Page 72 of Hunter's Game
Technology’s greatest trick is making itself invisible. Eden studied the device under specialized UV light, watching encoded data emerge from what she’d once thought were mystical patterns. Her dark hair was secured away from her face by strategically placed clips, her posture alert even during detailed analysis work.
Two months of infiltrating Alexander’s operation had taught her more about advanced tradecraft than years of federal training.
“The embedded markers are incredibly sophisticated,” Katherine murmured, adjusting their scanning equipment. “Romano’s team integrated responsive technology into these pieces years ago. No wonder they appeared to activate when approached with the right electronic signatures.”
“Signatures Alexander’s security system was designed to emit,” Eden added as understanding dawned. “Making it look like the artifacts were responding to us, when really...”
“They were reacting to specific frequencies.” Hunter's voice carried quiet appreciation as he examined the tablet’s internal components. Hepositioned himself to keep watch on both entrances while working, a habit Eden found increasingly comforting.
Eden welcomed his presence beside her. The trust they’d built allowed her to focus on the technical analysis while he maintained awareness of their surroundings. She never thought she’d say it, but they were stronger together than apart.
“Frequencies calibrated to recognize certain genetic markers,” Hunter continued, “making it seem like bloodlines mattered, when it was all about biometric data.”
Eden felt pieces clicking into place. “That’s why Alexander is so interested in cataloging different families. He’s not tracking mystical bloodlines...”
“He’s building a database of genetic keys.” Katherine's fingers began typing rapidly. “Using advanced technology to create the illusion of supernatural abilities, when really it’s all sophisticated security systems.”
Through surveillance feeds, Eden watched Alexander host another gathering of powerful players, each believing they were buying access to extraordinary powers, when really they were just being profiled for his own nefarious means.
“The UV-reactive markers are just the beginning,” Hunter noted as he helped disassemble another device. “These circuit designs connect with people’s brain activity, creating responses that make users feel like they have special abilities.”
“While actually gathering data on how different minds process information,” Eden said, seeing the pieces come together. “Everything that seemed unexplainable...”
“Was advanced tech, carefully deployed to create specific impressions,” Katherine finished. “Sarah figured it out. That’s why they killed her. She was documenting everything—the technological deception, the neural manipulation, all of it.”
Eden remembered her mother’s final message with new understanding.“Some patterns are written in blood rather than code.”She hadn’t been talking about some mystical inheritance. She’d been leaving clues about biometric security encoded in DNA.
“Alexander’s been playing a long game,” Hunter said with reluctant admiration. “Using cutting-edge tech to convince powerful people they have special abilities, making them dependent on his ‘artifacts’...”
“While just gathering more data to control them,” Eden said with cold fury. “Every ‘activation,’ every ‘resonance’...”
“Was just another way to map neural patterns and genetic markers,” Katherine finished. “Building profiles to predict and manipulate behavior with incredible accuracy.”
Through the feeds, they watched Alexander demonstrate another “activation” for his audience. The devices pulsed with blue light—what theyknew now to be calibrated UV reactions rather than some mystical energy.
“The devices aren’t just gathering information,” Katherine said, highlighting patterns on her screen. “They’re subtly influencing brain chemistry. Creating feelings of power, of accessing hidden abilities...”
“Making people believe they’re special,” Eden said, her voice hard. “While really just making them dependent on Alexander’s tech. On his carefully crafted illusion.”
“Smart play.” Hunter’s hands were a warm comfort on her shoulders. The gentle pressure sent a pleasant shiver down her spine as he leaned closer. “Create an exclusive club of ‘special’ families, all thinking they have extraordinary abilities, when really—”
“They’re just test subjects in his behavioral studies.” Eden leaned into his touch, savoring the secure feeling his presence gave her. “Every time we thought we were accessing some special power—”
“We were actually following his predictive algorithms,” Katherine cut in. “The devices contain processors analyzing vast amounts of data, calculating probabilities, predicting optimal outcomes.”
“And subtly influencing us to take advantage of those predictions.” Eden sighed, feeling a little ignorant for ever feeling special at all. “Making it feel like we had special abilities.”
“When, in reality, we were being manipulated,” Hunter said, his voice controlled but his hands tightening protectively on her shoulders. “Using our own neural patterns against us.”
Eden thought about all the times things had worked out perfectly—shots that shouldn’t have hit, plans that came together seamlessly. All of it orchestrated by advanced technology and psychological manipulation.
“The way Hunter and I work together so well?” Eden asked. “The way we seem to anticipate each other’s actions?”
“The way we finish each other’s sentences. Synchronized training protocols,” Katherine explained without humor. “Sarah deliberately designed complementary training for both of you. The technology simply enhanced communication patterns you’d already developed.”
She pulled up additional documentation. “Your tactical expertise was specifically chosen to complement my intelligence gathering. Sarah designed our training to create perfect operational partners.”
“Plus sophisticated tech creating the illusion of connection,” Katherine added. “Alexander’s been developing these systems for decades, using families like yours as test subjects.”
