Wow, Detroit Michigan. I hated it already. I had just walked off the plane and was only in the landing terminal waiting for my bag. I was in two jackets already and it was September. I was quite obviously not from around here. I stood out even more then the other tourists. I was 17, and alone in Detroit. I'm lucky many say, I graduated at 15 and then after only two years at NAU studying mechanical biology, I was offered an internship at Sumdac corporations. The catch, I had to leave Arizona for Michigan for a year. I shouldn't think that way. I guess I should be more grateful, I've been offered this great opportunity but poor little me, I hated where I had to stay for a year. I'll just buckle down and do this internship and then I can work where ever I want. Piece of cake. I glanced around my flight was pretty empty, even for a red eye, so the terminal was dead. My lonely bag landed on the conveyer belt and started its slow creep towards me. I walked up and yanked it out, it was one bag but it was still pretty heavy. Thank god for wheeled luggage I'm a waste when it comes to anything to do with lifting. I trudged through the airport to the east exit where my ride was supposed to be. It wasn't hard to find him, he was just an ordinary guy, short, I was easily two heads taller then him, and he also wore a crisp white suit. He has bits of grey in his hair which seemed a little too styled. He was holding a sign that said 'Miss. J.F. Spark'. Yup that's me. I picked up the pace when I saw him.
"Miss Spark, I presume?" He had an arrogant voice, as he spoke he extended his hand. I grasped it, pumped it twice, and quickly released it. He had terribly sweaty hands. I smiled and said,
"Yes I am, and forgive me, who are you? I don't mean to be rude I was under the impression Mr. Sumdac was coming himself."
He flinched slightly at Mr. Sumdac's name.
"Mr. Sumdac had to deal with an emergency with his daughter. I am Porter C. Powell. Call me Mr. Powell and nothing else I'm vice president of Sumdac corporations and deserve nothing less then the most respect."
"Well thank you Mr. Powell for coming to meet me this early."
He smiled; it set my teeth on edge. He looked like he wanted to eat me.
"The car is this way" he gestured towards the doors and led the way. A black BMW sedan was outside waiting with a robotic driver who opened the door for us. It then grabbed my bag and hauled it to the back to place into the trunk. Mr. Powell let me in first then followed me into the car.
The driver needed no instructions and after he safely stored my bag we drove smoothly away.
Detroit really was the robotics empire. I stared wide eyed out of the car as the city rolled by. There simply was too much to look at. There where massive robots where cleaning the streets, while still more human sized ones were walking dogs or carrying bags for their owners. This was the reason I was here, to be right at the center of the robotics world.
As we drove, Mr. Powell pointed out this and that but I really didn't pay much attention. I may love that it was the robotic central but I could care less for the city it self. I wouldn't cry if the entire city was leveled by some weapon of mass destruction.
The car came to a halt in front of a large apartment like building. The driver sprang out opened my door and then went to get my bag out. I stepped out of the car and looked up. The building was about one block wide and three blocks deep with four stories. There was no sign out front to identify it; it was just a brick building.
"This is when you will be staying for the duration of your internship. Your room is 451 on the forth floor. You will meet with Mr. Connor, your advisor, on Monday at eight o'clock in the morning. Enjoy your first night."
With his closing statement done he shook my hand again and re-entered the car. The robot brought my bag around and entered the car on the driver's side again. Before they left Mr. Powell rolled down the tinted window.
"One moment Miss Spark, if you don't know this internship is not only the best way into the robotics industry but also a competition. This year Mr. Sumdac will be picking a personal assistant whom he will train personally. Good luck."
Then he drove away.
Well I wasn't thinking I'd get that much out of this. I pondered the possibilities of such an out come as I entered the building. The inside was just as plain as the exterior. Wood floors, a bunch of desks and computers, and a phone. There were other doors most lead to other rooms but there were two doors marked kitchen and bathroom. I didn't like the sound of that; I am so not sharing a bathroom. I found an elevator at the end or the entrance and walked towards it. The wheels of my bag made a lot of noise as I walked. I passed a boy with his head bent over a book and paper. He was frantically writing and was so close to his paper I got the feeling he might have some ink on his face. He looked up as I walked by; I didn't pay him any mind I just wanted to find my room and sleep. The plane ride was killer. I punched the up button for the elevator and stood back. I tapped my foot in impatience. I heard the boy get up and strut towards me. I could hear that he thought he was hot stuff by the way he walked. Gah I was not in a social mood.
"Don't talk to me. Don't talk to me. Don't talk to me. Don't talk to me." I breathed.
"Hey."
Oh man when the time came he was so dead.
I turned a fraction of an inch towards him.
"Hi."
