Donkerweb Chapter Summaries

DONKERWEB CHAPTER SUMMARIES Chapter 1 Centres on the character Greg Owen, who is rumoured to be dead. The story is narrated through Greg's perspective, taking a somber, reflective tone. Greg recollects his recent experiences, including the details surrounding his alleged death and the presence of four other individuals accompanying him in Venice at the time. Greg's narration delves into his past, recounting a noticeable change in his family home in Sandhurst following his father's disappearance and his departure from Lawson College. He depicts the dwelling as a gloomy, oppressive place, haunted by the absence of his older brother John. John Owen is remembered as a thrill-seeker, living his life through adrenalinefueled experiences, who unexpectedly dies due to a pill overdose. This loss causes tremendous grief for Greg and their mother, making the home feel even heavier. Greg also hints at a serious secret shared between him and his father, which is never revealed in this specific text portion. The narrative further discloses Greg's impending move to Stellenbosch for a fresh start, away from the shadow of his past in Sandhurst. The sadness that inhabits the family home is addressed again when Greg visits his deceased brother's untouched room in their mother's presence. They share a profound conversation about loss where his mother expresses her profound grief, revealing that during her alone times in the house, she used to scream out her sorrow. By the end of the chapter, a deeply desolate atmosphere hangs in the air, leaving Greg to digest the range of emotions and the complex familial dynamics stirred within him. 1 Chapter 2 Begins with Greg Owen waking up in his late brother John's room, preparing for his departure from Sandhurst. As he packs his things into his newly purchased BMW 118i, an unexpected memory flashes in his mind—a painting by Conrad Botes on his brother's wall, a memento he decides to take with him. As he is about to leave, he hears his late brother's voice calling his name, causing him to question his sanity momentarily. Coming out of his reverie, Greg's mother appears from her study, unusually composed and well-dressed compared to her usual state of mourning. She shares some poignant words with Greg about his future and the bitter life ahead of him. Their conversation triggers an unexpected bout of grief in Greg, causing him to mask his emotions, as is his norm. He bids his mother farewell, promising to update her on his arrival in Stellenbosch. As Greg embarks on the long journey, he reminisces about the towns he passes. A wave of regret overcomes him as he reflects on past events, including his hacking exploits under the tutelage of Eckardt Wilken, which led to the exposure of a scandal named ‘Project Nursery Rhyme.’ This project involved viral manipulations of flu shots that caused multiple deaths. The scandal crippled Greg's family, emotionally more than financially due to their safety net of trust funds. Greg's reminiscence includes a tense farewell at his old school, Lawson College, where he faced mockery and confrontation from former friends and peers who betrayed him. There, Greg is reminded of the dark actions of his father that led to the downfall of their family. Despite the pain, Greg steels himself for the future, leaving behind his past at Sandhurst, emboldened by the regrets and looking forward to his new life in Stellenbosch. Greg Owen reminiscing about past events. He recalls memories of his friend Plank, who is attending Maties, a university to which Greg himself is now headed. Plank, known for his relaxed demeanor and comical outlook, had often teased Greg about joining him at Maties, known to have "the most beautiful girls." As Greg continues on his journey to Stellenbosch, he reflects on more serious events, including the image of his father standing in the dock of the High Court in Pretoria, accused of murder and terrorism. He remembers the lawyers passionately fighting against these main charges. He also recalls witnessing a peculiar scene within the public gallery: A woman with shoulder-length black hair and a stern face, who did not seem like a journalist like many others in the courtroom. This mystery woman, present only once, continues to linger in his memory. Later on, Greg arrives in Beaufort West after a long drive: Over nine hours on the road, having had little sleep. He opts to stop over for the night at a guest house in the town where he sees the darker sides of the idyllic looking town: proliferating truck tra[ic, prostitutes including children lingering near truck stops, commonly walking with older men—portraying a harsh image of poverty. In his poignant journey, laden with past regrets and reflections, Greg's memories and experiences shape his narrative, intertwining tales of comradery, family disarray, legal turmoil, and grim societal realities. His decision to move ahead, leaving past burdens behind, sees him firmly steering towards new beginnings in Stellenbosch. 2 Chapter 3 We find Greg Owen moving to Stellenbosch with high hopes to find peace. His morning is disrupted by a talkative old lady at a B&B who interrogates him about his role in a notorious crime perpetrated by his family. Understandably irritated by her probing, Greg storms out of the B&B and continues his journey. He drives through the South African landscapes, up through Laingsburg, Matjiesfontein, the Hex River mountains and finally reaches the bustling town of Stellenbosch, renowned for its university, wine regions and mountain ranges. Navigating the busy roads, Greg heads to his newly rented studio apartment, located in Van Riebeeck Street, a hotspot for restored guest houses. Upon his arrival, he encounters three students – Chloe, Kiana, and Lizmari. Greg welcomes their friendly banter, quelling his rising resentment aggravated by his earlier encounter. Despite his stern demeanor, Chloe volunteers to be Greg's girlfriend, adding a touch of light humor to the situation. Greg takes us through his new fully furnished apartment that comes equipped with modern amenities and a scenic view. As he settles in, he’s visited by his friend Plank, who teases him with old school romantic entanglements and their shared hacking adventures. Ignoring his unpacking, Plank insists on taking Greg for a pizza and a beer, warmly welcoming him to “Matieland” – local slang for the town of Stellenbosch. The chapter encapsulates his new life, highlighting his anticipation for a fresh start and the obstacles he faces due to his tainted family history. Chapter 4 Greg Owen's adaptation to student life in Stellenbosch. Greg, who moves to the town in the hopes of escaping his troubled past, is trying to blend into his new surroundings alongside his friend Plank. He receives his university books from Van Schaik Bookstore, participates in first year orientation week activities, gets assigned a mentor, takes campus tours, and indulges in the vibrant student life centered in "Neelsie" - a thriving student hub. One day, Chloe, a comically assertive character, insists that Greg take part in a street theatre event called "Vensters," a mix of music, dance, and drama centered around social awareness issues. Despite his initial disdain for the idea, Greg eventually immerses himself in the practice sessions, painting backdrops and bonding with fellow students. In between his newfound place in the student community, Greg crosses paths with a stern-faced woman whose identity and intentions seem mysterious, piquing his anxiety about his past being dragged into the limelight. During the evening of the "Vensters" event, Greg feels overwhelmed by the booming energy and jovial atmosphere of the gathering, which triggers a wave of self-consciousness and emotional turmoil within him. He feels unable to go on stage, reflecting a stark juxtaposition between his somber past and the lighthearted present. A drunk student recognizing Greg as "the guy who turned his father in" adds to his discomfort. The chapter concludes with Greg in a state of desolation, feeling like an outsider despite being amidst a crowd, his past once again rising into the foreground of his existence. The tug between Greg's desire to start fresh and the haunting demons of his past form the central theme of this chapter. 3 Chapter 5 Follows Greg Owen's initial encounters with student life at the University of Stellenbosch, specifically his adaptation to sports science studies, social integrations, and personal challenges. Greg's Studies are substantial with significant course load, including psychology, physiology, sociology, and information literacy. The study material's extent confounds him, lending mystery to how previous students coped. As the student portal supplies him with his course schedule, the volume of work starts to hit home, painting a clear picture of the daunting academic journey ahead. Struggling to balance his academic commitments with his personal life responsibilities, Greg experiences a massive culture shock in the first few weeks. His life is filled not only with masses of information to memorize but also the essential tasks of provision, maintenance, and self-care. In managing his daily life, Greg has to grapple with feelings of alienation and confusion even among those he has come to know well and a constant reminder of the loss and hardships of his past. Meanwhile, Greg's friend Plank continues his happy-go-lucky approach to life, sharing his new love interest, Lisa. However, when Greg finally meets her, Lisa's father recognizes him unexpectedly and warns him to stay away from her, hinting at his notoriety related to his father's case. Greg's past, it seems, still casts a long shadow over his present, a[ecting his relationships and peace of mind. Feeding into his fear of being "found out" and marginalized, this episode rekindles his sense of being perpetually out-of-place, raising questions about his future in the university and beyond. This chapter continues to establish Greg's journey as intensively personal, heavily burdened by his troubled history, and marked by a constant pressure to reconcile with a past he would rather leave behind. Chapter 6 Presents Greg torn by guilt for damaging his friend Plank's potential relationship with a girl named Lisa, due to his notorious past being exposed. They discuss their struggles with their fathers' legacies while dining at Neelsie, a student gathering place. Greg talks about carrying his father's stigma, feeling that he never can escape it, despite moving a thousand kilometers away from home. Greg thinks they are becoming clones of their fathers, carrying the labels doing their deeds. Plank gives Greg a reality check, reminding him that he can't change the past or rescue his father from prison. Greg considers a slim chance of his father's appeal being successful, but Plank insists that Greg focus on the present and live his own life. Grateful for Plank's blunt honesty, Greg apologizes and promises to make amends, to which Plank replies, "Kom ons sê maar net jy skuld my een." After the meeting, Greg considers the possibility of reducing his father's punishment by targeting 'the Baker', another person involved in the terrorism and murder with the deadly virus, equally guilty but not yet caught as the police couldn’t identify him. Greg thinks that attempting to find the Baker's identity could help his father, seeing it as a penance. As his idea takes shape, he ends the day in front of his laptop, determined to solve the mystery of the Baker and bring him to justice. 