Midnight Killer (A Short Novel) COMPLETED

FOURTH SHOCK

***

"Then why President Vanguard need my help? What for?"

"We thought that if the meteor attack happened, we would need someone who knows technology better than us. You know how to make machines since you have a master's degree in that. We were unable to do anything about it and didn't predict anything about what was going to happen. In the end, we lost so many lives. If only the satellite hadn't been destroyed, there might have been hope."

Even if the satellite wasn't damaged, they still wouldn't have been able to do much. After all, the spaceship they prepared to intercept the asteroid could have been damaged before it even met the asteroid. "Why didn't you inform the public?"

"Government's choice. To maintain a good image. While President Vanguard was genuinely thinking for the sake of his people, he didn't want to jeopardize our jobs by announcing such things, especially when the country was in the middle of a war with other states. It could be used against us."

Naguluhan ako sa huling sinabi ni Mr. Servano. "What war?"

"Maya, at the end of the day, it's all politics. The government, being corrupt, decided to cut our budget. That's why we had fewer resources. It made the process difficult and prolonged our re-development. And different states considered us as a formidable adversary. Since we have the most talented and genius scientists, they see that as a threat. Our initiative involves going into space to repair the satellite, and we'll require your expertise... This comes after your successful development of a cancer cure."

Naliwanagan ako pagkatapos niyang magpaliwanag. I looked around, "What's that?" referring to the monitors. 

"Newfound species. Their biological molecules possess extraordinary characteristics that have the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine, offering novel insights into disease treatment and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology. I... found it."

I couldn't help but beam at my best friend. "That's amazing! Good for you!" I exclaimed proudly. Dati kasi... palagi kaming nakukumpura sa isa't-isa. Siguro ngayon, wala nang magtatangka.  

He responded with a shy smile, looking away momentarily before adding, "Well, you know, it's a team effort. The discoveries were made with the collaborative efforts of our research team."

Team... Naalala ko si Dr. Lorenzo. Umalis ba siya or pinaalis? Itatanong ko na sana ang tungkol don nang magsalita ulit si Mr. Servano.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Williams... I thought about using that tragedy to bring you into our plan. I think it's time to reveal this to the public, now that President Vanguard is dead..." I felt the lump in his throat when he said that. "Justice should be served. For those who lost their lives just because of the extreme corruption in the government, who still control the funds, leaving us helpless back then."

"'Til now," Andro added.

I agreed with them. "You're right, Mr. Servano. I'm glad you're finally using your brain." He smirked at me after what I said.

"Scientists never work for the government, for its own gain and purpose. We're here to serve the people, to help the Earth, to nurture everything, to develop, to heal, and to support. Aren't we agents for change? It's time to do this now," I added.