Novel Excerpt

[Alawicious]

After reading the November Novella thread it re-energized me to try my hand at writing again. I thought I would post an excerpt of something I started a couple of years ago then became frustrated with and put it down.

I haven't done any editing to it yet so some of the blocks may be somewhat large. This was my first attempt at writing so be gentle. If there are any pro-writers here on the site, feel free to critique it.

The excerpt is from the first chapter and the first thing the reader will see. In essence the first 9 pages or so. Again there has been no editing so its everything I was seeing and hearing in my imagination for about two days. I think they call it "free writing"

To those in charge of the site, I hope this isn't too big to post. If it is let me know

The excerpt will post after this one

Thanks
Mark

[Alawicious]

When you reach the top of the bridge, a kaleidoscope of lights will appear as far as the eyes can see. These are the lights of the present day refineries and petrochemical plants, the lights of the "Chemical Empire" that began on January 10, 1901, with the Lucas Gusher. We will be celebrating an event that affected the entire world. It changed the way people lived all over the world. It revived the industrial revolution, which had been dead for awhile. It caused the United States to become a world power. It revolutionized transportation through the automobile industry. It started the Liquid Fuel Age, the greatest age in the history of the world

Michael T. Halbouty





The fall air was festive and brisk; the autumn colors added a bright cheerfulness to the atmosphere. The instruments of the oncoming parade echoed down through the streets, mixed with the cheers of people waiting to usher in the Holiday season. The spectators were laughing and dancing, completely unaware of the operation going on beneath their feet. Weapons at the ready, every soldier knew their role and every detail of what was to be done. Get in, get out, and get the job done. It'll be sundown soon and they will make their move. One by one the soldiers made their way to the entrance. Quietly and smoothly they became shadows on the wall.

"We're preparing to make entry commander, be ready," the voice whispered.

"Good. Steady as she goes," he replied. "Maintain radio silence."

Each commando took their place at a security post, rendering the original guard lifeless. Silence was golden and speed was with them as quickly they moved, one after another in single formation. As smooth as the ice dancers at the festival, they performed their tasks. The compound is breeched. It wasn't that difficult since most of the place was deserted because of the Thanksgiving holiday. They approached the elevator taking one last look before entering. The steel doors closed behind them. Two miles beneath the surface they raced. Their target in sight now, anticipation for success was high. After tonight they would hold the world for a king's ransom. No one would be able to touch them, nor would they want to try.

The music played quietly in the background muffled by the multiple conversations scattered about the little restaurant. His eyes scanned the crowd. He looked for her in the throng of people. It was a busy night for the normally quiet eatery but there she was, beautiful as ever. Her warm smile greeted him as He sat down.

"Hello beautiful. Come here often?" Daniel Martin said as he looked into her eyes. To him this was he only woman in the room.

"I heard this was a great place to pick up intelligent but lonely men," the woman in red replied with a smile

"Oh really!?" Daniels’ eyebrows raised, "See any takers?"

"Maybe."

They both began to laugh. "How are you Beth? I've missed you so much. And look at you-- my lady in red."

"You mean you prefer this over a white lab coat?" she teased. Elizabeth knew how to push his buttons and she knew it was working. She did it deliberately just to see him squirm. It was their little game. The anticipation of the reward to come is sometimes better than the reward itself. And the reward has been a long time coming. They have been separated for months now and both have realized that absence does make the heart grow fonder. They each needed one another. They each wanted one another, but each was willing not to rush the moment. It was truly a great effort, but worth every minute.

"Sorry I'm late, Atlanta traffic was rough," Daniel said. Releasing his embrace they sat down. "This is cozy how'd you find this place?"

"It's the only place close to the facility so you have to take what you can get. You have some place better?"

"Maybe." He began rubbing his chin and smiled, fire danced in his eyes. "I hear there's a nice hotel near here with-- oh I don't know, it might have a nice Jacuzzi tub. It might have jasmine scented candles placed around the edge. It might have romantic music playing softly. It might--"

"Have a king size bed covered with red satin sheets?"

"It might." he smiled. "You have a thing for red don't you?"

"Yes I do, because I know I look good in it"

"And how!" he said beginning to laugh. "You are such a tease."

