Chapter 99 - The system

Grant accompanied me to the cafeteria and insisted on staying. Elija and Angus appeared out of nowhere. They settled down with trays full beside us. I had a huge plate of beef lasagne with extra grated cheese. The crust golden and sauce slowly poured from the soft interior. I rubbed my hands to gather in anticipation.

"Bon appetit," greeted Angus with a grin. "Heard you've been grilled by the Big Boss?" he shook his thump up towards the ceiling. I quickly shoved a fork-full in my mouth to prevent me from answering.

"You mean Atlas," added Grant, Angus placed his elbows on both sides of his fried noodles and lowered his head towards us. His eyes darted from left to right at the surroundings. I pretended to be busy with my food.

"So, how did it go?" he whispered. Elija bit into his tall bread wrapped in a napkin. He had headphones on. How rude, he didn't even say hi. So, I did the same and just ignored him.

"It went well," Grant crossed his arms over his chest and leaned into his seat. Angus smirked at him and nodded as if they were sharing some secret joke.

"Did you meet him in a one on one interview too?" inquired Grant. Angus played with his fork then stabbed into his plate of noodles.

"Nope, didn't have the pleasure," he stuffed a mouthful and chewed to avoid more questions. Elija looked up and pulled his headphones off, he now noticed the people around the table. He gave me a slight nob and frowned at Grant.

"You don't eat," he simply stated.

"I don't. However, I enjoy it through my mate," Elija gave me a puzzled look then nervously turned back to Grant.

"Where is Dr. Churchhill?"

"He wasn't present this morning and Olga didn't mention anything about him," Elija pressed his lips together not satisfied with the answer. Still, he didn't press on. He was an odd character. I guess being a genius as the good doctor said previously, might contribute to the eccentricity.

"Ok, I have to go," he got up holding his tray the half-eaten bread almost rolled off and the small juice carton fell on its side and went out without looking back.

"Strange kid," commented Angus. He leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. "Did you know he is working on some world-altering technology?" he whispered. His voice was almost lost in the buzzing sound of the cafeteria. Grant nodded at him and came closer to the man.

"You know, all the buildings are linked by some crazy tunnels. Down at the sub-level, they are working on—" he covered his mouth and peeked over his shoulder. "—portal," he mouthed the word. I frowned dropping my fork in my empty plate. What did 'portal' mean? A loud ringing sound made Angus jumped from his seat, our heads sprung up in its direction. Security cyborgs came pouring through the double doors into the crowded area.

"Nobody moves! Please, remain seated. There has been an information breach!" shouted one of them it was followed by a rush of footsteps and clashing of plates. A man in a white coat ran towards the exit. Heads followed his clumsy race. He knocked in tables and shoved empty chairs to the floor on his way. The cyborg bolted after him pushing tables and people out of the way, in no time they ceased him. The man struggled and screamed in pain as the robots pulled his arms and pinned him down. The man, in his mid-thirties with a thick beard, kicked and yelled.

"Let go of me! This is mass murder! I need to let the world know what you're actually doing here. Let go," without warning on of the cyborg rose his gun and put a bullet in the man's head. His body went limp instantly. I stared at the scene taking place not far from us, the exit was the one Elija previously used. I just watched it like someone in front of a movie. Completely detached.

He cyborg dragged the man by the legs leaving a trail of warm blood smudged on the white tiles. What the actual f.u.c.k just happened here? Three security guards barged into the now silent room. Their heavy footsteps echoed with gravity. They came to a stopped in front of the blood, facing us. They wore black combat gear, Fingers on the triggers ready to shot on sight. The one in front had a scar on his left cheek.

"Gentlemen," he scanned the front row with fierce eyes. "Ladies," he tipped his head towards a group of women sobbing softly. "Please, exit in silence. The cleanup team will be here soon. Know that we are doing this for your own security. You've signed the agreement for confidentiality. You already know the consequences if you breach it. Now proceed in a quiet and civil manner, out," his voice was calm but slashed like a whip. I was shaking from head to toe. When I turned to our table I noticed Angus had paled. He slowly got up without looking at us.

-Liliane, come here.

I haven't realized Grant was pulled on my arm. I mechanically followed him and the silent mass of terrorized people moved to the parking lot. Their gaze lost in despair, some were sobbing, others gritting their teeth to contain the anger. We lost sight of Angus as we got out. For my part, I was numb. I haven't grasped what just unfolded before my very eyes.

-Liliane, we need to go back to Olga.

Grant held me by the waist, I barely moved my feet I let Grant drag me around. When I snapped back to reality I found myself in the elevator staring at the numbers flashed as it descended in the belly of the beast. Grant studied me from the corner of the eye. He never let go of me and I was grateful.

"Are you feeling better? Do you need a glass of water?" he stroked my hair away from my face. I couldn't come up with any rational thought and only nodded. My mind was a mess. Images of the cyborgs clashed with the man shouting and the blood. Oh, the blood. That trail on the white floor. I wave of nausea threatened to submerge me. Grant rubbed my back and it did miracles.

-Just breath, slowly.

"Wh-what just happened?" I asked finally finding my voice. It was high pitched and shaky.

"We eliminated a traitor," commented Atlas. I flinched when his monotonous voice popped out of nowhere. His presence made my head spun out of control. I clung to Grant while taking quick inhales. This was not happening. I'm not here, this is a nightmare. The elevator blurred to a hazy picture. Only Grant's face stayed focus in my field of vision. His eyes grew like gems. Beautiful blue gems.

"Liliane, stay with me," called Grant. "You are going to follow my voice and come back to me," I held on his loving tone and the link connecting us. In minutes, I was able to calm down, there was a low ringing in my ears.

-'You ok now?

The elevator door opened. Grant took me in his arms and quickly went to Olga. She sprung to her feet when she saw us burst through the door. I was barely conscious of Grant's embrace.

"What's going on?" she pushed the screens and machines on the table near the door to help make space. Grant placed me on the tabletop. I didn't want to let go of him. He gave me a gentle smile and rubbed my arms to soothe me. I released my grip with a sigh.

"She had a panic attack. Someone got shot in the cafeteria," said Grant. Olga stood back, she lowered her head and frowned at the floor.

"Shot by who?" Grant pressed his lips together then lifted his head to look up at the ceiling. My breathing slowed down to a normal rate, my heart was a little rapid. The surface of the table was cold, I shivered.

"Atlas said the guy was a traitor," simply added Grant. Olga nodded with her eyes lost in the distance.

"Public execution is pretty effective when you want total obeisance," she grinned.

That night, Grant joined me in the backseat of the car as we drove home. We needed each other. Even if Grant appeared to be calm on the surface I knew he was troubled. But troubled was a weak word. We were all changed on that day. We knew things will never be the same. However, as we got to our house and saw Demos greeted us with a smile. Deep down, there was still—hope.

"Welcome home—"