Washington, D.C.
Night had already fallen over the city, but the lights of the White House still burned brightly.
Inside a quiet office not far from the main corridor, a man stood beside a window overlooking the South Lawn.
Daniel Park.
His posture was calm, almost invisible, like a man who had spent most of his life working in places where attention was dangerous.
Across the room, another man sat behind a large desk.
Powerful.
Confident.
Used to making decisions that shaped the world.
Daniel spoke first.
"Mr. President."
The man looked up slowly.
"What is it?"
Daniel stepped closer to the desk and placed a thin black folder in front of him.
"Close your eyes to the Middle East situation."
The President frowned slightly.
"That's not how things work."
Daniel opened the folder calmly.
Inside were documents, financial projections, and a digital tablet displaying a transfer confirmation.
"Three billion dollars."
The President's eyes narrowed.
Daniel continued quietly.
"You don't have to do anything."
"Just… do nothing."
He closed the folder again.
"No statements."
"No investigations."
"No questions."
The President leaned back in his chair.
"And who exactly is offering this… generous arrangement?"
Daniel's expression didn't change.
"My boss."
The President studied him carefully.
"And what does your boss want in return?"
Daniel answered simply.
"Silence."
He walked toward the door slowly.
Before leaving, he stopped and looked back.
"One more thing."
The President raised an eyebrow.
Daniel spoke calmly.
"My boss would like to meet you."
There was a moment of silence.
"Wednesday."
"Eight p.m."
"His private island."
The President leaned forward slightly.
"And if I decline?"
Daniel smiled faintly.
"My boss does not like waiting."
Then he opened the door.
"But I believe you'll come."
Daniel stepped out into the hallway.
The door closed quietly behind him.
A few minutes later, Daniel walked across the dark parking area outside the building.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
Albert answered after the first ring.
"Yes?"
Daniel spoke calmly.
"It's done."
Albert's voice remained quiet.
"Good."
Daniel continued.
"The situation in Washington is under control."
There was a short pause.
Then Albert asked.
"And the President?"
Daniel looked toward the night sky.
"He'll come."
Albert chuckled softly.
"I knew he would."
Daniel ended the call.
Meanwhile—
far across the world in the Egyptian desert—
the sky was still burning.
Because two hundred missiles were still falling from the clouds.
And someone watching the explosions from far away had just realized something terrifying.
Albert's expedition…
was far more powerful than anyone had expected.