"And you like it too, don't you?"

Daniel was about to answer but was interrupted by the waitress coming to the table. "Would you like something to drink sir?" she asked.

"Ice water if you have it please," he replied. "It’s starting to get a little warm in here, isn't it Beth? He moved his gaze back to Elizabeth and noticed a change in her countenance.

"Beth, are you alright? What are you looking at?"

She shook her head as her eyes followed the dark figure out the door.

"Who was that Beth,” Daniel asked. She offered no response, only watching the figure disappear into the darkness.

"Beth?"

There was a look of nervous fear now on her face as she finally began to refocus on her husband. She took a long draw from her glass hoping to find some calming reassurance that her mind was playing tricks with her and she hadn't seen who she thought she saw. Her hands shook as she took another drink.

"Beth-- Beth who was that? Answer me Beth. Who was that, do you know him?"

"No."

"That's not what it looked like, Beth what’s the deal?" Daniel could feel the tension in the air and could sense that Elizabeth was hunting for words. Never in the years of their marriage had there been any secrets but for some strange reason he felt that was about to change. Because they had been apart for several months working on the project, he had a fleeting thought.

"It's not what you think Daniel so get that worried look off your face," Elizabeth finally said. "I just thought it was someone I used to know. You are the only one for me now baby, you know that,” she said taking him by the hand. “I’m sorry if I scared you, I've just been-- I don't know-- strange things have been happening lately and I don't know how to explain it. People think I'm paranoid, but I know something's going on. I just can't put my finger on it.

Daniel sat back in his chair, taking in what he is hearing. He could tell she was nervous, maybe even a little skittish. He fumbled with his napkin for a moment collecting his thoughts. Finally he looked into her big brown eyes. "Tell me what's been happening. I was under the impression that everything was going well with the project."

"It is going well, Daniel. Things are lining up, and coming together. It won't be long until we get the samples to stabilize. We're so close I can almost feel it."

"So what's the problem?"

"The project itself is going fine. We have our good days and bad days, but overall we're doing quite well. It's just everything else around Solarcom that's getting weird.” She ran her hands through her auburn hair and looked around the room as if to make sure no one was listening in or watching them. "I think something's up." she continued, lowering her voice. "I feel like someone’s always watching me and the rest of the team. Some of the team has even been replaced. These are people who have worked on this from the beginning. People who know what is going on and where we're at in the scheme of things, but now the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. It's a circus. We have gone through great pains of building a great facility two miles beneath the city of Houston; we have the best equipment you can get, and these people-

"And just who are these people?" Why would they-"

"I think they are trying to take it away from me, Daniel." Her tone of voice had changed. It had gone from a feisty don't start none and there won't be none attitude to frightened disappointed child who just had her favorite doll taken away. "I have worked on this project most of my adult life. How can they just walk in and take it away? Trillium is my child, Daniel. It is our child. It's our life. We can't let them take it away from us--- not without a fight anyway.

She had Daniel's full attention now. He could see that she was truly concerned about the project and was genuinely scared that something was going to happen. But what brought this on? Why was she so afraid? "I sorry I haven't been there for you, Beth," Daniel said as he took her by the hand. "I had no idea that you were going through all this."

"That's just it, Daniel you were the first to be replaced. There were others like you who were all for finding alternative fuel sources, and just like you they were replaced.

Who were we replaced by can you tell me that? What do these people want? Is it the military? Who?" His train of thought was derailed when he saw McAfee walk through the door. "Great this is all I need"

[Alawicious]

John McAfee spotted the couple sitting in the back corner. As Daniel watched him walk towards them he could almost feel the arrogance, and that smug little smile didn't help much either.


"Well, well, well. Isn't this a warm and romantic setting? Like two young lovers in college, it's just beautiful." McAfee stood before them, his hands clasped in front of him. He looked more like a talk show host than a project leader.

"John, what brings you here this time of the evening?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah, John what brings you out of your cave?" Daniel added sarcastically. There was definitely no love loss between the two men. They had butted heads ever since the project started, added the fact that John was always hitting on his wife, and even had the audacity to do it in front of him. John didn't care. He had money, he had power and he had social prestige. He was big John, he gets anything he wants, when he wants it, and how he wants it and no one was big enough to stand in his way. If you got in his way you were removed. Daniel always thought he was removed because of the fight over Beth, but now after what she had said he wasn't so sure.