4 Chapter 7 Delves into Greg Owen's commitments towards finding the person known as 'the Baker', who is associated with his father's crimes. Trolliper created the virus spread through flu vaccines, suggesting a background in pharmacology, diseases and virology. All Greg has, however, are scant details and an old e-mail records. Trolliprch for the Baker leads him to browse through news reports and photographs featuring his father. One photograph portrays his father with Dr. Rian Trollip, a man he vaguely remembers from a party held at his home. Trollipbrother, John, found Dr. Trollip creepy, particularly due to his knobby, veiny hands. Unfortunately, the website for PlusUltraMed, the front company for Project Nursery Rhyme, is unavailable. However, Greg uses the Wayback Machine, an internet archive, to recover the company's old webpage and the org chart that precedes its shutdown. To his shock, he finds Dr. Trollip's photograph on the old webpage. Digging deeper, he finds news articles concerning Dr. Trollip's arrest for involvement in child pornography and his subsequent suicide in jail. It suddenly strikes Greg that Dr. Trollip could be the 'Baker' he is looking for. Worryingly though, he may be searching for a man who is already dead. College life continues alongside Greg's search, but his infamous past cause whispers and sideways glances among his peers. His mother sends a message about going away for a week without reception, leading him to slide back his attention to his studies. The chapter ends with Greg deeply troubled about the possibility of the Baker being the deceased Dr. Trollip. Chapter 8 Begins with Greg overhearing a lively conversation between Chloe and her friends about the future of baby-making, which triggers his thoughts about a particular newspaper article he'd read, related to Dr. Trollip's death. His curiosity pushes him to cyber-sleuth more on the late Dr. Trollip. Although Greg doesn't find much, he discovers a contact number associated with a cancer fundraising event, presumably belonging to Mrs. Trollip. He decides to call the number, but hangs up and contemplates whether to try again considering the sensitive nature of his inquiry. O[handedly dialed, Mrs. Trollip returns his call an hour later. Greg, taken aback, stutters through his introduction and his relation to his infamous father, media magnate Chris Owen. He proceeds to subtly inquire about her husband's possible connection to his father's crimes and Project Nursery Rhyme, as well as his role as 'the Baker'. Mrs. Trollip then abruptly hangs up the call, leading Greg to wonder if she knows something. Moreover, his attempts to reach her prove futile as she then blocks his number. Despite the setback, Greg persistently contacts others associated with Mrs. Trollip and her deceased husband. His search, however, keeps leading to dead ends – a maddening maze with more questions than answers. This relentless hunt, in absence of a clear resolution, leaves Greg feeling trapped in what he metaphorically describes as a 'dark pattern,' reminiscent of unreachable customer service strategies used on some major websites. 5 Chapter 9 Greg Owen becomes acquainted with a fellow student Dain February. Dain attempts to make Greg feel more comfortable at college by acknowledging his notorious past and asserting that it doesn't matter to him; they are all part of the same community. Greg meets with Dirk Schutte, Lisa's father, later in the day. Dirk, a former policeman, presses Greg about his involvement in hacking activities. Greg admits that he is still hacking but insists it was initially just an attempt to see if he could. Dirk then admits his behavior at their previous encounter was unjust, extending an apology to Greg. Dirk expresses regret for his own past in the police force, sharing that he had to retire due to too much stress. He subsequently warms to Greg and invites him for a 'proper date.' Throughout the chapter, Greg continues to grapple with his notoriety due to his past, even as he tries to navigate the new social landscape of college and deal with the unexpected encounter with Dirk. Chapter 10 Greg receives a voice message from Plank, expressing relief that his relationship with Lisa has been eased by Greg's conversation with Dirk. Greg's academic day ends without additional encounters, averting away from overly social situations. On his way back to his apartment, he senses an unmissable smell of smoke indicating a distant wildfire. Arriving at his apartment, he is stopped by a security guard who hands over a package addressed to him. Greg signs the delivery register and hurries to his apartment, greeted by the warmth and cleanliness maintained by Doortjie, his cleaner. Soon, Plank knocks on his door, and upon entering, he laments about his rotten day filled with disputes. He reveals that Lisa has come across his active profile on Tinder, leading to another fallout. Plank voices frustration at his life while Greg commences working on his laptop, brushing aside Plank's histrionics to some extent. Plank then alerts Greg to a man observing their apartment from the street below. Greg dismisses Plank's concerns, despite not feeling sure himself. Drawn to the courier box, Greg opens it to find a letter giving hint to his pursuit of 'the Baker,' the accomplice in his father's crimes. Plank is surprised to find Greg still enmeshed with his family's criminal past. Despite Plank's concerns, Greg persists in his determination to bring 'the Baker' to justice. On further uncovering of the box, they find another envelope containing an aged notebook with partial burn marks, cryptic notes, diagrams, and numbers. The last page of the notebook bears a single word: Valkyrie. This discovery signals the beginning of a new clue in Greg’s relentless pursuit, adding further mystery to the enigma of 'the Baker.' Greg's relentless quest to resolve his father's criminal history continues to dominate his experience in Stellenbosch. 6 Chapter 11 Greg unable to sleep due to the mysterious notebook labelled "Valkyrie". He searches the term online and found it linked to Norse mythology, referring to female entities deciding who lives or dies in battle. He associates these entities with the Baker's crimes. In his daily life, Greg is su[ering from exhaustion. His classmate, Dain, o[ers him a pill to help with focus, claiming it to be Ritalin. Greg, however, doesn't consume it. He notices a biker observing him from afar. Feeling paranoid, Greg packs a small bag for his weekend trip to Johannesburg. He drives to the airport, checks in without hassle, and deals with a minor delay. An encounter with an inquisitive woman at the airport leads Greg to connect with a young boy, Msizi. They bond over a shared interest in hacking, then Greg falls asleep on the plane to Johannesburg. On arrival, he heads to his Uber, engages in small talk with the driver, and proceeds to his Sandhurst home. He arrives late at night, finding his mom's room and the porch lit. Upon entering his house, Greg is met with a shocking surprise, concluding the chapter on a suspenseful note. Chapter 12 Greg returns home to Sandhurst and finds a strange man, André, in his house. It turns out that during Greg's absence, his mother struck up a relationship with André. Feeling shocked and betrayed, Greg confronts his mother who admits she was lonely and that there are more secrets in their family than Greg knows. The next morning, Greg embarks on a di[icult journey to Kgosi Mampuru II prison where his father is being held. He brings a bag of hamburgers, which are inspected meticulously by the guards. Once inside, he encounters his father who is physically diminished and fundamentally changed by his time in prison. Their conversation is guarded and tense; they're no longer father and son as they once knew each other. His father eventually lashes out bitterly at him for tarnishing their family name, suggesting that it was Greg who got him imprisoned. Apologizing after his outburst, they endure an uncomfortable silence, with Greg torn between guilt and resentment. In the second half of chapter 12 of "Donker Web," Greg and his father finish their tense discussion. His father's hands, formerly wellmanicured, are now rough and dirty. Greg wants to assist his father by tracking down 'the Baker', the still at large accomplice to his father's crimes; however, his father sternly warns him not to pursue. Despite his father's warning, Greg insists that he's already begun his search, urging his father to help. His father definitively refuses. Business hours end abruptly, leaving Greg's questions about 'the Baker' and also the mysterious 'Valkyrie' unanswered. Before his father leaves, there is a glimmer of fear in his eyes. Greg then sees an emaciated Dok Pienaar, the former principal of Lawson College, who was also charged alongside his father, glowering at him from behind the visitor's booth glass. Greg escapes from him and from the prison, his resolve to find 'the Baker' intact despite his chest of swirling emotions. He is now more determined than before; the secrecy tied to 'the Baker' is damaging his relationship with his father and contributing to his feelings of guilt and conflict. This leads Greg to ignore his father's glaring warning against pursuing 'the Baker'. 7 Chapter 13 Greg returned home to find a red car parked outside, stirring his initial suspicion. After observing the vehicle, he recognizes the woman inside, Nicole. With her dishevelled appearance and weary demeanour, there's a stark change in her usually composed facade. Nicole has a visibly captive newborn wrapped up in her arms. This confirms previously heard rumour of Nicole having a baby. Seeing Nicole, Greg is struck by a wave of surprise and concern. The child, named Colette, is briefly passed to Greg by Nicole, who is visibly struggling with parenthood, her body language revealing her unspoken pain. Nicole admits the child has no father, the result of a one-night stand. Her admission veils a mix of raw courage and plain rawness. Both share the discomfort of their once shared history becoming uncomfortable memory, especially with Greg's revelation about his feelings for Nicole now in the past. But Nicole's unwelcome visit comes with another surprise— an intention. Despite her parents' disapproval, she hoped they could rekindle their past relationship. Greg, however, is helpless to assist. In the end, their connection can be felt but only as a remnant of the past. Greg returns to Stellenbosch only to find his apartment trespassed. Spotting red (presumably blood) inscriptions - a warning - on a glass surface left by a trespasser, he realizes the intruder must be the Baker, and that he's now a likely target. Driven by necessity, Greg ponders seeking the help of Xander Gericke, fearing betrayal, as Xander once ruined his family's reputation. Greg struggles with the troubling idea, torn between necessity and the bitter memory of past treachery. 