Undercurrents and an Attack

The decisions of the neighboring nations circled over Backlund like an invisible vulture.

Though they had yet to cast a shadow, the keenest hounds had already caught the scent of their chill.

Night lay deep, and slanting threads of rain pattered against the glass windows of Edwin's study, blurring the light into hazy halos.

Flames danced quietly in the fireplace, casting shifting light and shadow over the intricate mechanical diagrams on the walls.

A measured, restrained knock broke the room's silence.

The visitor was a middle-aged man in a dark gray three-piece suit. He wore no insignia, but his immaculate clothes, meticulously arranged hair, and ramrod-straight posture silently declared his identity.

"Good evening, Baron Konston. I'm Davis from MI9."

His voice was flat, with a trace of military steel.

"I've been ordered by my superiors to brief you on certain developments."

MI9 was the Loen Kingdom's Beyonder organization responsible for domestic counterintelligence and foreign intelligence gathering.

It was an intelligence agency akin to the FBI or the KGB...

"Go ahead."

Edwin nodded and gestured toward the sofa opposite him.

Davis did not sit. Remaining on his feet, he said,

"Your invention has been a tremendous success. His Majesty and the cabinet are both extremely pleased.

"But its success has also attracted some unwanted attention."

"The intelligence we've intercepted indicates unusually frequent activity at the embassies of Intis, Feysac, and several other nations recently.

"Certain 'sources' who have lain dormant in Backlund for years have also become active again.

"Their targets may very well be you and your invention."

"So, what does the military recommend?"

"For the foreseeable future, we hope you'll minimize unnecessary outings.

"If you must go out, please notify us in advance. MI9 will arrange comprehensive protection for you."

Davis continued,

"We've already deployed security personnel around your