He had just sat down when a knock at the door disturbed him. "Come in," he said. "The door's unlocked."
A hooded man entered, and the seated man frowned, putting down his book. "What are you doing here?"
The newcomer gave an unnerving smile. "I just wanted to see what was going on with you, old friend."
"We have never been friends." Annoyance crept into his voice, and he stood up. "Why are you really here?"
The smile faded. "If you're going to be so serious, I'll tell you now. I trust that you are aware of what's been going on?"
"Yes…" He pursed his lips. Where was he going with this?
"You see, I know a way that we could stop it. I would only need your cooperation…"
"Forget it. There is no way that I would ever go along with any one of your plans."
The smile returned. "Whoever said it was my plan? I'm just the messenger."
A pause filled the air.
"Fine. I'll listen to what you have to say."
Status: Primary power offline. Secondary power offline. Emergency power critical. Chassis stability critical. Ammunition supply low. Temperature critical.
Enemy stability is at low level. Enemy remains active. Initiate 'Destroy' protocol? Y/N
'Destroy' protocol initiated. ERROR Source: Evoker systems critical malfunction. 'Destroy' protocol could not be engaged. Attempt reboot? Y/N
Reboot not attempted. Attempt 'Emergency Seal' protocol?
'Emergency Seal' protocol initiated. Scanning area for viable hosts…
One (1) viable host found. Host chosen. Starting sealing process.
10% complete. 20% complete. 30% complete. ERROR Source: unidentified outside interference. 'Emergency Seal' protocol could not be completed. Reboot? Y/N
Reboot attempted. 'Emergency Seal' protocol initiated. Scanning area for viable hosts…
One (1) viable host found. Host chosen. ERROR Source: Host signature differs from previous host signature. Continue? Y/N
Continuation chosen. Starting sealing process. 10% complete…
100% complete. ERROR Source: unidentified outside interference. Sealing process may have been compromised. Reattempt sealing? Y/N
Reattempt initiated. ERROR Source: insufficient power supply. WARNING power level insufficient to continue operations. Initiating emergency shutdown.
"Really."
"To play devil's advocate, it was close enough to the plan he suggested."
"I can tell that. It doesn't change the fact that he's insane."
"We both know that."
A sigh escaped his lips. "I suppose we have no choice but to wait."
The small, blue-haired child opened his eyes.
Where was he?
He was lying in a white bed, staring up at a white ceiling. Old men in white coats hurried around him. Who were they?
One of them noticed him. "Finally, you're awake. How are you?"
The child didn't respond.
The man looked concerned. "Look… what do you remember?"
Again the child was silent.
The man looked away. "I don't want to be the one telling you this, but… your parents didn't make it."
His parents were dead?
Realisation dawned on the boy. He was alone.
No. You are not alone.
The boy gave a small yelp of surprise. Where had the voice come from?
Don't worry. They can't hear me.
Who are you?
My name is Lyra. I'll always be here with you.
Someone would always be there with him.
The boy didn't feel so alone anymore.