Cranax Outbreak

by Candice Lim

  I failed Dr. Hershey.

  I failed Vaxine and Axon.

  I failed Derrick. Who died because of me.

  I failed Mom and Dad.

  And I failed the child I was once.

  Whenever I thought of Cash, the guilt gnawed at me on the inside. As the wave of grief passed, a surge of anger rose in me, renewing my strength. I hardened my glare at the faces hanging in front before me. Clenching my fists, I vowed to have my revenge.

  I spun around and strode into the lab. Ideas bubbled in my head, a scheme was self-assembling. The double door hissed open. The disembodied voice made the same old annoying comment regarding lab safety.

  “Who gives a hoot about lab precautions now?” I walked into the empty lab, my eyes searching left and right. I knew it was somewhere around here, I must have seen it but now couldn’t remember where exactly it was. My memories were vague memory and I loathed myself for not paying attention all the time. My mind was either a heavy rock sinking to the bottom of a pond or floating away like clouds. I couldn’t help it. My demons were too strong.

  I felt something tug my foot so suddenly I was wrenched back. My heart rate skyrocketed. My arms scrabbled for purchase and found the wall and bench. After mouthfuls of air, I looked down and saw Botty. Its shiny metallic teeth clamped onto the leg of my jeans.

  “Hey there.” I calmed down and reached out my hand to pat its head.

  “Get on your bloody lab coat, you punk!” It snarled, let go and leaped backward.

  My hand jerked away in reflex and I stared at it in surprise. “You―you can speak?”

  “Ever heard of artificial intelligence, numbskull?” Botty’s bright red eyes blinked in disdain.

  I was stunned beyond words. I pinched my cheek to make sure I wasn’t dreaming or going bonkers.

  “Jeez, you are amazing. I didn’t know BotDog can speak.”

  “I am not your average consumer BotDog you can buy in every electronic store!” It said with a touch of dismissal. Though Botty’s voice was flat, I felt it drip with arrogance. “And do you think Dr. Hershey would buy a consumer BotDog to guard her fort? Of course, there’ll be extra enhancements and modifications that make me what I am today.”

  “Well.” I folded my arms. “I might be a slow learner, but you can’t pull my leg on this. This is artificial intelligence. I don’t think it was Hershey’s forte.”

  “There’s this human thing called networking. You know, negotiation and bargaining are the ways of life. Like, you know, you help me upgrade my BotDog and I offer you free genetic counseling. It’s a win-win. Deal closed.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe talking to you is better than staring at the walls,” I sighed.

  “I am a modified, enhanced version of BotDog. Super BotDog, as they call me. Better than nothing, huh? Right now I am the best thing that ever happened to you.”

  With another sigh, I sank to the floor, allowing myself to fall against the wall. “Well, I don’t have time for that. Your master, my mentor is kidnapped. And my seniors, Vaxine and Axon, I don’t even know what happened to them. I’m afraid Cash will torture them slowly.” But I didn’t want to think about that. I turned to face Botty who had sat down, wriggling its silver tail. Its head tilted to one side. “And here I am…don’t know what to do.”

  “You don’t look like you have a plan?”

  I gazed at the ceiling. “In hindsight, I don’t think it works. I was thinking of breaking in and going with the flow. There’s nothing left here. Going back for them is my last chance.”

  “Then do it. Why are you sitting here grumbling about it?”

  I turned to Botty. “Because I have no guts.”

  “There’s no time for that!” It snapped its teeth on my coat, tugging it hard. “Get up and back to work.”

  I gave in and got up to my feet. Botty let go and gazed up at me as I dusted down my coat. “So, you think I should take a shot?” I asked though I realized how absurd it looked to seek advice from a robot dog.

  “What else can you do?”

  Nothing. Now that Vaxine wasn’t here to protect me, I was vulnerable to the government, to the ATP and everyone who was trying to capture or kill me. I didn’t want to keep living like a fugitive. I looked into the empty alley as my resolve stiffened. There must be something I could do. And nothing would stop me this time.

  When I stepped forward, Botty snapped at my leg, sinking its metallic teeth into my skin.

  “Ouch! What’s wrong with you?” I snarled, unable to conceal my anger. I was this close to sending it flying into the wall with a kick. Luckily for it, it let go first. “I’m coming with you, kiddo.”

  “Do you actually have any idea what to do?” Botty wriggled its tail at me. “Because the longer I observe you, the more you seem clueless.”

  I placed a laptop on the bench. Thankfully some of the devices here were not password-protected. I picked up BotDog and set it on the bench. Grabbing a swivel chair for myself, I sat next to Botty. “I don’t pay much attention to weapons and gadgets, so I’ll outsource some.” I turned the screen to it. “I searched for some military contractor manifests uploaded on the net, and found these goodies.” I felt excitement rising within myself as I ran my fingers over the monitor.

  Botty stared at me with its red eyes. “Well, being armed is important, you need to find a safe way in and out of the ORF. Plus, there may be complications in terms of imprisonment. You know, Cash won’t be letting her captives run loose for your convenience.”