8 Chapter 14 Greg faces a di[icult decision regarding contact with the infamous Xander Gericke. He ends up at a party hosted by the Lawsons, where he's uncomfortable and reflective, perceiving everything as false and calculated. Despite attempts to stay aloof, he finds himself conversing with Sebastian Stadler, an older man with emotional depth, evoking sentiments of nostalgia and sadness. Greg opens up about his father's situation to Stadler, making him feel oddly guilty for sharing personal matters with a stranger. The story is interrupted by Thomas Lawson, host and a figure with ties to Greg's father, who belittles and rebukes Greg in a disturbing discussion, leading Greg to consider an ominous connection between Lawson and his father. Bidding farewell to Stadler, Greg's left with vague advice about perceiving good and evil in individuals. He leaves the party, with a renewed commitment to his hacktivist plan and the pursuit of Xander Gericke, haunted by the uncertainties surrounding his brother John's death, his father's actions, and the disturbing encounter at the party. At the end of Chapter 14, Greg discovers his father's questionable involvement in John's death through pills connected to PlusUltraMed, a pharmaceutical company the father had connections with. This raises a horrific suspicion about his father's possible direct or indirect role in John's death. Despite his mother's denial, Greg is convinced his father played a part in the tragic event, reinforcing his resolve to continue his sleuthing. He's determined to unmask the truth, despite the unnerving implications and potentially dangerous paths he must tread. In the remaining section of Chapter 14, Greg discovers his father's possible complicity in his brother's death through a link to a pharmaceutical company his father was connected to, PlusUltraMed. This horrific suspicion shakes Greg as he elicits a denial from his mother, further magnifying his guilt and resolve to find out the truth. Late on a Friday night, Greg, ignoring his better judgement, logs into a website he used during his high school hacking days, www.Ekk-0s_underworld.co.za, reigniting a trail he'd left cold. He navigates through the pages like an old hand, coming across an unsettling blog entry by Xander which suggests Xander knew his system was compromised. Despite the pressing warning to turn back, Greg reaches out to Xander with a new blog entry, asking for help. He then anxiously waits for his response the next morning, hoping he hasn't opened a can of worms. As Stellenbosch wakes up, Greg is met with a cryptic response from Xander, adding more intrigue to his quest. Despite all, Greg continues to tread this dangerous path, driven by unresolved guilt and a burning desire to unmask his father's crimes. 9 Chapter 15 Greg is puzzled by an incomprehensible message from Xander Gericke that appears to be in Greek. It turns out to be a palindrome, which upon Googling translates to "Wash the sins o[, not just the face." Greg concludes that Xander might be making a veiled request for a confession before providing help. Infuriated, Greg shuts his laptop. He arranges a brunch meeting at De Warenmarkt with his friend Plank, hoping a fully stomach might clear his thoughts. To his surprise, Plank shows up with Lisa, his love interest. The trio share a light-hearted, flirtatious conversation, with Greg and Lisa playfully teasing Plank about his eccentric habits and quirks. After the brunch, Greg feels lighter and manages to pen a raw and honest confession to Xander. In it, he acknowledges his father's heinous deeds, including the unleashing of a deadly virus and having a hand in Xander's father's death. He also admits his guilt of living o[ undeserved wealth possibly obtained illicitly, expresses despair about his brother's suicide, his mother's secret relationship, and his image as a "spoilt brat." He asks Xander if this confession satisfies him and whether he would now o[er his help. Chapter 16 Greg's anxious wait for a response from Xander Gericke. Despite no forthcoming reply, he persists, flickers of desperation seen in his desperate follow-up message. Greg's dull routine, divided between studies and futile attempts at sociability with Plank and Lisa, is disrupted by an unexpected encounter. Greg crosses paths with a blast from the past, Tom, who once helped Xander launch a social engineering attack. Recognizing Greg, Tom gestures him to follow, which he does, despite apprehensions about possible traps. The duo ultimately reaches Stellenbosch's central landmark, the NG Moederkerk. Therein, Tom reveals disturbing truths about hundreds being entombed beneath the church, including famed pastors and patriarchs of Afrikaans families. Amidst this morbid setting and tales, Greg enquires about Xander, to which Tom confirms he was indeed sent by Xander. Their conversation reveals hints of Xander's whereabouts in cyberspace and his continued indulgence in hacking. Despairing, Greg pleads for Xander's help, even o[ering money. However, Tom dismisses his o[ers, revealing Xander's wealth earned through early adoption of cryptocurrency. Greg's pleas of forgiving Xander's past wrongs fall on deaf ears, with Tom's final negation leaving Greg staring at his dwindling hope, disappearing in broad daylight. 10 Chapter 17 Greg struggles with the apparent rejection by Xander and feels defeated. To distract himself, he examines a burned, cryptic book that someone sent him. The delicate pages contain a name – Brodi – and other scarcely legible fragments, like: Cantha, D3 or D8, azid, and oxon, which he makes a mental note of. His investigation is interrupted by the surprise arrival of his friends, Plank and Lisa; followed by Chloe, adding an unexpected dinner party ambiance. In the conversation that ensues, Chloe expresses interest in Greg’s hacking abilities for a potential art project. Lisa points out that Greg had promised her father he no longer hacks, to which he paradoxically admits he's currently busy with something. As he discloses his plan to locate 'the Baker', Plank displays discomfort reminding him of the past trouble he's caused. The jovial gathering ends, leaving Greg alone to ruminate and attempt studying, yet he falls asleep over his textbook. The next day unfolds as usual until he encounters a crowd near a bridge on his way out. He fights his way through, only to be confronted with a horrifying sight: a dead body, bound, with blue skin - his shirt emblazoned with the logo of Anonymous - lying in the riverbed. This shock pushes Greg deep into a chilling realization, reinforcing his grim motivation. Chapter 18 Greg experiencing a distressing change in his life. He discovers the lifeless body of Tom, who had been alive and scornfully looking at him the previous day. The surroundings turn into a crime scene as police arrive to collect evidence and Greg captures the grim scene in a video on his phone. Disturbed by the bloodied sight of Tom's lifeless eyes, he leaves the scene to attend his late class at the Sport Science building. Entering late into the lecture, Greg gets singled out by an unfamiliar lecturer, an elderly man named Professor Kabi, who questions him on the topic of sports enhancers and their regulation. Greg's response causes amusement in the class but earns him the professor's disapproval. Despite feeling disturbed by the tragic scene he had earlier witnessed and dealing with the reactions from the professor, Greg manages to take a seat and pay attention to the class. He learns that the professor was a guest and started to doubt whether the murder of Tom was orchestrated by "the Baker" for him to find. Caught in his thoughts, he ignores the professor's lecture and messages Plank about the horrendous scene. After the class, as Greg contemplates the events, his day takes a terrifying turn when he receives an unexpected notification on Dropbox, revealing photos of his mother taken at the mall, causing a surge of fear for his mother’s safety and a sharp increase in the mystery surrounding Tom's murder and "the Baker". 11 Chapter 19 Greg's mother boosting security at home, rarely leaving unless accompanied by André, prompting Greg's worry over a potential parental divorce. Greg feels burdened with another likely family misery, assuming his father remains oblivious to André's presence in his mother's life. Meanwhile, Greg busies himself with his studies, rugby practices, and attempts at socializing, finding solace on the field. Greg gets no news from Xander, the red-lipped journalist, nor the biker. Around this time, newspapers report Tom's death, still under a pseudonym as the police seek for his relatives. During his usual routine, Greg spots a man dressed in a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers - standing motionlessly, his gaze aimed directly at Greg. He recognizes physical features similar to Eckardt’s or maybe Xander’s. The man abruptly turns and dashes away, prompting Greg to pursue him, narrowly avoiding the onslaught of oncoming cars. Greg chases him through the Botanical Garden, crossing footbridges, and even scaling over fences. Xander remains ahead, eventually disappearing among the university buildings and the students at the library plaza. Despite Greg's desperate e[orts, Xander evades him, leaving him once again engulfed in uncertainty. Chapter 20 Greg Owen feels increasingly fragmented and overwhelmed, especially with impending examinations. He seeks out his friend, Plank, at his dormitory known as "Wilgenhof" which is traditionally seen as a repetition of paternal residency. Greg communicates with Plank about his most recent, quite frantic encounter with the elusive Xander Gericke, also known as Eckardt Wilken. Despite Plank's skepticism about Xander being alive and his suggestion to leave the past behind, Greg voices his suspicion over Xander's potential involvement with the murder of Tom. A downtrodden Greg retires to his flat and struggles with his conscience over using a performance-enhancing drug, Ritalin, provided by university peer Dain. He chooses to take the pill to study, experiencing probable side-e[ects of anxiety, fast heart rate, and irritability. In the midst of studying late into the night, he receives an anonymous, unsettling message for a meeting next morning. After a short, restless sleep, Greg heads to the meeting spot, an information center, early in the morning. Here, he overhears a heated argument between a woman named Brunhilda and a prisoner called Julian. As Greg waits apprehensively for the sender of the anonymous message to appear, he receives a disturbing shout-outs, from inside the cell, about "the Baker," threatening him and his father's safety. Greg is left in an increased state of alarm and suspense, amplifying his anxieties and fears for whatever lies ahead. 12 Chapter 21 Dives into a distressed Greg Owen tackling a challenging physiology exam while preoccupied with an anonymous threat. He contemplates on alerting his family about the menacing message, though worries about inducing panic or he himself doesn't know how to reach his father—who is in prison. Greg is constantly being watched and followed by an unknown man in a black car, driving him to increase his speed and finally take refuge at a nearby police station. Finding a brief respite, Greg diverts to his friend Lisa's house, where he has a deep discussion with her father, Dirk, an ex-policeman. In an intense exchange, Greg shares his pursuit of 'the Baker'—a mystery man linked to his father's crimes, the threats received from inmates, and hiring Xander Gericke who sent another hacker, Tom—the recently murdered character in the story. Dirk advices Greg to inform his mother to contact him in case of any trouble and promises to alert Greg's father about the potential danger in prison. He compares Greg's escalating situation to the ancient Greek legend of the Gordian Knot—a complex problem needing an innovative solution. With this meeting, Greg Owen, despite his troubles, rejects the idea of quitting, understanding that his actions might be against a wall of complications, like the Gordian Knot. Chapter 22 Greg Owen reflects on the Gordian knot—a complex, unsolvable problem—and its connection to Alexander the Great. Struck by the similarity of the name "Xander" to "Alexander," he intuits that Xander Gericke is crucial in resolving his own ensnarled mystery regarding 'the Baker'. Although frightened, Greg resolves to continue his pursuit. However, his ongoing responsibilities are not forgotten, including mundane tasks such as laundry and ordering food from Uber Eats. His stress levels have left him mentally drained, unable to ignore the persistent fatigue. To cope, he reaches out to his classmate Dain for more Ritalin, despite knowing the potential risks. When he meets Dain for the pick-up, he remains on high alert, constantly observing his surroundings for suspicious figures. Later, Greg receives a cryptic email urging him to download the Telegram app and continue their conversation there. After researching the app, Greg agrees and signs up under the username "G-4 ce." When he receives a chilling video of Xander’s father, Judge Gericke, being assaulted—shot up close and lit by a flashlight— his heart races. The harrowing video reveals assailants violently attacking the helpless man, making derogatory comments and pleas for mercy, justifying their actions as payback for some broken deal. The voice of one of the attackers belongs to Dok Pienaar, further thickening the atmosphere of fear and intrigue. The chapter ends with Greg in a state of shock, struggling to comprehend the graphic and terrifying video, his breath caught in his chest. 