Acheros Co.

Prologue

Maxon stood across the street from the Acheros Co. headquarters. A cool California breeze swept across him, carrying the aroma of chocolate from a donut vendor nearby, suddenly followed by smoke from a car zipping by. He coughed and wore his mask, before turning his attention back to the magnificent architecture. The glass skyscraper, the tallest building in San Jose (standing at a height of 89 meters), reflected the pink rays of early morning sunlight as well as nearby buildings and passersby. He couldn't help but be impressed. The way the building glimmered reminded Maxon of his father's glass marble collection. He paused, sucking in a breath, trying to stop himself from bringing back the memory. But it was inevitable.

Two months ago, Maxon had returned from a year-long assignment as the President's bodyguard. "Mom? Dad?... Jabari? Maia?" No response. He didn't know that his family was at the hospital. He didn't realize that a few hours ago, an aged man, whose unexpected first brain seizure had caused violent convulsions, had rammed into his parents' car at a traffic light. They lost too much blood, the doctor would tell him. She would show him the man, who'd been put in a medically induced coma to allow his brain to heal. She would try to convince Maxon that there was nothing more the doctors could have done. He would be too busy consoling his family's caretaker, Jabari, who blamed himself for not driving Maxon's parents to the store so they wouldn't be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maxon would hug his 6-year-old daughter, Maia, who didn't understand what was happening but cried anyway. Maxon wouldn't cry. He wouldn't show how crushed he was. He would stay strong for his family.

Maxon's trance was broken by a gentle ringing sound. "Yeah, what's up?"

"Max, I've fed Maia breakfast, given her a lunchbox and dropped her off at school. I'm at the office already. Bea is asking for you. Where you at?"

Maxon smiled. "Sorry, I took a detour. I'm downstairs. Be there in a bit." He cut the call after saying goodbye and crossed the street in a few strides. 

"ID, sir?" The security guard asked.

"I'm Maxon." The guard looked confused. "I, uh, can't let anyone in based on employee names, sir, I need ID." 

Maxon raised his eyebrows in amusement and pulled out his ID. The guard glanced at it and gulped. "Apologies, Mr. Acheros. Have a nice day, sir."

"No worries. I appreciate your hard work. Mr..." Maxon squinted to read the guard's nametag. "... Calvin. You have a good day."

Calvin saluted and gave Maxon Acheros a small smile as he walked through the swivel doors of his company.