“How can you tell?”

Asked Roon, still grimacing over the man’s apparent omniscient behavior. And seeing Roon in a dilemma, all August did was smirked.

“I can’t. You did. Quite the gullible one, aren’t you?”

“Hmm. Fuck. Well, guess what. I won’t be telling you, or anyone for that matter.”

“Wise decision. So, what else did you have to discuss?”

“Well, about that.”

Roon told him everything he’d seen today.

“Well that is indeed bad news. And you’re saying that the mutated zombie, nearly one shot you with half a step in the grave. Hmm, then you must’ve got a healing skill from it.”

From August’s accurate guess, Roon felt a sour. Just now he’d been cocky, and claimed silence about his skill, yet in just few minutes he’d spilled the beans indirectly. How? Was all he could think.

“Don’t sweat over it. It was simple deduction.”

“I know. So what do you suggest we do now? What is the situation inside the tower? Who was that man you were talking to?”

“The situation inside the tower is controlled, and that man is a security agent. Can you call that man you saved, what was his name?”

“Takeo.”

“Could you send him over?”

“Do I look like a lackey to you? You can’t order me around.”

“Please.”

“Fine.”

Roon fetched Takeo, who’d been eyeing August for quite some time now. Seeing the way Takeo was looking at them, Roon felt something was off. Also, he didn’t need to fetch Takeo, as he walked to them of his own accord.

“Are you Dr. Patrick August?”

“That would be me, correct. And good timing, I heard you were the west section’s IT Head……..”

Before August could complete his sentence, Takeo jumped at him in an attempt to punch him. Anger was evident in his every action. It almost felt like August was the embodiment of everything he hated.

“Motherfuckers… You knew that…..”

But before he could act or speak any further, August, in a practiced manner, landed a chop on his neck. Which, to the astonishment of Roon, made Takeo swoon and he immediately went limp on the floor.

“Did he have any recent grievances?”

“His wife turned a zombie in front of him.”

“Figures. Carry him, the door will be opening soon, and we will talk inside.”

Seeing Takeo faint, many of the group came running, his kids especially worried.

“Papa! What happened to papa? Papa!”

The girl, Yumiko, got hysterical as she saw the state of her dad, and the silent boy, Negi, started pulling at Takeo, his tears flowing relentlessly.

Their dad was their only support in this world, the very idea of something happening to him, devastated them. All they could remember was the family’s unanimous decision for a visit to the museum, falling asleep on the way, and waking up in their father’s arms, then they had to walk on the road, and found a smelly body, and an unconscious big brother who their father said was going to help them. They knew that their father was tensed, and kept quite because they were good kids. They only asked their father where their mama was, and he said that she’d gone out to complete some work. They knew he didn’t want to talk, so they didn’t ask any further.

Then they arrived at papa’s office building, and saw a lot of cars broken and thrown here and there. When they arrived, a lot of uncle and aunties who were smelling like dead rats came to greet them, but they didn’t scrunch their noses as I would’ve been impolite. Also, they could forgive them as one of the old uncles was showing them magic, by taking out a coin from their ears.

Then their father said that he’ll be back in a minute, and came here and fainted. They couldn’t do anything about it, except cry and irritate and do the stuff that children do.

But to sooth their hysterical and close to meltdown little kid hearts, and for everyone’s questioning gazes, we had Roon, the protégé of all fraudulent gentlemen present in the pretentious high society.

See the thing about Roon was, he wouldn’t give a twat for people’s opinions he wasn’t going to have long term interaction with, because he’d need to have a twat, to be able to give one, but his inexistent twat is not the point of this paragraph. The point is, when Roon understands, that he is stuck with certain “humans” in long term, which was certainly the case given the apocalyptic theme, he is capable of changing his personalities faster than Mystique from X Men, becoming extremely polite and gregarious. And the sad part is, it isn’t a case of multi-personality disorder. No, it is the same man, displaying two very different behaviors per the situation, none of which is the real him, how tragic.

But, as said before, being the protégé of the pretentious high society has its own perks, like right now.

Roon, like the very faithful friend who covers up in front of our parents, the butler for the masters, or the lawyers who provide perfectly logical explanations for the correctness and reasonability of rich peoples’ crimes, could handle the situation with few words, as excuse was an indispensable item in hypocrites’ arsenal,

“Dehydration.”

