Chapter twenty: a long time ago

In Silicon Valley the sleeping giants awoke. A blip in the force. Something wasn't right. Someone is executing a full fledged attack, and not only in one but all eight companies.

"Has anyone heard of...well I'm not sure...a virus named Ajax? Something is happening from almost every angle. And it seems to be able to move quicker than we can react. Russian hackers? Maybe those Canadians? Something is up and I don't like it." Brian Crumb, CEO of B-Technical, one of the largest tech companies in the world, had the other seven companies on screen.

No one was talking back. They were hitting keyboards. Shaking their heads. Yelling to others. It looked like complete chaos in all the tech offices.

"And shut it down AJ. That should give them a scare. I think we were very successful in warning them that more is to come. And we got one crucial piece of information, the plan. Now we review the plan and see what they had in mind to kill off the eighth." Hector was pleased.

AJ slumped in his seat and told the 2000 kids to have a rest. One and Kal were still holding his hand.

"This is the beginning my dear family," said Hector in a rare personal appearance. "The beginning of the end. I am excited to tell the president of our achievement today. He will be impressed. This day is years in the making, and it worked. Perfectly. Well done! Now we wait. It won't be long. One and Kal. I will brief you on the next job, and AJ, get ready to show your real power in the next round when you have your source in hand."

Then he was gone. Like he vanished into the walls.

One let go of AJ's hand, Kal did the same, and the three came together in a group hug. One was crying. "Oh One, please don't cry. Things will be ok. I promise. Oh, you are not sad.  Gotcha. Well then, that is good.

Partition, One? I don't think I follow. We are alone? How is that possible. What about Kal? Mary? Hector? We are actually alone right now?" They were communicating without speaking.

"Yes AJ. We are alone. I discovered a portal. Where we can be alone. The others are getting regular dialogue from us right now but we are completely alone. I need to talk to you. It is important. Here goes... I've discovered another. Another one of us. He has been moved to a secure space where he cannot harm anyone. But he is here. And he has told me that things are not as they seem. We are in danger. You and me. I have to go. We will talk further. Now I am sending you coordinates where you can store this information so others cannot read your mind. A block. