Dr. Menos and Electra are on the top of the virtual building that hosts CFG. They are on an elegant table facing each other. The environment is also well built. The whole terrace is right below a glass dome and a bright blue sky can be seen through it. Huge pots made out of thick glass are all over the place and in them, there is a variety of virtual flora, from flowers to big trees. The pots are thin at their base and get wider at the top, giving the impression of a big hanging garden. There are Asian cherry trees, willow trees, strong pine trees and lots more. The smaller glass pots have the same shape but they're used to hold a variety of colorful shrubs and exotic flowers.
In the center of it all, there is a bizarre, jarring object. It's a black solid monolith cut with impressive precision to form a perfect tall parallelogram. The tasteful environment and flora variety would, under different circumstances, charm and cheer Electra. Her mind though is set on Icarus and on the fact that they're both in big trouble. She holds her head with her hands and puts her elbows on the table. She hears and sees several MK units surrounding them, getting ready for Icarus arrival. Dr. Menos on the other hand, sits comfortably and seems calm. He holds a small chocolate box in his hand and carefully throws it on the table close to Electra.
"Chocolate?"
"Why not?"
Electra stretches her arm, grabs a candy and throws it in her open mouth. As the chocolate melts, she sees little flashes in her eyes and feels little pinches on her body. Seconds later she feels slightly relaxed.
"Hey? This works?"
"Virtual chocolate. What you have here is literally a taste of the future. We've worked very hard for this. It gives you the same brain signals and reactions as the real deal. People with O.D. connection should also get the actual chocolate taste. Patented code that can't be copied and self-destructs after use."
"Like a real chocolate candy. It self destructs and can't be copied?"
"Everything can be replicated. The program you just consumed is the living proof. Technology is indeed the magic of our times. Even I am at times surprised by its power. Take Icarus companion for example. I underestimated it; an error I do not often do. It has done a wonderful job at hiding your trace and actual locations. We've been trying to locate you for a while now and all we get is a weak signal somewhere from Pretoria, South Africa. I've sent a team to check things out, but I really doubt they'll find anything there."
"I find your voice irritating now. Eat one of your little programs and relax. We have nothing to talk about, nothing to share or split."
"Though it may sound crazy nowadays, a box of chocolate used to be the best gift for a girl. And I don't even get a simple thank you from you."
Electra pushes the box towards Dr. Menos, sits comfortably, leans back her head and closes her eyes.
"Take one. Everybody knows cops are great drug testers. Just so they know everything about their 'product'?"
"Don't want one? Besides I'm allergic to chocolate."
Electra slowly turns and looks at him. She is still calm but looks very surprised. She laughs a bit.
"Even this tiny virtual chocolate candy could give me a strong allergic shock. Don't forget that I also use an O.D. connection like our mutual friend Icarus does."
"Unbelievable? Ha? I've must misheard what you said. Or; maybe not? You're trying to tell me that the top dog chocolate fighter, and dealer, let's be honest, is allergic to his own drug? Crazy!"
"I'm not a dealer, a pusher or whatever you spoiled, little girl! I used to be like Icarus once; our only difference is that we had guts back then. There was a time when the agencies could break through your door and handcuff you right in your God damn home. Real hackers! I was at university when a friend and I got arrested. We were forced to work in a newly formed team; initially for tracing and monitoring suspects and selected targets. We could easily trace people from around the world and collect info from their visits, likes and transactions. We were at times practicing on random targets; you wouldn't believe the filth we were finding and facing. Internet is full of pedophiles, drug addicts, perverts and suicidal brain-dead teenagers."
"You chose to spy and destroy people just to save yourself from getting behind bars. Such a nice person..."
Dr. Menos gets up quickly. He looks furious.
"Shut up! All I do is trying to protect this company from punks and wannabe heroes like you and your friend Icarus."
Electra also gets up. She is still under chocolate's influence but her almost comical, angry expression shows she is still ready for a fight.
"You're a lucky man. You should learn that today, chocolate saved your life. Believe it or not? I perhaps shouldn't have?" She suddenly feels numb and tired.
"Why do you think I gave you the chocolate for? It would be better not to have you messing around when?"
Dr Menos suddenly stops. He seems to get some info from within CFG. He listens carefully for a while.
"He's here? Nice. I want you to block all exits and seal the elevator doors once he's in. Shoot to kill; we're on code red."