"So you're the new girl"
"Well if you haven't seen me before I would think so."
"Oh… well what room are you in?"
"The temperature in which books burn"
"Huh?"
Awesome, he was stupid too. He hasn't even read one of the greatest books of all time and he had to be a lot older then me too.
Thankfully the elevator doors opened and I quickly stepped in.
I jabbed at the number four, and the close button. I wasn't fast enough, because there he was, in the god damn elevator with me. I avoided looking at him as the elevator rumbled up. Thankfully the doors opened and I sprang out nearly running in search or my room.
A quick look at the number guide told me my room was to the right, I took off with out a second glance.
The guy calmly called out.
"Are you dyslexic or something? Room 451 is the other way."
Damn, he was right I was next to 425 and going down.
"Umm thanks."
I turned and walked back, this time a lot slower. As I reached the guy he fell into step beside me.
"It took me a minute to figure out what you meant but then I remembered Ray Bradbury's book. Its amazing isn't it?" he paused "I get the feeling you won't ask me for my name, I'm Henry Masterson."
We where at my door now and he held out his hand. I looked at him; he seemed a lot nicer now that I got over the whole anti-social thing. He had flaming red hair that hung in front of his eye, in a very emo way. It looked like he was wearing a little bit of make-up too. I took his hand and shook it. It was a lot nicer then Mr. Powell's, not sweaty and warm. I gave him a smile and said.
"I'm Jenn."
"Well I'm very glad to meet you. We'll talk more another time. Happy un-packing."
With that he turned and slandered away.
I turned to my door and opened it. It was a boring room a twin bed and desk. I had a window and there where two doors, I opened one and it was a closet, the other was thankfully a bathroom. It was tiny but I didn't care it was just mine. I walked into my bathroom and looked in the mirror. I looked horrible, the five hour flight was so long and I didn't sleep at all. I was average looking, I had brown hair that was pulled back into a pony tail. It was pin straight even if I tried to curl it. I was abnormally pale, even though I lived in Arizona most of my life. I only had two stand-out features. I had vivid blue eyes and a scar on the back of my neck. My eyes were basically void of color except for the band of black around the cornea. Everyone thinks their amazing but I know the blue is just a sign of my hidden weakness. I was legally blind. I could correct it with contacts, very strong contacts. I sighed and tuned around to look at my neck, and there it was my constant reminder of that night. It was a scar on the back of my neck, in the very dead center. I usually hid it but I liked to look at it from time to time. It was a weird scar, very geometrical. It had four points at the top, like if a fox had antennas. It then came down to a point. It reminded me of a face.
I stepped out of the little room and went to my bag. I started un-packing everything. I put my clothes in the closet and my sheets on the bed. I placed my contacts on the bathroom counter, hung a mirror on the wall above the desk, set up my laptop and placed my make-up bag next to it. It took about ten minutes to set everything up. Once I was done I flopped onto the bed. Tomorrow was Monday, but I couldn't get excited. I was too tired. I kicked my shoes off and slunk under my sheet and fell straight to sleep.
I was running as fast as I could. I didn't recognize where I was but I was still running. Nothing could stop me, something in my way I would climb over it. I was racing against time towards something so important I would die for it. I could feel someone right behind me; he was screaming my name over and over again. "Jenn! Jenn! JENN!" Part of me wanted to turn to him, I couldn't, and I had to keep running. I didn't even know what it was that made me run like this, I just kept running. Then there it was what I was running for. It was actually a she, a little girl. She was staring with wide eyes horror behind my back. She wasn't alone; a giant yellow robot was darting around her firing shot after shot taking blow after blow. He wasn't a threat; he was trying to protect her. I knew he would fall. I started to run faster, I didn't breathe, I didn't need to. I had no muscle ache, I just ran. Suddenly a massive purple shot flew over my head and hit the yellow robot in the chest. He fell. The little girl screamed. It was a noise of pure heartbreak. I could hear her gut wrenching sobs. I was twenty feet away. I had to get there. Ten more feet. I opened my mouth to scream for her to run. A hand grabbed my wrist and flung me around while pushing me against a wall. I opened my eyes and stared into an angels face. He was beautiful. I tried to pull away but he pulled my tight to his chest still looking me straight in the eye. He leaned forward his lips a breath away.
"This is how it's meant to be. You and I, forever."
He closed the gap and kissed me softly. Then I heard her scream.
"NO!"
