Unpredicted Variables (Across the Years Part Five)

You're the Key

Carlos walked back and forth, jittery, running off of nothing but dedication and an unhealthy amount of caffeine. Currently he was drawing in his sketchbook, planning.

He'd drawn out a sketch of the M.X.E.S. machine from the sinkhole, as well as a small sketch of the person who had agreed to help him.

If I'm going to improve the system...I need to spread the nodes around. In the Pizzaplex. But then...that will open it up to attack from the virus.

So they'll need some kind of protection. Something to keep them safe from tampering. And I have to make sure that the other employees don't get involved either...

Maybe...some kind of digital watchdog. Something to stop people from interfering with the nodes-and that would stop the virus from doing the same thing.

If Carlos remembered correctly, the M.X.E.S. system already had the foundation, the potential, to do that...it would just require some modification to its base code.

And if he was right, then maybe that wouldn't be the only use for M.X.E.S...

"Dad? Are you...okay?"

Carlos froze, then turned. Cassie was dressed for school, backpack by her side, staring at him. She looked confused...and worried.

It was only then Carlos realized how crazed he must look. Running off of three hours of sleep, writings and drawings strewn about. His eyes were bloodshot, hair messy, still wearing yesterday's clothes.

"I, uh..." Carlos paused. "It's nothing. Why don't you get yourself some breakfast?"

"Dad?" Cassie asked, stepping forward. "Are those injuries?!"

"Oh..." Carlos muttered, reaching down and tapping the small wrapped gash across his stomach where Burntrap had struck him the day before. He'd already bound it up, but that just made it look more obvious. "It was just a...workplace accident."

"Does this have to do with what happened to Bonnie?" Cassie asked, sounding worried as she walked forward. "Dad, what's going on?! Why have you been acting so weird lately?!"

"Cassie, please, just get yourself some food and head to school," he muttered, turning back. Carlos couldn't afford to bring her into this-not when people had already died.

"Dad, I'm worried," Cassie murmured. "What are you doing-"

"Cassidy!" Carlos said, interrupting her. Cassie paused. It wasn't often he used her full name.

Carlos heaved out a sigh. "Please, just...just do it yourself, please?"

Cassie paused, then narrowed her eyes. "Fine," she muttered, turning and walking away.

Carlos winced as she stalked into the kitchen. He stepped over, waiting in the doorway as she pulled out a bowl and the cereal box.

"I..." he began. Cassie turned, the usual deadness in her expression.

Carlos looked down. "I'm probably going to be late again tonight. Just so that you're aware."

"Okay," Cassie replied. "Anything else?"

"...no."

"Good," she nodded, before pouring out the cereal.

Carlos winced, then turned away.

His own family issues came secondary to this. He would be able to fix this...this rift once things in the Pizzaplex were done. Once Gregory was free.

Then, hopefully, Cassie would understand.