Down in Ray Tech, the hallway echoed with the sounds of purposeful footsteps as a team of corporate executives made their way toward the command deck. They were here to negotiate the purchase of a spaceship, but they were not alone in their interest.
A contingent from Earth's defense force, their uniforms crisp and faces stern, marched alongside the executives. Each group eyed the other warily, the tension between them palpable.
For the corporation, the spaceship represented a valuable asset that could boost Earth's technology. For the military, it was a potential game changer in the ongoing arms race with their adversaries.
As they reached the command deck, the doors slid open to reveal a large conference table where the negotiation would take place. Both sides took their seats, the air thick with anticipation. The fate of the spaceship hung in the balance, and neither side was willing to back down.
The CEO of the corporation, a shrewd man with a reputation for getting what he wanted, opened the proceedings.
"Gentlemen, we are here today to discuss the acquisition of this fine vessel," he said, his voice calm and measured.
"Ray Tech is prepared to offer a very generous sum in exchange for full ownership of the spaceship," Zane Moris, the CEO of the corporation, stated.
"You know we are all in cooperation with the government. I don't see why you want the ship for yourself. Besides, we, the military, are the ones who found it and ran tests on it to certify that it's a spaceship. So why should we give you full ownership?" General Peter replied.
"You are indeed right, but you know we are responsible for improving the world's technology. And you, my friend, know that this spaceship is a stepping stone to our goals," Zane Moris said, realizing he couldn't win over the military directly, so he proposed a compromise.
"Perhaps there is a way for us to work together," Zane suggested. "What if we form a joint venture? Ray Tech will take the spaceship to run some experiments and see how we could use it to advance this world's technology, while you guys would be in charge of securing the ship and also monitoring us to ensure that the spaceship is not used in a manner that could jeopardize national security."
"I see, and I don't think your proposal is bad. I'll agree to it, but there's one more thing. Every piece of information concerning the ship and your experiments must be shared with us and the government. If you refuse this, then we have no other way to proceed," Peter said, with a stern look on his face.
"That's not a problem. Then we have a deal," Zane Moris replied, stretching out his hand for a handshake.
The deal was struck, and both sides were satisfied with the outcome. They dismissed, and Zane walked out of the command deck with a creepy smile, pleased with himself for inching forward in changing the world and maintaining control.
---
Lucas and Sam had set out on their journey, traveling in silence, the only sound being the humming of the van's engine. The sun rose high overhead.
"So, this friend of yours, is he reliable?" Lucas asked, trying to break the silence.
"Well, I can't really say. I mean, he's reliable to me. I don't know if he'll be to you. But I know he can give you the information you need," Sam replied, still focused on the road.
Eventually, they arrived at a large, seemingly abandoned building. The building was covered in graffiti and had broken windows.
"Here we are. There's no doubt he'll be here. Now, up the stairs," Sam said. They both climbed the stairs, hearing cheers from within. Finally, they reached the top of the building, where Lucas saw a circle of grimy street fighters, with a few cloaked figures among them.
The air was thick with tension, the sound of fists and curses filling the space as two fighters traded blows. Eventually, one was knocked out.
The fighter who remained standing raised his hand in victory with a roar, while the crowd cheered for him.
"That's him," Sam said, pointing at the man who had just won the fight. "His name's Steven. He's been doing this for some time now to make money after his wife divorced him."
"He looks strong," Lucas thought, observing Steven from a distance.
Another fighter stepped out of the crowd, shirtless. The man was tall and muscular, with fierce eyes and a grin on his face. "Fight me!" the man shouted, his voice booming across the room.
The cheers of the onlookers grew louder as they anticipated a spectacular combat. They cheered for the new fighter as he flexed his muscular body.
"Okay, let's do this, big guy," Steven said, maintaining a fighting stance. His opponent gestured, signaling him to attack.
Steven wasted no time and ran straight at his opponent to deliver a heavy punch. But the opponent was prepared and caught hold of Steven's arm.
At that moment, Steven saw a tiny smile on the man's face, revealing only a little of his teeth. Steven's eyes widened as he jumped backward, trying to calculate his next move.
But his opponent was relentless and charged forward. At the perfect moment, Steven delivered a kick to his opponent's kidney. The opponent caught Steven's leg and threw him across the circle made by the crowd.
"I guess I'm no match for you. I can see that now," Steven said, getting to his feet. But before he could stand fully, his opponent delivered a blow to his head, sending him back to the ground, knocked out.
"Hey, that's my friend!" Sam shouted. The crowd immediately parted, revealing Sam next to Lucas.
"You fight me for your friend," the fighter said, pointing at Sam. Sam immediately turned to Lucas. "You know I'm no fighter. If I go in there, he'll kill me. I only did that to save my friend. So please, do me a favor and go up against him as payback for rescuing you," Sam said, frightened by his current situation.
"Is it a duel?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, kind of," Sam replied.
"I'll fight you!" Lucas said, walking up to the fighter.
The crowd parted as Lucas entered the clearing, their eyes fixed on the outsider. The man, a hulking figure with shoulders broader than most doors, stepped forward.
"Who's this?" the fighter growled, his fists clenched at his sides. "You're in the wrong place, boy. I'll make sure you don't feel your body anymore."
Some men stepped out and pulled Steven's body to the side as he regained consciousness. "What's going on?" he asked.
"Well, I just saved your ass. That dude would have killed you. What were you thinking, going up against him? Thanks to him, you're safe now," Sam said, pointing at Lucas.
"Who the hell is he? I've never seen him before," Steven said.
"That's right because he's not from around here. Just watch the fight. When he's done, we'll get back to business," Sam replied.
The fighter launched forward, swinging his massive fist at Lucas. The fighter's fist connected with Lucas's jaw, the blow powerful enough to fell a smaller man. But Lucas stood his ground, his face expressionless as he absorbed the hit.
"Is that all you've got?" Lucas asked, a smirk spreading across his face. "I've had hangovers that hurt more than that."
The fighter's eyes widened, his brow furrowing in confusion and anger. "Impossible," he growled, swinging again with renewed fury.
But Lucas was too quick, his body moving like a shadow, dodging every blow.
The crowd grew restless, their murmurs escalating into a roar of anticipation. But Lucas didn't break a sweat, his movements effortless and graceful.
Finally, the fighter lunged again, throwing a wild haymaker with all his strength.
Lucas stepped into the punch, his hand shooting out in a blur of motion. His fist connected with the fighter's jaw, sending him flying backward like a ragdoll.
The fighter hit the ground with a dull thud, his body limp and unconscious.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their eyes fixed on the alien warrior standing in their midst.
"Wow, that was a good show for a newbie," an elderly man said.
"I bet he's gotten all of today's bets for himself," another man in the crowd replied.
"That was awesome! Did you see that? He defeated that guy with a single punch!" a young man said in awe.
"Yeah, that's incredible! I wonder what kind of show he'll put up in his next fight!" another replied.