New York was truly a city that never slept. Especially around the skyscrapers near Financial Street in Manhattan, the lights stayed on all night. Though it was already eleven at night, the area was still bright as day, with crowds constantly flowing through the streets.
At Arkham Asylum, not far from Wall Street, Schiller was bent over his desk working when a specially designed secure phone beside him rang. He picked it up and said, "Hello. Yes, this is 'Doctor'..."
"Yes, I'm also very sorry about Director Pierce's situation... Four bases in eastern New York? Sorry, but I have far too much on my hands right now. You know, across all of New York, I'm the only senior member who can still maintain communications without going silent..."
"...All right, but I can only take two bases at most. As for the other two... I suggest you strategically abandon them and withdraw the personnel..."
"What? Safe houses?... I'm sorry, but before Director Pierce went silent, he didn't leave me enough safe houses. They're all full now."
Schiller sighed. "It's not that I'm trying to gouge you, but too many people have come to me... Yes, thank you for understanding. Extra personnel on the preservation plan are charged per head. Senior management and key researchers cost three hundred thousand dollars each for protection..."
Listening to the reply on the other end, Schiller covered his forehead. His tone turned a little colder as he said, "Do you think this is the time to haggle? The West Coast is their primary target. Do you know how much risk I'm taking by accepting your people?"
"Don't give me that. Everyone knows these emergency transfers are all about preserving your own loyal forces, and only the safe houses here are truly reliable. If you want to