“What?”

Everybody looked at Roon as if he’d said something absurd. Most people were looking at him like he had something to do with this, including August the culprit. Even the kids who were crying like crazy had their tears paused right in place, to listen to this smelly big brothers explanation.

“I think its dehydration. Don’t look at me like that, makes me feel like I sucked all the water from him, which has more than 1 interpretations. God, why did I say that last line. Listen, he had nothing to drink, since last night. And today, the sudden exposure to hyper activities, resulted in building up of fatigue which led to this.”

“…….. (o _ o) …….”

“But child, in case of dehydration, the person would usually lie down and then swoon if it is severe. His drop was to sudden, look, he even fell on his face. I think it may be something serious.”

An old black man, in light brown casual shirt and pants pointed out. No one was convinced with Roon’s explanation, but only the old man found it worth speaking. After listening to the old man, the kids were once again worried to hell, and were looking at Roon with glistening puppy eyes, as if he’d just asked for both their kidneys.

“Uncle, may I know your name?”

“Bappy Lahiri, why?”

“So, Mr. Lahiri, the thing is, I am a very active, and ambitious young man. And all the time, which I don’t devote to studying, I read medical articles on the net. So, when I say that he fainted due to lack of water in his body, and I am not saying it loosely, he probably did faint due to lack of water.”

After Roons counter argument the light in the children’s eyes returned. The children of Orient, especially those of the upper echelons, were quite informed. Thus, despite not knowing the exact intricacies of the phenomenon “Dehydration”, they knew it wasn’t quite serious, because whenever the kids at school got sick, and their maudlin parents insisted on the doctors checking them thoroughly, the doctors would say ‘It is only a case of mild dehydration’, and their friends got well, very soon. So, if papa only had dehydration, it was going to be alright.

“But child, I was a paramedic, and I ensure you it’s not dehydration.”

“Fuck why are you so insistent. You say you were paramedic, I say you are old, So why don’t you just accept that its dehydration, you snaggy old bugger. (Just look at those kids, they’re going to cry themselves to death, then someone will have dehydration, so why don’t you just fucking accept.)”

The last line was said with teeth shut like Adam Sandler so that the kids don’t understand, and finally the old man made a face like a bulb had lit up and he said,

“Oh yeah. My bad, my bad. It does look like dehydration. Kids, your daddy only needs to drink some water and he’ll be fine.”

The crowd too made a some ‘Ooohhs’ and ‘Aaahhhs’, and chimed in.

“Yes, only dehydration”

“It’s all good. Fun fact- Dehydration is way better than historical conditions of cancer, or ebola. And for people who don’t know what cancer or ebola is, it was existent nearly 60 years ago, now they’re dead. Only good things like dehydration are left, nothing to worry about.”

“Of course. Just a diminutive case of dehydration. We were worried for no reason.”

All the adults present joined in to cheer up the 4 and 3 year olds, with one of them providing historical information so that dull minded readers could understand the approximate timeline of the stories plot.

With all said and done, the kids cheered up, their worry for their father, lessening a lot. The passengers from the bus were now looking at Roon with kind eyes. Everybody loves the guys who cares for the kids. Even William despite maintaining his vigilance, now had a better opinion of him. Few of the ladies were even beaming at him, to which he responded with his own humble and dry smile, and rubbed the back of his head like the innocent teenager he was.

What the public didn’t know was, although half of the reason for his whole façade was his concern for the kids, the other half, was exactly what the effect we observed. He was now in the good books of the people, they felt more positive about him, they found his actions very goofy, but that also made them lower their guards. He also helped ease the tensed atmosphere.

Roon had read many historical records, which was also the source of his Karate Kid, X Men and Big Bang Theory references, he felt fascinated by the times when men made movies, delightful pieces of fine arts. This interest, in humanities history, and analysis of numerous psychological dissertations, led him to grasp a basic understanding of human-social functionalities.

The thing that he understood now, after facing the perils of travelling alone in this zombie filled city, was that one needed a group for survival, for example if Takeo hadn’t come and woken him up, then despite the miraculous effects of “Cell Regen Boost”, he would have died. Maybe that was also Augusts purpose in sending him on the trek, a way of telling him ‘Alone? No matter how op, you’d definitely die in your sleep or when you go for a shit.’

