-2-
A distance in who I am
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-In time Sir Pierre saw a distance develop between Zack and the professor; a distance that the chairman showed an actual delight in. 'Soon I will be able to get rid of you professor and my young Zack will just let it ride... Like water of a duck's back.' he thought rubbing his hands together as he saw Zack not willingly to follow the points of view of Steen any true merit.
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And within a few weeks the distance's was just right, Zack had stated to him after a brief conversation that he believes the professor is actually holding the progress up, going over old notes and coming up with accusations towards the corporation.
"Would you mind if I have a word with the professor Zack, see if I can't bring him back on board... I know this must be highly troubling for you, after all it was you who brought him on board following the sad incident with Dr Curie."
Zack looked away to mull this over before turning back and agreeing. "I only wants what's best for this project, the Caesar chip should be know as my father's work... Professor Steen knows this, but someone can't over look facts that aren't there... I saw the documents you have both shown me. I trust sir that you will do the right thing."
"And that I will Zack that I'll assure you." 'Ah, boy if you only knew what I was planning, your father's work will see me to power and immense fortune, one you can not stop.' he thought as he left Zack.
This gave the chairman of RM Corporation with the chance he needed. 'It is time to let Professor Steen go, a loss that can be calculated for.'
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That following morning, as Professor Steen made his way inside the facility he was told by the lady behind the desk that Sir Pierre has asked to see him in his office. Initially the professor was taken aback by this and asked what the meeting was all about.
"I'm sorry professor I wasn't told, all I was told to do was make you aware of the meeting."
He looked down at his feet. "Fine I'll head right up now." he left the reception area and stepped inside a left, seeing the lady behind the desk no doubt contact the chairman to inform him that he was coming.
Looking at his reflection and seeing other staff members leave Pro Steen soon found himself on his own as he went up to the highest floors. 'I wonder what this is all about, I can't recall the last time the chairman wished to speak with him like this... After all I keep my head down and most of all keep out of his way.'
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Pro Steen approached the chairman office, his hand slowly started to shack slightly as the chairman's receptionist grated him. "The professor to see you sir."
Pro Steen heard Sir Pierre's voice reply. "Good show him in."
"Sir Pierre will see you now."
"Thank you." said the professor in a kind enough manner, before walking further and opening the door.
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Pro Steen stood before his desk, the chairman sat behind his desk, the professor saw that he was just sending an e-mail before Sir Pierre looked up and acknowledge his presence with a slit smile across his face. Even as he stood there Pro Steen felt an unease.
"My dear professor. Please take a seat, I feel there is a lot to sort out." he stood up and cast a hand to a chair. Sir Pierre hadn't over looked the slight shack in the professor's posture.
"I'd rather stand all the same." was his response, the professor looking the chairman right in the eyes.
"Have it your way professor.' replied Sir Pierre undeterred by this and rested back in his leather chair. 'Now then you've been working here just under six months now and I dare say your work as been invaluable, you're mind as steered Zack on the right track... However, since the fair doctor's recovery I feel that it is time for Dr Curie to take on board your responsibilities from now on."
"Meaning?" he stated coldly.
"Meaning your time here at the corporation is no longer needs." snapped the chairman in his reply; his tone light, but full of grit and meaning.
"And what does Zack say on this matter?" The professor's voice rising.
Sir Pierre placed a hand on his chest. "I must be truthful Professor Steen I have not yet discussed my decision with young Mr Zander, but as owner I dare say no doubt Zack will be on board no matter what is personal feelings and connection with you are. It is after all better for the corporation!"
"Ah, come off it Lawrence, but for you no doubt... I don't know what your true game is here, but I knew its no good."
"Now now Steen, I could have you done for slander... now please we could do this the hard way or the easy way... go with my security and collect your belonging or find yourself thrown on your behind in front of everyone."
The professor saw that there was no point in arguing with the chairman no doubt the decision had already been set. The former lecturer knew that this had been done due to the fact that he was on the right track here and that his chance discovery had pushed some wrong buttons. As he left the facility with his belonging he did however hope for more of a stand by Zack, but the professor had not seen the growing distance between them both.