13 Chapter 23 Follows Greg as he grapples with his emotions after viewing an horrific video in which a judge is brutally murdered by the sinister character, Dok Pienaar. Greg is shaken and deeply a[ected, the video strips away a layer of his humanity as it graphically demonstrates the extent of Dok's malevolence - far exceeding Greg's worst imaginations. This experience solidifies the urgent necessity of their quest. Desperate for fresh air, he steps onto his balcony, haunted by the chilling images of the pitiless murder. His interaction with Xander on Telegram increases his feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction. Xander suggests they intensify their e[orts to track down 'the Baker,' and Greg agrees, despite his growing concerns about Xander's possible inclination for revenge. Xander informs Greg that instead of visiting him, Greg should come to Xander's location. But rather than disclose his address, Xander tells Greg that he will send two packages. Their entire discussion and the gruesome video mysteriously vanish from the Telegram chat. Greg spirals into an anxious waiting period, always keeping someone nearby and giving a spare key to Plank who stays over a couple of nights, sometimes with Lisa. In due course, Greg receives package one at his apartment security; a laptop. However, its password remains unknown to Greg. Two days later, package two arrives. Surrounded by bubble wrap, is another smaller package bearing the words: "Dangerous Things". This chapter ends on a suspenseful note, leaving Greg, and the reader, intrigued and anxious about the contents of the second parcel. Chapter 24 Greg becomes increasingly alarmed as he uncovers the contents of the second package. His unease grows when he finds an electronic chip enveloped in plastic labeled "xNT NFC Tag," two packs of alcohol wipes, sterile gauze for wound care, plaster, plastic gloves, and an ominous looking plastic injection device. Checking the sender's website, www.dangerousthings.com, introduces him to the world of biohacking, transponders, and bio magnets. The photos on the site reveal that the chip he has is meant to be implanted into one's body. The information provided educates Greg about RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, and a community known as 'grinders' who frequently experiment with biohacking technology. Overwhelmed yet intrigued, Greg pieced together that once the transponder is planted in him, it would enable an electronic lock to identify him – rendering keys unnecessary. He experiments with the transponder unsuccessfully trying to unlock the secured laptop. Despite his initial refusal, Greg's interaction with Xander forces him to consider biohacking to win his trust. Greg agrees to implant the transponder once he envisions a plan involving his friend, Chloe. Unbeknownst to her, she is pivotal for executing this plan. Despite the implicit dangers and personal apprehensions, Greg takes a deep breath ready to deal with the terrifying prospect of becoming a biohack guinea pig, heralding a nervewracking turn of events in the story. 14 Chapter 25 Sees Greg, who is also referred to as “Sluiper,” visiting his friend and fellow student Chloe's apartment for the first time. Having recently received a biohacking kit from the dangerous Xander, Greg enlists Chloe's help to fake the procedure. He is meant to show proof of implanting an RFID chip, referred to as "the transponder," into his hand to gain Xander's trust. They decide to instead take a photograph of Greg's hand and alter it in Photoshop to make it appear as though the procedure was completed. They go through a process of creating a realistic-looking implantation site using various Photoshop tools and tactics. After Greg instructs Chloe to remove her personal information that might be included in the metadata of the photo, they finalize it to send to Xander. Greg returns to his dwelling, meeting students protesting university policies on the way. He finds his apartment door already open upon his arrival, triggering alarm and paranoia given past break-ins. Hearing a sound from his bathroom, Greg readies a knife from his kitchen, only to find his friend Plank covered in blood. Plank had, in a likely drug-induced state, implanted the actual transponder into his own hand. Chapter 26 Begins with a grotesque scene of what appears to be a bloody aftermath in Greg's bathroom due to Plank rashly implanting the bio-transponder from Xander into his own hand. Despite encountering a bloody mess caused by Plank taking the bold step to inject an RFID transponder into his own hand, Greg remains composed and takes over the situation. He treats Plank's wound while reprimanding him for his reckless act, highlighting Plank's characteristic nonchalance and disregard for consequences. Greg, caught between disappointment and shock, realizes the severity of their situation, questioning Plank about his impulsive decision which includes their shared dilemmas with Xander, Lisa and her father Dirk. Despite the pain, Plank maintains his carefree demeaner and the two share a moment of laughter amidst the profound chaos. The chapter ends with a hint of looming uncertainty over their future actions, particularly, on dealing with Xander and the bio-transponder. The implications of Plank's impulsive implantation and the ensuing comedy amid chaos portend the possibility of escalating risks in their pursuit of 'the Baker.' 15 Chapter 27 Sees Greg Owen and Plank involved in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with Xander. Greg sends a manipulated photo to Xander hoping to trick him but is taken aback when Xander informs him that the transponder, now embedded in Plank's hand, has been activated. Xander sends him a video with stringent instructions. He orders Greg to destroy his old laptop and mobile phone, and to prepare to travel to Istanbul on a ticket that Xander will send him via Telegram - all while keeping the new laptop with him. When Plank wakes, Greg shares the news - the transponder in Plank's hand is now the password to access the new computer. Upon discovering this, Plank proposes an outrageous plan to remove the transponder. Greg hastily rejects his ideas, and finally agrees that Plank must accompany him to Istanbul. In haste, the two of them prepare for their unexpected trip. The two friends manage to arrange their passports, e-visas, as well as additional Ritalin from Dain. Greg stores his class notes in the cloud and destroys his old laptop according to Xander's instructions. Keeping a grip on his phone only until they reach the airport, Greg embarks on this mysterious journey, revealing his increasing vulnerability. They part from Lisa at the airport, where she and Plank exchange emotional goodbyes. Greg and Plank's mission to reveal 'the Baker' continues with a heightened sense of urgency and danger. Chapter 28 Begins with Greg Owen and his friend Plank lingering at the airport, awaiting their flight. There, Greg considers the possibility of being watched, contemplating if anyone else might be connected to 'the Baker'. Despite his paranoia, he trusts that Xander would have secured their flight arrangements' confidentiality. Feeling the need to dispose of his phone before the flight, Greg struggles as this act signifies a throwaway culture, a symptom of his modern society. Greg leaves Plank, who is longing for a smoking area, to make a final phone call to his mother. Their conversation revolves around fond reminiscences, her loneliness, and the pain of losing John. Greg informs his mother of his imminent departure, indicating that it's only for a short while, to Turkey, and that his friend Plank is accompanying; his phone would be switched o[ for the duration of his trip. Although he can't disclose specifics, he assures her of his welfare. Before boarding the flight, Greg resets his separate phone to factory settings, disposes of it in a trash can, and places his SIM card in his pocket. Later in the flight, Greg and Plank reach Istanbul and maneuverer through the bustling airport. Greg sends a message to Xander via Telegram, intentionally concealing Plank's presence with him. Xander instructs Greg to meet him at the Basilica Cistern in the Sultanahmet District in two and a half hours. Upon arriving at the bus terminal, they purchase IstanbulKart, a card used in public transport around the city. Greg's constant paranoia persists, leaving him to question his perceived safety despite the ubiquitous security personnel. As they settle into the unknown, their quest led by the elusive 'the Baker' looms ominously over them. 16 Chapter 29 Follows Greg Owen and Plank, through the lively streets of Istanbul marked by various odors, from the sea and exhaust fumes to fresh bread, co[ee, and flowers. Despite being near significant touristic sites like the massive Hagia Sophia Museum, they are heading to the Basilica Cistern ("Versonke Paleis"), as directed by Xander. After paying the entrance fee and leaving Plank outside, Greg descends into the underground structure, awestruck by the sight of illuminated, marble columns rising from the water. He is overpowered by the eerie atmosphere, thanks to the sound of dripping water echoing against the stone walls and ominous music that rolls around the vast space. His attention is drawn to the decapitated statue of Medusa, one of the underworld's three Gorgon sisters, whose sight once petrified men into stone. Her representations supposedly protect properties from evil. As he navigates, Greg is overtaken by a wave of anxiety, caused by the impending meeting with Xander and the realizations of the measures he has undertaken to confront the man who has shattered his family. His fearful premonition begins materializing when he suddenly hears Xander's voice, echoing from his memory, causing a shudder. He proceeds deeper into the dark, realizing the severity of meeting the person he suspects perpetrated these crimes against his family. With every passing moment, Greg senses the urgency, constantly checking for Xander among the throng of visitors. The chapter ends with the voice from Greg’s past finally emerging from the shadows, marking the awaited encounter. Chapter 30 Descends into intense tension as Greg finds himself confronting Xander. Recognizing former similarities with his deceased brother John, Greg is hit with the realization that there is now nothing left of John in Xander. Initially fearing Xander may draw a weapon, Greg is momentarily relieved when Xander shows his open hands. As terse exchanges ensue, Greg reluctantly agrees with Xander's self-assured claims of being right. In an eerie setting characterized by dripping water and a foreboding atmosphere, they enter a verbal stando[, both hesitant to make any considerable move. Suddenly, Xander firmly grabs Greg and pulls him away from an area that is now collecting a crowd of tourists. The tension escalates as they discuss the laptop and the 'Medusa pillar.' Memories from a day on a beach in Je[reys bay intervene, hinting at another unsolved piece of their shared past. Xander asks about the laptop Greg had been instructed to bring, and about his old laptop and cell phone, both ordered to be destroyed. Greg assures him of his compliance, but when Xander hands him a new cell phone, he tests Greg for the implantation of the RFID chip, only to find out that the transponder isn’t implanted into Greg's hand. Recognizing Greg’s betrayal, Xander abruptly ends