Thus, to improve his chances of survival, he now took the initiative to fit in. He also now understood, why William, the one who he considered an idiot, was so proactive in social interaction. Only the image August portrayed in public, perplexed him.

‘August certainly is smart enough to understand this basic rule, then why does he not take pains to gain the peoples trust? Maybe they already trust him given how smart he is.’

While Roon was engrossed in these seemingly useless thoughts, the gate to the tower opened, and what baffled him, was that it didn’t open and close in 30 seconds like entries to all buildings at the 3rd level did. It stayed open, like it was permanent, and that was enough to stump these people, they were also thinking how did it open without a pass? Well most of them were, a few of them were not stupid, and those were thinking, how did it work without electricity?

To all these questions, no one gave an answer, and as the black coated man urged everyone to come inside quickly, no one bothered to ask. As everyone went in, William did the courtesy of picking up Takeo, and when the black coated man saw the fainted guys face, he panicked, and said something on his communicator, that too an electric item, after which a group of men came rushing out with a stretcher, and put Takeo on it and ran back in. Then a man in blue t-shirt came, and went straight to the kids. The kids also ran towards him and hugged him.

“Uncle Shinni.”

They said, and started crying in his arms.

“Shh. It’s going to be alright. It’s going to be alright, I’m here now. Where’s your mom?”

“Papa said she had some work to do. So she left.”

“Oh, is that so. Alright no problem.”

The man named Shinni, obviously understood what that meant. Takeo, was his boss, and he often brought his kids to the office. So, he’d developed a great bond with these kids, and was crestfallen at their loss. He too was worrying about his family, which lived here. But there was nothing he could do about it; the moment the black monolith had appeared the tower had been shut down. Even now the security personnel “requested” him to stay in the premises of the tower.

The kids pointed to Roon and said something to the man, who then walked over to Roon and shook his hands.

“Shen Lohara.”

“Roon.”

“I thank you for your service.”

“Don’t mention it.”

‘It nearly cost me my life, and all you got is thanks. Bitch.’

Was what he thought, but avoided speaking. He was hoping to get a gun in this precarious situation, had to maintain a good relationship with the government. Of course, he didn’t know that poor old Shinni with his paygrade, wasn’t entitled to a gun for himself, let alone provide one for Roon.

Had it been before, it would have been easy to get a gun. But after all electronics got spiked, there was no hope to get hold of functioning gun. After all, the guns worked on the principle of electromagnetism, so it was only after watching all the devices functional in here, Roon felt some hope.

“I’ll see you later. I’ll have to go and check on my boss now.”

After he’d left with the children, another man in grey suit came out and greeted everyone.

“Greetings everyone, I’m Darret Haba, the Chief of Law Enforcement and a Rank 3 Marshall in the Ministry of Defense. As many of you may already know it is my responsibility to keep the city of Ahmeda safe. You are our first batch of survivors, which I am glad about, and I hope there’ll be many more like you. I will keep it short, I welcome you to the pride of Ahmeda, the Administrative Tower, we have enough food to last us for a month, still I would advise you to be sustainable. That was all I had to say, now I request you to pass through the check and enter this stronghold.”

Seeing someone of authority, the passengers felt a load lift off their shoulders. This had been a very stressful period, and finally having someone to rely upon made them feel good. So, they quickly, got in a que as asked, Roon and August being the last ones.

It was going to take some time because everyone was being checked for bite marks, apparently, they knew that the bitten ones turned zombies, and in the process of doing so, they were also asked to strip. For which the ladies hesitated at first, but agreed when they were provided with separate booths and female inspectors.

Still, it was going to take some time for checking 15 men, thoroughly. So to pass time, August choose to entertain Danielle, err, Roon.

“You were great back there. Great performance.”

“Fuck yourself.”

“No, no. I’m not being sarcastic. You understood my intention of sending you away, alone, and devised immediate measures to pacify your previous inconsistencies. I commend your intellect. You’re not bad for someone your age. Master Kumar.”

“Fuck you sideways. Just because you know about my family does not mean I’ll be flustered and suddenly start talking to you.”

