S.G.B.

PILOT - EPISODE 1 Bomb blasts target Jäger Mining's operations in Australia and Kenya. Agent Thomas Squire and Kenyan Agent Natori Okello receive orders from ASIS (Australian Secret Intelligence Service) for a briefing on the attacks. Using the cover of the Inquisitor Detective Agency, they investigate the bombings under the guise of routine inquiries to avoid drawing too much attention. Since Jäger Mining operates in Australia and is headquartered in Germany, ASIS is the case manager. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Antonio Parisi seeks Congresswoman Grace Mahoney's support for his Exocurrency Bill, which aims to create a separate currency for resources mined from space. The bill's passage is critical to ensuring the stability of the metals market once asteroid mining becomes commonplace. Mahoney is intrigued but demands something more in return for her support. Okello and Squire, stationed at a hotel in Germany, dig into their research on Jäger Mining. They uncover links between stock upticks and the company's interest in asteroid mining. This discovery leads them to consider whether the bombings stem from environmental opposition or competitive sabotage against Jäger Mining's pioneering efforts in asteroid mining. In the Nevada desert, Matthew Däumler, an inventive entrepreneur, conducts a dramatic test flight. The flight showcases advanced aerospace technology as two jets autonomously perform a near-vertical ascent and controlled descent. Further research by Squire into asteroid mining reveals its trillion-dollar potential, underscoring Jäger Mining's strategic positioning in this emerging industry. This raises questions about the investors behind the company and their possible motives regarding the bombings. At Jäger Mining's headquarters, Squire and Okello meet with Gustav Jäger to gather more information on the attacks. The mention of Stuartson Capital, a major investor, triggers Jäger's defensiveness, suggesting a complex web of financial and geopolitical interests. He dismisses environmentalist motives but appears rattled when asteroid mining is discussed. After the meeting, Squire and Okello reflect on Jäger's reaction and suspect his hesitation may indicate deeper concerns about asteroid mining's implications. A subsequent video briefing with Supervisor Lee in Berlin reinforces their theory that Jäger Mining is targeted due to its asteroid mining ambitions. They also learn Stuartson Capital invests in Ignition Systems, a company working alongside Jäger Mining. This prompts them to plan a trip to London for further investigation. In Washington, D.C., Senator Parisi and Congresswoman Mahoney negotiate a political trade-off—Mahoney agrees to co-sponsor the Exocurrency Bill in exchange for Parisi's support of a water pipeline project from Arizona to Nevada. Squire and Okello travel to Kincaid Manor in Essex, where they meet Nancy Kincaid, a young and reluctant inheritor of her family business. She confirms their shared financial backing from Stuartson Capital and expresses concerns over the potential risks of asteroid mining partnerships. At Stuartson Capital, CEO Niquelle Stuartson and her team strategize on mitigating risks from their investments, particularly in light of the bombings at Jäger Mining. Anticipating investigators' inquiries, they prepare a calculated response to protect their interests. Back in Nevada, Ignition Systems prepares for a direct fusion drive test—a breakthrough technology in propulsion. As the test proceeds successfully, an unexpected drone attack occurs, dropping bombs near the engine test control area. A confrontation outside the facility escalates when Däumler tries fleeing in a van, but an Ignition Systems helicopter intervenes, stopping the escape and preventing further sabotage. Following his capture and interrogation, Däumler reveals a scheduled broadcast for Gustav Jäger and other key figures. A video message from an unknown individual delivers a philosophical and ethical critique of space exploration and asteroid mining, condemning the wealthy's monopolization of space resources. The narrative climax unfolds as two autonomous jets crash into Ignition Systems' facilities, causing widespread destruction—a moment broadcast live, shocking viewers across the globe. ASIS Deputy Director Raul Alonso meets with Okello and Squire to debrief them on the Ignition Systems attack. Alonso expands their mission, instructing them to continue undercover work at Stuartson Capital while keeping the sabotage classified. The following day, Okello and Squire review their assignments over breakfast. Supervisor Lee briefs them on the significance of the direct fusion drive and its potential to revolutionize space travel. He assigns Okello to liaise with Stuartson Capital in Miami and Squire to investigate an environmentalist group suspected of orchestrating the attack. At Stuartson Capital, Niquelle Stuartson anxiously seeks confirmation of the engine test's success. She pressures her assistant, Susan Moore, for updates, reflecting the high stakes of their investment in Ignition Systems. A call from Ignition Systems' attorney confirms the test's success, momentarily easing Stuartson's concerns—but she remains wary, awaiting independent verification of the results.