The Pause

Chapter 9

Andrews stood, staring at the building. I CAN'T LET EMILY DO THIS, ITS TOO DANGEROUS, SHE'LL GET HERSELF KILLED. He thought to himself. His panic was soon interrupted by static. "Andrews, You're needed back here ASAP. Check in with Sykes when you arrive". He marched back to the HQ, thoughts of his encounter with Nathan entered his mind MAYBE THE KID WAS RIGHT, MAYBE I SHOULD TRUST HER MORE

When he arrived back at The Tower, Andrews was greeted by the sight of the same old brick walls as well as the same old research labs and computer rooms. Almost everyone carried assault rifles and wore ballistic armour. He always thought it was a bit over dramatic but better to be prepared. Before officially becoming a soldier of The New Government, Andrews went through the same training as all the students. He passed with great honours and become known as one of the most respected men in the force.

He passed rooms upon rooms of top secret labs and research areas. He then reached the elevator, Sykes was waiting for him on the 23rd floor. When he arrived he saw white panelling spread across the entire floor. There were guards, all clad in black, holding weapons that would tear Andrews apart in one single shot. They held their weapons up, "state your business" the first guard said. Andrews put his hands up "my name is Mark Andrews, I was called here by General Sykes" Andrews responded. The guards lowered their weapons and patted him down before letting him in through the doors.

The next room was dark, almost pitch black, barely lit by the window looking onto the entire facility. He could see a silhouetted figure standing, staring out this window, hands behind his back. "I'm glad you could make it Private" this figure spoke, in a familiar soft tone. It was Sykes, "you asked to see me General" Andrews stated, worry in his voice. "Yes yes, that I did" Sykes began. Turning and walking towards Andrews, "I've been considering your trainees. Remarkable stuff they show, but it appears some of them seem. Troubled" Sykes started circling Andrews like a shark "it's undeniable they're passionate. But I'm afraid that might lead us down a dark root, the last time I saw that kind of emotion in those working with us was when the outbreak started. They stuck their nose where it didn't belong and almost destroyed society. We don't want that happening again do we?" He stared down at Andrews, "no, no we don't" Andrews replied, gulping. Sykes Stepping back "good. I need to know I can trust you private". Sykes took a long deep breath, "for I'm afraid others are not as loyal"

Andrews looked up at Sykes, "you... you.. you can trust me" he stuttered. "Good." Sykes responded, "I look forward to seeing your hard work pay off. You may leave now". Andrews got up left, shaken by that encounter. Conflicting thoughts running through his mind.

On his way out, Andrews passed the cells for those that commit treachery against The New Government. For the first time Andrews stopped, her heard the screams of pain and anguish. One thought from that night lingered in his mind.

AM I DOING THE RIGHT THING?