Chapter 106: A Well-Meant Bet

"It's a little bit rough," Marie forced a grin. John laughed, his voice colder than usual. He drew her into an embrace, the familiar warmth providing a sliver of comfort. "Cozy's not exactly the word I'd use either, but it'll do." After completing the setup of the communication device, Ethan turned to face them. "The salvaged message fragments," he added in a somber voice, "they point towards a government black project code-named 'Mimic.' Apparently, it specializes in advanced memory manipulation and sleeper agent training." John felt his blood freeze. "Government? Which one?" Ethan grimaced and shrugged. "The message wasn't clear. But whoever's behind Glitch, they have access to some serious resources." The disclosure provided a terrifying image. Comparing the consortium and its unquenchable thirst to a mysterious government organization that could have an army of mind-controlled operatives made them seem almost meek. Days turned into nights as John and Marie became used to thei