When Trench spoke about the Predator's self-destruct mechanism, his face betrayed lingering fear. After a brief pause to recall the details, he said,
"The explosion was as powerful as a small nuclear device. Back then, I ran for nearly 200 meters. If I hadn't come across a downhill slope and hid in a hollow tree, I would've been incinerated."
William nodded. He already knew these details but had sought out Trench to avoid suspicion about how he knew such classified information.
"What about their weaknesses?"
At this, Trench managed a small smile. "You might not believe this, but these aliens, capable of traveling to our world, haven't solved their vision problem.
They rely heavily on infrared thermal imaging to see us. Back then, I managed to ambush the Predator by covering myself head to toe in thick mud.
Also, they seem to have a sense of honor. If you challenge them to a duel, they won't refuse."
"A duel?"
Hearing this, William smirked and looked at Trench. "Interested in putting on some armor and fighting a Predator again?"
"Well…"
The idea of dueling an alien made Trench hesitate. He wasn't starving for work, and years of mercenary experience had given him a keen sense of danger. He could usually judge whether a task was worth risking his life.
As for avenging his fallen teammates from over a decade ago? He'd already avenged them, so he had no burning desire for another confrontation.
William could tell from Trench's expression that he wasn't eager. Smiling, he said, "Never mind. Let's leave it for now and have dinner."
With a snap of his fingers, William summoned the restaurant manager, who quickly approached and stood attentively. After everyone placed their orders, they enjoyed a meal that lasted about two hours.
During dinner, William chatted with Trench, listening with genuine interest as he recounted amusing anecdotes from his military and mercenary career.
After the meal, as William left, Barney shook his head and looked at Trench. "Sorry, buddy. There's something I should've told you beforehand."
"What's that?" Trench asked, puzzled. "Was there more to what happened earlier?"
"I don't know if there was more to it," Barney said regretfully, "but over the past year and a half, the boss has never assigned us a suicide mission.
If a job was beyond our capabilities, he'd hire someone else."
"Someone else?" Trench blinked in disbelief. "There are people stronger than your team?"
"Come on, Trench. If you've run into aliens, isn't it normal for our boss to have some special personnel on hand?"
Barney's clear and straightforward response made Trench realize the opportunity he might have missed. After a long silence, he said with a sigh, "So, I missed out on a golden opportunity?"
"Of course," Barney said, patting Trench on the shoulder. "You've missed your chance to become a millionaire and retire comfortably in a few years.
If you were interested in politics, the boss might even support you. One of the people who started working for him at the same time as us is now running for New York City Council."
"Who?"
Barney grinned. "You've probably heard of him—Bryan Mills."
"Him?" Trench said, his interest piqued. He threw an arm around Barney's shoulder and grinned. "Do you think I still have a chance to join?"
Then, with anticipation, he added, "It seems like your boss is gearing up for something. How about I stick with you for a while?"
"I don't mind, but as for the others…" Barney hesitated before saying quietly, "Maybe you should start with Yin Yang."
"Why him?" Trench asked, curious. "What's so special about that little guy?"
Barney glanced around to make sure the others were keeping their distance before whispering, "Yin Yang has been handling all of the boss's affairs in China for the past year.
I don't know the specifics, but he's probably the only one who can report directly to the boss."
China?
Trench thought about William's mixed-race appearance and quickly connected the dots. He patted Barney on the shoulder with a smile. "Thanks, Barney. You're still the one I can count on."
Back at his estate, William went to the underground lab and lay on the sofa. "Sunday, any updates on the xenomorphs and the US's knowledge of the Predators?"
"Apologies, sir. I couldn't find much about xenomorphs. Based on your description, the Predators have been coming to Earth for thousands of years, using xenomorphs as part of their initiation rites.
However, I reviewed all archaeological records from the Americas, and there's no evidence of xenomorph remains or skeletons.
There are, however, numerous murals in Central American ruins depicting both Predators and xenomorphs.
The most likely explanation is that the Predators clean up the xenomorph corpses after their trials."
"What about the US records on the Predators?"
"I found two incidents: one in 1987 involving Trench and another in 1995 in Los Angeles."
Hearing this, William closed his eyes in thought. After a while, he said, "The Predators are manageable.
Although they treat humans as prey and don't care about our opinions, they're at least an intelligent species. As long as the conditions are right, it's possible to negotiate with them.
And they've never truly exterminated humanity over the millennia.
The xenomorphs, on the other hand, are pure killers and pose the greatest threat."
While William spoke pragmatically, his true feelings were different. No one wanted to be treated like an animal by another species.
But until he could locate and reach the Predators' homeworld—or even attack it—there was little he could do. Killing a few Predators who came to Earth might feel satisfying, but what could he do against a spacefaring civilization? He didn't want to risk provoking a devastating response.
A Predator wouldn't even need to fight directly. They could simply release xenomorph eggs worldwide, throwing the planet into chaos.
The thought of swarms of xenomorphs sent shivers down William's spine.
Late that night, as a British icebreaker finished its research mission and prepared to return to England from New Zealand, William's money and influence diverted its course.
Within eight hours, the crew had accepted his employment, loaded the ship with supplies, and set sail for Antarctica.
Meanwhile, William shuttled between his Oxford estate and Yellowstone base, practicing melee combat with the Black Ghosts and studying magic in the evenings.
A week later, the icebreaker arrived at Tierra del Fuego, where it had been waiting for three days.
Finally, its employer—William—boarded the ship.
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I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
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