And favors for favors

James had only just gotten home, and already Lee had already sent him a text.

<New project. Classified. Two days. Sorry for short notice.>

Not even a quick 'congratulations'? He's upset about something. Is it the approval? He had been telling James to let go... He logged into his projects quickly, finding a strange design. Not because it was some stealth jet concept, or solid state laser. It was strange because it was so obscenely normal...just a photo of an engine with a full diagram. The request was just fuel optimization and general performance enhancements.

Not one to question too much normally, recent events had him embracing questions. He sent a reply back to Lee.

<Isn't this a bit too normal? They don't want any attempts at super powers or radar cloaking?>

<Nope. Just a v8 engine from a Mercedes M156. They want it running like a v12.>

<Why reach out to us for this? Couldn't they go to almost any dealership?>

<That would involve records that don't need to happen, James. Stop asking, you'll lose this for both of us.>

<Got it. Cloak and dagger government crap.>

<Yep.>

Well that's incredibly strange...no new car design, or replacement engine. Just enhancements...weird.