"Daniel," Beth interrupted. "Be nice."

McAfee just ignored the snide remark. He didn't have time for a battle of words. "I really hate to interrupt, but I have a problem."

"You think!" Daniel said roughly.

"Daniel, I asked--” Beth started to say

"I know, I know. I'll try to behave." Daniel sighed shrugging.

Beth continued, "What's the problem, John. Nothing serious I hope."

"Nothing to worry that beautiful head of yours, and might I add the rest of that gorgeous--

"Why don't you get on with it McAfee," Daniel said.

"Yes, yes, of course," McAfee said. "We have a little computer problem in the lab and we've hit a barrier.” He walked behind Elizabeth and placed his hands on her shoulders. “It seems that you have installed safeguards in the system that we weren’t aware of and now we need you to help us out. It shouldn't take long and you can get back to your date night.

"John, Daniel and I haven't seen each other in several months. Can’t it wait until I come back?" Beth asked.

"Unfortunately not," McAfee sighed. "It's something that requires your immediate attention."

"Are the samples alright? They're not in danger are they?" Elizabeth was getting worried now and you could hear it in her voice. McAfee smiled within himself, not wanting to let her see what he was up to. He had to lead her on to get what he wanted, what he needed. She was the key to the whole operation. He didn't want to involve her but because of the safeguards he had no choice and nothing was going to stand in his way. He had worked too hard and too long on this and though he may be attracted to Elizabeth and thought she was incredibly sexy, at this point she was now collateral damage.

"Elizabeth, I know you have been waiting on this for quite awhile, and I know you two haven't seen each other too. But this is urgent, it won't take long." McAfee poured it on thick. Most people said he could charm the horns off a billy goat. He knew he was good at working the crowd. He had charmed and smooth talked millions out of government agencies for the project. He had convinced them the project was the future of energy, but he had other plans. "When you're done you can have all the time off you need. You've earned it."

"What do you need me to do?"

"We just need you to take it down, let us do our upgrade, and then you can bring it back up." He lied to her so smoothly and she bought it.

"Hey wait a minute. Just who are you to come in here and tell her what to do?" Daniel asked beginning to stand to his feet. "Solarcom isn't even operating right now because of the holidays. The staff are home visiting their families, and Beth and I have our own plans. Can't what you're doing wait?"

McAfee just glared at Daniel. He wasn't going to let him stand in his way. He reached inside his jacket for his gun but stopped short when he noticed the crowd begin to notice their conversation. He decided diplomacy was the best option for now. He couldn't let the rivalry between them interfere with his plans. It wouldn't hurt his feelings at all to do Daniel in right here on the spot. He had been a thorn in his side since the beginning of the project. "That's why we are working now, because no one is there, use you head Daniel. Do you think we would shut down the project just for upgrades? We're trying to utilize the down time we have now. We have been planning this operation for several months now, but your lovely wife threw us a curve with her personal firewalls. Which, my dear we must talk about that when you get back to work," he said glancing over at Elizabeth.

"But John---"

"Elizabeth," McAfee pleaded. "Please-- work with me here. It won't take long, and you can get back to what you're doing."

"Fine," Beth relented. She knew this was a no win situation. The evening was ruined now, but maybe she could salvage what was left when she returned. She turned to face Daniel and looked into his eyes. "Baby, look John's not going to take no for an answer. It would be easier and quicker to go in and take care of his little problem and be done with it.

Daniel just shook his head. "Fine, you win John Boy." Daniel said rising from his chair. "I'll go too. I mean after all, it's been a long time since I've been in the dungeon. It would be good to see it again."

