Michael Ford arrives in an office building complex in Washington, D.C. where he immediately starts battling Drudge forces. Ford soon comes across a Drone named Thex. Thex explains he is a member of the Free Drudge, a group of Drudge that formed after Ford destroyed the Trust Base. Thex refers to Ford as the "Liberator" and informs him that they are on the same side, fighting against John Adams. Thex also says that Adams is near the National Institute.