Note:-

CHAPTER 19-23: Alyssa, Ryder, Alix, Romance is not there. But the story do get interesting, I believe.

~Author

Julian paused just out of sight, keeping his breathing quiet and steady. The low murmur of voices drifted through the open doorway of the break room, catching his attention. He knew eavesdropping was a risk, but something about the mention of "Project Genesis" made him stay.

Guard 1: "So, what do you think all this Project Genesis stuff is about, really?"

Guard 2: "Who knows? I heard one guy say it's some top-secret experiment—something big. But then you've got others saying it's just... I don't know, a name they throw around to keep us on edge."

Julian's brow furrowed. Just a name to keep people on edge? That didn't sound like the high-stakes, classified project he'd heard whispered about before. He pressed closer to the wall, listening as the guards continued.

Guard 1: (laughing softly) "Yeah, I mean, have you actually seen anything related to it? I haven't. Just a bunch of rumors and security shifts. Makes you wonder if there's anything to it at all."

Guard 2: "Well, whatever it is, they want us keeping our mouths shut and eyes open. If you ask me, that's more suspicious than anything else."

Julian clenched his jaw, mind racing as he took in their words. Nothing to it? They'd been given assignments, leads, and intel all pointing to Project Genesis as a critical target. Yet here were two OrgaCorp employees, just as in the dark about it as he was—if not more. His fingers flexed against the wall as he replayed the conversation, piecing together the implications.

Guard 1: "You're telling me. Anyway, I just keep my head down—better not to ask too many questions around here."

Guard 2: "Yeah, well, let's just keep our shift quiet and get out of here."

Julian stayed still as the guards' voices faded, their footsteps echoing down the hall. He waited until the last sound died away before he relaxed, shoulders dropping slightly.

So, Genesis might be a ghost project, he thought, eyes narrowing. It was clever—a perfectly constructed smokescreen to distract anyone from something far more important. Julian's thoughts flickered to the strange signals he'd detected, anomalies that he couldn't explain. If Genesis is a cover, what are they really hiding?

Julian leaned back in his chair, the glow from his laptop illuminating his furrowed brow. He replayed the guards' conversation in his mind, questioning the reality of Project Genesis. What if it really was just a decoy? As the idea took root, he felt an insatiable urge to uncover the truth.

Thinking back on what he'd overheard about Project Genesis. The guards' conversation didn't add up, and it left him with a gnawing suspicion.

But if Project Genesis was a lie, then even his own team might not know about the real danger. No one would trust him—not yet. Not until he understood what Project Oracle was, and what it could do. 

But what's this fuss all about? Why'd even OrgaCorp or anyone go this far to assassinate their employees like him and even their top agent for something like this—a ghost project, that don't even exist. What the hell is wrong with this organization?

He glanced at his AI interface, the holographic display faintly glowing in the dim room.

Julian: "Hey, where's the logic in all this? Why would OrgaCorp go to such lengths for something that might not even exist?"

The AI paused for a beat, as if gathering data, then replied in a calm, neutral tone:

AI: "Yes, it actually makes sense for OrgaCorp to act so aggressively—even for a 'ghost project'—because it aligns with their tactics of control, secrecy, and ruthless elimination of any potential threats. Even if Project Genesis itself is a cover, OrgaCorp still has every reason to protect its underlying goals, like Project Oracle and CORTEX, at all costs."

Julian's brow furrowed as the AI continued, breaking down the reasons with chilling precision.

AI: "Maintaining the Cover Story: If OrgaCorp needs Project Genesis to seem credible, they must treat it as if it's real. Acting as if it's of critical importance—even to the point of eliminating people who get too close—ensures no one questions its authenticity or digs deeper into what they're truly hiding.

"Creating Fear and Misdirection: By targeting agents like yourself and Alix, OrgaCorp sends a strong message to any potential whistleblowers or spies. This approach keeps everyone focused on Project Genesis, preventing them from discovering the true project. In essence, the aggressive response itself becomes part of the misdirection.

"Securing CORTEX and Project Oracle: Although Project Genesis is a fabrication, it serves as a diversion that prevents anyone from uncovering CORTEX. If you or Alix come too close, OrgaCorp's extreme measures are intended to safeguard CORTEX's existence and ensure it remains hidden.