"No,” McAfee interrupted. He held Daniel back and looked eye to eye with him. "That's not possible Martin, you're not part of the project anymore. And since the work we're doing now is of a confidential nature, only those who have the proper clearance can enter." McAfee new he had won and it gave him great joy. He loved more than anything to push Daniel. The thought however, did cross his mind to let him come along, but it thrilled him more to come in and take his lady away from him. This gave him more satisfaction than simply putting a bullet through his heart

Daniel was furious. The idea of Elizabeth leaving with this man instead of him made his blood boil. He started to say something but Beth stopped him before he could. She leaned in closer to him and lowered her voice. "Just go on back to the hotel and get the hot tub and candles ready,” she whispered. “I'll bring the wine. This won't take long, I promise."

"Yeah, whatever Beth, you gotta do what you gotta do. Go on now don't want to keep the boss waiting," he said staring at McAfee. If looks could kill they would be dialing 911 now telling the police about a well dressed man who just for no reason dropped dead in their restaurant.

"Thank you, Elizabeth. You are a fine woman. I won’t keep her long,” McAfee said smiling at Daniel. With that the two walked towards the door. Just to add fuel to the fire McAfee gently put his arm around Elizabeth and pulled her in close to him. Elizabeth turned and smiled at Daniel and blew him a kiss as they walked out the door. Disappointment began to set in as he watched them get into his car. Elizabeth gave a reassuring smile as if to say just a little while longer. Daniel sat down defeated. All he could do was watch.

[Alawicious]

Once in the car McAfee tried to diffuse the tension between them. "Elizabeth, I'm truly sorry for all this. I hope there is some way I can make it up to you."

"It's no problem, lets just go and get it over with," she said. She never turned her gaze from the Houston skyline out her window.

"I know this frustrates you," he tried to continue. The rest of the ride was silent. As they approached the Solarcom gate Beth noticed there was a different guard.

"Evening Mr. McAfee, they’re waiting for you in the lab."

"Thank you. Call and tell them we're coming down."

"Yes sir," the guard responded as he reached for the phone. The body of the former guard fell over as they drove through the gate. Beth watched him as he dialed as they went by.

"Where's Tony tonight John and whose that guy?" Beth asked apprehensively.

"I don't know. I think I remember them saying something about security changes last week."

"I wasn't aware. Tony is a friend and he didn't say anything about changes."

As they entered the facility there was an eerie silence. It was almost creepy and it was enough for Beth's defenses to go up. Everything seemed in place, but there was something missing. It was too quiet. Where was everyone? There was no one around; she couldn't hear the jingling of keys as the entry guard made his rounds. He always greeted her when she finally left for the evening. Even though all the science techs were gone, there was always some kind of noise, some kind of people present; namely the security team. Where were they, she thought to herself. Her eyes widened and she looked around like a cat in a cage looking for a way out.

"What's wrong Elizabeth, you seem tense," McAfee said.

"Something’s not right here, John. Where is everyone? Where is the security team?"

"Now, now Elizabeth don't let your imagination run away with you. Everyone is in their proper place. They're probably making their rounds," he said opening the door. "I didn't want to tell you but there have been some cut backs on the project. We had to let some of the security personnel go and replaced others with more extensively trained people. Now we have a stronger security team with less people." His words didn't make her feel any better, she was uneasy about the whole situation.

"You know I don't like change, why didn't you tell me what was going on? I hate it when you do that." They continued down the hall to the elevator, and as she reached for the button she noticed someone watching them from around the corner. When he noticed her glance he faded into the darkness. The doors finally opened and they stepped in.

"I don't like this, something’s not right," Beth said. You could hear the nervousness in her voice now. She stood closer to McAfee as if she were hiding behind him for protection. He smiled a pleasing smile and pulled her even closer wrapping his arm around her waist like a mighty python wrapping itself around its frightened prey, and for a moment he wished the elevator would never reach its destination. He loved the feel of her body. He could feel the tightness of her curves under the thin material of the dress. He often pondered what she looked like under it. She was truly a sight to behold. He loved to watch her. When she was laughing and joking around with other colleagues, he liked the way her auburn hair flowed over her shoulders and the sparkle in her eyes. Martin doesn't have a clue he thought to himself. The ding of the elevator brought him back to reality.

"After you, Elizabeth," he beckoned. He watched her walk out of the elevator and start down the hall. The way she moved was a sight to behold. She had a graceful walk, much like that of a ballerina. They entered the containment room and Beth made her way to the computer station.

"This should only take a minute," she said.

