sister. So, how is he doing there?"
Eileen took a sip of her tea.
On the other hand, Rachel began to worry but was used to Eileen by now. Somehow, Rachel could stay calm even when talking with her better than anyone else besides him.
"He's fine. I mean, after I tended to his new wound because of you."
Eileen smiled angelically. "That's something I should never worry about then. I know he still hates me for sure. Anyhow, please tell me everything James has told you about this mess."
Rachel sighed and told her that he accidentally came across another anomaly similar to what they had found before, leading him to Itomori. However, Rachel stopped short of revealing everything.
"So, this is what happend behind that drone incident. It seems he's doing something fun without me again. Well, great work, Rachel. I hope you'll find something that will give us an advantage."
Rachel wondered if Eileen was expecting something terrible to happen. Eileen continued,
"For now, go back to your team and continue. If things are like this, I should return to the palace."
"What will you do?"
"Isn't it obvious? James needs my political support. Who do you think has the best support except me?"
Eileen got up from the sofa.
"That's right..."
Eileen approached Rachel and suddenly held her hand. Rachel felt nervous as Eileen's hand was cold, and her golden eyes locked onto her without blinking. With a light smile, Eileen said calmly, "You'll support me no matter what happens, right?"
Rachel paused for a moment.
She knew she treated Eileen like her daughter. From her birth, Rachel had always been by her side and taught her the best she could. To her, Eileen was precious.
However, she knew that behind this delicate, fragile, beautiful woman, Eileen was ambitious. And that ambition had led her to overcome everything until now, making her the leader of this kingdom. Rachel believed Eileen's ambition wouldn't stop until she had the world in her hands. She always got everything she wanted except that she never overcame the person she always wanted.
Rachel felt dizzy. She feared Eileen might break the family James had built after all he had gone through.
"Of course, dear. That's why I'm always looking out for you."
"Is that so? You won't ever betray me, right?"
"What is with you, Eileen? Isn't my work here proof enough?"
Eileen giggled. "You're right. I'll go back then. It's alright... you don't have to see me off. Please continue your work."
Rachel watched her leave and finally sighed after some time. However, she couldn't tell how long she would keep this secret.