their uneasy alliance. When Greg o[ers money as reparation, Xander discards Greg's plea. Greg is left with bitter disappointment and the sinking realization that he and Plank are now left to uncover 'the Baker's' identity on their own in a foreign land. 17 Chapter 31 Follows Greg Owen and his friend Plank in Istanbul, reeling from the explosive events that led to the sudden end of their alliance with Xander. Having discovered that the RFID chip is inside Plank's hand instead of Greg's, Xander deserts them, leaving them struggling to determine their next move. Greg and Plank manage to maintain their camaraderie in the foreign city despite their precarious situation. With their inquiries regarding 'the Baker' suspended temporarily, they explore the city, eating local cuisine, and even discuss their aspirations for the future, envisaging future families, children, and normal lives away from the chaos they currently inhabit. Their conversation is unexpectedly interrupted by the reappearance of Xander, who reveals that he's been convinced by someone named Ayla to provide them a second chance. The chapter culminates with Xander giving Greg a final opportunity to continue their mission, leaving them with more questions, notably the identity of the persuasive Ayla. With this new lifeline thrown to them, Greg and Plank are left torn between the necessity and danger of their continuing pursuit of 'the Baker' Chapter 32 Begins when Greg, Plank, and Xander arrive in Balat, a district in Istanbul. After walking through a colourful neighbourhood, they arrive at Xander's residence, hidden behind vibrant plants. The apartment has a rustic yet comfortable ambiance. Xander leads Greg and Plank around, indicating the living room, kitchen, main bedroom and a loft bedroom. The location of the loft presents an alluring view of the Golden Horn's water body. Greg, choosing the loft bedroom for himself, brings up Xander's supposed a[luence; Xander doesn't appreciate his curiosity. Suddenly, a woman named Ayla appears, greeting them warmly in both English and Afrikaans. She is strikingly beautiful, with mysterious eyes and long dark brown hair. Ayla reveals she speaks Afrikaans because her father was South African, surprising the men. Ayla's parents worked for Doctors Without Borders, and though she studied in Johannesburg, she is originally from Turkey with no plans of returning to South Africa. Their conversation is interrupted when Xander returns with homemade lemonade. Greg and Plank savor the refreshing drink while Ayla leans back, hiding a smirk, raising an aura of suspense around her. 18 Chapter 33 Presents a challenging conversation among Greg, Plank, Ayla, and Xander. Xander takes charge, initiating a discussion about the elusive 'Baker'. While reluctant to trust Xander, Greg divulges what he knows, admitting that the police have no leads. The character of 'the Baker' is now considered by the group to potentially be an unknown man or woman, an expert in creating deadly flu viruses. Greg uncovers his suspicion about the deceased Dr. Rian Trollip, who worked for PlusUltraMed but denies him being 'the Baker' as he was jailed and later committed suicide. Through flashbacks and explanations, Greg recounts the various encounters and leads that had shaped his hunt for the 'Baker'. He does, however, refrain from mentioning the discovered burnt book, sensing the need to retain some secrets. After the discussion, the group shares a traditional Turkish dinner, which introduces a touch of humor to their grim conversation. The dinner concludes with Xander announcing their course of action – their search for the 'Baker' is moving to the dark web, adding a foreboding edge to their quest. The chapter title, "Prometheus," likely symbolizes Greg's su[erings akin to that of the classic Greek Titan, Prometheus, bound to eternal su[ering for his actions. Greg plunges deeper into his mission, aware of a parallel drawn between his and Prometheus's unremitting predicament. Chapter 34 Greg and his friend Plank find themselves under the guidance of Xander, who suggests they delve into the dangerous underworld of the dark web. Ayla, who is noticeably staying within Xander's boundaries, supports this plan, despite Greg's hesitation. Xander makes a cryptic comment mischievously tying Greg's interest in hacking to his deceased brother's extreme sports. Ayla expresses concern for the dangerous path they are stepping on while adding to the lighter moments together. Greg, Plank, and Xander then begin their deep dive into the dark web, exploring the seemingly endless anonymous activities and possibilities: from obtaining hacked credit cards, to hiring snipers and entering black market trades. Xander guides Greg through the complexities of the dark web such as the use of Tor, multiple server nodes, and anonymous encryption layers. However, encountering horrors, illegal activities and uncomfortable realities in this digital underworld, Greg grapples overwhelmed, before being startled by Ayla's sudden touch on his shoulder. With a focus on locating the elusive 'Baker', they end this chapter still immersed in the grim, secluded universe of the dark web. 19 Chapter 35 Unfolds in the wake of a daunting search for 'the Baker' in the treacherous vastness of the dark web. Greg and Plank, allied alongside Xander and Ayla, consider strategies for baiting the elusive 'Baker' out of hiding. Greg suggests an enticing project proposition related to a new virus, while Ayla introduces the gargantuan Pandoravirus and a 30,000year-old contagious Siberian Ice Virus. Engrossed in their intense brainstorming, they remain oblivious to the chilling dangers their strategy might provoke. This plot intensification underscores the group's willingness to risk even further to expose 'the Baker.' The evident strain on their normal lives also surfaces. For instance, Xander forcefully destroys Plank's phone, citing the reason as surveillance concerns, thereby isolating the friends from the outside world and potential contact with loved ones. Tensions and uncertainties loom as their venture into the foreboding unknown grows darker and more perilous Chapter 36 Greg realizing someone has been rummaging through his luggage. Upon his frantic search, he finds his money, passport, and belongings intact, yet a certain scorched book goes missing. His panic intensifies until Ayla suddenly appears, holding the missing burned book. Upon interrogation by Xander and Ayla, Greg reveals the book was sent to him anonymously when he was still in Stellenbosch, supposedly to aid his pursuit of 'the Baker.' The book appears to belong to someone involved in the shady Project Coast and contains lists of lethal chemicals. Greg's earlier deceit regarding the book's existence prompts Xander to doubt his trustworthiness, adding tension to their uneasy alliance. As this revelation unfolds, Plank enters sleepily, immediately taken aback by the heated atmosphere and the rediscovered burned book, hinting at their quest's growing complexities and dangers. Chapter 37 Depicts an intense confrontation within the Istanbul residence as Greg honestly attempts to rectify his past deceit by apologizing to Xander. Following initial strain, Xander proposes adjusting their plans since Greg's scorched book from Chapter 36 suggests the ‘Baker’ was involved not only in the frightening Nursery Rhyme venture but also in Project Coast. Consequently, their bait need not align with a viral subject as previously conceived, leading them to contemplate other possibilities. Considering this, they resolve to request 'the Baker' to create instead a prohibited substance. After discussions involving Ayla's sceptical but inevitable involvement, they settle on Novichok, a deadly Soviet-era nerve agent associated with high-profile poisoning cases. Despite prevailing paranoia and doubts, especially from Ayla, Xander insists on this precarious path using his extensive dark web experience to maneuver around the typically prohibitive regulations on harmful substances. This chapter illustrates the risky adventures they plunge into despite their fear, maintaining their unique alliance while adding a new level of tension in their quest to unravel mysteries of 'the Baker.' 20 Chapter 38 Greg, Plank, Xander, and Ayla, embarking on a perilous endeavor to expose 'the Baker.' They aim to lure him out by posting a request for Novichok, a lethal nerve agent known to cause severe neurological damage leading to death, on the dark web. As they discuss the fatal substance's horrifying e[ects and its infamous use in real-world assassinations, the risk involved in their mission becomes strikingly palpable. Under Xander's guidance, they place a relatively vague call for help in covert chemical operation on the dark web, keeping their real interest in Novichok hidden. Despite receiving initial negative responses, their plan includes asking directly for a Novichoklike substance in the future, thereby increasing the stakes of their dangerous pursuit. Apart from the mission, the chapter underscores the intense seriousness of their activities on the dark web, including potential risks of detection by governmental bodies if they commit a minor slip. Their actions also covertly places everyone involved like Greg, Plank, and Ayla in great danger, inevitably amplifying the suspense surrounding their plan's success or failure. Chapter 39 Greg, Plank, Xander, and Ayla exploring the dark web forums for traces of the Baker. They tread prudently into Red Rooms, bone-chilling chatrooms orchestrating brutal torture or killing of held individuals. As they await responses to their messages, Xander suggests they visit the "Hagia Sophia," the 'Holy Wisdom' in Istanbul. Adjacent to their first meeting point, the massive museum evokes awe in Greg, who is impressed by the majestic structure, rich with Christian and Muslim symbols. Xander explains the building’s history as a former Christian basilica and mosque and currently a museum. The exploration leads them to face the museum cat, Gli, which holds an Instagram fame. Transitioning back, Xander introduces Greg to fragmented remains of two preceding versions of the Sophia, both impacted by revolts. Xander then remarks on Greg’s blog phrase “Was also the sins o[, not just the face,” indicating the original inscription on one of the old Hagia Sophia’s stone fonts. Xander interprets it as symbolic of purification, death, and rebirth, reflecting on the palindrome's reflective nature. Unsure of Xander's intent, Greg proposes they return home. On their way, they stop for fresh pomegranate juice, its extraction reminding Greg eerily of blood. The point reflects the wavering, cryptic, ominous, and at times, incongruous atmosphere that the quartet must navigate as they delve deeper into uncovering the Baker's identity. 