“I didn’t mean it to be like that. Also, if you don’t feel like talking then you don’t need to. And the reason I mentioned your family was because your father and I could be considered friends, of some sort.”

With that, August went quiet, and no longer involved in a conversation.

About Roon’s family. It didn’t have an incredible background involving some sort of huge organization or some sort of conspiracy. His mother was a Ph.D. His father was a scholar, from whom the Ministry of Education, Research and Human Resources sometimes seek counsel, and most of his advices weren’t even implemented. His father professed simple lifestyle, that being the reason Roon was travelling in a bus, when he could have gotten a cab. His father even suggested that Roon go to the Ahmeda’s 1st level and experience the true human society, to which his mother strongly objected.

He had to thank his mother the next time he met her. Had he been down there, he’d have to face millions of zombies, instead of the tens he faced today.

But, family history aside, Roon was thinking back to what August had said. Yes, August didn’t mean to imply what Roon had said, he’d only retorted in the way he did because he didn’t have anything else to say, that’d be just as nasty. And now he started to feel that his resentment for the man was unjustified and immature, if he overlooked the few life-threatening encounters he had. Yes, the rage really was quite childish. After all, he’d benefitted from it in the end.

And yet, like all gentlemanly hypocrites, he couldn’t possibly admit to his fault.

“Say, how do you know my father?”

“Oh, the oath of silence broken so quickly. Laudable determination you have there.”

THIS, made Roon go nearly BERSERK.

But, being the pacifist he was, he calmly replied.

“Dude, just say how you know him?”

“Hmm. Well, I could be said to be admirer of sorts. I being quite accomplished myself, find it hard to register people as intellectual, but your father is one the few, who I did. You too, appear to be quite promising.”

“So what, you only hang out with toppers of the Orient competitive exams, or something like that?”

“No. Just because they can process information much quicker does not make them intellectual. And you my friend are too young to understand the concept of an intellectual.”

“Oh, Cool. Hey, I got one question for you. Actually, I have many, like are you a secret government agent, are the aliens already among us, is this a huge conspiracy by the government, or are you the leader of all Aliens trying to convert me to join your side. But, for now, do you know how the electronics in this building are working? Or was it just cars and phones that got shut down?”

“No, the thing is, the monolith that you saw, releases electro-quantum radiation of a very low frequency, thus disrupting the flow of electricity, with subtle alteration at the nucleic level. This causes the flow of electricity to be stunted, and most of the matter impede transition of electricity. Don’t confuse them with insulators. The affected matter has its planar wavelength altered thus it can’t even register electricity. Very sophisticated tech. Just this is ahead of us by at least 400 years, and we haven’t even figured out all of it, if we do then maybe we’ll find them o be even more progressed.”

“…..”

“But luckily, the prevention of their assault was not, 400 years in the future. We were able to, with the primitive methods of ‘cause and effect’ experimentation. The solution we came up with, was isolating a confined space, with the help of radio-ionic compact fiber materials, and charge it with a pulse of hyper fueled electromagnetic waves, thus ionizing it. That could disperse the effects of electro-quantum radiation, at the price of nucleic fission, which can be controlled because we used the radio-ionic compact material to build the isolation barrier in the first place. So it’s a single use object, a costly single use object, but it works.”

“……..”

Roon, was silent. He didn’t know when August had gotten ahead of him in the queue and was simply staring at August in deep thought. Which August presumed to be a sign of ignorance.

“*Sigh*, Oh boy. Didn’t think I’d have to use the plebian exclusive explanation. Listen again. Come Black box, magic wave, Ooooh all stop. Come Safe box, half magic barrier, magic wave come, half magic barrier to zero magic barrier, Oooohh Safe box no stop. But half magic barrier gone. Get it?”

“Fuck you doggy style. Just because I am quiet does not mean I didn’t get it. I got the gist of it, I was just pondering over it.”

“Oh, good. That’s good. Giving thought to fact is a good sign. You have a mind suitable for research, I’d thank your genes for that. Except for all the “Fucks” that you chant.”

“Yeah, about that. Don’t ever tell dad…….”

Before he could complete his sentence, he noticed that it was their turn to be checked. August, who was now mysteriously positioned in front of him, was just about to undress, when Haba stopped him.

“Wait. Sir, might I ask, are you Dr. August perchance.”

“In flesh and blood.”