I leapt up from my bed and rolled and fell to the floor. I was twisted in my sheets and now on the floor. I looked up at my clock. 4:12 A.M. this sucks. I knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep after that nightmare, I could still hear that little girl sobbing. I shook myself mentally. I stood up and, still wrapped in my sheets, felt my way into the bathroom. I turned on the hot water and let it steam up the room. I reached for my contact case and popped them in. I unwrapped, undressed and slid into the shower. I let the hot water wash away the dream. It was so unnerving how real it was. I hope it wasn't a premonition for my day today. I tried to remember the details but the longer I stayed in the shower the harder it was to remember. Eventually the shower had clamed my and I only remembered the basic story. I stepped out and dried myself off. I went back into my tiny room and went to my dresser. I pulled out a basic shirt and pants combo. I wriggled into my clothes and hung up my towel. I went to the mirror on my wall. I stared at my face for a while. I looked like I hadn't slept or eaten in days. I put a little congealer under my eyes. I still looked like I had been punched in the face. I grabbed my mascara and put a little on. I then pocketed my phone and Chap Stick. I went back to my closet and picked out my heavy trench. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. I locked the door behind me and headed for the elevator. It was a deserted hallway. The elevator doors glided open. I stepped in and pressed the star floor. I was glad no one else was up. I'm not a social person all the time but it the mornings I don't usually talk until I've had food and coffee. I could function on just coffee but lack of nourishment pisses me off. The doors open out into the main lobby which was empty. I crossed the floor and went into the kitchen. It was an amazing kitchen. All stainless steel appliances, granite counters, marble floors. There were a couple tables for six and a lot of bar seating at a massive island in the center of the area. It had three refrigerators, two marked fridge the other freezer. There was a massive pantry bigger then my room. It was filled with chips, bake mixes, cereal, pop-tarts, and, blessedly, Starbucks coffee grounds. I walked over to the fridges and looked inside. It was filled to the brim with everything you could ever want. All of the food groups were represented. After poking around a bit I decided on eggs to eat. I grabbed eggs, bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and an avocado. I placed all of my ingredients on the table and went to the cabinet and grabbed three pans. I places all three on the stove and turned one on. I started cutting the bacon and placing it in the pan. Soon enough the kitchen was filled with the sound and smell of bacon cooking. It helped calm me down even more; it made this place not seem so strange. After the bacon was finished I went over to the coffee pot on the counter. I filled it with water and grounds and turned it on. I went back to the stove and took the dirty pan and went to put it in the sink. As I got closer two robotic arms shot out, took the pan from me and started cleaning for me. Excellent, now I don't have to clean that mess. Back at the stove top I started sautéing the mushrooms. Again when I went to the sink the arms took the pot away. I quickly cooked the eggs after whipping them placed the cheese, mushrooms, cut avocado, and bacon inside and flipped it. When it was done I put it on a plate and pushed it to the other side of the counter. I then went to the coffee pot and poured a cup. I took a sip. It was so good. I went to my omelet and started eating. When I was nearly done the door open.
"Oh hey, I didn't think anyone would be in here."
"No worries Masterson, I was leaving if you wanted to be alone."
"No, no it's ok. Were you cooking bacon?"
"Yeah there's some left over if you wanted some."
"Um, sure thanks."
He walked past me and got a plate and sat down. He was already in a coat.
"I usually don't eat in the morning. I just grab coffee and go. I need to be at the tower at 6."
"Oh I just couldn't sleep.
"We could go early if you wanted; I can be late for one day. I'll show you around."
"Sounds great."
I stood up while he threw his plate at the sink which shot out to catch it. He snickered
"That never will get old."
We left the kitchen and left the house. We walked side by side on the cold sidewalk. It was nice to walk with him. He didn't feel the need to fill the silence with chatter. After a few blocks, all of which were deserted, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He took one out and leaned the box at me.
"Want one?"
"Umm thanks."
I'm not a smoker really, but every once and a while I will. Especially on days like this when I'm stressed out. I took a deep drag and blew it out my nose. The walk to the tower was about twenty minutes. It was a massive building, at least 120 stories tall. It was the dominate part of the landscape. Henry picked up the pace and we swept into the building. It was 7:10. Henry headed straight for the elevators. Henry turned to me as we waited and said.
"Mr. Sumdac is doing a presentation today and I forgot all about it, it started about ten minutes ago. You'll love it, it's an amazing experiment."
We hurried into the elevator once it got there and Henry pushed the button for the third floor. It took no time to reach the floor and Henry nearly ran out of the elevator. We reached a hall way with a large crowed in front. I notice that there were a lot of younger children here. At the front of the group Mr. Sumdac started speaking.
"Here we are working on the latest development of nonobot technology. Self-replicating submicroscopic bio-diagnostic robots. Designed to fight disease, monitor and repair the human body from within. Not quite the cures for cancer, but these microbots are the major first step in the fusion of organic and the technological and quite possibly the gateway to immortality."