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-Sir Pierre would also see another development blossom in his favour, as Zack seemed to have an affection for the corporation's new executive Ms Francesca Harper. The chairman saw that their smiles grow wider, their touch grow longer and their conversations would become more personal. 'I must have Ms Harper on board, with Zack fulling for her well she can draw him the way I wish... A word in his ear at every turn.' and so to deepen this develop and their affection further the chairman quickly called Ms Harper to his office and brought her on board.
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Ms Harper stood there before him; tall, thin and very voluptuous with slender hips and tight waste. She has fair skin, scarlet lips and her blue eyes were highlight by a suited eye shadow and her blonde hair that flows down to her shoulders.
From her attire she looked professional and polished; clearly showing that she knew the meaning of dressing to press and most definitely in the eyes of the chairman made the right first impression, the young executive wearing a pale blue statement dress with a unrevealing neckline and heels. Finishing her attire Ms Harper had a pair of gold piercing and triangle necklace and a gold bracelet.
"Sir you asked to see me?" she asked tentatively, not truly getting why; Ms Harper brushed her hair back over her ear.
"That I did Ms Harper.' he answer stepping from behind his desk and walking over to her, coming in close Lawrence actually placed some slight pressure on her. 'You see Ms Harper you will soon find out in the harsh environment of business that it is important to keep your friends close, but keep your enemies even closer."
She sort of understood and smiled warmly.
"You see Zack is someone of great importance for my overall plans for the corp... I truly would love to see the you two becoming more."
"Why thank you sir.' she expressed, finding herself blush somewhat. 'I er, well we did try and keep our feelings on the low, but to know that we have your blessing is much appreciated."
"Now I only wish for one thing, and that is for you to aid in my goal... Guide dear Zack on the right direction as it were. Do I make myself clear?"
She nodded, her warm smile still there to see.
"Splendid, that truly warms me.' he stated, a hand on his chest. 'Your aid will no doubt be rewards... Ms Harper know that I tend to back those who come through for the future of the corporation!"
"I will aid you in all that I can, sir!' she regarded her boss as a friend, even though she sees traces of a cruel man just there under the surface. 'Rest assured my feelings for Zack will not see him falter on his work... The Caesar chip will be his number one priority; I can assure you on that."
Sir Pierre sees the young executive as an alley in his quest of world control, and is not afraid to use her in anyway he sees fit. "Good Ms Harper, I am truly please that you see things my way... As I said your actions will no doubt be rewarded... The completion of the chip is paramount to the corporations' supremacy."
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-Has the robotic up-grade was almost completed, yet again for the young lad he received very bad news; he looked up from his desk as the doors to his lab unexpectedly opened it was Sir Pierre's young receptionist. She spoke softly, Zack sensed there was something wrong. She told him that his mother had passed away.
He looked at her in true shock, tires somehow unable to fall from his eyes. "I'm sorry Mr Zander, when Sir Pierre heard of this news he asked me to offer you our condolences and stated that you can take as long as you need away from your father's project." Unto-knows to Zack in this sudden instance was as if the reception was stating words she had to recall word for word.
For him it was a sudden passing, but it later turned out his mother had hidden from her children her illness.
His world had once again been fully ripped apart by this tragedy; to make matters worse with all the extra time he had put in to complete the chip Zack wasn't really there to say his goodbyes. This played on Zack's mind heavy in the days following his mother's passing.
He pulled into the drive way of his apartment and still with the engine on slammed his hands on the wheel. 'I just lost track of everything… drive by a forgotten loyalty to my family no…' he paused. 'No to my father's name… mum I am sorry I should have been there for you, oh thinking of work than what is really going on around me.'
He heard a knock at the window, it was Ms Harper. "My dear, you've been out here for ages… Please come on inside… we can just sit together if you line."
Zack turned to face her and lightly smiled, for him it had only been a second; a second to catch his breath and to collect his head, but as he now looked at his clock on the car settings it had been long over haft an hour.
