At the very moment the head of intelligence leaves the Security Service director’s office, in a high-security laboratory on the other side of the Earth, tense preparations are underway for a mercenary’s meeting with Martian agents. This is the very meeting Nicholas reports to Camilla. This is the very laboratory all intelligence services of the Central Belt are trying to locate — so far, unsuccessfully.

  In the middle of a spacious hall, brightly lit by halogen lamps, stands a long metal table. On its surface lies a small flying robot, resembling a bird, with sharp-edged wings, as if ready to strike at any moment. Its smooth, impeccably polished surface reflects the light, creating a mysterious and cold glow.

  Two people stand nearby. The young man wears a snow-white lab coat, marking him as a laboratory technician. His face is tense, his gaze focused. He slowly handles various instruments, though his fingers tremble with anticipation, knowing that their work will determine not only the success of the mission but also the safety of the entire planet. His mind appears to be operating in a state of maximum concentration, and each of his movements is deliberate and measured.

  The girl next to him wears a comfortable tracksuit that highlights her slender and athletic figure. She looks at him. Her gaze pierces the space, ready to detect the slightest threat. In her eyes lies a cold determination and a hint of vigilance — she is not just an observer in this lab; she is part of the operation, and her role is crucial.

  Tension fills the air. Each of them has their own perspective on what is happening, but their actions are synchronized. The laboratory is preparing for something great and dangerous, and neither of them can afford a mistake.

  “I propose we send him to the meeting,” says Alex, pointing at the drone lying on the table. He looks confident, but there’s a hint of tension in his eyes. “He’s equipped with all the necessary scanners, and more importantly, he can lift the container into the air. What do you think, Julia?”

  Julia doesn’t answer right away; her gaze slides over the device, then shifts to Alex. A slight smile plays on her lips, but a veil of caution is visible in her eyes.

  “I fully support it,” she says, her voice firm, with a note of trust. “I think we can rely on the tech for this.”

  Suddenly, a small kitten runs up to her feet. At first, Julia doesn’t understand what’s happening, but then she laughs and bends down to pet it.

  “What a little marvel?” she asks with genuine surprise, as if encountering such a creature for the first time.

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  Alex also looks at the kitten, slightly surprised, but then relaxes and answers,

  “A kitten,” his voice is softer than usual. “You don’t recognize it? I created him recently. Watch.”

  He gently picks up the kitten and carefully places it on the table. Julia watches with growing interest.

  “He’s made of nanoparticles,” explains Alex, pointing at the creature. It sits on the table, gazing at them with big eyes. “Any scanner will show he’s alive. And he even has elements of consciousness. It’s not just a toy — it’s an advanced reconnaissance machine. It comes with a container.”

  Julia’s curiosity is unmistakable. She examines the invention closely.

  “What kind of container?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with interest.

  Alex smiles, pulls a small device from a drawer, and places it next to the drone and the kitten. He moves slowly, as if savoring the moment.

  “Let me show you.”

  He carefully places the electronic creature inside the container and presses a hidden button. The lid opens — it’s empty inside.

  “He disappeared,” Julia whispers, unable to hide her admiration.

  Alex nods, then touches the surface of the container. A small hatch opens, and the same kitten jumps out again.

  “Full camouflage,” he explains, clearly pleased. “No scanner can detect what’s inside.”

  Julia, visibly impressed, can’t take her eyes off the kitten.

  “This is simply brilliant,” her voice trembles slightly with admiration. “We’ll definitely need the container. And this little charmer... he’s so cute.”

  Alex watches her for a moment, a smirk tugging at his lips.

  “Glad you like him,” he says with a hint of sarcasm. “You just named the kitten Charmer. I’ll call him that too.”

  Julia, unable to resist, suddenly steps forward and hugs him. For a moment, Alex is startled, but he quickly returns the embrace.

  “That’s a thank-you,” she whispers, her voice soft, with a spark of humor in it.

  Alex, slightly flustered, grins and replies,

  “I like that kind of gratitude.”

  Julia steps back with a playful smile, her eyes gleaming.

  “Hope you’ll earn my favor again,” she says, then suddenly turns serious.

  “All right,” she quickly faces the screens. “Launch the drone.”

  Alex, slightly thrown off by the sudden mood shift, finishes the last settings. He programs the route, and the artificial bird smoothly lifts into the air. Its movements are graceful, like those of a real creature. He glances at Julia; she nods, her gaze unwavering.

  The drone heads into the unknown, a symbol that the operation has begun. At that moment, a sense of inevitability hangs in the air.