"Good. My team is standing by ready to start."

"Where are they?"

"Around, I should probably call them." He reached for the radio as she continued her work. One by one the firewalls dropped as she made her way through the maze of security protocols. He watched her with anticipation as her fingers glided over the keyboard. "Gentlemen we should be ready in a few minutes."

"What? Are they on a coffee break"?

"Don't you worry about that, you just keep working on those firewalls." His said. His tone was different now. "You've cost me enough time."

His words stopped her in her tracks. Fear began to rise inside her throat, but she tried to not let on and remained cool. "So, just what kind of upgrades are we doing, John?" Courage began to replace her fear as she tried to quietly bring the firewalls back online. "Are they that important? You seem anxious. What's really going on?"

"Nothings going on and they are just typical run of the mill upgrades. You shouldn't let your imagination run away with you; it tends to make you paranoid."

"I'm not paranoid just over cautious, and by the way my paranoia as you put it tells me something’s not right." She began to see through him and he could sense that in her. That was one of the things he liked about her, the fact that you couldn't get anything over on her. He thought for a moment before making a call.

"Givens meet us in the containment room please," he called. He replaced the radio and made is way to the containment chamber. He peered into the glass. The glow of the mix animated through and reflected off his face. He could see his future staring back at him and no one was going to stand in his way. However, having Elizabeth with him would be an added bonus. He turned and walked over to her. "Elizabeth-- Beth, have you ever thought about the other benefits trillium may have? I have, and the possibilities are endless."

"I know the potential of trillium has great possibilities,” she said. “It will be the replacement of fossil fuels in all aspects of alternative energy. We will finally have a fuel source that is affordable. For so long we have been addicted to crude oil and the dealers of big oil know this--"

"Hey Beth, you're preaching to the choir. I know what you're saying and I agree with you, but I’m talking about other possibilities." His gaze shifted back to the containment window. "I’m talking more about national security. The defense department would love to get their hands on a sample of this, as well as any other government in the world. Whoever has the trillium rules the world," he continued as he sat down royally in the chair. "We have the trillium and we can rule the world, you and I Beth, king and queen of the world."

[Alawicious]

Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. Is this the man that once believed the way she did? Shock began to settle in. If it were anyone else, it might have been easier to believe. John had gone to bat for her countless times and defended her stance on the production of alternative fuels and spoke adamantly against using trillium for defensive purposes. This was totally out of what she thought was his character. Whatever it was, she was going to do everything in her power to stop them from taking the trillium.

"Have you lost your mind?" she asked. She began to work her way to the other terminal. "Do you realize what you're saying? If this falls into the wrong hands it would be a world catastrophe. Just think of what would happen if Korea of one of the Middle Eastern countries had this. The world as we know it would be obliterated. I can't let that happen." Her fears were now realized. She knew now that McAfee was the source of her anxieties. It was him who was watching her, causing her to constantly look over her shoulders. "I thought you were in this to help," she continued, "but you were in it only for yourself. You had no intentions of developing new fuel sources did you John?" Her fingers began to silently move over the keys. "Who sent you? Why are--"

"Ah Mr. Givens," McAfee interrupted. "Glad you could join us. Please do come in." McAfee walked up behind Elizabeth and placed his hands on her shoulders. His hands made her shiver. I was just explaining the situation with Mrs. Martin of the defensive possibilities of her little concoction and inviting her to join us." The scent of her hair was intoxicating.

"You sure that's a wise move?" Givens asked. His question angered McAfee and he grabbed Givens and pinned him to the wall.

"Never ever question what I do or what I say! Do I make myself clear?" McAfee shouted. "If you ever question me again, I will personally make you regret you were ever born. Now, you and the rest of your little boy scout troop get your gear and prepare the trillium for transport!"

"Yes sir, Mr. McAfee," Givens responded.

"Now that’s more like it," McAfee said as he pressed out the wrinkles in his suit. "Elizabeth, how are we coming with those firewalls? Are they disabled?"

"I can't let you do this, John." she thought to herself as her fingers slowly and quietly working the keys. As long as the two men were engaging one another there might be a slim chance to stop them if she could just get the process started. First, the warning alarms then the fusion process, after that; there would be no turning back. She just needed to buy a little time so she played along with his little plan.

