​     And, just like that, the sky around Adam Forwarder's compound erupted into flame and debris and screaming associates. Every single one of Gideon Goldbody's vessels got attacked at the exact same moment with enough missile power to obliterate them. 

     Yes, Gideon Goldbody had an impressive armada. Adam's defensive system, however, was the best in the solar system.

​     Therefore, it blew Goldbody's skyships right out of the sky. Not a single life, at least on Adam's side of the battle, was lost. Just like that. That quick.

     One second, there was a threat. 

     The next second, Claudia's response, after which shattered technology and body clumps rained. 

     Even as that happened, the greeting room where Claudia and Valtair and his team stood filled with robots, part of the vast technological network that was the true Claudia. Valtair's associates panicked and fired and were, as a result, blasted to pieces for their troubles.

     Leaving only Claudia and Valtair and the bots.​

​     "If it's all the same to you, you will be coming with us," Claudia said. "You intrigue me, Mr. Valtair. I've heard of Valtairs, but I didn't think one would ever drop into my lap. It just might be me who just might be taking you apart."

​     "You might want to think twice about that. There are some entities in this Universe you do not want to anger."

​     A series of knock out darts caught Valtair at every part of his body that looked like it might be flesh. 

​      A count of three, and he dropped unconscious to the floor. 

​     "Secure him but keep him safe." Four robots ran to comply.

     "Adam?" she said into the com. "Adam?" Damn, that bitch Tana must have hit him with some real juice. Claudia kept constant vigilance over his vital signs, so she knew he was still breathing and relatively healthy, and he'd never gotten himself into a situation before that he couldn't get out of, but still...still...

CONTINUE