Inside the Founder’s lair.
Kevin’s clone arrived in a flicker of light alongside the old woman and the teleporter.
He surveyed the chamber. A massive black tube dominated the room’s center, opaque and humming faintly. At the rear sat a single desk and an office chair, facing them.
“You must be Kevin,” a voice said quietly—from directly behind him.
“And you must be the Founder,” Kevin replied, not bothering to turn.
The old woman and the teleporter bowed and withdrew, leaving the two alone.
Kevin’s clone walked up to the black tube and laid his palm against it. This feeling, he thought.
“I’m surprised the old one convinced you to come without a fight,” the Founder remarked.
“I have my reasons.”
“My name is Jethro, by the way. I’m the Founder of this non-profit organization called T
