The sterile silence of the high-tech boardroom was broken only by the low hum of the projector. Footage from Samuel's body camera played across the wall-sized screen: Alex, darting between trees, a blur of speed and precision, her movements calculated yet furious. She outmaneuvered the towering mech with surgical efficiency, her actions a mix of grace and ferocity, before the feed dissolved into static and flame.

Seated at the head of the table, Jacob Davis steepled his fingers, his expression unreadable. His ice-blue eyes scanned the faces of the room's occupants—scientists, security heads, and strategists. They avoided his gaze, focusing instead on the screen as if hoping it would shield them from his ire.

"Impressive, isn't she?" Jacob's voice was calm, a sharp contrast to the tension in the room. "She managed to neutralize a mech single-handedly, despite being injured." He leaned back in his chair, the corners of his lips twitching into a faint, predatory smile. "Tell me, gentlemen, how is it that one of our creations is more capable than an entire team of you?"

The security head, Marcus, cleared his throat nervously. "Sir, the ground shielding at the farm made it difficult to get accurate intel. We weren't prepared for—"

Jacob slammed his hand on the table, silencing him. "Excuses." His voice dropped, cold and measured. "Do you think the investors are paying for excuses? For failure?" He gestured to the frozen frame of Alex on the screen, her figure illuminated by the fiery explosion behind her. "This isn't just an asset that escaped. She's become a symbol. A rallying point for anyone deluded enough to think they can defy us."

The room grew heavier, the occupants avoiding eye contact, some shrinking into their chairs.

"Dr. Meyers thinks he can play the hero," Jacob continued, his voice almost conversational now, yet tinged with venom. "He believes he's smarter than me, that he can manipulate his way out of the mess he created. But he has no idea how far my reach extends."

Jacob stood. He paced slowly, his polished shoes clicking against the tiled floor. 

"For too long, we've allowed incompetence to fester. We've tolerated delays and missteps." His gaze landed on Marcus, who looked ready to melt under the weight of his glare. "And this... this embarrassment..." Jacob gestured to the footage, "...ends now."

One of the scientists shifted nervously in his seat, daring to break the silence. "What are your orders, sir?"

Jacob stopped pacing, his smile returning, sharp and wolfish. "Deploy Godric."

Gasps rippled through the room. Even Marcus, who prided himself on maintaining composure, looked visibly shaken.

"Sir," one of the strategists began cautiously, "Godric is still untested in live combat. If it fails—"

"It won't fail," Jacob interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "Godric was designed for one purpose: to neutralize Alex. And it will." He turned to the screen, where the frozen image of Alex still lingered. "Let her see what true perfection looks like. Let her understand just how far we've come without her."

The room fell into a stunned silence as the gravity of Jacob's words sank in. Godric wasn't just a weapon; it was the Consortium's crown jewel—a culmination of their research, resources, and ruthlessness.

Jacob's voice softened, almost mockingly. "This isn't just about reclaiming a rogue asset. It's about sending a message. To Alex. To Meyers. To anyone watching."

He turned, his icy gaze sweeping over the room. "Godric doesn't fail. Neither do we."

Without another word, Jacob strode toward the exit, his presence leaving a trail of tension in his wake. As the door hissed shut behind him, the room exhaled collectively, the fear and pressure that Jacob exuded finally dissipating—but only slightly.

Marcus shifted uneasily, staring at the screen. "Godric's going to be a game-changer," he muttered, though his voice carried more doubt than conviction.

"It better be," one of the scientists murmured, not daring to speak louder.

In the dim light, the frozen image of Alex stared back at them, unyielding and defiant.