Blood of Mercy

"To this day, the CIA still hasn't determined the true state of the City of Immortals. That is extremely important to us." The City of Immortals' regular meetings were quite simple. A cup of hot tea for everyone and a holographic tabletop display were enough to solve most problems. The conference room was brightly lit and filled with Renaissance decor. Screens disguised as enormous floor-to-ceiling windows displayed beautiful pastoral scenery, while carefully concealed vents gently stirred the gauzy white curtains.

The relevant documents had already been sent to the department heads' data terminals.

The first thing the City of Immortals did after its establishment was produce chips and manufacture highly secure Communication Systems and networks, preventing hostile forces from sabotaging its organizational structure through the network. Out of some twisted sense of humor, Salomon had ordered the City of Immortals' data terminals to completely forgo the sleek minimalist aesthetic of high technology—effeminate junk that shattered when dropped and had to be taken to a specialty store for repairs or replacement—in favor of the elaborate splendor and rugged durability of steampunk style—manly machines that could be used as weapons, had plenty of replaceable parts, and possessed exceptionally long battery life.

Natasha, as one of the attendees, had one in her hands as well. It had taken her quite a while to figure out how to operate this data terminal, whose very UI was stuffed with golden embellishments. Thanks to her actions, the City of Immortals had finally gained the chance to probe the CIA's Langley headquarters and obtain information it had long sought. Salomon nodded at her. "The follow-up cover-up went well. I believe the CIA still doesn't know what it lost, or even where the attack came from."

Natasha's response was utterly calm. With her skills and intelligence, coupled with