HIGHER TECH (Complete Novel)

Chapter 2 -The Weapon and Her

      "I've installed the parts, so we can begin testing whenever you want. I thought you might want to be present for the testing process.

      "You're right. I would like to be here for that. So, let's get started."

      They put their goggles on and Darren began entering various settings. After a few moments he picked up the remote trigger device.

      "I've entered some settings that we may find useful in the future. Although, I recommend programming permanent settings with short names, numbers or perhaps symbols. If we do this, we will be able to access the specific setting we need, either manually or with voice commands."

      "I completely agree. Don't worry. I'll get to work on that right away. I realize that it limits you from proceeding further. That program needs to be written as soon as we complete these tests. Last night you sacrificed your sleep in order to assemble the weapon. Tonight I will do likewise in order to write that program. Darren, we make a good team. I'm grateful for your efforts and when we have secured control, you will be right there beside me as my trusted advisor."

      "It would be," said Darren smiling, "my privilege to operate in such a capacity alongside you, sir."

      "Thanks, but I feel the privilege is mine. So please, don't call me sir when it's just you and me here. Our ranks in the military are no longer valid. However, when we start to move ahead with our plans publicly you probably should resume this habit. People do need to know who is in charge. For now just call me, "Arn."

      "Okay."

      The tests went surprisingly well. Better than their expectations. The installation of the 3A modulator opened up possibilities that were numerous and only limited in many respects by their creativity and imagination.

      "What was that?"

      "What do you mean? I didn't hear anyth..." said Darren... "Wait a minute I did hear that."

      "It sounded like a scream. Bring your sidearm and join me out front." Arnold went into the shop and over to the door. The door had a small window with reinforced glass. Outside beyond the gate he could see one figure assaulting another. He opened the door just a crack and looked again. It was a woman that was being choked against the fence by one man and another man was standing by watching. Cowards. He went outside and walked over to the fence. The men didn't seem to notice him. Idiots. He took out his sidearm and pointed it at the man doing the choking. "Stop that and step away from her now!" Startled, both men looked directly at him.

      "Hey. Who are you?"

      "That doesn't matter. Do as I say. Now." The man raised his hands and stepped back. "That's better. Now you boys better leave and don't come back here ever again." He waved his sidearm threateningly, "Do you understand?"

      "Whatever, you say. Hey Rand, let's get outta here."

      After they were out of sight he put his sidearm away, squeezed through the gate and slowly approached the young woman. As he drew near, he could see that she was beautiful. A brunette with long hair, dressed in plain jeans and a white T-shirt. She was sitting down, slumped against the fence. She was sobbing with tears streaming down her face. Her left cheek was red and swollen. Her neck had pink welts on it from being choked. She looked at him with fear in her eyes.

      "Don't worry," he smiled, "you're safe now. They won't come back." He offered his hand to her. She took it and he helped her up. "Let's get you cleaned up. There's a washroom inside there." She seemed worried, but followed him anyway.

      "What's your name?"

      "Susan Edwards."