  What sort of confinement could there be? The memories of the Underlab came back to me. The life-size cylindrical tank. That’s right. I needed to find a way to at least get Hershey out of that. Afterward, hopefully, she could then take over and take care of the rest. I pulled the laptop back to me and rolled up my oversized lab coat sleeves as my fingers danced on the keyboard.

  “Maybe you’ll need some help? Weapons specialization isn’t something you can learn overnight or over the net,” Botty remarked.

  My fingers froze as I turned to Botty. “Who else can I turn to now?” I let out a sigh, my shoulders wilted. “No one can help me. As ever. I am all alone in this world.”

  Botty put a paw on my shoulder. “Don’t be sad. Miracles happen, you will never know.”

  I snorted. “That’s right. All I need is miracles to make things happen. In other words, I am total trash without any.”

  Botty rolled its eyes as it retracted its paw and sat back. “Stop blaming yourself. How are you ever going to make it with so much negativity?”

  I shook my head and logged into my encrypted email account. Maybe to send Mom and Dad one last email, hopefully, they were alive to read it.

  “Ever heard of mind over matter? Everything is in your mind. If you think you are a loser, then you are!”

  I’d already turned on a deaf ear to Botty. There weren’t many unread emails. But it took only one to make my heart flutter, with bliss. It was from Mandy. I clicked on it and pulled the laptop closer to read the message.

  Botty stopped yakking and nudged its face close to the screen. “What’s that?” It yapped, waving its tail.

  I shifted aside to give it space. “These are the specs for the BioTomb, the life-size container George and Edmund used to contain Hershey in the Underlab! But how on earth did they even get hold of this?” I frowned, couldn’t bring myself to imagine it. If I had the information earlier, I could have found a way to hack the BioTomb and rescued Hershey from the Underlab and all this wouldn’t have happened. It wasn’t too late though. I still could break into the ORF again and give the information to Vaxine and Axon so they could figure out what to do.

  Mandy was unpredictable. There wasn’t a single thing in this world she wouldn’t do although mostly I wished she didn’t do it. But this time, I was glad she did. I made a mental note to thank Mandy when and if I ever met her again.

  “No, I don’t mean that. I mean this!” Botty pointed its paw
at another unread email.

  Luxfield High Alumni Ball.

  I opened the email and saw the invitation to my high school’s homecoming ball. A wild idea struck me as I remembered my high school ex-boyfriend, Samuel Maximoff. As a top-notch student, I barely had any close friends except for Samuel Maximoff. Due to his obsession with gadgets and electronics, our schoolmates called him a weird kid. As outcasts, Sam and I got along well.

  Getting back with your ex was always a bad idea but maybe he could help me hack the BioTomb.

  ☣☣☣☣☣☣

  Hopping off the cab that sped into the night, my stomach lurched as I gazed at the majestic entrance of the hotel. The golden banner with black print that read ‘Welcome back, Alumni of Luxfield High’ was waving in the wind. Enchanting music drifted through the hall and merged with the discordant chatter of the guests.

  The clinking and clicking of expensive glasses punctuated the conversations. The chandelier hung from the high ceiling, shining upon the crimson drapes. People in beautiful gowns and smart tuxedos filled the hall, all looking familiar yet strange. The place brimmed with wealth and luxury. If Graybridge was Hell, this ball had to be Heaven.

  I wore a golden cupcake dress embroidered with diamond sequins. I had downloaded the template from the internet, added my personal touches, and printed it out with the Atom Mancer. At the door, I was handed a stem glass containing a violet fluid, a cocktail custom-made for the occasion. The alcohol gave me some confidence, making me strut into the ballroom like I owned it.

  All heads turned towards me. A stray memory from Graybridge struck me: the look in the eyes of the guests reminded me of the Infected, hungry and devoid of humanity. The only things that set them apart were the fancy dress and heavy makeup. A while later, the stiff formality dispersed and the guests suddenly relaxed. Welcoming arms were thrown around me so tightly they nearly crushed my spine.

  “Roxy Riley! Long time no see!” A chubby woman with red cheeks squealed. She wore an azure dress. I wasn’t sure if her complexion was from excess blush or booze. It took me a while to remember she was once the class monitor and thin as a stick. I forgot her name.

  “Tell me about it. How have you been?” I replied.

  Four more women joined us, all looking self-important and resplendent in their gowns.

  “Hey, come over here.” Chubby pulled her friends over to greet me. This one was tall, almost Vaxine-tall, but thin as a flagpole. She wore a striking canary yellow dress and a wide-rimmed matching hat.

  “Do you remember Roxy Riley from our class? The smartest smart-ass ever?” Their eyes met in a stare and she broke into a guffaw.

  “Ah!” Stick Woman pointed a bony finger at me. “I know you!”

  I faked a laugh although I didn’t even remember her name or who she was. I was desperate to leave this ridiculous parade of wealthy freaks. I was here on business, not for some nonsense chit-chat with some women who had nothing better to do. My dress was pretty but uncomfortable, like a sequined rucksack made out of satin. My high heels were killing me, setting off explosions of pain in the balls of my feet with every step. At this moment, I really missed my boots.