21 Chapter 40 After returning to Xander's residence, Greg, Plank, Xander, & Ayla discuss their operations on the dark web & the responses they've received to their attempts at contacting the Baker, using requests for the illicit nerve agent Novichok as bait. However, the majority of the reactions are dismissals or demands for more information. One response, though, catches their attention, hinting at the potential for "cooking up" what they're asking for, instantly heightening their interest and leading them to consider the sender as a possible identified 'Baker'. Unsatisfied, they press further, with Xander sending additional messages indicating that they are looking for a unique, clandestine chemical concoction, straying away from direct mentions of 'viral loads' which could expose their true intentions. Waiting anxiously for a response, they receive a cryptic message suggesting they 'look Elsewhere,' aligning with a previous response. Viewing 'Elsewhere' as a possible lead, they search for it on 'Grams,' the dark web's equivalent to Google. Amidst the vast search results, one stands out for Greg, making him feel a chilling dread, though what specifically about the result triggers his reaction is left mysterious, keeping the identity of 'the Baker' elusive. Chapter 41 Greg, Plank, Alya & Xander in the depths of the dark web, sifting through cryptic posts on a site called Elsewhere for traces of 'the Baker.' The web page brings an odd story onscreen that vividly describes injecting code into a character named Winston Smith's brain, mixing imagery drawn from George Orwell's '1984' with themes of torment & digital dystopia. Alya identifies this as fanfiction, suggesting it holds deeper meanings or warnings. As they wrestle to understand its connection to 'the Baker,' Greg proposes that themes of torture may align with the horrors of Project Coast & the lethal potential of the flu virus. Struggling with rising fear & attraction for Alya, Greg is inspired to explore coded messages hidden in text fonts, leading towards a tool called FontCode. Their investigation hits a standstill as they need a photograph to use FontCode & Greg's phone had been destroyed. The chilling atmosphere is underscored by music from the Turkish streets, leaving suspense hanging on whether they can uncover 'the Baker' & solve the chilling riddles in their cyber journey. Chapter 42 Greg and Xander begin the day by exploring the cryptic website 'Elsewhere' on the dark web with the aid of the FontCode app. A hidden onion URL leads them to a page advertising the manufacture of banned substances and illegal activities. They reach out to the anonymous figure, aiming to lure out 'the Baker.' After revealing their need for a "specially made chemical product," they endure anxious hours waiting for a response. Despite their fears of being seen as novices, they press on with their risky venture. A shocking response comes later in the day: a message, which acknowledges Greg and Xander by name, triggering an unforeseen wave of apprehension in the duo. The person behind the anonymous figure seems to not only understand their coded language but also knows their identities, increasing the stakes and confirming the deadly game in which they are embroiled. 22 Chapter 43 A chilling message from 'the Baker' disrupts plans for Greg, Plank, Ayla, & Xander. A response to their dark web bait poses considerable threat, intensifying the danger and urgency in their quest. Xander briefly exits, returning with newfound resolve and determination. They start seeking ways to unmask the dark web user's identity, exploring possibilities such as Bitcoin, search bugs, and malware. These attempts prove fruitless, leading only to dead ends and heightening frustration. A sudden idea emerges: Greg proposes luring 'the Baker' to an unsecured area, outside the dark web, by using a simple cat video as bait. The video would require a special codec hidden on the surface web, thus revealing 'the Baker's' identity when he attempts to download it. The team works tirelessly on this innovative plan, concealing any traces on their end. By the next morning, the plan yields results, revealing 'the Baker's' internet protocol address (IP – location on the internet) as located in Florence, thus literally mapping the next step in their pursuit. However, Greg and Plank are unable to proceed due to lack of visas. Despite the mounting danger and unexpected restrictions, their relentless quest to unmask 'the Baker' continues. Chapter 44 Greg, Plank, Ayla, & Xander contending with the obstacle of obtaining Schengen visas to travel to Florence, where they hope to finally confront 'the Baker'. Learning that they would need to return to South Africa to process the applications, the group feels momentarily defeated. Intriguingly, Xander proposes an alternative: acquiring Dutch or Belgian passports from the dark web, bypassing visa necessities. Despite their hesitations, they consent and Xander purchases authentic European passports with Bitcoin, expecting a delivery within ten days. While waiting, their contingency plans proceed with hotel and flexible flight reservations. In a reflective conversation, Greg and Xander discuss the overwhelming influence and double-edged sword of technology. Xander refers to the concept of 'Technium,' suggesting a world where technology's detrimental e[ect on human existence is perceived as an ever-expanding superorganism, perpetually questioning our values, freedoms, and identities. The Techium is portrayed as both a marvel and a danger, capable of both simplifying and complicating human lives, indicating the reality of their predicament in the dark web. As Greg contemplates these profound implications, he's reminded of the disturbing Orwellian fanfiction on 'Elsewhere' which symbolizes the Technium, forcing him to reckon with the costs of technology's ever-increasing all-pervasiveness in their lives. 23 Chapter 45 Greg & Plank continue to dwell in Turkey, where they anticipate for the passports they've ordered through the dark web in order to track 'the Baker' in Florence. Xander constantly monitors the dark web for activity. Despite awaiting potential danger from the Baker, they experience local adventures & explore the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, & sample local cuisine. During one of these strolls, they discuss love & friendship with Plank describing love as a promise of becoming a universe when they're with someone. This leads Greg to acknowledge Plank as a brother figure. But tension rises when Greg's gaze on Ayla is confronted by Plank who claims Ayla belongs to Xander. Meanwhile, Greg's introspection about love leaves him wondering if he'll ever have his universe in someone. The team continues spending time together which is characterized by a subtle tension among them. The anticipated passports finally arrive in a white envelope, looking surprisingly real. With plans to fly to Florence in a day, Plank abruptly pours into their residence, nervously declaring that he's messed up, suggesting unforeseen trouble for the team. Chapter 46 Triggers a crisis when Plank discloses someone sought them due to a security leak. An upset Xander blames Plank for endangering them due to irresponsible communication acts, triggering an intense argument. Tensions erupt as Plank conveys having phoned his girlfriend & befriending a local, Candon. Xander loses control, highlighting Plank's consistent discrepancies, further causing a rift between the group. The chapter reaches a climax when a knock on the door indicates their pursuers have traced their location. In the ensuing chaos, the group decides they must leave the country, causing a division as Xander insists on leaving Plank behind due to his security risks, forcing Greg into a painful decision. Greg convinces Plank to catch up with them in Florence & reluctantly leaves with Xander & Ayla. The chapter concludes with Greg looking back in regret & worry, only to find that Plank has disappeared. 24 Chapter 47 Greg, Xander & Ayla, from Istanbul to Florence. The journey is shrouded in paranoia & anxiety over the pursuit of 'the Baker'. Haunted by guilt over abandoning his friend Plank in Istanbul, Greg grapples with the realization of his actions, likening himself to his father who once chose his brother John over him. A painful memory of his father's preference for John over him during a family crisis resurfaces, intensifying Greg's sense of betrayal & loss. Throughout the flight, he can't help but wish for Plank's sudden return which never comes. He also finds himself reflecting on his past life in Huis Da Vinci, now seeming like a distant memory, as he steps into the unfamiliar surroundings of Florence. Upon reaching Florence, they find a hotel and check-in a day earlier than planned. The team manages to successfully infiltrate 'the Baker's' computer system with a back-door created by a Trojan horse. This leaves Greg teetering on the edge of hope and despair, as gaining access to the elusive man's computer signals significant progress in their dangerous pursuit. With darker shades of the plot twisting & turning, Greg’s overwhelming guilt, fear, and the far-reaching implications of their risky adventure add intense layers to his ongoing journey within the darker layers of the web. Chapter 48 Begins with Greg, Ayla, & Xander dining in a restaurant near an impressive Renaissance building, the Duomo in Florence while contemplating their ongoing search for 'the Baker.' They move past Florence's baptismal chapel, striking for its stunning bronze doors known as the "Gates of Paradise." Returning to the hotel after the meal, Greg sees a cross's shadow reflect on a window inside the Duomo, prompting a silent prayer for Plank's safety despite their heated separation, hoping that Plank is unharmed and will find his way back to them. The chapter sees Greg, despite remorse and worry for Plank, follow through on a decision to explore 'the Baker's' address he discovered through a hidden document in Florence. This decision prompts a thrilling adventure through the city's streets, leading Greg to an apartment block at the given address. Unexpectedly, a resident of the apartment, seemingly 'the Baker', and a woman both stare at him while he stands outside their home, possibly implying their recognition of him. Shaken, Greg high-tails it back to their hotel room, where sleep eventually comes, but not without images of the man and woman haunting his dreams. 25 Chapter 49 Greg, Ayla, & Xander remains in Florence as the quest to find 'the Baker' intensifies. Greg decides to keep his visit to the Baker's residence from the previous night a secret from his allies as it could enrage Xander. Upon discussing Plank's abandonment, Greg and Xander get into a heated argument, sparking anger & increasing tension within their group. Feeling guilty & frustrated, Greg embarks on a lone exploration of the city. During his stroll, Greg stumbles upon a monument of Michelangelo's statue "David." The statue represents striving for perfection in the face of massive challenges, inspiring Greg to resolve his issues with Xander. Back at their hotel, Greg cools down, revealing to Xander & Ayla about his visit to the Baker's home, which triggers more arguments. Greg feels determined to bring the Baker to justice. Greg, Ayla, & Xander visit the baker's residence once again, only to find that the residents have already left the place. A sudden feeling of being followed triggers panic in the group. A black car tails them as they walk through the city. In a bid to escape, the group darts towards a narrow street inaccessible to cars. As they succeed in shaking o[ their tail, Greg glances over his shoulder for a final look, surprised to see someone who resembles Dirk, Lisa's father, behind the wheel. This startling revelation leaves Greg wondering about Dirk's sudden appearance in Florence. Chapter 50 Finds Greg, Xander, & Ayla in Florence, eating local pizzas & discussing the identity of 'the Baker.' Greg informs them that the figure resembling their pursuer from the earlier chapter was Dirk Schutte, Lisa's father. Speculating on Schutte's potential involvement with his father's past, Greg theorizes that Schutte's police background, possible military connections, and extensive network might connect him to 'the Baker.' The trio also contemplates Dirk's possible ties to Project Coast, adding another layer of intrigue to their dangerous quest. Meanwhile, Xander receives a package containing a teddy bear, which conceals a 9mm pistol he'd purchased on the dark web. Xander's new weapon intensifies concerns within the group as he dramatically raises the gun, creating a chilling atmosphere in the room. Chapter 51 Depicts a grim reunion in Florence. Greg, Xander, and Ayla cautiously approach the meeting place - the Palazzo Vecchio. As they draw near, Greg is filled with fear and trepidation. He spots Dirk who had been waiting for him. Dirk, potentially 'the Baker', has summoned him alone, but his companions follow at a safe distance, fearing for his safety. Xander conceals a weapon for precautionary reasons. This wary confrontation, a result of Dirk’s potential involvement in their dangerous pursuit of answers, adds a heightened level of tension. Dirk's appearance, surprisingly calm, exacerbates Greg's anxiety. They meet in a room filled with geographical maps, shifting the tension to a climax as they come face-to-face after their suspicious online exchanges. As the tension builds, Xander prepares to draw a concealed pistol, ready for any threat. Dirk finally breaks the silence with a chilling greeting to Greg, indicating he has bad news, leaving readers in suspense about Greg's situation and 'the Baker's' true identity. 