MHG-V3-4 (Initial Draft)

Chapter 6 - escape (part 2)

A2.6
Henry Kang placed his chopsticks on the table in front of him and smiled at his daughter who sat opposite him. They were seated in the cafeteria of the new NSA compound, having just finished their lunch together.
Mr. Kang was a kind looking man. He had grey hair, not because of age but because of the hard work thatbhad earned him his place in this organisation. His eyes were gentle, especially as he looked at his daughter proudly.
"You always exceed my expectations." He said. "I do hope you spare some time for recreational activities too." It was a rare thing for a Korean parent to speak, but he had his reasons. The daughter in front of him was certainly the model student when it came to studies. She poured her whole being into it, much like he had at her age. But he was fearful that such devotion might ruin her, if she did not also develop a human side.
"Hmph." Samantha snorted playfully. "Beating everyone else *is* my recreation. Hope you realise, father, that i have my sights set far higher than you. You'll see, one day i'll be the managing director of this place. But only if i can't find an organisation more worthy to lead."
"If that day comes, i'll be happy to serve under you." Mr. Kang said, "But until then, do try to develop your humanity a little too, not just your mind."
Samantha rolled her eyes at her father's word. She was at that age, so it was expected his words would be hard to get through. Still he prayed that she would somehow open up, even just a little. He had met many people who devoted their lives to success. They achieved what they wanted, but not always at the benefit of others. It was truly a deplorable condition of humanity.
Henry sighed. Anyway, now was not the time to worry too much about that.
"Let us go then." He said, standing up. "I need to return to work so i trust you can make your way back home on your own."
"Of course. I'll see you tonight."
Henry Kang nodded and then made his way out of the cafeteria and back towards his office.
It was when he was about to place his hand on the door that it happened. All the lights suddenly went out, and even the hum of the air conditioning suddenly died.

***

Ken stood apprehensively against the corner of the hallway, listening for any sounds coming from around the corner. Although he felt driven by time - he had no idea how long this blackout was going to last - he was also afraid. This wasn't a computer game. If he got shot here, there wouldn't be a second chance.
However his ears as well as his earpi told him that it was void of noise. He braved a look and then stepped around.
His senses had been right, there was no one here. Breathing a sigh of relief he kept to the darkest shadows and made his way down the hallway. He passed a room that had a door slightly ajar, and looking in cautiously, he noticed something black lying on the table. Standing beside the entrance, he once again exercised extreme focus as he listened for any noise, even for the sound of breathing, and then satisfied that he could do no better, pushed the door open.
The room was empty of people, and Ken relaxed again. It was a small kitchen area, and Ken's eyes grew wide as he saw the object lying on the table. It was a gun.
Ken had no experience with guns. He knrw they consumed bullets and fired with a trigger, but he knew nothing about checking magazines or safety switches. However he neither had any desire to actually shoot someone. Hopefully just the threat would be enough if it came to that.
Gulping at the seriousness of responsibility he was assuming, Ken put out his hand and took the gun.

***

Samantha walked briskly down the building corridor with a feeling of annoyance. Shouldn't her dad be proud of her accomplishments? Why did he keep talking about 'humanity' and other frivilous things. It almost made her feel ashamed to have some a touchy-feely dad. She had no idea how someone like him had made it to the position he was in. However she was grateful for the fact that his role in the NSA gave her the perfect opportunity to position herself for a ambitious career. She had already begun taking on small side jobs for the NSA, without her father's knowledge, and had proven herself to be competent. If not for her age it would be a small thing for her to immediately start rising through the ranks of this agency to the top.
Samantha thought these things as she walked toward the exit when suddenly the power cut and the lights went out. A spark of fear crept up her chest but she quickly stiffled it. If she couldn't endure small problems like this, how could she handle the challenges of leading the most prestigous organisation in the country.
With stoic calmness, she moved to lean against the wall and wait for the power to come back on.