Page 23 of The Misplaced Warrior

“Oh, well, then what should I do?” Gen asked, wishing that she had some reason to stick around and investigate this place. That was especially true now that she got a glimpse into Chip’s personality and motivation. He didn’t seem like a bad guy. He was suffering, but he wasn’t evilly motivated. However, she thought he was hiding something and still there was the dangerous equipment that was hidden somewhere in the place.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to send you home for now,” he finally answered. “I’ll be in touch with you when I have another project, but there simply aren’t any other tasks I can assign to you.”

Gen nodded. Her clever thinking had earned her praise and time off, but also gone against her goals to find out more about MystTech Creations. “Okay, well, it was nice to get this opportunity. Thanks for the education and sharing. And I look forward to working with you again.” She truly meant that, having enjoyed getting outside her comfort zone and broadening her spectrum of the modern world.

“You’re welcome,” he said, sounding almost morose as he led her back the way they’d come. “And yes, I enjoyed the chance to meet you. It’s not every day we get interns like you.”

When they were to the exit, Gen waved to Chip, sensing a new sadness in him, akin to regret.

“Okay, well, let me know when I’m needed back,” she said, turning for the door.

“I will,” he replied. “And Gen…”

She turned, a look of uncertainty on her face. “Yes?”

“I’m sure that everything will turn out okay,” he stated. “A woman like you, who is strong and smart, will always come out on top. I believe that anyway…”

Gen’s brow furrowed in obvious confusion. She tilted her head, wondering if she had missed a part of the conversation.

Chip waved her forward, motioning her to the door. Getting the hint, she simply nodded, turning and making her way out the exit, baffled by his final words.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

THE SILICON SETUP

Outside MystTech Creations, West Hollywood, California, United States

Gen stepped out of MystTech Creations, the cool evening air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere of the studio. She took a deep breath, letting the tension drain from her body as she walked away from the sleek, imposing building.

That was intense, she thought, reaching out to Emperor with her mind. But I didn’t find anything truly suspicious or dangerous. Maybe you misread the place because of the technological interferences.

Maybe, he replied in her head, not sounding convinced.

I just don’t get it, Gen mused, pausing on the sidewalk out in front of the modern building and looking up at it. Chip was both open and seemed to be hiding something.

People are a paradox, Emperor supplied.

He told me about his mother, almost seeming vulnerable in that moment, she related. But then we both sensed that he wasn’t telling the whole truth about the lockers. And the strange security with the Sneak’s Stain Solution and virtual reality. I just don’t get it. I feel like I’m missing something.

You definitely are, because the cosmic negative energy I picked up on before hasn’t gone away, Emperor replied. If anything, it’s only gotten stronger. There’s something really dangerous and wrong associated with MystTech Creations but I can’t pinpoint it—probably because I’m looking at it too directly.

What does that mean? Gen asked, perplexed.

It means, sometimes we look at things, trying to find the problem on the surface, he began. But the actual problem is hidden somewhere deep within. Maybe Chip isn’t at the source of the danger. Maybe it’s something buried deep within the company that we haven’t seen yet.

Gen shrugged, at a loss and definitely too exhausted to unravel this anymore right then. She’d had a long day and more than anything, she needed, and thought she deserved, a nice meal and some rest.

I’ll think on this more when I’ve got a clear head, Gen related. Maybe we’re wrong, but something tells me that we’re not. Something even tells me that it’s not a coincidence that I was sent to MystTech Creations for this internship.

She felt the dragon’s comforting presence, a warmth that enveloped her like a protective cloak. Trust your instincts, Emperor replied, his voice a soothing rumble in her mind. But don’t let fear cloud your judgment.

Gen nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She turned her back on the studio, ready to begin the short walk home.

Gen hadn’t walked half a block when suddenly, the piercing wail of sirens shattered the stillness of the night. At first, Gen expected the police cruisers to simply speed by her. She was absolutely astounded when the three vehicles screeched to a halt on the road in front of her, their lights painting the scene in a dizzying kaleidoscope of red and blue.

Gen froze as an officer peeled out of the closest vehicle. Again, Gen expected him to move along, to investigate something nearby her. That’s why she was utterly shocked when the man strode straight up to her, a menacing look on his face.

“Are you Gen Beaufont?” the man asked, his hand resting on his holster.

---