Chapter 53: Chapter 53

The World Takes Sides

The world had been watching.

Jamie Lancaster was no longer just a scientist—she was now a symbol. Her actions in Antarctica, her defiance of Grey Hound, and her exposure of corporate corruption had sent shockwaves through political and military circles.

But with her rise came division.

Allies and Adversaries

European leaders were the first to react. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany saw Jamie as a key figure in the fight against the elves and a potential ally in future conflicts. Their defense ministers quietly reached out to Henry Lancaster, discussing potential technological and research collaborations.

Japan followed soon after. They had closely monitored the Antarctica War, and with their own interest in mech warfare, they saw Jamie as someone they could work with.

India, still wary of the supernatural threat posed by the elves, recognized Jamie’s scientific expertise and technological insights as critical assets. The Indian military, already operating the Green Guardian mechs, sought a formal collaboration to share research and combat strategies.

But not everyone viewed Jamie’s survival as a positive outcome.

Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran saw her as a destabilizing force—a wildcard that could undermine their military power and global influence.

The Kremlin’s official statement was neutral, but behind closed doors, Russian intelligence agencies were gathering intel on Jamie Lancaster.

The existence of Grey Eagle, the United States’ battle-tested mech, was already a threat to Russian dominance in mechanized warfare. The Blue Titan program, which Russia had deployed in Antarctica, was formidable—but if the United States gained a further edge by working with Jamie, Russia would have to respond aggressively.

Unofficially, Russian operatives had been ordered to monitor Jamie and her inner circle. If necessary, contingency plans were being drawn up for direct intervention.

In Beijing, the Central Military Commission held emergency meetings.

China’s Red Archer mechs had performed well in Antarctica, but the introduction of Jamie Lancaster’s knowledge into U.S. research programs posed a serious long-term threat. Worse, if Japan and India allied with Jamie, China’s regional influence would weaken.

Chinese intelligence had already sent a directive:

“Jamie Lancaster must be contained. If direct action is not feasible, then indirect pressure must be applied.”

North Korea and Iran – Hostile Intent

Unlike Russia and China, which took a calculated approach, North Korea and Iran were openly hostile.

North Korea’s state media denounced Jamie as a “Western scientist restricting mech technology(Grey Hounds) from reaching eastern nations ” and vowed to destroy any mech programs threatening their sovereignty.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard accused Jamie of war crimes, claiming that mechs like Grey Eagle represented a new form of Western military oppression and mech less country without any buyable mechs like Grey Hounds will be too passive against mech holding nations. Iranian-backed militant groups even issued bounties for her capture or assassination.

Henry Lancaster saw these threats for what they were—desperate attempts to delegitimize his granddaughter. But he also knew this was just the beginning.

The battle lines were being drawn.

The Briefing – Preparing for a New War

Jamie sat in a private war room deep within Lancaster Tower, staring at the massive digital map displayed on the holo-screen. Red and blue markers flickered across it, representing the shifting alliances forming around her.

Henry Lancaster stood at the head of the table, hands folded behind his back, while David Lancaster, Ryan, Solomon Kane, and Carlos occupied the remaining seats.

“Congratulations,” Solomon muttered, leaning back in his chair. “You’ve officially pissed off half the world.”

Jamie exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. “That wasn’t exactly my plan.”

Henry gave her a knowing look. “Plans change, Jamie. The moment you exposed Victoria Langley and Grey Hound, you became a political figure. You are no longer just a scientist.”

Jamie’s gaze hardened. “Then let’s be clear about something—I never wanted to be a political figure.”

Ryan chuckled. “Well, too late for that.”

David ignored the banter and focused on the screen. “Our priority is securing Jamie from any assassination attempts or abduction operations. We already have intel suggesting Russian, Chinese, and Iranian agents are operating within the U.S.”

Carlos frowned. “Can’t we just let the CIA handle it?”

Henry smirked. “The same CIA that might want Jamie under their control? No. We protect her ourselves.”

Jamie’s fists clenched under the table. “So what’s our next step?”

Henry pressed a button, shifting the holographic display to show a classified mission dossier.

“Our allies want a meeting. European leaders, Japanese officials, and India’s military command have all requested closed-door discussions.”

Solomon raised an eyebrow. “They want Jamie to be their scientific liaison, don’t they?”

Henry nodded. “They want to align themselves with her before the next global shift in military power.”

Jamie’s jaw tightened. “And what if I refuse?” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel•fire.net

Henry’s voice was calm but firm. “Then you leave yourself vulnerable. Right now, being neutral is not an option. If you don’t pick a side, the people who see you as a threat will try to remove you from the equation.”

Silence filled the room.

Jamie already knew the answer.

She had fought too hard, exposed too much, to let others dictate her future.

She took a slow breath, then met Henry’s gaze.

“Set up the meetings. If they want my help, they need to convince me that they deserve it.”

A small smile touched Henry’s lips. “Good.”

Ryan grinned. “Well, looks like Jamie Lancaster just became the most sought-after scientist on the planet.”

Carlos chuckled. “And the most dangerous one.”

Jamie smirked. “Let’s make sure they don’t forget it.”

The Private Guard – Solomon’s Preparation

As the meeting concluded, Henry gestured for Jamie to stay behind. The others left, but Solomon remained.

“Jamie,” Henry said, “there’s something else you should know.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Solomon is preparing a private guard unit for your protection. He’s personally overseeing their training.”

Jamie turned to Solomon, surprised. “I thought you weren’t the babysitting type.”

Solomon smirked. “I’m not. But I also don’t like the idea of Russia or China sending their mechs to hunt you down.”

Jamie frowned. “You think that’s possible?”

Henry interjected. “The odds are low, but not zero. Russia has Blue Titan, China has Red Archer—both nations have already battle-tested their mechs in Antarctica. If they ever feel that you’re a direct threat to their military interests, they might act.”

Jamie crossed her arms. “And what’s Solomon’s role in all this?”

Henry nodded toward Solomon. “He’s currently training on a Grey Eagle mecha. If things ever go south, we need someone capable of piloting it in an emergency.”

Jamie looked at Solomon in disbelief. “You? A mech pilot?”

Solomon shrugged. “Wouldn’t be my first choice, but if someone’s going to punch back when things go wrong, it might as well be me.”

Jamie let out a small laugh. “Well, if nothing else, I’d love to see you try and fit in a pilot suit.”

Solomon grinned. “I’ll make it look good.”

Henry’s expression turned serious. “Jamie, this is not just a precaution. It’s a warning. If any nation ever deploys mechs against you, you need to be prepared. We need to be prepared.”

Jamie exhaled slowly. “Alright. Do what you need to.”

She looked at Solomon.

“And try not to break the Grey Eagle before I get to see it in action.”

As the meeting concluded, far from Lancaster Tower, a different conversation was happening in the dark corners of the world.

In a hidden facility, a group of Russian, Chinese, and Iranian intelligence officials sat around a dimly lit table, reviewing surveillance footage of Jamie Lancaster.

A Russian general leaned forward. “She has become a threat to our long-term strategy.”

A Chinese operative nodded. “We need to act before she solidifies her alliances.”

An Iranian commander placed a file on the table. “We have operatives in the United States. If the order is given, we can strike.”

The Russian general frowned. “Too risky. Assassination will turn her into a martyr. We need a better way.”

The Chinese operative’s eyes gleamed. “Then we break her.”

The Iranian commander smirked. “And how do you propose we do that?”

The Chinese operative slid a classified document forward—a file labeled Project Specter.

“We use someone she won’t see coming.”

The others leaned in, intrigued.

The war had only just begun.