Forgotten Pines: The Chronicle of the Kodnikado

TWENTY

TWENTY

Max
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"Why the hell are we at a research facility?" I quietly asked Donny as we stepped through the security door.

"Uncle Gavin is visiting an old work buddy pal".

After the security door there were three white halls: one on the left, the right, and a straight row.

"I don't like it in here". I mumbled as I followed Donny and Uncle Gavin down the left hallway.

The walls were a tiled white and marbled so the artificial light seemed to bounce off them; blinding me.

"You'll get used to it Max". Uncle Gavin said over his shoulder.

"I need sunglasses in order to do that". I replied coldly.

We were led down three or four similiar hallways before the interior changed to a much larger space with several numbered doors aligning the walls.

The doors were large and stuck out of the walls by three or four inches. They were metal with heavy looking bars keeping them shut.

"Is this a prison research facility?" Donny asked as he eyeballed the strange doors.

As we passed one of the doors I tried to peak through the small window embedded in it, but there was only darkness on the other side.

"Stop snooping". Uncle Gavin instructed. He led us down another narrow hall that opened into a modern lounge room with domed windows overlooking a garden scene outside.

In the far corner of the room there was an average white plated door with small black lettering on the front. Which read EC.

"What does EC stand for?" Donny asked.

"Eating corridors".

"They have a cafeteria here?"

"Yes".

"Can we eat something?"

"No".

Uncle Gavin opened the door for us and we went in.

I thought maybe a research facility's eating corridors might be small. Like a teacher's lounge room. With a few couches, and cabinets, and a sink. But the room before us was anything but small.

It was bigger then our school's cafeteria. Which was saying something.

With a high arched ceiling supported by thick metal beams, and rows and rows of benched tables. There was even a private buffet.

"Are you sure we can't eat anything?" Donny asked as he stared at the breakfast food bieng served.

"No Donny".

Unlike at school the room was pretty quiet despite it bieng almost full.

Uncle Gavin led us over to a rounded table in the corner which was bieng occupied by three people. One of the occupants must've been Uncle Gavin's friend because when he saw us coming a large grin formed on his face. "Gavin!"

He stood up from his chair and came around to greet our Uncle with a hug. "Long time no see".

"That's a bit of a stretch". Uncle Gavin replied with a laugh. "It's been only a few weeks".

"A few weeks out there is like a lifetime in here". The man said.

They did a bit of catching up before Uncle Gavin decided to include us. "These are my nephews. Donny and Max". He pointed to us as he said our names.

The man's dark eyes widened. "I've never met twins before".

"Actually we're triplets". Donny corrected, "Our third half bailed on us".

"These are Benjamin's kids then?"

Uncle Gavin nodded.

The man extended both his hands for us to shake. "I'm Jiruis J. White". After we shook his hands he went on to say, "I run this facility".

"What kind of research do you do?" Donny asked.

"Some of my team are botanist researchers".

"So you work with plants?"

"Oh plants, soil, tree's; anything nature wise".

"That sounds lame".

"Well, I dabble more in geneticist".

"So you do research on Gene's?"

"Yes".

"Do you do human experiments?" Donny asked with narrowed eyes.

"Well...no. but-"

"Do you believe it's possible for a zombie apocalypse to happen?"

Oh great.

I turned away from the conversation and waited until it was over before I decided to ask my own questions. "Do you guy's do alot of expeditions in the woods around here?"

Mr. White nodded. "We do".

"Have you ever seen anything weird?" Like maybe an invisible monster?

"Just a few two headed bears and some coyotes with eight legs..."

Donny and I stared at the man.

Eventually he cracked a grin. "I'm just joking kids".

"Way to get my Hope's up". Donny grumbled.

"Anyways!" Mr. White proclaimed drawing his attention back to our Uncle. "What is it you want to talk about?"

"Well, I've come with a Dinner invitation for tonight".

"Dinner at your place?"

"Yep".

"And you had to drive all the way out here to tell me that?" Mr. White gave our Uncle and amused look. "I'm flattered".

"There is something else..." Gavin's gaze flickered over the room before landing on us. "How about we talk in your office?"

"By all means you've got me curious now".

Mr. White gestured for Uncle Gavin to lead the way. But before they left Gavin turned towards us. "You boys stay here for a few minutes. Kay".

"Whaa- why can't we come?" Donny asked.

"Stay here". He instructed before leaving.

"Can we at least eat something?!" Donny shouted after them.

When no reply came Donny huffed and crossed his arms. "I can't believe this".

"Yeah". I wasn't too happy about bieng left alone in a room full of strangers.

I was about to make my way over to an empty table when Donny latched himself onto my good arm. "Hay! You wanna go explore?"

"I feel like that's not a good idea".

"Come on. Pleasse".

He gave me puppy dog eyes and eventually I gave in with a sigh. "Fine. But only for a few minutes".