They had a nice quiet night together, Zack felt comfort as he lay in her arms. Ms Harper had been a needed shoulder and rock for him. She would also use this time to get even closer and closer to Zack; meals out, dates for drinks and simple gifts.
After a particular evening out they caught a cad, Francesca turned to Zack, he looked longingly into her eyes; the night had been building up to the moment and he asked her to come back to his place.
"Are you sure!?" she asked him, playing it down.
He hadn't been so surer and with cheeky smile turned to the cab system and stated his wished location.
Once back at his apartment Zack purred Francesca a glass of wine, as the night went on she stayed over sharing a bed together, signs she hoped to build a true relationship, but all the time thinking now about her career that her heart.
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-Zack had returned to work straight away, which as Francesa had warned might not be the right thing to do, however Zack just couldn't bring himself to listen.
A few days later after trying to keep things together sat at his work station in his lab, he was unable to focus on his work and the clock on the wall just didn't seem to move, his mother's passing weighed heavily on his mind; he lost it and stepped away from what he was doing.
Zack came to speak with Sir Pierre. "Come in Zack... How are things... How are you doing in this most difficult time!" he could see straight away the young mind was at an unrest, but the chairman was only driven by his emotions on the project's completion than the lad's actual heart and body after the death of yet another family member.
Zack looked at his boss searching for the words to explain what he had decided to do, the boss who on the very surface had been nothing, but kind and generous to him ever since he started at the corp, "Sir, I feel at a great loss as of late."
"And that can be expected." Interjected Sir Pierre, putting his hands together.
"Yes and I thought that I could come back straight away, keep my mind busy,however.' he paused and shook his head. 'I can't!"
"A lot as happened to you dear boy."
"Thank you I'm glad you understand."
'Keep your mind on the price Zack, don't you dare fall away from me now.' were the thoughts of the chairman as he tried to look all understanding.
Zack sighed heavily. "I feel that I must step away, take a break... I have decided that it would be for the best for me if I were to move back into the family home in Santa Marta and spend sometime with my sister." now more than ever he want to be there for his 14-year-old sister; Bilinda.
"Sister!' he expressed actually sounding a little shocked that Zack had another sibling, but ever the professional the chairman regained his composure and rested back in his chair. 'Zack you do what you feel is right... I will assist Dr Curie to speak with you about the Caesar chip before you go see if the man can bring it along."
"I thank you for that, but I want to be the one to complete my father's work and hoped that you would feel the same way."
Sir Pierre pointed his joint hands at Zack. "And that I do Zack... That I do.' which in truth was a hard pill to sallow, and with a lick of his gums finished off by stating. 'We here at the corporation full understand and sympathise with your decision Zack... Santa Marta isn't that far away and no doubt your work won't falter."
Zack shook the chairman's hand and thanked him. "I will not let you down, your support is welcoming sir; I just though it would be best to inform you of my actions."
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Gaining the permission and understanding of Sir Pierre and was just to leave the chairman's office; when Sir Pierre called Zack back, as the chairman just couldn't let him merely walk away now. "The RM scholarship do have a program, no wait its normally open to children of our staff.
Zack had heard to hear this, he truly welcomed the chairman's kindness; deep down he hoped upon hopes that he could arrange this.
'it would solve everything, I'd have rest and Bilinda would have a safe future."
The chairman saw this and actually felt please. 'I've still got the hooks into you haven't I!' he so wanted to laugh. "But I am the boss and who am I if not in these circumstance to change things. Yes I think I can be able to pull some strings and maybe get Bilinda into one of the funded schools."
Zack even though he wanted this felt it was just too much. "Please sir you don't have to do that, Billie will no doubt be fine."
"Come now Zack; what sort of man would I be if I didn't try and help in your hour of need and besides it would leave time for you and Ms Harper... Time and again I've see the how she touches up her make-up when she knows you are coming into my office for a meeting." he smiled stepping out from around his desk and placing a warm hand on his shoulder. Zack took Sir Pierre up on his offer.
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-Bilinda for sure was a define tomboy; for a girl Bilinda had kept her short cut hair, she would only wearing stud earrings and dressing in mostly t-shirts, tight jeans and girl style flat trainers; who liked being called Billie.
She was now over 14 years old and stood at around 4'8'', for a teen of Bilinda still with her flat form, stick like hips, taut stomach and long, slightly muscular legs. However her body was without definition in her feminine and masculine appearance; even those she kept herself physically fit and showed very little feminine charm.
She wears a thin line of shaded pink lipstick and black-rimmed glasses that seem to reassemble goggles, as they have a light grey strap that goes around her head. Billlie's main style and clothing generally consists of a skater-look; one of style and practical for the board. Wearing a long sleeve jacket, with thick strap buckles, which she leaves open. Underneath she as on a graph blue t-shirt and jeans that fall tight on her legs. She wears a pair of flat soled tennis shoes, with a pink line on the back that as a lot of scuffs and marks on them through lots of use.
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When she learnt about this news Billie, she defiantly was happy with her brother and straight away stomp her right boot down hard. "Come on bro, see some sense here, why would I want to change my school this late in the term... after all I'm happy where I am and beside no doubt those posh teacher's will try and make a girl out of me."
"Look Billie I'm trying here... trying to set up something that could help you' stated Zack trying to sound reasonable.
"Me!" snapped Billie.
'Yes Billie you... trying to offer you a chance at a normal life that all... We should be grateful of Sir Pierre kind gesture... he's offering us this chance and the of all Billie the corp will pay for everything."
"Then tell me this bro; if it was such a good thing then why didn't dad get you signed up hey?"
Zack shook his head, not really understanding nor welcoming his sister's attitude and just why she wasn't happy. "Come please Billie agree to go...' he wanted to make this sound alright. 'these are the best school and hey if any of the teacher's try and force to the dress or act any differently then I guarantee you that I'll be the first to pull you out of school no matter what the cost or implication; after all you are the gem here."
Billie in the end reluctantly agreed to go to the corp's funded school.
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Term was only a few days away by the time Sir Peirre had informed Zack that the funding had come through; the way the chairman wanted it to happen. "Your sister can head out to anyone of the school she wishes Zack."
Truly grateful Zack again thanked his boss, only seeing his efforts as kindness, all the time moving closer and closer to the chairman's ultimate goal.
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Zack sat with his sister back at home; he had showed her every school. Billie smiled as she finally saw amongst the many fine school one that make her eyebrows raise. "Are you sure!" he asked, sounding a like off guard and all too weary.
"Yes!' she said with a side smile, as she watch Zack open up the computer and enrolled Billie on the school she had in fact chosen. 'And why wouldn't I; the place runs archery, fencing and soccer glasses; everything a true girls like me needs are fixed right there!"
Zack should have known she would have had her reasons than anything academically.
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-One night as Zack lied alone in bed tossing and turning. He rolled over and looked over at the bedside clock, it happened to be three in the morning and he hadn't been able to get off. So unable to sleep he gets out of bed and walked across the room and into the bath room. Zack ran some water and splashed his face before leaning over the skin, looking at himself in the mirror. 'Seems as if my mind is a buzz... Things to put right and things to end...' so he decided to head back to the facility to work on the Caesar chip.
He quickly changed out of his pyjamas and pulled on a plain white t-shirt and a pair of maroon jogging trousers and trainers and headed to the front door. It was raining heavily and before he left the front door he raised hand he felt the rain Zack cursed under his breath. Zack not wishing to get socked through he gabbed his coat and pulled it up over his head to try and shelter him from the wet. And with one last breath he darted out across the drive to his car.
Inside his silver car Zack's switched on the radio just catching the end of another advert for the chip; with his seat-belt on and the engine ticking over he was soon heading out of his driveway with the music up to get his mind off his thoughts.
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Zack after what seemed to be a passing drive soon found himself pulled up outside the RM corp facility, to his surprise he saw that there were even at this early hour a few cars in the parking lot; even catching sight of Francesca's own car, he had no explanation and merely brushed it aside.