I looked over at Henry.
"Wow. That's like, all I can say."
He smiled and said, "Yeah we all have to work under that shadow."
Suddenly there was yelling from inside the lab. I looked through the glass. The bug they were experimenting on was growing rapidly, it had just knocked over the other barrels of microbots and was growing even faster.
Mr. Sumdac started yelling.
"Nothing to be concerned about! Accidents like this lead to discovery."
The bug thing crashed through the window right behind Mr. Sumdac.
"Shit." I breathed
I flitted through the group and pushed Mr. Sumdac aside. The bug thing charged through and I rolled out of the way. It was still growing. Mr. Sumdac got up and tried to help get people out. I went to get up but the bug thing crashed through the door and the hallway crumbed. I was up I looked over at Henry and he was running at me. Something hit my head and I swirled down into darkness.
"Am I floating?" I mumbled. I felt a hysteric laugh echo though the wall I was gliding next to.
"No not exactly." The wall replied.
"Oh, that's too bad. I'd love to be able to fly."
"Do you know your name?"
"Oh yes, I'm Jenn. What a silly question for a wall to ask."
"Oh no. Love I'm not a wall. I'm a person like you."
"Walls aren't people."
"Jenn look at me turn your head a little." I turned. "There you go, now open your eyes." I didn't even know I had my eyes shut.
I opened them, it was bright. I looked around and my wall was Henry Masterson. He was holding me like a child and walking. He was a lot stronger then he looked. He was holding me too close. I could feel him breathe. I had to get away; no one had been this close sense that night. No, I had to move.
"Let me go."
"I can't do that you probably can't walk"
He held me tighter, his voice sounded playful.
"No, no please put me down."
"No I won't."
He didn't sound like Henry anymore, he sounded like Him. I started to struggle. I was feebly kicking. He started to smell like Him now. I was being bombarded with memories. I started to kick harder.
"Put me down. Put me down. PUT ME DOWN!"
I was screaming. He stopped walking and placed me down. I was on asphalt and I scooted myself away from him. I was sobbing now. I found a car and curled up against it. I wrapped my arms around myself and was rocking back and forth. I looked over at him, he looked bewildered. He noticed my eye contact and reached out.
Its Henry not, Kevin.
I reached out for his hand. I had gotten a hold of my crying. He grabbed my hand and helped me up. I swayed a bit but Henry grabbed my elbow, being carful not to touch me too much.
"What happened?" I asked.
"That bug attacked everything. Nothing could stop it, it would absorb anything."
"But everything looks ok now. What happened?"
"I can't describe it. You'll find out."
Henry helped walk me to an ambulance, where I was checked to make sure I didn't have any damage. I was there for over three hours; Mr. Connor came to see me and told me that he wanted to see what I could do. It was an easy project; I just had to build something. I ended up checking out ok and walked by my self, Henry by my side, to the apartment. Henry opened my door for me and made me sit on the bed. He pulled out the chair from my desk. I didn't talk the entire was home I was too embarrassed from my reaction this afternoon. He stared me down from his chair across the room.
"I know you weren't freaking out about the bug. What happened today?" his tone stung. I didn't know him that well but I knew I shouldn't have done that.
"I can't explain it is words, not now at least." I pleaded with him to understand with my eyes.
"Can I know anything?"
"No… Not now. I'm sorry."
He sighed. He then stood up and looked at me.
"I'll be back, I need a cig and I'm bringing a T.V."
"Just smoke it here I want one too."
I brought my knees up and wrapped my arms around them. Henry came back in less then five minutes with cigarettes, ashtray and portable TV in hand. He light mine for me and opened my window. He placed the little TV on my desk and turned it on. It flickered to life onto a news station. There was a news anchor talking about today's attack.
"The attack on Sumdac Tower today was beyond anything we've ever seen, not just in the case of the attacker, a micro changed bug, but the rescuers where one of a kind." The TV switched to a view of the Bug from a helicopter. I was amazed at how big it was. There were also five cars darting around it. "The Autobots, as they call themselves…" For some unknown reason I wanted to growl at the name. "…Were on the scene in less then ten minute from the first mishap. They were from the planet Cybertron, says leader Optimus Prime. We later heard news that they saved Isaac Sumdac's daughter Sari, from the destruction. We'll fill you, our viewers in with more as the story progresses. Now the Darrin in the Weather department…"
I stared at the TV for a while; Henry had turned it off at the end of the story.
"Crazy huh? They say they're from another world. I told you I couldn't explain it."
He looked over at me. I wasn't paying attention. I was thinking really hard.
"What are you thinking?"
"I think I found out my project."
I looked up and stared at the blank TV and gave my reflection a smile.