“Oh, then you certainly don’t need to be checked. Are you infected, Sir?”

“Ah no. Most certainly am not.”

“Oh, good. And this young man?”

“Him. A friend of mine, and I can vouch for him. He too, is not infected.”

“Oh, very well then. These two don’t need to be checked.”

The last part, Haba said to the two security agents.

The inside of the tower left many people gaping. It was also the first time for many of them to have entered it. Roon was one of the few people who was unruffled, the reason for which, was the educational tour his dad had personally taken him to. It was accompanied by a detailed explanation of the administrative procedure that he was forced to comprehend, and all the features of this behemoth.

Roon knew that the dimensions of the tower were as follows, approximately 3500 meters high, and a 750-meter radius. Has 5-star lodging, food, and entertainment. Providing the best service for government employees wherever they went. The 3rd level, consisting of 250 floors, and 6 sectors is completely dedicated to the administration of the city, and partly of the state of which Ahmeda is the economic capital. There wasn’t much information about the 2nd level, but it is said that it is completely dedicated to research including forbidden atrocious ones, and has many conspiracies about it. The 1st level of the tower, as everybody knows, consists of the government shelters for juveniles and elderly. It also houses the public schools, as opposed to the conduct of private and singular educational practices preferred by the beau monde of the planet.

Roon’s father too, insisted that his education be done in a school, and not home like those snobbish buffoons. School, he said, helps build character. Thus, Roon could be considered quite knowledgeable about the “Administrative Tower.”.

But, all of this wasn’t the focus of his mental faculties. He had something to tell August, and it was very urgent.

August had disappeared some time ago, and it wasn’t until three hours later that he met him. Meanwhile, they’d been provided separate rooms for each person, and the food too, was to be delivered by butlerobots, to their rooms. August was heading to his room, when Roon found him.

“Dr. August, we need talk.”

“Ah, yes. You were saying something about the next time I see your father.”

“I was going to say that, please don’t tell him that I curse a lot, you know “Fuck this, Fuck that.”, he finds cursing obnoxious, and all. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about.”

“Then what do you want to talk about.”

“It’s about Mr. Darret Haba.”

“What of him?”

“I’ll have to start from the beginning. There’s an ability of mine, that I haven’t told anyone about.”

“I know.”

“No, not the healing one. Not “Cell Regen Boost”, there is something else that I haven’t told anyone.”

“I know that as well.”

“….. (* - *)…….. Is that so? And why do you know everything? And yet you choose to disclose nothing.”

“I did tell you about the barrier, it’s a government top secret. And, as for knowing everything, and still not telling you, that is because I’m………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. *Whispers* Batman.”

“You know, I’ve read in history papers, that in 2020s nearly hundred years ago, that was a really popular form of comic conversation known, as Meme, and ‘I’m batman’ was really popular. So, thank me that I’m an avid reader of modern history, else any sane human, would consider you FUCKING DOGSHIT SENILE.”

“Haha. My apologies. I forgot that people don’t appreciate good humor these days. Your dad does. He’s also smarter than you. The reason I’m like this is because I’m like Gandalf. And I mean to use it as an analogy.”

“Fine. Gandalf is acceptable, with all the cryptic vibe you give. Yes, he is acceptable.”

“Yes, Gandalf is acceptable. But the question, are you Frodo? Or Aragon? Choose Aragon, Frodo is a wuss.”

“Aragon? Frodo? Wasn’t Gandalf with Bilbo?”

“Oh, you don’t know bout Lord of The Rings. No, problem. Did you read The Hobbit or watch the movie?”

“……. No, I kinda just, played the virtual reality game. It was fun. You know, nice story and all.”

“And that’s, how culture dies. Never mind I’ll take you to a Repository of Ancient documents, they should have the book there.”

“Shit. Stop. We’re deviating from the topic here. And now I’m going to speak nonstop, lest we deviate again. Listen, I also got a 7th sense yesterday. It is one that lets me feel the intentions of the party in question. It’s only to the point of like good or bad, and not very accurate. But I felt a really cold intention almost chilly, from Haba, when he was talking to you, which I somehow know is bad, or malicious intent. And every time I talk to you, I feel like a warm, light emotion coming, and I know there’s some good intent. And I didn’t talk about it before because it sounds so gay. And I won’t think about that because then I feel nauseating. And before you ask me what I feel from zombies, it is nothing. Absolutely nothing, it’s like they don’t give a fuck about me, but they still want to eat me.”

