Chapter 431

It was late by the time Zach left. Not late enough to hop right into immersion, but definitely late enough that James didn’t feel guilty heating up some of the pizza Zach had left for a late-night snack. With roughly two hours to go before the magic 10pm hit, he knew he had time. Plus, he was waiting on a message back from his parents. After hearing Zach’s story, and really just thinking on it a bit more, he’d decided he should check with his parents about the mysterious ‘missing’ spot on the scan, before he went the final route. That is, he was still really dragging his feet about reaching out to Hades.

Still, James knew his parents were busy, and he didn’t expect an immediate response from them. Normally, they would get back to him when they had a chance, but that could be hours, or even a day or so, depending on what they were doing. Mainly, he knew, because given the line of their work, sometimes they would be in areas that couldn’t receive or send out personal types of messages, due to security reasons. This time around though, James didn’t have to worry about that. He’d utilized the encrypted messaging system his parents had built into Dagger, which meant, no matter where they were, in theory, they’d be able to not only receive his message, but also reply with little to no issue.

He chewed on his pizza, which he’d reheated perfectly to capture not only the crisp nature of the crust, but even the ideal level between oozing cheese, and gooey texture. Seriously, he couldn’t imagine what things must have been like, before people mastered such technology.

James pushed the thought aside and pulled up the holo screen. The other reason he was trying to keep himself occupied, was so he didn’t linger on Zach’s story for too long. It was horrible what had happened to Zach. Seriously, the man never deserved anything that had happened to him. And yet, the harsh reality of the world had done its best to beat the poor man down. To James, the fact Zach was still able to put on his smile and be the legendary Z that everyone in their town knew and loved within DCO, was nothing short of a miracle. James already intended to not only tell Rue the whole story about Zach, but also see if and what they could do for the man, in game, without risking too much. He knew full well he needed to mind the NDA, but still, if James could, he wanted to give Zach at least a little something. He deserved that much.

An alert on his glasses caught his attention even as the holoscreen pulled up the list of shows he’d been binging lately. He’d handled all of Firefly, and Stargate, and was now working on another old show Zach had mentioned to him, though he’d only added it to the watch list, and hadn’t started it just yet. He’d been tempted, but he and Rue had been binging shows together in immersion, and he figured even if she’d seen the show, the pixie wouldn’t mind watching it again with him. Though, she did have a terrible habit of talking during important points, and spoiling bits… Damned pixie.

From: [REDACTED]

Subject: [REDACTED]

James, sorry we can’t reach out to you in our normal manner. It’s crunch time over here, and even sending this message, is risky. Your mom and I looked over what you sent, and we know it’s likely causing you to worry. That was not our intention. We will explain more in due time. Just know, we know what it is, and we are responsible for it. Sorry, even with this messaging system, we can’t say more. Not now at least. Keep Dagger close, and keep your head up. We love you, and we will be in contact soon.

Love,

Dad.

James reread the message not once, but twice. It was more than a little strange. First, his dad usually sent him actual video recordings. Second, it had none of his father’s normal humor or lighthearted nature to it. To say that was odd, was an understatement. His father was, for lack of a better word, childish at times. The man loved to joke, and have fun, and be relaxed. It’s probably what kept him from being crushed by the weight of his own genius.

That being said, James couldn’t help but breathe a slight sigh of relief. Whatever was going on with these scans, it was going to be okay. He trusted his parents. What kid wouldn’t? He knew his parents cared deeply for him, and they’d never do anything to harm him. Still, the fact that somehow, someway, they’d done something to the back of his head, without him knowing or having any recollection, was a bit strange. When had it happened? How had it been done? And, most importantly, why?

Annoyingly, the peace of mind he got knowing it wasn’t a tumor and that his life wasn’t in danger, barely settled before more questions arose. The cryptic nature of his father’s message didn’t help either. Especially given this line was supposed to be extremely encrypted, meaning his father should have no problem telling him exactly what it was. The only thing James could think of, regarding his father’s message, was that they weren’t alone, whatever they were doing. And, that there very well could be someone keeping a close enough eye on them, that they were worried their messages could be skimmed before they were sent. It wasn’t an uncommon practice, especially when matters of national security and such were involved. But, James couldn’t help but feel it was odd, considering his parent’s area of expertise. What would the two robotics experts, who were working on DCO, be doing that would put that type of security pressure on them? And more importantly, what did it mean for DCO? James sighed. He was relieved he didn’t have to reach out to Hades, and yet, at the same time, couldn’t help but feel something big was coming. Something, he had no doubt, he’d be a part of. Damnit.