"If I join you what's in it for me?" She tried to sound cool and calm like she was really considering his proposal. "I mean after all, I'll have to give up everything I've ever worked for and what about my husband?" She could feel a lump rise up in her throat as she thought of Daniel. "This will destroy him. He would never forgive me." Elizabeth began to turn on the charm. She always had a way of turning men to putty, but she had to be gentle. She just needed some more time to get the fusion protocols activated then it would be all over. "Although," she continued. "The idea is quite intriguing. It would be nice to see the world instead of being underneath it all the time."

Solarcom was a unique facility, by which it had its corporate offices and other smaller offices in the twenty story building near the heart of Houston. It was a nationwide company with facilities in L. A. and Atlanta, as well as Houston which was the main facility. The unique thing was their main facility was two miles beneath the earth's surface. It was built this way just for the development of trillium. Due to the volatility of the fluid it was deemed best to be as far underground as possible.

McAfee liked what he heard. Could it be that she was beginning to see his side? Could he convince her this was the way to go? His smooth words continued to coax her to join. "Elizabeth, I hope that you're not so naive to see what the government will do when the trillium is stabilized. They will come in and tell you just what you want to hear and when they gain control of it, all will be forgotten. There will never be any feasible uses for alternative fuel sources because according to them it will never be cost effective. I began to see this when I was in Washington. Everyone knows that big oil owns the government. Look at the profits they make. Crude oil is the drug of choice in this country. Everyone knows that."
Elizabeth hated to admit it but she knew he was right. Even though she was just playing along, she actually had the fleeting thought of giving in.

"You know I'm right," McAfee said, reading her mind. "You might as well get what you can out of it. If you stay where you are, you will loose everything.”

"You're probably right, John"

"You know I'm right. And you know it's for the best."

Elizabeth gazed around the lab. Her life's work was all around her and she could see it slipping away from her like sand through her fingers. She resolved in her heart that she couldn't stand and watch it happen. If she was going to loose it, she would loose it on her terms and no other's. "Ok John, I’m in. You just have a seat and let me work some magic." She felt so broken. She looked at the picture of she and Daniel and a tear tried to make its way down her cheek, but she fought it back. It was a vacation back when they were younger. They had the world by the tail, and now the world had them. She began her work. The firewalls were completely brought down and now it was time for the magic. After a few more strokes on the keypad, all audible alarms were silenced. McAfee watched her as she worked, her eyes began to tell on her and he stood to his feet.

"It won't be long now Elizabeth. I know this is hard for you to accept, but really it is for the best. You'll see what I mean-- in time." McAfee could see that she was completely broken. It was the first time he had seen her like this and truth be known he felt compassion for her. "Beth, I wish it didn't have to be this way," he said.

I’ve got to talk to him one more time before we go. I need to here his voice just one last time,” she said. The tears were now winning and she couldn't do anything about it now. "Let me call him, you owe me that at least.”

"Ok Beth," McAfee said as he motioned for the guards to leave the room. "Just to prove to you I'm not a total monster, I'll give you a little privacy," he continued and turned to join the guards.

Elizabeth knew she didn't have much time left. Her hands began to shake as she began the fusion process. In just a few minutes the trillium would be completely safe. One way or another, the world was going to see the full potential power of her creation, however it wasn't supposed to be like this. Trillium was meant to give life not destroy it. She picked up the phone and dialed the number.

"Hello," Daniel answered.

"Daniel, it’s Beth, Can you hear me ok?" she asked.

"Beth? Beth what's wrong?" He could hear the quiver in her voice and he knew something was drastically wrong.

"I can't let them take it. It's all we have ever worked for. "

"What are you saying Beth?" Panic began to show its ugly head. He could hear a sad coldness in her voice and it scared the life out of him. "What's happening Elizabeth, who's trying to take what?”

"I don't have the time to explain now, Daniel. I just need to know something before I go," she said as she ran her fingers over the picture. She remembered it was a happier time, a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon. "I need you to answer me as honestly as you can. Can you do that for me?

"You know I've always been honest with you Beth. Tell me what's going on. Whose there with you, is it John? What's he doing?

