Keagan was awoken by the violent ringing of his phone. He picked it up to see Dan’s caller ID.

Keagan answered the phone while rubbing his sleepy eyes.

“Yeah?”

[The date for the conference has been confirmed. Next month, on the fifth. That gives us ten days to prepare. I hope recover quickly, otherwise we’ll both be in hot water.]

Dan said as Keagan crawled out of his bed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be ready.” Keagan said.

[Good.]

Dan said before ending the call.

Keagan lightly stretched as he prepared some coffee for himself.

It was still pretty early, so the sun was nowhere to be seen, but Kalos felt more awake than he had in a long time.

After the presentation, he’d rid himself of Dan and move on with his life.

Keagan’s phone rang again. This time, it was Roy.

“Yo. What’s up?” Keagan asked.

[It’s Cory, he’s in trouble. Turn on the TV.]

Roy instructed.

Keagan switched on the TV and flipped over to the news where he saw live footage of what looked like a robbery in progress.

Keagan’s eyes widened upon seeing the picture of Roy’s brother next to the footage.

[Police are now trying to find a way to diffuse the situation. We can only hope no one is hurt at the end of all this.]

The reporter said.

The headline below read: “Ex convict, Cory Deacon and several other suspects in active shoot out with the police.

Keagan took a deep breath before switching off the TV.

“Call work and tell them that you’re not going to be able to make it. I’ll be there soon.” Kalos said.

[Ok.]

Roy said before ending the call.

Keagan walked over to the bed where Mercy slept. He then gently shook her awake.

“What is it?” She asked while removing some of her hair from he mouth.

“Its Roy’s brother. He’s in trouble. Go on to work, I’ll go see if he’s ok.” Keagan said, but Mercy’s eyes narrowed.

“Why can’t he come here?” She asked.

“Because not everyone earns as much as you do.” Keagan said as she got up.

“Ok, but come straight back here when you’re done.” Mercy said as she prepared to leave for work.

Keagan watched as she left before he too prepared for his trip. He locked the door as he left for Acan.

He eventually made it to Roy’s place where he gently knocked on the door.

“Roy, it’s me.” Keagan said and it wasn’t long before the door opened, revealing Roy’s saddened face.

Keagan entered Roy’s apartment and they sat on his couch in silence.

Keagan reached out and touch Roy’s shoulder.

“I should have seen the signs.” Roy said as his voice trembled.

Keagan tried speaking, but he honestly didn’t know what to say.

“I’m so… so sorry, Keagan.” Roy said as he looked into Keagan’s eyes.

Keagan took a deep breath before grabbing Roy and hugging him deeply.

“Shh. Don’t say anything.” Keagan said as he held Roy.

The two sat in silence as time slowly crawled by.

Roy then reached for the remote and switched on the TV.

[Oh dear, the shootout has drastically escalated and the suspects are trying to make their escape from the building.]

The reporter said.

Keagan turned his head and saw footage of several men in a gunfight against several police.

One of the men stood out to Keagan. He was large and wore a mask over his head, but nothing could hide his identity from Keagan.

Keagan wondered how the police knew.

Keagan shook those thoughts away.

[The suspects have entered a vehicle and are now trying to escape capture.]

The reporter said as Cory and his men drove away from the warehouse.

The police quickly got into their cars and pursued Cory.

The chase took them into the main road that led out of Ix Chel.

One of the cops then landed a lucky shot and damaged one of the wheels in Cory’s vehicle.

The car then spun out of control before crashing into the side of the road.

Cory and his men got out of the car and began shooting at the police, but they had lost the cover if the warehouse.

One of them fell after taking multiple shots to the body.

Then another.

They all fell until Cory was the last one standing, but even then. He was riddled with bullets, but he didn’t stop shooting.

Then a bullet flew across the road and into Cory’s head.

“Uh-" Keagan sounded.

Roy’s eyes widened as he watched his brothers body hit the ground.

[The police have seemingly shot and killed all of the suspects-]

Keagan grabbed the remote from Roy and switched off the TV as tears welled up in Roy’s eyes.

Roy then broke down into tears, prompting Keagan grab and hold Roy again.

Roy wept for what felt like an eternity.

Keagan ignored all phone calls that he received and before he know it, it was already six o’clock.

