Side Story - Gabriel Santiago 1

Side Story

Gabriel Santiago 1

A quick note about access: This side story is currently for paid members only because it spoils events in the advanced chapters. Once the regular releases catch up to this moment, I'll make it available to free members as well. Don't worry! All side stories will eventually be free, as promised!

Gabriel Santiago reclined in the mineral bath, steam rising around him in lazy spirals. The water held at precisely forty-two degrees Celsius, enriched with regenerative nanites that worked to repair cellular damage. Each treatment cost more than most people earned in a year.

The private suite occupied the top floor of the most exclusive wellness facility in Geneva. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the Alps, though privacy glass currently obscured the view. Three women attended him. One worked tension from his shoulders with expert hands. Another stood ready with a crystal decanter of wine aged in zero gravity. The third waited by the door, silent and alert.

Gabriel sipped from his glass, savoring the complexity. A 2025 vintage. Exceptional year.

The door opened.

His personal assistant entered, tablet clutched against his chest. Trent something. Gabriel had forgotten the man’s last name. It wasn’t worth the effort to ask.

“Sir, I apologize for the interruption.”

Gabriel waved a hand, still relaxed. “It’s fine. What is it?”

Trent hesitated, glancing at the women. “Sir, I’ve just been informed that your ship was stolen.”

Gabriel turned, his expression brightening. A genuine smile spread across his face. “Really? About time. I was beginning to think they were too cowardly to take the bait.”

The assistant’s confusion was obvious. His mouth opened slightly, then closed.

Gabriel waited. When no response came, irritation flickered across his features. “Well? How many did we lose in the process?”

“Uh.” Trent looked down at his tablet, then back up. “Nobody, sir.”

The irritation vanished, replaced by satisfaction. “Really? That’s good to hear. I may have gone overboard with the security detail, but I expected some losses.” He turned back around, settling deeper into the water. Took another sip of wine.

Behind him, Trent shifted his weight. Uncertain.

Gabriel’s eyes remained on the blur of mountains beyond the privacy glass. “Have them bring the prisoners to me immediately. Did they recover any of the aliens in the process?”

“Sir?” Trent’s voice carried genuine confusion. “Bring who? What aliens?”

He replayed what the man had said. Your ship was stolen. Not attacked. Not an attempt. Stolen.

He turned slowly, water rippling around him. His gaze fixed on the assistant with sharp intensity.

“Start over.” His voice had lost its warmth. “Which ship was taken, and by whom?”

Trent swallowed. “Your ship, sir. The SSS Gabriel’s Glory.”

Silence.

Gabriel’s left eye twitched. Once. Twice.

“Out.” The word came quietly.

The women moved as one. The masseuse stepped back, hands falling to her sides. The one with the decanter set it down quickly. All three walked toward the exit with swift, purposeful steps. No questions. No hesitation. 

They knew.

Trent stood frozen, tablet still clutched against his chest.

Gabriel’s head turned. His gaze locked onto the assistant.

“Get out!”

Trent stumbled backward, nearly dropping the tablet. He grabbed the door handle and pulled it shut behind him as he fled into the hallway.

The two guards flanking the door stood perfectly still. Eyes forward. Expressions blank. They’d been hired specifically for their ability to remain unmoved regardless of circumstance. A dozen meters down the hall were two superheroes in armor. And a man in a Hawaiian shirt.

Trent pressed his back against the wall, breathing hard.

A shout came through the door. Wordless. Primal.

Splashing. Something heavy hit a wall. Glass shattered. More shouting, the words lost in rage. Another crash. Then another.

The guards didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Didn’t acknowledge the sounds. Neither did the others.

Trent stared at the door, hands shaking.

One word cut through the chaos. Clear. Distinct. A name shouted with such venom that it seemed to vibrate in the air.

“GRIMNIR!”