“Well, that is a lot to figure. I can’t find a suitable explanation for your abilities, yet. But I do suggest that we procced to my Room and continue our discussion on the topic of our interest, modern history.”

“……… I just told you, that the most influential, most powerful man in the city has ill intent towards you, and you want to talk about modern history?”

“Most influential, maybe. Most powerful, certainly not. And my friend, rest assured, I fear neither. So, want to continue our chat?”

To this arrogant, yet confident and convincing claim, Roon had nothing to retort with.

“Fine, you’ll be ordering the food.”

“Very well.”

As they got to August’s room, they saw Takeo, victim of August’s undue violence, and Roon’s distasteful jesting.

“Ah, I was expecting. Head of IT, Orient West. You’re quite praised at the Centre.”

“Did you people know?”

“Hmm. Again, that incessant imputation, of me being in cahoots with the government. Might I remind you, I am just a consultant, nothing more. And before you develop and further misgivings, I invite you to join me and my friend to dinner.”

“Fine.”

Was Takeo’s only answer. He chose to not be very active, lest he lose himself in rage. It had only been a day, to his wife’s death. And one of the possible culprits, had appeared at the same time. How, could he possibly calm down. But there was nothing he could do. He was much weaker than August, and he also couldn’t commandeer the tower security to act against Top Priority Personnel. Not like it would make much difference if he could, they’d still be beat by August.

They sat in a room, that was the most luxurious Roon had ever seen. It had ochre yellow lighting, expensive wallpaper, carpet so soft Roon took of his shoes, and all kinds of luxuries he could imagine. Including, but not limited to, automotive chair, mobile jacuzzi, and all in one couch. Every kind of luxury, his stingy dad asked him to refrain from. His father’s philosophy being, ‘The moment we indulge in these, we’re not humans, but potatoes.’. Right, his father was, he realized today. Because as soon as he indulged in these machines, he felt like a vegetable. A comfortable vegetable, no doubt about it. But a vegetable none the less. And his current mental state wouldn’t let him. In this apocalyptic setting, Roon understood, that sloth and complacency, would be one’s greatest enemy. So, he enjoyed this feeling thoroughly, but also ensured that it didn’t become a necessity.

While Roon was indulging in a full body massage, Takeo and August called for him. They had to discuss a matter of private nature (not sex), thus they asked Roon to go away. Well August did, anyway, Takeo was much more polite about it. August thought that maintaining the mystery in front of the non-governmental new guy would make for good fun. And now they called him.

And as Roon was too lazy to move, in his comfortable full body massage bed, he did what he’d always wanted to.

“To the Hall.”

He commanded the massage bed to take him to the hall. He moved, in a house, without using his legs. Something his father, would have never allowed. That too, a massaging means of transportation.

“AAhhh. What’s up people? This feels gooooood. You’ve got to try this; I am going to fall asleep any moment.”

“I am kinda like the boss of this place, so yeah, I have tried that, a million times. And it’s not that good. But yeah its fine.”

Was Takeo’s wry answer. August on the other hand, was much more blunt,

“What are you? A 5-year-old. Stop being immature and behave your age. Now sit upright so that we can have a serious discussion about some very serious matters.”

Being target of sarcastic and direct insults, Roon lost all interest he had in the bed. He sat up, wore the new clothes he’d stolen from the wardrobe, and sat on the dinner table.

With a clap of Augusts hands, a lot of food was brought in. Pasta, lasagna, chicken, sashimi, noodles and some stinky tofu, just as Roon liked it.

“So, everything all settled between you two?”

“Yes, we did manage to clear up the bits of unwarranted misgivings we had, and have also come to an agreement.”

“So, what did you want to tell me?”

“Well, I didn’t Takeo did. He feels he is obliged, considering that you saved his and the children’s lives. Just tell him you need to know nothing.”

“Dude, tell me everything you know. I NEED TO KNOW.”

Roon pointed his finger to Takeo. To which Takeo responded with a bit gloom tone.