Keagan ripped himself away from Roy. He then walked up to the fridge and grabbed some leftovers.

He reheated them before serving them up. Then he placed Roy’s plate on the table in front of him.

Roy didn’t move as he sat on the couch.

Keagan would have urged him to eat, but doing that wouldn’t be very good and so he waited.

Keagan eventually finished his meal, but Roy hadn’t even touched his.

Keagan sighed.

“Roy?” He called out.

“Yeah?” Roy asked. His voice weak.

“You gotta eat.” Keagan said.

Roy looked at his now cold food and grabbed his plate. He then slowly ate away at some of his food before some loud knocking came from the door.

“APD, open up.” A loud voice said.

Keagan’s eyes narrowed. He scanned the room for anything… out of order, but found nothing.

He then got up and opened the door slightly.

“Hello?” Keagan asked upon seeing several armoured men outside.

“Are you Roy Deacon?” One of the police asked.

“No. He’s inside.” Keagan said.

“Oh? Mind if we come in and speak to him?” The policeman asked.

Keagan looked at Roy, who was still eating, before turning to the police.

“Now’s not a good time.” Keagan said in an attempt to spare Roy from whatever the police had in store.

“Please, this will only take a moment.” The policeman said.

Keagan sighed.

“Fine, but only one of you.” Keagan said. He then led the policeman to where Roy sat.

“Good evening Mr. Deacon. I’m detective Oliver Craig. I’m not sure if you are aware, but your brother, Cory Deacon and several other people were killed today after attempting a robbery on a private property.” Oliver said.

Roy looked at Keagan.

Keagan gently held Roy’s hand before nodding.

“Uh- yeah, I saw what happened on the news.” Roy said weakly.

“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?” Oliver asked.

Roy agreed and a mini interrogation took place.

About an hour passed before Oliver was satisfied.

“Thank you for your cooperation. I understand this is a tough time for you, but if you have any more information to share, please call this number.” The detective said as he offered Roy a card.

Roy accepted the card before escorting the detective out. He then returned to the couch. He gently rested his head on the couch as he searched for Keagan’s hand.

Keagan held his best friend and it wasn’t long before they fell asleep.

.

..

Keagan was awoken by the loud ringing of his phone.

The caller ID showed that it was Dan.

“Yeah?”

[Yo, I need you in Cynosure. Gonna introduce you to the guy in charge of the conference this year. Hopefully our day will end in a few drinks, hehe.]

Dan said.

Keagan looked at Roy, who soundly slept.

“Umm… ok. I’ll come, but now’s not a good time. A… friend of mine just died.” Keagan said.

[Oh? Oh… then I’ll make sure to do most of the talking.]

Dan said.

“Ok.” Keagan said before ending the call. He then gently shook Roy awake.

“Hey, I’ve got some work to do. Call me if you need anything, ok?” Keagan said as he got up.

“Ok. I’ll visit the police station and do what Detective Oliver Craig said, but I really don’t want to be alone.” Roy said.

“Ok, go to my place. I’ll be there as soon as I finish whatever Dan has planned for me.” Keagan said as he handed Roy his keys.

Keagan then power walked over to his apartment. He kept looking over his shoulder to check if he was being followed, but after doubling around the block he stayed, he eventually got into his place, took a quick shower and went to Ix Chel.

He made his way to the Lezzaro building and headed straight for Mercy’s office.

“Ah, look who’s back. Are you sure you’re ready for work?” Johan asked as he spun around in his chair.

“Yeah. Didn’t expect to be seeing you for at least another week.” Tommy said with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’m all better now.” Keagan said with a bright smile as he knocked on Mercy’s office door.

“C- come in.” Mercy said with a stutter.

Keagan entered the office to find Dan, Mercy and Catalina.

Dan got up and gently hugged Keagan.

“There you are! I ain’t gonna lie, you had me worried for a second.” Dan said as he allowed Keagan to take his seat.

Keagan noticed that Mercy’s face was pale and she had a hollow look in her eyes.

“Anyway, you and I are going to Cynosure to meet with Frederick Achebe himself. The goal is to get as close to him as possible. I want as much space as possible on that damned conference floor and I have a feeling that if he hears your science talk, he’ll explode with nerdy juices.” Dan said with an evil smile.

