(DRAFT) Artificial Terror

Chapter 12: Sorted Information

     I stood confident in the center. "Can you five hack into the mainframe?"

     "Yes, but if our programs are out there, we'll be caught. Any ideas for a work around?" Red asked.

    "Could you disguise yourselves as employees?"

    "I suppose we could, but wouldn't that be identity theft?" Gray asked, apprehensive.

    "Are you going to worry about it right now? Use names of staff who wouldn't raise any alarm bells."

    "Alright, looks like we're in," Yellow said. "I'm setting traps right now."

    "Power surges have destroyed turrets," Red said with a laugh.

    "The nanobots are divided amongst themselves," Gray explained.

    "You can do this!" I encouraged.

    "Cameras are in my control and looping fake feed," Blue said.

    "Perfect," Green replied. "I've created a cyber package which will give her a rude awakening!"

It's going well. I left the center and went up to the computer desk. As I sat down, the flash drive in my pocket poked me. Can't have it in there. I turned around to place the drive in one of the pockets of the purple backpack. While zipping the pocket up, my eyes spot Blake against the wall, entranced in thought. Must be deep thoughts. He left his chest bare, showing a cropping of brown chest hair and ab outlines.

    "Hey, you forgot to put your shirt on," I said.

    Blake blinked a few times and registered what I said. "I did?"

    "I don't think prototypes will gossip."

    "What are they doing?" His shirt slipped on.

    "Hacking into the mainframe which leaves us time to relax."

    "Have you gotten a snack lately?"

    "No, but I'm parched."

I took a water bottle from a backpack. I slumped down beside Blake.

    "Anything you want to do when we get out?" I asked, twisting the cap.

    "I want to take a shower. Maybe some TV afterwards. No wait, sleep first." Blake replied.

    "Sleep sounds great."

    "Same. Anything after sleep would be getting out in nature."

    "I think I'm going to stay in my room after I sleep. Unwind and let my leg rest."

    "How's your ankle doing anyway?" He looked at my left leg.

I set down my water bottle and pulled back the pant leg. The skin remained purple and swollen.

    I grimaced. "Looks no different from when I first saw it."

    "You'll have a limp."

The conversation died, and I sipped water. Some of it dribbled onto my shirt.

    "What's your high school life like?" I asked.

    "It's been calm since I broke up a few months ago," Blake answered.

    I nodded.

    "You ever dated?"

    I took a sip from my water bottle before answering, "Nope."

    "Really?" Blake's eyebrow raised. "Not a single one?"

    "I'm telling the truth."

    "Consider yourself lucky."