He gave me another unreadable look, but I guessed he was weighing what I’d said against all the data he’d gathered on me over the years. Was I telling the truth? Could he believe me?

The odds favored me for once. He had no idea what was happening elsewhere, and there was zero risk in spending a few hours in his own bunker.

I might regret saving him later, but there’d be other chances. I’d make other chances if Tair and I survived.

Finally, he nodded. “I’ll summon Darren to look after you.”

“Great.” I let out a breath and melted back onto my table. Not even Darren could take me down a notch at this point.

It’s going to work.

Everything was falling into place. Now all I had to do was wait.

Tair would be here soon.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Four

ALTAIR

The pod ride to the senate building seemed to last hours. I forced myself not to shift in my seat. Even here, there were cameras and mics. Showing agitation wouldn’t help my cause, and I couldn’t afford anything else working against me. I was already attempting the impossible.

A one-man assault on the senate?

It was insanity.

But worth it for Quanta.

When the pod coasted to a stop, I let out a last breath and grabbed my duffel bag from the opposite seat. I was prepared for anything, stocked with a series of guns, explosives, knives, and Wushu weapons—hook swords and all. Cipher’s code was loaded into my watch, and I’d concealed the Raven chip for disabling the tracking program embedded in my Helix tattoo. I had to trigger them both with perfect timing, or I’d be flagged as an intruder immediately.

I had to time it all perfectly.

Gripping the duffel’s straps tight, I strode for the senate entry, attempting to project confidence. I was supposed to be here. I had no ulterior motives. Just a son visiting his father.

Despite the tension humming through me, a smile slipped onto my lips at the irony. Just visiting with the intent to destroy and undermine, without a shred of guilt on my conscience.

“Your purpose, honored guest?” A Gray bowed low, flashing his tattooed collar as he held out a scanning device.

“An appointment with my father.” I offered my arm.

The scanner beeped and the bow deepened. “Please allow this one to escort you.”

I followed his lead to the first security checkpoint, where a Black Helix stepped in front of me. The man’s gaze flicked up and down in pure suspicion.

Warranted suspicion.