"There's no time baby. Tell me-- What we have-- It was um-- It is the real deal isn't it?" The tears flowing freely now and she didn't have the strength to stop them.

"Yes," he said, realizing now what she was about to do. "It is truly the real deal. Beth it doesn't--"

"I have to go now baby," she said. "I just want you to know, before I do, I will always be in your heart. Cherish our memories and we will be together-- forever.

"Beth wait! Don't do this!"

"Bye baby. I will always love you," she sobbed and hung up the phone. She watched as McAfee walked towards her and quickly set the fusion process into motion.

[Alawicious]

"Beth, I'm sorry it has to be this way. I--." His words were cut short as the flashing warning signs caught his eye. "You little witch!" What have you done?" he exclaimed. His rage consumed him and in his anger he hit her with such force it knocked her from the chair. Hearing the commotion, the guards rushed in, bewildered by what they saw. "Gentlemen, unless you want to be vaporized, I suggest you make your way to the elevator. Consider this mission aborted. Turning his attention back to Elizabeth he said, “It didn't have to be this way, you know. You could have had everything the world could offer. Why?"

"We're always out to take what the world has to offer, but what do we offer the world?" Have you ever considered what you could offer, John?" She tried to stand to her feet, but the throbbing in her ribs made moving painfully difficult. You're not taking what I have spent my whole life working on," she continued almost breathlessly. I and people like me try to make the world a better place, for us, our children, and our grandchildren. We try to leave some kind of legacy. But you--

"Yes what about me? You think you know me so well. Well let me tell you something little miss let's go save the world, you know nothing. You have no idea what the big picture is, and unfortunately I don't have the time to show you. All I will say is you had your chance." With that he turned and left.

Elizabeth staggered towards the chair, her movements getting more difficult with each breath. She knew the end was near and accepted it with great resolve. She had defended her cause, and felt a great sense of victory. She felt that even though her work with trillium was not done, her time with it was. One last message and it would be finished. She looked at the monitor. The fusion process was beginning to merge. She watched with a smile and straightened her hair, preparing to meet her Maker with dignity.

And then she did.

The power that was released was insurmountable. It scratched and clawed its way up to the surface with a raging fury, consuming everything it touched. The ground shook with force as it tried to hold back the raging torrent of the angry beast. It screamed out loud as it broke free of the bonds of its prison, reaching skyward like a phoenix rising up from the ashes. The resounding shockwave roared toward the city proclaiming the beast's freedom and inevitable doom. Its vengeance reeked havoc on the twenty story structure, vaporizing it without remorse. Windows and smaller buildings bowed down broken and powerless as one caught in the middle of the wrath of God Himself.

Daniel sat crying in the floor, numb from what he had just heard. He grieved hard for the sudden loss he had just experienced. How would he be able to continue on living without her by his side? An overwhelming sense of emptiness and despair filled the very fibers of his soul. She was the center of his universe and his universe just went supernova. His physical body couldn't take it and shut down just as the shockwave ripped through the hotel. Shards of glass and debris tore through the walls like a knife through butter. Daniel was helpless as the walls of his life crumbled before his eyes just as the walls of the hotel fell all around him. And then silence.

"We're standing here in the northeast area of Houston here at what used to be Solarcom's corporate offices and research facility," the news reporter said, as she pointed to the twisted rubble piled up in the creator. "It was here just last week where a devastating explosion took place shattering windows and crumbling buildings throughout the Northeast Houston area. The power of the blast was felt in surrounding communities also, like Dayton and Liberty, and even shaking windows as far away as Jefferson County. Though there were many injuries reported, miraculously yet also tragically only one life was lost. It was that of leading research scientist Elizabeth Martin. According to Solarcom's director of research, John McAfee, Dr. Martin was working on a dangerous experiment when something went terribly wrong causing what he called a fusion explosion. As you can see whatever type of explosion it was, it was truly devastating....."

Daniel had heard enough. He just shook his head and tossed the remote into the chair. "What were you doing down there?" he asked out loud. "How did you get out?" His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He was growing tired of the media circus. He grumbled as he opened the door but was pleasantly surprised.

"Hello Daniel," the woman said smiling