He past a hand over the bonnet before heading across the parking lot before he entered the reception area.
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Free from the rain Zack pulled off his coat; shack off the water to his cuff and shoulder. He heard a computerised voice from over his shoulder. -Welcome to the RM Facility, how may I assist.-
Zack smile as he turned to face the Triple Alpha operative security unit behind the desk; he pulled out his I.D card and held it up still to the bot, so the bot could scan it.
The bot used the data scanner to scan his card, when his identification was correctly recognised the bot turned to Zack and in his programmed voice stated. -Hello again Mr Zander, you are given only clearance FC1 after hours.-
"That's fine!' replied Zack. 'Erm by the way what section of the facility is Ms Harper in at this hour."
The bog stayed quiet for a few second, Zack knew it was checking his systems. -There is no log of Ms Harper being in the facility at the hour.-
Zack looked back over his shoulder pointing out to her car. "Are you sure, her car is still out in the parking lot."
It repeated its earlier response. -There is no log of Ms Harper being in the facility at the hour.-
Shacking his head, he knew there was no debate with the bot, as he hadn't been programmed that way.
The bot raised up. -Please what sections of the facility will you be needing access to Zack Zander?-
"I'm only going to my lab. I'll be no trouble." Zack stated to the bot, hoping he could just head down to his lab already, and to merely skip these formalities.
-Would you be also using the facilities cafeteria?-
Zack stopped and turned to the bot. "Now a coffee that would be nice;' he said mainly to himself than the bot. 'Yes you know what maybe I will." he said with a slight smile and a nod of the head; he past through the security door with a swipe of his card and headed quickly down to his lab.
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As he walked down the corridors, Zack came to realise just how big the facility was, due to the fact that it was totally deserted at this late hour; corridors leading off to over corridors, lifts leading to other floors, open areas connecting to officers, meeting rooms, other labs and production areas. And in truth Zack found that he actually liked it a hole lot better this way.
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He was lost in his own emotions, not even to notice that there the light's were on at the end of the corridor. Just as he was right by the chairman's main office that's when he saw out of the corner of his eye caught the dime glow from under the office door. In truth he didn't think much off it and why should be; after all what's so strange about that, but as he continued on walk further on that when he slowly started to hear faint voices.
Zack could just make out through the silver frosted glass of the office three figures inside; no doubt they were Sir Pierre sitting behind his oak desk and there in front of the desk sitting down were the doctor Isaac Curie and his main assistant Ms Harper.
'No doubt an early meeting with some over seas clients... I don't wish to disturb their private meeting.' And with that though in mind Zack headed quickly past the office; however when he happened to overhear his name being mentioned by the doctor, that's when he suddenly froze.
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Slowly he found himself actually edging closer to the door; curiosity had gotten the better of him now. 'Need to know what they think of me or my work.' were his thoughts as he leaned in to get a better advantage.
Zack's ear was practically placed up against the office glass; he could hear the voice of chairman very clearly. Lawrence talked on; and deep down Zack soon couldn't believe what he was doing. 'I knew I shouldn't... I know its wrong of me, but come on who wouldn't want!?' he though to himself, as heard further parts of their main discussion; at first he was pleased that his boss was talking about him; Zack for the first time hearing what the chairman actually thought about him and all was good.
However as he stood there taking in what was being said Zack heard the conversation take a change of pase and this is where he accidentally heard something that then utterly rocked him to the very core; he heard Sir Pierre discussion all that had happened and that he was becoming frustrated in the progress on the chip.
"Sir please now that I am back on the team I will force Zack to come through for you..." came the doctor's voice, no doubt Dr Curie trying to ease the chairman's temper, were Zack's thoughts.
"You better doctor.' stated the chairman in quick reply, there was no mistake his tone crisp and sharp. 'As the launch of the chip can not wait any longer... My control rest in the balance here and I will not be let down now."
"The boy will be brought back in line now that professor is out of the way, that I know for certain..."
"Good, I want things truly stacked in my favour."
