Week 1: Friday, 7th Dec 2029, Afternoon

14:00

In the lazy afternoon, I find myself perched behind my desk, idly scrolling, mind ticking through the arcology’s seats of power. My plan for a real reform needs a catalyst. Mikhail would be my public warning: shatter his arrogance, and the whispers would eat their way through every gilded hall, smoothing my path for sweeping policy changes.For now, the endless parade of names and old money cycled across my display, potential allies, future corpses. I sorted them with a swipe, color-coding the worst offenders in blood red, trusted prospects in green. The ones in grey, well, they’d rot in their own mediocrity soon enough.

A chime and the susurrus click of Yoko’s heels as she entered; her presence brushed the tension from the air. Her tablet flickered with another incoming burst of data.

“Master. Vivian’s security company just mobilized. I've sent you the details” She flicked the details to my screen.

I leaned forward, watching the live-feed unfold. The plan was classic: graveyard shift, cargo delivered via the lower tunnels, just enough men to look official, prioritizing speed, not ****. It wasn’t fortified for war, but meant to look invisible. Rookie mistake. Mikhail and his jackals wouldn’t need heavy firepower, just a nudge and the right window.

“Perfect,” I said, eyes glinting. “Drop an anonymous tip to Mikhail, you know the drill. Tell his dogs that no one else would dare raid the arcology’s owner. That should poke his ego enough to get him moving.”

“It’s already sent,” Yoko said with a sly smile.

I let the anticipation settle into my bones for a moment before thumbing my phone, dialing Vivian.

She picked up on the third ring, her voice all crisp professionalism. “Vivian speaking.”

“Afternoon, Moxie here. How’s the delivery moving?”

“Mr. Moxie, it’ll be in your warehouse by sunrise tomorrow. No issues so far.”

I let a trace of warning slip into my tone. “Mikhail called me today, tried to flex, threatened to stir up trouble if I set up my slaving operations here.”

Vivian’s laugh was sharp. “Don’t worry, in the confine of this arcology, the Covenants contracts bind his barbaric ways. He has enemies outside, if he step out of line, I'll give him a warning, threaten him with expulsion. But until he acts up, my hands are tied by he same contracts.

“Understood,” I said, letting cool assurance color my words. “Just letting you know.” I hung up before she could volley back, now she can't blame me if something happens.

I stood, stretching the kinks from my body, glancing over at my girls. “That’s enough for now. Yoko, keep eyes on everything, let me know the second Mikhail makes a move. Lisa, you’re not off the hook; lesson two starts tonight. If we’re burning midnight oil, why not mix some fun with the labor.”

Yoko’s lips curled in a smirk. Lisa flushed, excitement and nerves battling across her face. The coming night would be far from dull. Here in my office, future and pleasure both awaits.