The Fallen Hunt

"It's time," Jessica poked her head through the door to notify the two men. "Everyone is here."

"Thank you, Jessica." Dave looked over his shoulder and nodded, acknowledging the woman.

"Of course," Jessica said with a slight smile, and then nodded before closing the door.

Kael and Dave exchanged a glance, their minds reeling from the stuff they had just talked about. Despite being just a hypothesis, it had sufficient grounds to be considered one of the directions the investigation could follow.

"You ready?" Dave asked Kael, who nodded and stood up.

"Let's get this briefing on the road..."

***

Kael and Dave took the elevator a couple of floors above their current level, where there were several conference rooms, each designed for a different function and occasion. They all had one thing in common, though: glass walls. 

While nothing could be hidden from anyone passing by, everyone in the building, or at least, on the higher floors, was a member of ARISA. 

Once on the floor, Kael looked around, appreciating the same level of aesthetics as the floor he had just come from. 'This place gives the illusion of transparency, but it couldn't be more false.'

Dave, unaware of Kael's thoughts, led him towards the conference room, which was already teeming with other Field Commanders, a few administrative and technical assistants, and the boss of ARISA himself.

Most of the Commanders were already seated, some going over the files in front of them, while others shared their findings in low whispers. Noticing the last of their companion approaching, they all looked over.

However, the man tagging along with Dave was unknown to most. Naturally, they'd be curious to know who Kael was. A few amongst them had furrowed brows, as if they recognised Kael from somewhere but failed to recall exactly where.

"Sorry for the wait," Dave said the moment he opened the doors to the conference chamber. "My partner and I were going over a few details relating to the case."

With a nod at his companions and then at the boss, Dave led Kael towards his seating space, where an extra seat was prepared for Kael.

Under the scrutiny of everyone, Kael walked confidently to take his seat, exchanging subtle nods with those he made eye contact with.

Among the Field Commanders, one in particular—a woman in her late twenties—followed Dave's movements keenly, a subtle smile on her pretty face. Riley Marlowe, as she was known, had long, layered black hair that flowed behind her with the grace of a model.

"Who's the stranger, Dave?" Riley broke the silence that had settled within the conference chamber. "Can't say I've seen him around you before."

The others looked over, waiting for Dave to do the introductions. While they all had the power to bring along whomever they deemed fit, this was a significant case they couldn't afford to play with. 

At the same time, Dave was known to work alone. Seeing him bring along a partner meant the stranger was no simple man. There had to be something about him.

"That's not even the main concern," Another commander raised his concern, drawing attention to himself. Sitting in a relaxed manner in his chair, he stared at Kael with an indifferent look in his eyes. 

"You can't just bring anyone into one of these meetings. This is not a place to show off, Dave." 

Hearing the unhappy tone of his companion, Dave couldn't help but close his eyes, a quiet sigh escaping his lips. His right hand moved to touch his brow as he prepared to respond.

Kael looked around the table, taking in the various expressions of the people seated. His gaze naturally shifted towards the boss, who merely sat up with both hands clasped under his chin, quietly observing.

As the head of the most powerful organisation in the world, the boss was no small person. The presence he exuded just sitting there could be felt by Kael, even though he sat on the other side of the long table.

'Kellan Hawthorne...' Kael recalled the name of the boss. 'Even from here, I can tell... He's strong.'

The leader of ARISA was around the same age as Kael. However, unlike Kael's aged face due to his experiences, Kellan looked no older than someone who had just stepped into their thirties.

With sharp facial features, short dark hair neatly groomed and a Balbo beard to boot, Kellan defined the epitome of masculinity with his impressive physique. On his temples were traces of grey hair that held no indication of old age, but rather, of maturity.

This was a man well-connected and accomplished in life. Kael could not imagine what it took to reach such a height. He was forced to look away when their eyes met once more.

'His presence is no joke...' Kael thought to himself, turning his focus to Dave, who had already begun the introductions. 'I wonder how Dave was able to convince him to allow me in.'

Maybe he was making assumptions, but Kael could not help it, not when he was sitting in the presence of a man with such an aura. 

"Maybe you guys don't remember him because he stepped out of the investigation circle some years back, but..." Dave glanced at Kael and then at his companions and continued. "This is Kael Neren, the private investigator who turned hunter."

"Ah, now I remember." One of the commanders commented in realisation, a few others nodding in agreement. "You're that Kael Neren."

"In the flesh..." Kael nodded calmly.

It was not unusual for these guys to know of him. After all, he had made a name for himself a few years ago. People from similar circles were easily informed about others.

"It doesn't explain why you brought him here, though." The man who initially raised the concern, Jordan Dalton, was not ready to let it go. "Everyone seated around this table is an accomplished detective. You of all people should know this, David."

Jordan looked at Dave with a displeased frown, not bothering to even look in Kael's direction. To him, it felt like an insult to the people seated here.

Why would Dave bring an outsider who knew little of what ARISA was about? The worst part was that Dave brought him to the briefing. 

"That's enough, Jordan." Riley stepped in with a tone of displeasure. "Dave made a judgment to bring a helper. I don't see how it affects you."

While tension continued to rise over this concern, others watched, some with amused grins, others with sighs, and a few — mostly the women — with stoic expressions, indifferent to the little display of male dominance.

"Enough."

As soon as the command was given, everyone fell silent, looking towards the leader, whose gaze surveyed the men and women sitting around the table.

"We're here on serious business." Kellan continued, his sharp gaze shifting to Jorden, who couldn't help but look away with clenched jaws. "Find another time and place for your petty squabbles."

Looking towards the administrative assistant standing before the enormous holographic screen ahead of him, he instructed, "Let's get this show on the road."

"Yes, sir."