"And that it will LP...' Zack know that voice all to well, it was the voice of Francesca. 'I have a tight hold on my Zack; he knows the importance of his work... I know with hand on heart he wont fail you even at this late stage." it sounded as if she was speaking in his favour and this make Zack smile a little.
"Soon enough I will have the power to simply take the world and it all rests on the completion of Zander boy's work...' there was a sharp and sudden pause. 'Both of you do all that you can to control him... I must have his work completed." By the sound of Pierre's voice, it was clear that he wasn't joking at all.
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Zack froze, he just seemed to stand there glued to the spot; he wasn't even sure how to respond to what he had just heard, 'disgust' and 'contempt' seemed to be locked in a vicious battle with 'shock' and 'dismay,' leaving no clear winner.
Suddenly he felt the corridor spin around him; as if he was going to just fall to the floor as his whole world seemed to have exploded; he had discovered the truth on how the chairman was wanting to use his work and even hearing that the person he had close feelings for were freely and willingly to aid him. 'To think they are all be willing to set such a dark plan into motion... and here I am totally in the dark while they plot and scheme around me... I've been working for him for a whole year and power control his is main goal, not progress or advancement... With the chip there is no better world...'
In the harsh trust of reality he felt truly cheated. 'And to think the people I looked up to and admired could be willing to back his deluded plans.' he shook his head. 'Doctor, I actually wanted above all else than to stand shoulder to shoulder with you when my father's chip was completed.'
Zack placed his hand on the wall to stable himself, he just didn't know what to think any more nor who to trust or believe in, then his mind fell on Francesca. 'How could she, how could I have been so blinded, did she ever love me, did she even care... We've been together for six months now... dating this long without even knowing that she could have another viewpoint of our relationship... if it ever was a relationship for her!'
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Zack then suddenly jumped back into reality again quickly stepping away from the frosted glass; his face white like a sheet and his palms dry. 'This is an utter croak; how could this be happening... How could they actually be considering this...It's been nothing but a game for them at my expense... they should be ashamed of themselves... He should be ashamed of himself!Harper Curie they should be ashamed for encouraging all this to take place; I clear didn't know them at all.'
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This mind was all over the place, rethinking the same line of thought he was in so much of a panic of a state. 'A coup, he desires to gain world domination. Just how can he be willing to do this? And as he continues on with this madness to think Francesca and the doctor are still actually willing to aid him on this too.'
Zack then stepped back from the door and then walked away from the office; a right then a left. His pace quickened as he moved further and further away, but Zack just couldn't shack off his thoughts. "The Triple Alpha's... oh my A's how humanity think they aid them in their every will... Well now they will be used as their down fall. The world's enter wealth is no longer large nor good enough to quench my thirst..." Zack quickly placed both hands tightly over his mouth to hold back his curse.
With a drop of clarity Zack came to get a grip. 'I've got to get out of here! Professor Steen was right all along, there was more to this than meets the eye. And to think he tried to warn me, but I let my own future stop me from seeing the whole truth around me. I've been such a damn fool.' Zack tried to make his way through the RM facility unnoticed. However, cameras were everywhere and watching his every move through the entire building.
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-As he made his quick exit Zack, running now to the left, did notice a few of the buildings security camera's zoom in and out.
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Sir Pierre receives word from his security unit of Zack's presents. -Sir I am sorry you weren't inform of this sooner-
"What is it security." barked the chairman, concerned.
-Sir, as you requested... I inform you of a new life form detected in the building.-
"Tell me who it it and can you keep them away from this room?"
-The I.D reading show that the person is Zack Zander.- responded the computerised voice of the security system.
The chairman looked down at his computer screen, camera's show that he is now heading away from your current location.
-What are your orders?-
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As you can imagine this information didn't rest well with the chairman; Francesca saw a redness in his face as Sir Pierre slammed his fist down on his desk and stood up in anger.
Dr Curie and Ms Harper's eyes met in startlement as they looked across at each other; neither of them having the words to settle their bosses anger.