  “Oooh, Roxy. What are you doing now?” The third woman who wore a pink dress that was tiered like a wedding cake.

  “I’m in the Community. Major in Genetics.”

  A chorus of ‘Oohs’ and ‘Ahhs’ filled the air. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

  “She’s in the Community.” The Bride chanced a knowing look at her friends.

  “So, can you clone something? Say, a dinosaur?” Stick Woman asked.

  “Uh, can you help me check if my genes are making me fat?” Chubby added.

  I held up my hands. “I’m not capable of doing anything you ladies ask of me. And I’m not a smart ass. Maybe last time, but not now, not anymore.” I looked at them as they stared blankly at me. “Now, can anyone tell me where is Samuel Maximoff?”

  The Bride gave me a wry glance. “I didn’t know you guys are still together.”

  “Uh, no―”

  “The app guy is over there,” said the Bride.

  “App guy?” I frowned.

  “Oh, didn’t you know? That lucky bastard created a game app called the Floppy Penguin. Bet you heard of it. That stupid game became an overnight success.”

  “Well, good for him.” I shuffled out of the group, who were still chattering away.

  Heads blocked my view. Heads adorned with big, bulky wigs with too many accessories here and there. I had to crane my neck to look ahead. This wasn’t the first time I wished I wasn’t so short.

  I let out a sigh as my shoulders slumped. I glanced around, picking up the expressions on every surrounding face. I was grateful for their obliviousness. No one had realized I was the government’s top fugitive yet. I had to get to my target and then get out of here in the shortest possible time.

  I craned my neck again, slipping through from one cluster of guests to another. I heard a familiar voice and skidded to a halt.

  “Ah, nothing is possible without hard work and a streak of madness, well, actually maybe a hell lotta madness.”

  Samuel Maximoff. I turned around. My eyes fell on his face as all the happy memories that it brought along rushed into my head. Some things never changed. I stood there staring at him for a few minutes, luxuriating in the gorgeous face that I’d missed out for so long. The arrogant jut of his nose and the sharp line of his jaw. I almost forgot how much I loved seeing them.

  I simpered to myself like an excited child. I wriggled through the crowd, carefully not to tread and trip on the laces and satin carpeting the floor like snares.

  I tried to get his attention without drawing any to myself. Finally, I reached out and tapped Sam on the shoulder. Too late, another group of seniors shot a disapproving look but I didn’t give a damn. The surprised look on Sam’s faces spoke volumes; he still recognized me. My heart skipped a beat but I had to take the risk. I teetered in my steps.

  Could I trust him? What if he knew I was on the wanted list?

  He dropped the tense look and smiled. That was the cue, he was not my enemy. “Oh, hey, Roxy Riley.” Sam was having red wine but hadn’t taken a single sip yet. I took him aside. He seemed so different up-close; older and with stubble. He looked mature and formal in a tuxedo with a red bowtie.

  “Oh, I am so glad to see you again.”

  “Where the hell have you been? We haven’t seen each other for a hell long time.” Sam gave me a hesitant pat on the back. Sam and I had remained friends after the breakup. Even though, we didn’t speak with each other after I went to CU.

  “Been preoccupied, you know.”

  “Actually, why don’t we go out and talk about it?” A knowing look flitted over Sam’s face. “Be quick. We don’t have much time.”

  Sam left his glass on a drinks trolley. “Come, let me have yours.” He grabbed mine and place it next to his. He grabbed my arm and we hurtled through the crowd and out to the gardens.

  “Ooh, Sam, leaving so early?” asked a random girl passing by. An uncanny surge of envy shot through me. I shook off the stray thought and focused on the reason why I was here. I wasn’t here for reconciliation.

  “Not feeling well,” Sam called out.

  The same girl eyed me with a wry look. “Is that your little girlfriend?”

  Sam gave me an awkward look. “Uh, we’ll see how we go tonight.”

  I lowered my head to hide my blush. We walked out to the gardens and stopped next to the hedges. Sam’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Why the hell did you come here? It’s a trap.”

  “I was looking for you. I need your help.” I glanced around to see if the surroundings had CCTV. The air froze around me. My hands brushed over my arms automatically. “What? Why? How do you know?”

  “Luxfield never threw any alumni gatherings. You think our miser principal would splurge thousands on a ball like this, for students they couldn’t
care less? Unless he wants some promising reward. Like this one,” Sam added. “It was an order from the Community. I hacked into their system and found their messages. They want to lure you out.”

  Alarm bells went off in my head. If I could see my own face, it would be pale as a ghost. “Then―”

  The music faded and the activities bustling around us came to a gradual stop. We stopped in our tracks, blending in with the rest. We didn’t want to risk suspicion. Sam scanned around, I followed suit. Smiles turned upside down as everyone began to look around, wondering what was up. The constant drone of chatter and laughter evolved into complaints and mourns. The crowd turned berserk. Shouts were yelled above the cacophony.