(DRAFT) Artificial Terror

Chapter 16: Resulting Products

Blake and I followed the soldier through a makeshift checkpoint. Other soldiers inspected the supplies, patted down survivors, or moved people to a medical bay. A crate of chemicals ended up in a pile taped off. Are they making sure something stays hidden? Our soldier slid between aisles before finding a hallway. Bathrooms sat to the left, and a staircase on the right. We took the staircase to where two soldiers guarded a door. They regarded the one leading us.

    "Sir," they said in unison.

     "Lieutenants," the lead soldier replied while one of the soldiers opened the wooden door.

We entered a furnished office with three other people in it. A desk with a computer sat in front of the station window, two couches and a coffee table created a seating area, and potted plants filled the space. Cozy.

I recognized my parents. My mom turned, her agate eyes flashing green and gold in the light. My dad stood next to her; his posture oaked. My mom ran over to give me a hug. I missed you so much.

     "Are you hurt?" My mom asked, voice growing emotional.

     "Well, both my sides hurt, my ankle is sprained, and a bunch of bruises that won't show up until later," I replied. "I'm grateful to be alive."

     "Us, too," my dad said, his voice filled with pride. "We were given details of your actions down in the building."

     I smiled as my embarrassment grew. "You should thank Blake for helping me. He kept me alive."

My dad walked over and held out his hand to Blake. They shook hands.

     "We had the pleasure of meeting your mother earlier," My dad told him. "You're as good as family now."

     "I don't know what to say, sir," Blake said with utmost surprise.

     "Call me Mr. Kazenmacher, you've earned it."

I turned my head to the last person in the room: the man sitting at the desk. He sat square in the chair; his metals gleamed with each subtle movement. He sniffed and addressed the soldier.

     "Captain Davis, would you escort the Kazenmachers and Mr. Bond down to the platform? I'd like to speak with Timothy alone."

     "Yes, sir," the captain said.

The four left, and I stood in front of the desk.

     "I'm General Bernard Goodship of the U.S. Military," he explained. "Now on the behalf of the government, we congratulate your bravery and selflessness. The President would like to meet you."

     My jaw dropped. This is real? "I...I don't know what to say. Thank you so much."

     "Thank the President. Now, that's what the government has to say, but there's something I want to discuss with you."

     "What would that be?"

     General Goodship pulled out a familiar flash drive. "Why did you create copies of an experimental program created by the government?"

     "It was the only way to get those prototypes on board to stop Charlotte."

     "You were in no place to bargain with those things, yet given the circumstances, you did what you had to do. Now, you cannot keep the copies for the chance of these falling into the wrong hands, or worse, you selling government secrets."

     "You're going to destroy them?"

     "Originally, no, but thanks for the new plan," General Goodship said with a smile.