"Reinforcing OrgaCorp's Ruthless Image: By demonstrating a willingness to kill even for a 'fake' project, OrgaCorp enhances its image as a power-driven, lethal organization. This fear factor would deter both employees and external threats from questioning the true purpose of their operations. It emphasizes that OrgaCorp's methods are severe and unyielding."

Julian's mind raced, the AI's explanation hitting him like a weight. Every calculated move by OrgaCorp suddenly made sense. Even if Project Genesis wasn't real, the danger he and Alix faced definitely was.

Julian: (quietly) "So we're up against a threat no one even knows exists."

The AI's display flickered, as if acknowledging his realization.

AI: "Affirmative. This is why extreme caution is advised. Pursuing the truth behind CORTEX requires more than evading OrgaCorp's security—it means uncovering a plan they've concealed with every tool at their disposal."

Julian stared into the darkness, a steely determination forming. "Then we'll be ready."

Julian: "But wait, if Project Genesis is just a ghost project, could Project Oracle be one too? This is getting too ridiculous now."

AI (Vox): [pauses, analyzing the data] "Based on available information, it doesn't appear that Project Oracle is a fabrication, Julian. Unlike Project Genesis, Oracle has tangible components in play. However, it is heavily concealed under layers of misdirection, much like Genesis. The two are linked by the same fundamental need for secrecy and control."

Julian: "So they're hiding something more under a mountain of smoke and mirrors? That's... great. Just what I need right now."

AI (Vox): "It seems that way. The question is not whether Oracle exists, but how much of it is concealed from the public eye. OrgaCorp uses its projects to misdirect and prevent anyone from uncovering their true objectives."

Julian: "So, Oracle's real, but it's just another distraction... I'm chasing ghosts on one side and digging through layers of lies on the other."

AI: "Affirmative. Project Oracle, though exist, is shrouded in complexity. Its true objective is far removed from what OrgaCorp has led others to believe. It operates in the background, hidden beneath layers of bureaucracy and misinformation."

Julian: "And they want me to dig through all this mess... While they're sitting on top of whatever CORTEX is planning."

AI: "CORTEX is central to their long-term goals. The distractions—Project Genesis, Project Oracle—serve a single purpose: keeping their control intact. Preventing anyone from discovering the true scope of their operations."

Julian: "Unbelievable. I'm supposed to wade through this crap while OrgaCorp hides its real play in plain sight. And the moment we get close, they'll pull the rug out from under us."

AI: "Correct. That's why the danger is not just in discovering the truth, but in becoming a threat to their plan. Any misstep could lead to irreversible consequences."

Julian: "Great. So, we're up against a shadow, a smokescreen, and whatever the hell CORTEX is. I can't keep up with all this."

AI: "It's a complex web, Julian. But you don't have to face it alone. I will help guide you through it."

Julian: "What's next? Project... Mars or something? And that's a ghost project too? Which would cost the lives of us employees and agents for no reason other than their diversion for something more, like another diversion? When does it end?"

The AI flickered on-screen, processing the question with its usual calm.

AI (Vox): "OrgaCorp's strategy involves creating endless loops of distractions to protect their true intentions. However, your frustration is understandable. The cycle of manipulation is designed to wear down anyone who gets close to the truth. Project Mars is not yet verified, but it could indeed be another layer of misdirection."

Julian: ...Shut up! I was being sarcastic.

The AI paused for a moment, processing the tone.

AI (Vox): "Apologies, Julian. It appears I misinterpreted your statement. I will adjust my response accordingly."

Julian leaned forward, his mind racing. The more he uncovered, the more it seemed like a never-ending game—one that would cost him and those around him more than just their lives.

Julian: "This is insane. How many more of these projects are out there? How many lives will they ruin to protect whatever they're hiding?"

AI (Vox): "OrgaCorp's methods are designed to ensure they remain untouchable, Julian. Their grip on power is sustained by keeping potential threats distracted and divided. The question is not how many projects are out there, but how much longer you'll be able to continue untangling this web."