26 Chapter 52 Heightens the tension with Greg, Xander, & Ayla confronting Dirk, whom they suspect to be 'the Baker.' Cutting Dirk's stall tactics short, Greg accuses him of being involved in Project Nursery Rhyme, military bio-chemistry, & stalking him. However, Dirk shocks everyone by revealing that he has been sent by Greg's worried mother to check on him & Plank after they've lost contact with everyone. Dirk also discloses devastating news; in prison, the notorious Dok Pienaar has been murdered, and Greg's father has been seriously attacked, landing him in ICU in stable condition. The shocking revelation leaves Greg in deep despair and regret for not heeding earlier warnings about his father's safety. Despite Dirk's insistence that he is not 'the Baker,' the tension remains palpable, especially when Xander challenges Dirk to drink from his water bottle, possibly suspecting it to be poisoned. In a surprising move, Dirk drinks from the bottle without flinching, defying expectations of his potential threat. Chapter 53 Sees Greg reeling from the news of his father's prison attack & shaken by his encounter at Palazzo Vecchio, triggering his decision to abandon the pursuit of 'the Baker.' Xander argues that Greg now has an even greater reason to continue their dangerous quest. The situation is aggravated as Greg reveals to Dirk Schutte, Lisa's dad & potential 'Baker,' that Plank had to be left behind in Istanbul due to security issues, leading to Dirk's vow to search for him. Xander, Ayla, & Greg remain poised to proceed in their pursuit, despite the unsolved mystery of 'the Baker', grim realities of their dangerous exploits, & severe emotional strain induced by their individual pasts & present crises. Greg's inner conflict intensifies as he is caught between returning home to his mother & continuing the pursuit of the elusive 'Baker,' under Xander's guidance. His ever-present guilt, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding 'the Baker's' identity & the safety of his friend Plank, leaves him in a state of profound emotional turmoil. Chapter 54 Greg, Xander, & Ayla continue their pursuit of the 'Baker' in Florence, dealing with the guilt of leaving Plank behind and Greg's lingering worry about his father's prison attack. They meet for breakfast, an interaction marked by underlying tension due to unaddressed issues from the previous day and Xander’s changeable moods. Xander insists on using the hacking software ‘Meterpeter’ to access the webcam of ‘the Baker’. After hacking the webcam, instead of getting a direct image of the 'Baker', they find a dark photograph of a room with a window that o[ers a faint view of a church near a body of water. Harmlessly questioning a bystander about the evident landmark, they learn it’s the San Giorgio Maggiore church in Venice. Despite Xander's initial skepticism about Dirk, who still claims innocence and is o[ering to find Plank, Greg, who fears that Dirk might be either the 'Baker' or working for him, cannot deny a lingering hope in the face of such benevolence. With Dirk's information hinting at 'the Baker's' possible location and their acquired visa, Greg and Xander resolve to head to Venice, adding another layer of intricacy to their dangerous quest. 27 Chapter 55 Brings Greg, Xander, & Ayla to Venice in their ongoing pursuit of 'the Baker.' They leave a note for Plank, who has become separated from the group, telling him of their whereabouts. As their arrival in the city, they're met by Dirk, who insists on joining their mission despite Xander's objections. Dirk claims knowledge of their plans comes from overhearing their discussions, suggesting he's more involved than he lets on. This increases the tension within the group, especially when Dirk adamantly professes his innocence in the events transpiring. The group finds temporary residence in an artist’s studio being used for Airbnb. There, tensions rise between Greg & Xander. Xander accuses Greg of knowing the Baker's identity all along & warns him that he's becoming suspicious of Greg's actions. Despite this confrontation, Greg continues working on infiltrating the Baker's computer. Greg, Xander, & Ayla are trying to determine the identity of 'the Baker.' They start reviewing various names, including some professors from Greg's university, such as Professor Kabi, & personal connections, like Thomas Lawson, who had previously invited Greg for a meal & discussed his contacts in the military. In their list of suspects, they include all associates of PlusUltraMed. Suddenly, Greg remembers someone: André Symington, a man who had been visiting Greg's mother while his father is in prison. André, being a chemical engineer & known by Greg's parents, is a potential candidate for 'the Baker.' Dirk, however, insists that Greg is mistaken, & points to Thomas Lawson as the real 'the Baker,' reinforcing the unclear & dangerous nature of their quest. Chapter 56 Greg awakens in the evening, stirred by the smell of food prepared by Dirk, Ayla, and himself. Despite the appealing dinner atmosphere, there's a palpable tension as mutual trust among the group is limited. Xander's suspicion of Greg remains, even suggesting Greg might know the Baker's identity and be designing a revenge plot of his own. This theory, although unlikely, ignites Greg's notion of a second revenge attack potentially orchestrated by Xander. A chance comment from his mother resonates with him, "One seeking revenge should dig two graves." Greg finds himself considering 'the Baker' as the secondary victim of Xander's revenge. A crucial realization strikes Greg – the Baker, who had filmed his father's execution, was present that night, making him or her as much a target for retribution as his father was. Greg suspects Xander's next vengeance move might involve Ayla, similar to how Greg was used in his revenge against his father. A sudden suspicion seizes him as he contemplates Ayla's parents' occupation with Doctors Without Borders—could it be a smokescreen for something more sinister? Could Ayla's father be the Baker? Greg is left grappling with the possibility that Xander might be planning a social engineering attack on Ayla. 28 Chapter 57 Greg & Ayla's search for 'the Baker' leads to a dramatic confession. Overwhelmed by the realization of Xander's ulterior motives & potential endangerment of Ayla, Greg warns her that Xander intends to use her as a pawn, possibly due to her father being 'the Baker.' Ayla, stunned, struggles with the unexpected betrayal & the suspicion cast on her parents. Greg draws upon personal experiences, underscoring that appearances can mask sinister truths, leaving Ayla teetering between disbelief & fear. Their tense discussion, during which they're aware they may be being watched, unfolds against the backdrop of the Canale Grande on Venice's Rialto Bridge. This setting contrasts their turmoil with the touristic Instagram-perfect scene around them. The chapter ends when Ayla seeks comfort from Greg, leading to an unexpected shared kiss. This moment is interrupted by the icy voice of Xander asking whether the kiss was Greg's vengeance for their past event in J'Bay. Chapter 58 Ayla, Greg, & Xander have deeply strained relationships following Greg's revelation about Xander's plans to use Ayla as a pawn in their pursuit of the Baker. Greg confronts Xander over his manipulative tactics, causing Xander to share his deep remorse over his past actions & his genuine love for Ayla. Ayla expresses confusion & a lack of trust towards both Greg and Xander, emphasizing the toll their mission to unmask the Baker has taken on the group's dynamics. A confrontation with suspect Dirk in Florence has not brought the clarity they seek, with Dirk revealing that he was sent by Greg's mother, & was innocent of being the Baker. In Venice, the group links the Baker's location to San Giorgio Maggiore church, & their list of suspects increases, now including André Symington, a family friend, & Thomas Lawson, a name Dirk insisted on. As the tensions rise, Ayla & Greg unexpectedly share a kiss, only to be interrupted by Xander. Greg suspects Xander's ulterior motives, while Ayla is torn between her loyalties. Greg & Xander's confrontation leaves their alliance in tatters, Xander acknowledges his previous actions were driven by spite & revenge, claiming he was trying to help Greg in their mission. Ayla, in her confusion, distances herself from both Xander &Greg. The situation deteriorates, Greg contemplates abandoning the search for the Baker entirely, returning to normal life. Chapter 59 Greg's nighttime vigilance as he watches the Baker's webcam from Istanbul on Xander's computer, anticipating a sight of their suspect. Greg stumbles upon Xander's secret files, raising suspicions about Xander & Ayla's true motives. Trying Dirk, André, Thomas Lawson, & Rian Trollip, he remains uncertain. Greg uses Ritalin to stay awake. As time fades into hours, the light suddenly turns on in the Baker's room on the webcam. Sounds of a man and a woman stir Greg's anticipation. Eventually, a shadow appears and quickly leaves the webcam view. Later, a hand reaches for a pen and then a cell phone, intensifying Greg's suspense. A figure moves in front of the window but only shows his back. As female voices get closer & o[er him wine, the figure turns & sits in front of the camera, revealing his face. They have finally sighted the Baker. 29 Chapter 60 Greg, Xander, & Ayla's discoveries about 'the Baker.' Greg closely examines the individual identified as 'the Baker', an older man who does not match any of their suspected identities, causing confusion & disappointment. Something about the man seems familiar to Greg. A chilling moment occurs when 'the Baker' looks directly into the camera, indicating that he might be aware of their surveillance. The trio is left with a recorded video of 'the Baker,' which o[ers some valuable information for their mission. Amid their ongoing pursuit, tensions escalate due to allegations made by Greg regarding Xander's intentions with Ayla. In a moment revealing unity, Greg & Xander agree to a temporary ceasefire, setting aside their di[erences to focus on unmasking 'the Baker.' Greg's Ritalin-fuelled investigation into 'the Baker's' true identity leads him to alarming revelations about previous SA’s projects related to chemical & biological warfare. A breakthrough comes when Dirk recognizes the man on the recording as Dr. Sebastian Stadler, setting o[ alarms in Greg's mind as he realizes why the man has seemed familiar all along. The chapter ends indicating that Greg has met Dr. Sebastian Stadler before. Chapter 61 Greg, Ayla, Xander, & Dirk are in a makeshift war room, plastering their walls with their discoveries about Dr. Sebastian Stadler, the man identified as 'the Baker.' Amid tense discussions, they delve into Stadler's psychological past, his education, his career in the military, & his possible involvement in the death of animals in a place called Uitschotkraal. While wrestling with unanswered questions, Xander proposes a radically clever idea to locate 'the Baker' in Venice's crowd, inspired by pop star Taylor Swift's method of using face recognition technology to identify stalkers during her world tour. Despite the incredulity & pressures, the team finds themselves thrust even deeper into their risky quest to unmask 'the Baker.' Chapter 62 Sees Xander outlining his plan to use facial recognition technology to identify 'the Baker.' Despite scepticism from Greg & Dirk, Xander confidently navigates the dark web, discovering free facial recognition programs on GitHub. Purchasing multiple smartphones with high-quality cameras & prepaid data, the group sets up a system to test their endeavour. Director & Ayla's pictures are uploaded into a database, while live video recordings of them moving around are taken to test the program's accuracy. After adjusting the program multiple times, they eventually achieved satisfactory results, celebrating their minor victory with an evening of good food, wine, & music. Greg struggles with restless nights, his nerves frayed by the suspense of unmasking 'the Baker.' In a dream, he relives a terrifying event from his senior year at Lawson College, where he's hunted and cornered by his classmates. This dream scene is marked by sensations of su[ocation, desperation, & fear. Awakening from the nightmare, a concerned Xander switches on the bed lamp, revealing a worried expression & a handgun, further emphasizing the intensity of the situation. 