The Combat Department functioned with remarkable efficiency. Upon Ruth's return to King City, she found a file on Eric waiting on her desk. As she delved into Eric's records, a sense of bewilderment overcame her.

Eric's history appeared mundane until a year and a half ago. Abandoned as a child, he graduated from Salt City University, worked at Westman Technology, and had a girlfriend. Following a breakup, he married into the affluent Williams family, signaling a significant shift in his life an