Guidestar Combatants

The Mainframe

As a line of cars pulled into the parking lot at GuideStar Aluminum, Jai and Aronik descended the industrial tube spiral staircase. Jai seethed with frustration, still simmering over his inability to unlock the gate that led to the staircase. Meanwhile, Aronik's eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the flickering lights that revealed a vast, laboratory-like workshop. To the left, a fleet of vehicles caught his attention - their design stolen straight out of a comic book, ready to be featured on the big screen. Aronik couldn't help but feel drawn to the intricate mechanisms and imagined himself behind the wheel, as a member of the Mad Max cast.

"Aronik, this way," Jai gestured towards a door. "Dillman is in the Mainframe."

Aronik furrowed his brow, confused by Jai's words. "What's the Mainframe?"

"It's like our watchtower," Jai explained. "If you look towards the scale house, there's a random piece of the building that sticks up about ten feet. That's the top of the Mainframe. But the only way to get to it is through the basement."

Jai led Aronik to an elevator and pressed the button on the wall. Just as the doors opened, Aronik's phone began to ring. He pulled it out and saw the name "Latem Stahl" flashing across the screen. Ignoring the call, he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

"Latem calling you again?" Jai's voice echoed in the small, confined space of the elevator. As the doors slid open, he stepped in with a determined gait, his eyes burning with determination. Aronik followed suit, his mind already racing with a million different thoughts. Something was definitely not right.

Without hesitation, Jai pressed the button marked "Mainframe" on the control panel. The doors closed, and the elevator began its ascent. But Aronik couldn't focus on the movement, his attention completely consumed by the weight of Jai's words.

"Yeah, it's her calling. She's on her way here with Cord's family." Jai's voice was low and intense, and Aronik could feel the tension radiating from him. He couldn't help but wonder what could have gone wrong this time.

But before he could even begin to formulate a response, Jai's head snapped to the side, his piercing gaze fixed on Aronik. The intensity in his eyes was almost suffocating, and for a moment, Aronik found himself at a loss for words.

"You do realize that's your family too, right?" Jai's words were like a slap in the face, jolting Aronik back to reality. He opened his mouth to respond, but the elevator doors opened and their conversation was cut short.

"Dad?!" The voice that greeted them was filled with a mix of surprise and excitement. Cord's daughter, their granddaughter, stood before them, her eyes wide with anticipation. But as Aronik looked at her, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. He had let his work consume him, neglecting the family that meant everything to him.

As they made their way to the mainframe, Aronik couldn't shake off the weight of Jai's words. He knew he needed to make things right with his family, and he was determined to do whatever it takes.

Aronik's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, he wanted to focus on his work and the important mission he was working towards. But on the other hand, he couldn't shake off the guilt and regret that consumed him. He wanted to be a good father and grandfather, but his work always seemed to take priority.

As they reached the mainframe, Aronik was faced with a difficult decision. He could either continue with his work and risk losing his family forever, or he could walk away and make amends. But his passion for his work and the possibility of success pulled at him, making it hard for him to let go.

Aronik's heart raced as he struggled to make a choice. He knew deep down that his family was more important, but his desire for success and recognition clouded his judgment. In the end, he made a decision that he knew he would regret, but he couldn't bring himself to disappoint his colleagues and risk failure.

As he left the mainframe, Aronik couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness and disappointment. He had chosen his work over his family, and he knew it was a mistake. But it was too late now, and he could only hope that his family would one day forgive him.

He stood in the dimly lit hallway, his thoughts a jumbled mess. His mind was plagued with regrets, the moments he had missed out on flashing before his eyes like a slideshow. His daughter's recitals, his son's first steps, his wife's wedding anniversary - all gone, all lost to his work. He felt a twinge of guilt, a twinge of sadness, but he quickly pushed it aside. What was it all for? The greater good of the world, he reminded himself. They needed what he had built, what he had dedicated his life to.

But as he walked back into the mainframe, his steps heavy and his heart heavier, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He looked up at the futuristic roof, the result of countless sleepless nights and sacrifices. There were rows upon rows of computer monitors, some lit up with activity, others dark and silent. As he scanned the screens, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

He forced himself to push those thoughts away, to focus on the task at hand. But as he typed away at his keyboard, his mind kept wandering back to his family. He knew he had to make a choice - continue working for the greater good, or finally put his family first. It was a difficult decision, one that went against everything he believed in. But as the pressure mounted and the stakes rose, he found himself leaning towards the latter.

He knew it was a bad choice, one that would have consequences. But he couldn't ignore the guilt that gnawed at him, the regret that threatened to consume him. And as he made his way out of the mainframe, his heart heavy and his mind conflicted, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision. He knew he would regret it, but it was a risk he was willing to take. For his family.

On one hand, he was proud of what he had built and the work he had put in. The futuristic mainframe he had designed was a technological marvel, and the countless computer monitors that adorned the walls were a testament to his hard work. But on the other hand, he couldn't shake the guilt and regret that filled his heart.

He had always prided himself on being a devoted husband and father, but in pursuit of his career and his desire to make a difference in the world, he had neglected his family. And now, as he stood in the midst of his greatest accomplishment, he couldn't help but wonder if it was all worth it.

As he walked back into the mainframe, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him. The bright lights and sophisticated technology that surrounded him now seemed cold and empty, a stark contrast to the warmth and love of his family.

He forced himself to push those thoughts aside, reminding himself of the greater good he was serving. But as he gazed up at the futuristic roof, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for the sacrifices he had made.

He knew he had to make a choice - between his family and his work. And deep down, he knew that he had already made the wrong choice. As he turned to face the screens, some lit and some black, he couldn't help but wonder if it was too late to make things right.