“Dr. Augusts tells me you’re a funny man, Master Kumar. I too have witnessed your ingenuity in life threatening situations. And while I do understand that comedy is your brains mechanism to prevent a breakdown in these traumatic times, I suggest you listen to what I say, very carefully.”

To Takeo’s request cum insult, Roon didn’t take much offense. Also, he’d have paid great attention on this conversation even if Takeo hadn’t said that. Despite all the jesting, he was very vigilant of everything, even August, as he didn’t know whether his sense could be a perfect judge of character. And it was also as Takeo had said, comedy was his way of coping with stress. So, when Takeo asked him to get serious, he only nodded.

“Good. You have read the paper, published by Mr. Michael Freeman, yes? It is my pseudonym. And before you ask any questions allow me to complete. The information in the paper is only half true. The details about the black monoliths and activities are correct, but there have been no public sightings of them. The reason for that being, the memories related to the monolith are expunged from the populace of that particular area, not even one is spared. And by a not even one, I mean the government is very thorough in its work. Only ups are spared, and that too only due to their special circumstances. Now, there are many things I cannot tell you about now, ups being one of them, but rest assured if everything goes well, you’ll know about it in due time. What I would like to tell you, is that your parents are safe, because the appearances of monoliths are separated by periods of 4 to 7 months. The last thing I’d say is you have a bumpy road ahead. Just, prepare yourself.”

And after that, Takeo spoke no more. Suddenly, the noodles seemed way more interesting than social interaction.

He was a broken man, this much Roon understood. But he also understood, that with these words, he was trying to repay the debt of a life. So Roon didn’t take these words lightly, he analyzed each interpretation very carefully, and then started simple speculation. Many things became clear to him after this, and he speculated further and created many scenarios. When he reached a point where he could speculate no more, he did his usual.

‘What gives! Later.’

And exactly at the moment he finished introspecting, a rasp knock sounded at the door. The door automatically opened to reveal, Mr. Darret Haba, he had come with a bottle of wine.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting you to already have company, Sir August. Guess we’ll have to share our gloom then.”

He pointed to the wine bottle in his hands, and smiled amiably as he came over the table. Everyone returning his smile, except for Roon.

He felt an uncomfortable chill when the bulky Mr. Haba, sat next to him. He also saw the Magnetum 208 pellet shooter strapped around his waist. It was the peak of modern day weaponry, with it ver 3.4 electromagnetic propulsion, and cobalt-carbon ammunition, it was fast, silent and deadly.

As the continued to talk, the casual atmosphere got more friendly, and everyone was cracking jokes and using subtle humor.

Only Roon could feel, that Haba exuded frightening coldness to Roon that he could not feel in his body, only mind, and August too had started to emit a chill 5 minutes ago, though it was lessening by the minute, August seemed to be pacifying by the minute. And Takeo, was still entrenched in his noodles.

At some point, Haba, poured the wine, which earned a “Noodle” and “Minor”, from Takeo and Roon respectively. Only August poured a glass, and started taking a sip.

“Haha. Patrick, I must say, that you helped me a lot today.”

At a point god knows which one, Haba had stated getting all cozy with August. So much so, that under the effects of Alcohol, he’d went from “Sir August” to “Patrick”.

“Hmm. How so?”

“What do you mean how so? You brought accurate intel of the situation outside, and helped take care of the many monsters we’d have to face. I don’t know how to thank you. Also, your idea of sending 4 teams instead of one, to the transmission center, I don’t know how to describe the genius you are. Tremendous, truly, tremendous.”

With that he started shaking his head like an innocent country hipster, but the coldness in him only continued to grow. While August, who was now pacing around the room, on the other hand felt completely normal to Roon, except for the slight chill, which could be dismissed as subtle disliking from Roon’s 7th sense standard.

“So, what message did you send for the hq?”

“Everything. All about the rain, the zombies, and how killing them gives easy xp. And the usual protocol data, of the monoliths timing and all official details.”

“Well, good. Good,…….”

While in midst of completing his sentence, suddenly a knife appeared in his hand, and he stabbed Haba in the neck, thrice. As he was standing behind Haba, it looked like a coiffeur ready to shampoo, if not for all the blood flowing out of Haba’s neck.

“Triple Tap. Always works.”

Was his nonchalant comment afterwards, as he smirked at Roon.