"We've got to stop him and fast, our plans can't be revealed just yet.' he took a second to breath, looking the doctor in the eye. 'Damn that boy, no doubt Zack as found out everything... Ah just like his bloody father poking his nose into things that don't concern him, hey doctor."
The doctor nodded, something that concerned Francesca, but she didn't have time to think about this as the chairman barked. "I want him out of the way before he causes us any further trouble."
"Yes indeed just like the boy's farther I will make sure he's dealt with!' replied the doctor, clinching his robotic hand into a fist. 'Before he can cause us any more trouble Sir Pierre."
"No damn it, on second thoughts for now I must have him brought to me alive…' stated the chairman quickly, better minds prevailed as it dawned on Sir Pierre that Zack was better alive for the corp's plans; as he could be the only person who can deliver the Caesar chip. 'I want him to finish the work needed on the Triple Alpha's. I won't let it slip through my fingers again!"
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Time for talking was done the chairman without another thought ran out into the corridor and headed quickly after Zack.
Zack saw him coming, the young lab constantly pressing the lift button down just hoping the doors would close.
As the doors closed to, their eyes met. Lawrence slammed a fist on the lift doors, before turning to the doctor who had just managed to catch up with the chairman. "Don't let him leave the building, I want to see him standing before me.' stated Sir Pierre to the doctor and his assistant. 'I will not have any other's knowing my aims, blast it!"
They knew what was at steak here and wanted above all else to deliver.
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Free inside the lift Zack took a deep breath as he was safe for now, but deep down he knew it wasn't going to be easy to escape. As the lift passed by each floor he looked around; feeling truly caged in. 'No doubt they'll hunt me down at every turn, I've got to get out of here damn it, got to find a place where I can lay low and hide!' he thought to himself, as he looked around, he came to realise the predicament he was in. 'Got to slow then down, gotta buy myself at least some time.'
Then he pulled the panel away from the wall and quickly over ride the control systems to every lift in the building; he scanned a glance over the wires and circuits and know just which wires to cut and which circuits to change.
"Now let's just see how fast they can move through the building with no lifts to sent their bots after me in." he stated sounded smug and with a few cross wires and a switch of a few circuit breakers Zack was successfully able to shut them all down, besides his, sending the lift he was in straight down to the ground floor.
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-Ms Harper turned away; hiding an actual revealed expression on her face, as she found herself actually being pleased that Zack had gotten away.
As he spotted her headed to the stairwell entrance Dr Curie asked a little troubled. "So where do you think you're going Harper?"
Ms Harper stopped for a second, trying to get her composure.
"I said where are you going!" he asked yet again.
She was forced to turn around and face the doctor; she had not been given the time to change her expression. Something the doctor didn't like the look of. Ms Harper didn't let this bother her merely stating her answer, calmly and coldly. "I am going to stop Zander and hand him over to Pierre..."
Ah, do you really think you can stop him? don't make me laugh."
"If there is anything I can do to make Zack see sense, then know this doctor I'm willing to do it." she ended by brushing a strand of hair back over her hair and was about to turn her back on the doctor and act, knowing the doctor couldn't see the lady started to count; lipping 5...4...3...2...1; and as she hit one the doctor seemed to clear his voice.
"Not without me you're not, we're in this together!" snapped the doctor; the hiss strong now in his voice.
"Why sweet doctor don't you trust me?' she laughed, hearing the stomp of Dr Curie's robotic foot being place down on the floor as he took a step forward. 'Or is it simply because you don't want to miss out on the glory?"
Dr Curie wasn't one for playing games, and didn't taking to Ms Harper's tone. "You better know m dear Harper, that no I do not.' He hissed back at her. 'Now you can cut out your sweet charms as they'll never work on me."
"Well if that's the case, dear doctor, I ask of you to cast aside that doubt you have about me and for you to put some damn trust in me.' The doctor rolled his eyes, as he heard this, but she continued to stamp her nerve. 'I want you to know, doctor, that I will not stir you wrong nor fail Pierre either!" Harper replied meaning what she said, even though she had clearly enjoying the current events.