30 Chapter 63 Greg, Xander, Ayla, & Dirk plan their pursuit of 'the Baker,' identified as Dr. Sebastian Stadler. They position themselves in Venice near the San Giorgio Maggiore church, believing ‘the Baker’ frequents the area. They use facial recognition technology, streaming videos back to the laptop manned by Xander. During the stakeout, Greg realizes he left an additional power bank at the studio; he leaves his phone hidden to continue taping & rushes back to retrieve it. The unease is momentarily replaced by anticipation when a match notification pops on the laptop screen, potentially identifying 'the Baker.' Chapter 64 Finds Greg, Xander, & Ayla in Venice, still on the pursuit of 'the Baker,' aka Dr. Sebastian Stadler. Led by the facial recognition software, they find themselves in a bustling piazza. Their suspect, Dirk, also joins them, heightening the atmosphere of distrust & tension. In an attempt to locate Stadler, Greg leaves his phone in strategic locations, but someone removes it. Upon confronting a street stall owner, Xander pulls out the gun discreetly tucked into his waistband, & the scared vendor reluctantly provides useful information: someone indeed took the phone and went past the Piazza. The group rushes to the direction pointed out, & amidst the crowd, Greg locks eyes with a familiar face, someone he wasn't expecting appeared, holding the previously lost phone, adding a shocking twist to their perilous quest. Chapter 65 Exposes the identity of 'the Baker', who is revealed as Sebastian Stadler rather than Andre Symington as Greg had previously surmised. Greg, Xander & Ayla are joined by Dirk in Venice, where they track down & confront Stadler. Their encounter is heightened by the return of Plank, who has su[ered a brutal beating & warns Greg that Stadler is planning to kill him. Greg, seeing Plank in this painful state, feels a rush of relief that his friend is alive, coupled with increasing unease & guilt over the dangerous path they have all embarked on. Despite Plank's grim condition, he cautions Greg that 'The Baker' has comprehensive knowledge about Greg's past explorations in the dark web. Greg also recognizes the elusive Valkyrie. The situation heightens as Stadler seems to enjoy the psychological anguish they're all experiencing. An unexpected twist comes when Stadler reveals that one of them has been poisoned with a lethal nerve agent. Stadler implies that it could have been inhaled through various objects each of them interacted with recently. Then, Valkyrie produces a syringe, claiming it contains Atropine, a treatment for the nerve agent poisoning they may have incurred. The duo declares they won't administer it, further escalating the group’s panic. Amidst this terror, Xander begins to show signs of severe sickness & sweating excessively, leading them to believe he's been poisoned. Despite Greg's pleas, Stadler & Valkyrie coldly refuse to help, showcasing their true ruthless nature. The chapter ends with Stadler heavily pontificating on the symbolism of water as a purifying entity, ominously hinting at their intention to 'purify' the group through this terrifying ordeal, further intensifying the mystery. 31 Chapter 66 Brings the tension to its peak. Greg, Xander, Ayla, & Dirk face o[ against 'the Baker,' now revealed as Dr. Sebastian Stadler. Stadler first discusses his past, confessing he and his brother Rian worked on the sinister Project Nursery Rhyme. Dr. Stadler shows no remorse, justifying heinous acts as part of his fascination with chaos and su[ering. As the Baker reveals his plot to plant deadly hemorragic viruses in flu shots to later profit from the vaccine, his chilling lack of morality becomes apparent. He admits to having framed his brother Rian with child pornography to clear him from their path, highlighting his ruthless nature. Stadler delivers a shocking blow when he reveals his regret about Greg's father surviving the prison attack arranged by him. As the confrontation unfolds, Greg experiences blurry vision and growing nausea, a dreadful realization looms; he has been poisoned. Chapter 66 continues with the tense stando[ between Greg, Xander, Ayla, Dirk and 'the Baker' Sebastien Stadler. Stadler horrifyingly asserts his abhorrent belief in chaos and disregard for the casualties of his plotted pandemics. He briefly loses himself in a nihilistic monologue, waxing lyrical on the symbolic elegance of chaos much to the group's escalating dread. As Stadler finishes, Xander suddenly declares that he's introduced a new form of chaos into the situation in the form of Ransomware. Before Stadler can fully understand the implications, Valkyrie's phone rings alarmingly, bearing news that their entire laboratory computer system has been compromised. Xander's defiant play begins to unfurl as he explains the concept of Ransomware to Stadler: likening it to a hacker's version of chaos, all their systems are now locked behind a password that only he possesses. Xander informs the increasingly alarmed Stadler that he doesn't seek money as ransom, instead demanding justice. The tension peaks as he raises the stakes further, threatening to expose Stadler's horrific deeds to the world through Doxware, a severe form of internet-based public shaming. As the chapter concludes, Stadler's grandiosity seems to wither under Xander's audacious retaliation, leaving the dangerous repercussions of their desperate actions hanging in the balance. 32 Chapter 67 Revisits the electrifying face-o[ between protagonists Greg, Xander, Ayla, and Dirk with the elusive 'the Baker,' revealed as Dr. Sebastian Stadler. As their confrontation in Venice unfolds, tension rises through veiled threats and suspense-filled revelations. Guided by Ayla's knowledge of Doxware, Xander exploits Dr. Stadler's ignorance by threatening to expose him with a trove of damning information gleaned from a Trojan Horse incorporated into the Baker's computer, which would be released to the global authorities unless he complies with their instructions. Much to Stadler's surprise, Xander reveals his discovery of a new, horrifying project up to Stadler's sleeve—an attempt at human brain control using CRISPR technology to manipulate brain cells for long-distance brain activity control and ultimately, unrestricted control over generations. Xander's massive bargaining chip leads Stadler to seemingly comply with their instructions. A subsequent poisoning attack instils fear among the group, as Greg becomes victim to a Paraoxon exposure. Drawing parallels to grotesque experiments conducted at Project Coast, where monkeys were repeatedly poisoned and revived, Stadler casts doubt and fear on the e[ectiveness of their life-saving Atropine. As tension escalates, another stroke of deadly revelation drops—the Paraoxon was uniquely hidden in the fabric of Greg’s cap. As they wrestle through a continuing web of deception, the chapter narrates the spiraling tension, paranoia, suspicions, and intense confrontations marking their relentless pursuit to bring 'the Baker' to justice. Chapter 67 of "Donker Web" escalates the confrontation between Greg, Xander, Ayla, and Dirk with the antagonist, Dr. Sebastian Stadler known as 'the Baker'. Amidst the pouring rain, Stadler reveals cruel and manipulative tactics used in his sinister plots, including an attempt to control human brain activity using CRISPR technology for grand-scale manipulation, and the use of Paraoxon, a deadly nerve agent in an insidious attack on Greg. Stadler shockingly implicates Valkyrie, another antagonist and collaborator, in the torturous death of Xander's father through su[ocation with an inner tube. Word of this act of brutality prompts Xander to retaliate, his pain echoing around the surroundings. The Baker also chuckles at the poetic justice of mimicking a personal revenge fantasy on Xander's late father, which only adds fuel to Xander's deep-seated anger. Meanwhile, with the imminence of their life wiped out by the poisoning, the group's confrontation intensifies. Amidst the heavy tension, Xander, pushed to his limit by Stadler's cruel jests and unforgiving actions, pulls out the gun hidden in his waistband. Ignoring objections from Dirk, he aims the gun at Stadler, who teeters backward in surprise. As Xander pulls the trigger, his anguished cries echo in the chilling rain, professing revenge for his father. The chapter culminates in a climactic pinnacle when Xander shoots Stadler three times, once in the head and twice in the chest. 33 Chapter 68 Cataclysmic fallout from the confrontation with 'the Baker,' Dr. Sebastian Stadler. Greg, Xander, Ayla, and Dirk are left reeling in the aftermath, faced with a grim reality mirroring the bleak snake-filled visions that have haunted Greg's journey. As the reality of Stadler's defeat and death sinks in, Xander's remorse becomes palpable, spurring an unforeseen confession and ending in a symbolically cleansing act of ridding himself of the gun. Suddenly, their relative calm shatters with the arrival of another speedboat Valkyrie onboard. Without warning, they're ambushed and thrown into the water. Amid a barrage of shots, Dirk appears to be struggling underwater while another figure seems lifeless. Erupting back above the water surface, they find Xander and Ayla clinging onto debris. In a distressing realization, they acknowledge that someone from their group is missing - Plank. Tragically, Greg's best friend is later found dead, having paid the ultimate price for their explosive chase after 'the Baker.' This results in media frenzy, police, and embassy involvement in the saga. As the chapter concludes, sobering reports circulate that Greg Owen is dead, leaving readers in suspense. Chapter 68 part 2 of "Donker Web" continues the narrative of the shocking aftermath following the climactic confrontation with 'the Baker,' Dr. Sebastian Stadler. Amid the chaos and confusion, a grave misunderstanding takes root in the media, perpetuated by the Turret Media Group - they mistakenly report the death of Greg Owen. This deadly mix-up is likely attributed to the transponder implanted within Plank's right hand. The discovery of Plank's lifeless body spun an erroneous narrative, resulting in a profound shock reverberating amongst their circle and spreading across media channels. The chapter ends on this grimly misleading note, suggesting possible implications and intriguing twists in the subsequent chapters. As readers, we're left to wonder how this misinformation will play out in the series of events that unfold amidst the larger pursuit of truth and justice. 34