Ava Cobalt; This Means War [Book 4]

Part 7, Syntec

[Syntec]

Ben awoke with a groan.

What... Happened?

He sat up and found himself in a cell. A lot like the maximum cell he had been in two and a half years ago.

Benjamin, muttering: Damn it.

Nova: You're awake.

He looked over and saw her leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He scowled at her and turned away. Nova sighed.

Nova: Oh, come on. You knew this was coming!

Ben's head snapped towards her, glaring at her.

Benjamin: And the purpose? I was under the impression you, along with Syntec, were after Ava, not myself.

Nova smirked and came closer to the bars of his cell.

Nova: While that may be true, Syntec needs someone to create more serum. Also, have you not heard of "hostages"? They give you leverage.

Benjamin scowled at her and turned his gaze to the floor. Nova chuckled.

Nova: The once intimidating Benjamin Cobalt has been reduced to a silent father.

Benjamin: At least I still give a damn about my family.

Nova growled at him.

Nova: My family's dead.

Benjamin remained still for a moment, then suddenly lunged at Nova, the bars making a loud *bang!*

Benjamin, dangerously: You don't know what it's like to have a dead family. You can always go back to them. They may welcome you back, and they may yell at you. At least they're there to do that. Some of us will never have someone tell us we're idiots again.

Tears began to stream down Ben's face.

Benjamin, sadly: Some of us have lost our family.

He slowly sat down on his bed and began to cry. Nova stood there, staring at him. Not knowing what else to do, she left.

As she headed into the center part of the building, Nelson and Lacy ran up to her.

Lacy: What happened? What was all the shouting about?

Nova just shook her head.

Nova: It was nothing.

Nelson: Tell us.

Nova glared at them.

Nova, forcefully: It was nothing, and leave him alone until I give the order. Unless you want to know what serum-filled electricity tastes like.

She shouldered past them, heading for the stairs.

Lacy: You're getting awfully power-hungry, Nova!

Nova turned around, walking backward.

Nova: Yeah. Says the ones who are trying to capture the three most powerful humans known to science!

With that, she turned and stormed up the stairs to her room.