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Dr Curie placed an arm down on her shoulder, their gazed now matched. "We are at heads it seems." he stated.
She didn't back down from his grip. "No it doesn't have to be like this doctor... as I see it there is only one option to us!'
"And that is that dear Harper?"
'To set aside our differences and to work together.' There was a slight laugh from the doctor, which made Ms Harper continue. 'By working together doctor, can we secure the boy for our boss and to deliver his vision... That and only that will see us through this day! Now are you going to aid me in getting Zack or not?"
The doctor scratched the side of his head, he had his doubts but slowly his gaze started t lowering away. "Maybe... maybe you're right Harper, maybe it would be better if we work alongside one another!" and with a handshake of agreement the doctor with a slight hissing ran down the stairwell with the executive a few steps ahead.
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-As the doctor and Ms Harper head down the stairwell the chairman had his security bots immobilised and they now quickly moved through out the building.
Even without the lift they were able to move in fast and managing to corner Zack in the reception area before he could make it safely to the exit. Laser's quickly raised the central bot sounded off.
-We have our order's to bring you in Mr Zander... Sir Pierre states that there is some misunderstanding...-
"Oh there's no misunderstanding by my part.' His eyes moved to the door, his path was both as the bits guarded the door there seemed no way out. 'Hell what am I to do?' 'And you can tell Pierrie that I know what I heard." responded Zack not willing to fall for anything Pierre had to say to him now.
-Please Zack we have our orders.- stated the bot once again, Zack seeing now that the red light on the laser flicked to green. -We must bring you back to his office, we must bring you in... He wished to sort every thing out.-
"Yeah a beat he does." responded Zack wisely.
The security team's order's were replied once again and this time around Zack chose not to reply; neither side said anything for a second.
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The awkward silence seemed to stretch out forever, until Ms Harper and Dr Curie came running into the reception area the pair able to catch sight of the warning being given for the third time in succession by the corp's security bot. -Zander you are surrounded there is only one option... We have our orders you will come with us.-
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Ms Harper's mouth curled up into a smile as he stood his ground, she liked his braveness and actually defines. She tried to take hold of her emotion in light of the present circumstances; Ms Harper knew she had to see past the fact that it was her boyfriend standing before her and that now Zack was the crucial part in Sir Peirrie's ultimate plan.
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The robots took a few step closer as one seemed to be ready to apprehend Zack.
In the panic staff members of corporation who were caught up in the mayhem were forced to move out of the unit's way and back to one side, as not to get caught up in the cross fire.
"You wanna bet, look if LP wants me then he's going to have to get me himself!' he then saw his girl at the side of the doctor. 'And you Francesca, you tell him I know is plans and want no part in this any more... And my goal now is to stop him." he stated drawing light on the fact that he saw her.
"You know nothing boy... you're just a mere cog in his plan... The ship shall be completed."
'Now I'm going to need the perfect diversion if I want to leave here in one piece.' he thought, Zack then saw his chance as a fellow worker ran out in front of the line of security bots; he acted fast and ran to the main doors.
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Zack run to the lady and pulled free her ID pass. "Sorry!' he called out. 'I need this, gotta break out gotta be free." and with a wipe of the doors he was out into the car park. Things were bad, he looked over at his car and was ready to get inside and drive away. He stopped suddenly only inches away, as he had second thoughts. 'I can't risk it... ah to them I'm nothing more than a pawn in my bosses games of power... And who knows they've probably had my car tagged from the very beginning.' he looked around, the sun was up now and the rain leaving puddles on the ground, there were one or two cars filling into the car park. 'I've gotta to find another vehicle that will get me out of here undetected.'
The break he needed came in the form of a postal van, which had just pulled into the car park. Laser fired suddenly flew past Zack's head as he heard the sound of shattered glass. He ran instantly the beams cutting through the side of the van, Zack saw the driver jumped out of the way his hands over his head as he now ran for cover. Zack jumped inside the van, put his foot on the accelerator and switched into fifth gear and made his escaped from the facility; leaving the chairman furious with his team.
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