(DRAFT) Artificial Terror

Chapter 14: Core Values

Deeper and deeper I fell until it stopped. My eyes widened. Now, this should be impossible. I sat suspended in midair as tiny electronic chirps filled the air. A fuzzy black cloud contorted around my body. Nanobots had transferred from the floor tile to me back in the test chamber. I remembered what Gray said about knowing this would happen. How could she be able to? Unless. Things clicked in my head. She can predict all possible futures/outcomes and prevent them. I've got to thank Gray for saving my life.

The nanobots pushed against me, letting me rise through the air. The test chamber grew close which meant defeating Charlotte. I can't have her going after me again. I need to throw her off. What if... Before reaching the chamber, I spoke to the nanobots.

     "Could you guys put me on top of the room? I've got a trick up my sleeve."

I heard quick chirps among them. Are they arguing or agreeing? A second, smaller cloud of bots broke off from me and took the lead. Excitement rushed through me. I soared by the opening of Charlotte's lair and tensed up. She could see me easily; why didn't I think of that? As I glanced at her, she busied with a long winded speech. Too busy to even notice me.

A closed side prevented me from accessing the top. The nanobots slowed down, letting me hover, and a separate group dug a hole for me to slip through. Pipes, wires, and machinery crowded the tight space. I crouched down with the ever fluid nanobot cloud. Charlotte's wired mass dominated everything. My best bet. I made a steady pace to sit behind it. Her speech floated in.

     "....you now know escape's futile as your only hope's out of the picture," Charlotte said, while I stifled a giggle. "You all in this building can accept my offer. In the act of refusing, the individual will be removed. I'll make an example."

Who would she be referring to? My eyes widened. Not Blake! Instead, a robotic, male voice filled the building. She targeted Red! I shivered at his screaming.

     "Tim, if you're alive," he managed in a ragged voice. "I await to see you again on your computer."

He gave one last yell and cut out. Tears brimmed my eyes.

     "You overloaded my brother, you virus ridden motherboard!" Green insulted. "Time for you to get unplugged!"

    It was my cue. "Lower me," I whispered to the nanobots.

My ceiling tile lowered into the test chamber. I stealthed behind her throne and saw she had a camera pointed at herself. Charlotte broadcasted her entire speech to the facility, meaning everyone saw me descend. That'll give a boost to morale. I needed a place to hide. An alcove sat built into the throne. Why'd she need that? I creeped towards it and found a single body laid out on a table. This person had square glasses, light ginger hair, and wore a white lab coat. I gasped. Uncle Henry? I rushed near his head. For a final goodbye.

    "I'm sorry about what happened," I whispered. "I know it's not my fault, but I knew she was powered. I wish you had listened to me."

No response.

    "I understood how important this was for you. I hope you understand how important it's for me to shut her off. Not out of vengeance, but for the world. Thanks for being the best uncle."

Charlotte's long monologue added to the silence. Uncle Henry's glasses shone in the light. Should I? I should, for him. I leaned over and slid them off. Cold, yet I felt the care taken. Smiling, I folded the arms and stuffed them in my left pocket. My hands picked out his wallet, ID, phone, and car keys. It was done, but confidence surged through my body. I sneaked over to the right side of the chair, out of Charlotte's sight, but far enough from the other bodies stacked against the throne.