Chapter 4: Marcus
Inside the office of FBI Los Angeles Field Director Richard Garrett,
Marcus confidently replied, "Rest assured, Boss, I will definitely provide you with evidence. But I need six months, and I hope to gain your support within that time."
"Are you sure it's a conspiracy involving artificial intelligence threatening humanity?" Richard stared at Marcus.
Although the system had woven a memory of trust in Marcus into Richard's mind, it hadn't changed Richard's personality or thought process; he remained as cautious as ever.
"I'm 100% sure. Boss, I need six months. Please believe me, I won't let you down," Marcus said firmly.
"In that case, I hope you truly won't let me down," Richard responded first, then added, "What kind of support do you need?"
"I need a team to handle emergencies. Also, I hope this team is composed of the elite of the elite; our enemy this time is very likely beyond our imagination," Marcus replied.
"An enemy traveling through time via a time machine?" Richard inquired.
"Yes!" Marcus nodded affirmatively.
"Alright! I can promote you to Special Agent, let you lead a small team on your own, and give you the elite of the elite. But, Marcus, remember, you only have six months. If you don't obtain any evidence within six months, I will have to answer to D.C.," Richard stated his decision.
Marcus naturally knew that the D.C. Richard referred to was Washington, D.C.
"I understand." Marcus nodded in reply.
"The relevant appointment notice will be issued today. Regarding the selection of team members, if you have someone you like, you can say so in advance. As long as they don't object, they can be transferred to your team," Richard reminded him.
How would Marcus know who the elite personnel were?
"Regarding the selection of team members, I trust your judgment, Boss. By the way, Boss, how many people are in my team?" Marcus asked.
Richard rarely smiled. "A standard four-person team, of course. How many more do you want?"
Marcus was slightly disappointed. A standard four-person team, without heavy firepower, would probably have a hard time dealing with the Terminator, even the outdated T-800 model.
Richard could naturally see Marcus's disappointment. He added, "Marcus, as long as you produce the evidence, I will increase my support for you!"
Marcus took a deep breath and nodded, "I understand."
"Wait a moment, I'll arrange for Stevens to show you around the bureau and let you familiarize yourself with the different departments. By the way, talk to Stevens more; he knows everyone in the bureau. If you need to select team members, I believe Stevens will be able to help you," Richard explained.
"Okay, thank you, Boss." Marcus replied, guessing that Stevens was probably Richard's assistant.
Two or three minutes later, a middle-aged man who looked to be in his thirties walked in. He was wearing a suit and carrying a stack of folders and greeted them proactively, "Boss, what can I do for you?"
Richard quickly explained the situation and then pointed to Marcus, saying, "I'm leaving this matter to you."
Stevens greeted Marcus politely, "Hi, Marcus."
"Hello, Stevens." Marcus greeted him equally politely.
Even with the Transcendence System, Marcus remained calm, lacking any arrogance. He was acutely aware of his situation; given the current circumstances, a single misstep could leave him forever trapped in the Terminator world. Even if the Transcendence System promised resurrection, what if it was measured in "billions of years"?
Stevens led Marcus out of Richard's office, chatting casually as they walked. "Congratulations, Marcus, you're about to become our Los Angeles field office's youngest special agent."
"Thank you," Marcus replied.
"By the way, what kind of team members are you planning to select?" Stevens asked.
Marcus considered for a moment before answering, "Preferably skilled in shooting, with field experience, proficient in driving, highly obedient, and possessing a strong team spirit."
Stevens was taken aback; these were very high requirements!
"May I ask about your team's target? If it involves classified information, pretend I didn't ask," Stevens tentatively inquired.
Marcus didn't respond.
Stevens understood Marcus's meaning. "In that case, I understand. I'll take you to get your credentials and equipment first. After that, we'll go to the conference room to select team members."
"Okay." Under Stevens's arrangement, Marcus received his credentials and corresponding equipment.
The so-called equipment was actually just an M1911 pistol.
If the target was an ordinary human, the M1911 pistol would be extremely powerful, but Marcus's target was the Terminator!
Even describing the Terminator as having steel bones was the most modest way to put it.
In reality, even the outdated T-800 model Terminator used ultra-high-strength alloys, and was not just ordinary steel bones. Ordinary pistols were useless against the T-800 Terminator!
However, Marcus had no evidence to prove the existence of the Terminator. Even though the system had woven a memory for Richard, making Richard trust Marcus completely, it was impossible to overstep the rules of the FBI.
About half an hour later, Marcus, led by Stevens, entered a conference room.
Seven people were already seated in the conference room. When Stevens and Marcus entered, all seven looked over.
Stevens introduced the seven people to Marcus, but how could Marcus possibly remember them all at once?
"Everyone, I'm now proud to introduce you to this gentleman, Marcus Foster, who will soon become our Los Angeles field office's newest special agent. This time, Director Garrett personally ordered Marcus to form a special operations team. If you join Marcus's team, you'll have many opportunities to gain merit!" Stevens praised Marcus.
Everyone looked at Marcus, their initial somewhat dismissive attitude now becoming serious.
After all, who wouldn't want to benefit?
A special operations team clearly had a special operation; if the operation succeeded, a promotion and a higher salary would be within reach.
"Marcus, why don't you say a few words and tell us your requirements for selecting team members?" Stevens gestured.
Marcus wasn't intimidated; he had a strong presence.
"Before selecting our team members, I want to say something. Our special operations team will face extreme danger; the mortality rate will be very high if the operation fails," Marcus observed the expressions of the seven men as he spoke.
However, none of them showed any fear.
After all, they were elite personnel selected by Stevens, all with field experience. If they so easily showed fear, would they still be FBI elites?
Marcus nodded inwardly. "Besides the extreme danger, the missions our special operations team undertakes are also incredibly complex, but I need your absolute obedience."
No one objected.
The field personnel understood the importance of following orders.
"One last point: once you join our special operations team, you will be extremely busy and must adhere to very strict confidentiality clauses. Leaking any details of the special operations team's missions will be considered treason," Marcus explained.
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