Artemis Fowl and the Hazard of Haven

Chapter 3

Chapter 3- What To Expect When You're Expecting

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Explaining is a little difficult to do when held at a 105 degree angle by the collar. Especially when you are a centaur.

Holly was towering over him, glaring at him so fiercely that Foaly almost felt intimidated. Almost. Intimidation goes straight against the centaur code of conduct.

So, in order to re-establish his supremacy in his laboratory he wriggled out of her grip (a task which took 15 minutes, embarrassingly enough), unruffled his tie and began, "Well, I thought I'd go about this in a subtler manner. But since some particular elves are on pins and needles, not to mention intrusive, I'm just going to have to drop the bomb straight and hard."

He cleared his throat and began, "Well you see, the future of the People  especially because of their coexistence of man kind has led to a need for a something. A something, which no one would have thought of, or will think of for the next 40 years, by when we will all, all be doomed. But as it happens I being a very prognosticating centaur have a solution, I have found that something, rather someone, with your help. A Human- Fairy hybrid."

He said all in one breath. Being a dad does take it's toll, and after spluttering everything, he stopped and took a large gasp of air. Holly didn't utter a word. Artemis stood there like an actual 'simpletoon', his face stolid.

"Here. Have a look at this." The centaur gestured towards a hologram of the  horizontal view of the layers of the earth. There was a small blinking dot hovering right above the Moho, beeping alarmingly tensing the atmosphere.

"What are we supposed to be looking at?" asked Holly irritably. Given her situation, Foaly supposed he should have understood, but he was nervous and snappy himself.

"Toxins. Nuclear Toxins. It should vaporize within the next few kilometres," said Artemis with an indifferent tone. "I don't see why we should be worried."

"Well you should! Do you really think I wouldn't have thought of that? Look harder Artemis. Perhaps at the timing this image was taken," Foaly vociferated. "Seven days ago!"

"What is the present status?" Artemis replied coldly, with the slightest hint of contempt. Foaly projected a recent hologram.

"How?" asked a pale faced Artemis.

"Worried now?" asked Foaly. "What's worseis: we are receiving signs of numerous toxic infiltrations all over the world, though none as threatening at this point. The radioactive waste will reach Haven in less than 20 hours.The speed of seepage actually increased tenfold from the boundary. The whole scenario sounds a little strange, doesn't it?"

Holly nodded.

"Well I'd come up with a few hypotheses only one of which seems reasonable and deadly. I considered the fact  that the humans have synthesised a new radioactive element which can penetrate through immense heat, pressure and the magical shield that would incinerate it on spot. But the odds are low considering that the People themselves have discovered only 145 radioactive elements, none of which can penetrate our protective layer. No, it is intentional, an insider's work too, or at least someone who knows about the way our systems operate in detail," explained Foaly.

"Well, It can't be Opal. Not this time!" Holly interjected.

"Which leaves humans," stated Foaly simply.

"You just said it's the work of an insider Foaly. I'm afraid your deductions are completely off track," Artemis said matter-of-factly.

"The average intelligence of man is increasing at a surprisingly fast rate, Artemis. Surely you must have noticed that. The number of mind wipes each year is increasing!" exclaimed Foaly.