“How did you ever become a director?” Keagan asked, but Dan shrugged his shoulders in response.

“Anyway, Mercy and Catalina are going to check if our fully functional prototype is ready and by the time the sixth is here, we’ll all be sitting in the winner’s circle.” Dan said as he opened the door.

“So, let’s go!” Dan said rather loudly before leaving the office.

Keagan the shifted his focus to Mercy, who’s gaze was low.

“Mercy, you ok?” Keagan asked, but Dan’s head popped into the office again.

“Yo! Cynosure isn’t across the street. Let’s go!” He said.

Keagan looked at Catalina for answers, but she was in her “cold” mode.

Keagan sighed before getting up and following Dan out of the Lezzaro building and into his car.

They made their way to the vectrain station and travelled to Cynosure in a flash.

They then took a taxi to a certain restaurant and awaited the arrival of Professor Frederick Achebe.

Dan impatiently tapped his feet as they waited.

“So… your friend died?” Dan asked.

“Mmm… maybe I should have clarified. My friends bother died.” Keagan said.

“Oh? How old was he?” Dan asked. His voice soothing and sincere.

“Not sure. Twenty seven or somewhere around there.” Keagan said prompting Dan to look up in thought.

“That’s far too young.” Dan said.

“You know, my son left my wife and I at a young age too. I asked myself all sorts of questions, but at some point I realised that his memory will live on within me.” Dan said as he nibbled on the appetizers.

“Keagan, life is o so tragic at times. But its crucial that you keep going for those unable, ok?” Dan said before glancing to his left for a split second.

“Mmm… you know what? Here.” Dan said as he removed his leather watch.

“It was my son’s. I’m letting you have it to reinforce my advice. I shouldn’t have to look at it to remember him because he’s always in here.” Dan said as he pointed at his heart.

Keagan opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the presence of a rather large man to his left.

“I take it you are Dan Eagleton and Keagan Keita?” The man asked.

“Yes, Dr. Achebe. It truly is a pleasure to meet you.” Dan said as he got up, allowing Dr. Achebe to sit besides him after they shook hands.

Keagan’s attention was drawn to the man’s incredible height. He had a hair of greying hair, smooth dark skin and a pair of intelligent eyes.

His clothes were semi formal, but he had a pair of comfortable looking shoes.

“My apologies. I had a few errands to run before getting here.” Dr. Achebe said.

“Tis no problem at all. Actually, that gave me and Keagan here some time to chat.” Dan said with a smile.

“Is that so? And I here I thought Lezzaro was going to send me some cold hearted snakes in suits.” Dr. Achebe said with a hearty laugh.

That laugh hid a certain message that Keagan noticed a little to late.

“Not all of us are cold hearted though.” Dan said. His smile still bright.

“I can tell. You and the young lad look like you have a deep bond.” Dr. Achebe said.

“Thick as thieves, he and I. Speaking of theft, I’d like to get to the point, if you don’t mind.” Dan said.

“Oh? Go on.” Dr. Achebe said as he leaned forward.

“See, the space Lezzaro needs for the unveiling of the future needs to be fitting. That’s why I wanted to talk to you.” Dan said.

“I know. But if that were your goal, you’d have followed protocol. So… how much space do you want?” Dr. Achebe asked.

“Half of the thunder dome.” Dan said.

Silence followed.

“Mmm… explain to me what you’re offering the world of science again."

“Ah, that’s his job.” Dan said, snapping Keagan into an attentive sitting position.

Keagan then explained cryogenics and its applications before hinting at what the CryoPod could do without naming the classified machine.

“I see…” Dr. Achebe droned deeply.

“As an archaeologist, this intrigues me deeply.” Dr. Achebe said before offering Dan his hand.

“Twenty five percent of the venue.” The professor offered.

“We’re talking about world breaking science here… fourth percent.” Dan said with a smile.

“You’re really willing to spend all that money? Unfortunately, as a scientist, I must allow other companies to share the stage. Thirty percent.” Dr. Achebe said, his eyes narrow.

“Thirty five?” Dan asked.

“Thirty five.” Dr. Achebe said.

“Shall we drink to that?” Dan asked.

“Isn’t that why you brought me out here in the first place?” Dr Achebe asked with a grin.