THE TITAN PROTOCOL

Chapter 5 - I Promise Part Two.

Chapter 5 - I Promise
Part Two

It's been a few years since then, but I'll never forget it. I don't know what Xavier's been up to—starting O.M.I. took a lot of resources and time. It helped keep my mind off things. Once the dust settled, a new president had to be elected. Kelly Smith became the United States' new president, and she was no-nonsense. She was tired of all the corruption and of watching people suffer.

She was the first to contact O.M.I. and offer a substantial government contract. The military needed help, and I knew just the people for the job. I put a lot of good people to work, building new types of planes and spacecraft. We were helping to get the economy back on track. People could now travel more easily and affordably than ever.

Of course, I was also researching and developing many other projects. The XO Spine helped countless people. My leg braces not only helped me but allowed so many others to walk again. Then there were the exoskeletons, which were being used across construction and industry. New roads, buildings—you name it—were being built more efficiently, more safely, and more affordably. Affordable was the key word here, especially since we were in a recession.

We had the people to answer to. I remember hearing Kelly's speech: "I work for you, the people. It's not the other way around. You should not be afraid of your governing body. You elect us; we are nothing more than public servants." She was true to her word and genuine. The people needed to hear that—and see it in action. What's the old saying? Actions speak louder than words.

Sam says, "Jack?"

Jack replies, "What?"

"Are you daydreaming again?" Sam asks.

Jack sighs. "Yeah, yeah, you could say that." He gets up from the pilot seat. "I need to pee and get some coffee."

Sam continues, "What were you dreaming about?"

Jack mutters, "I wasn't dreaming; I was having a damn nightmare." He heads into the kitchen area, brews a cup of coffee, and grabs a snack. "Sam," Jack says, "I'm heading down to the cargo bay. I gotta check on the big guy—his programming is still wonky."

Jack arrives in the loading bay. "Big guy, you doing all right?" he asks, walking up to his titan.

The Titan stands against the wall as large robotic arms work on making repairs. Jack looks up at the Titan as the massive 3-D printers hum. "It's almost done, big guy," he says. "This one should work a lot better than the last one."

The Titan replies, "I'm sorry I broke it, pilot."

Jack chuckles. "Don't be sorry. It's all trial and error. I never thought I'd have an N5 Titan riding shotgun with me. Can't believe I found you on Echo One. I owe you a lot, big guy—you saved our lives."

Jack takes a seat, his mind racing. I don't know if I'm ready for this, he thinks. What does she want? I stayed away from her to keep her safe.

"Sam?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"Can you pull up the letter on my tablet?"

Of course, Sam says.

I grab my tablet and take a big sip of coffee. I click on Claire's letter.

Dear Archangel,

I hope this letter finds you well. You don't know me; my name is Claire Xavier. I don't know how to write this, but I guess I'm asking for your help. I will try not to bore you with all the details. I've been diagnosed with cancer. It's pretty aggressive and incurable, and I've come to terms with it.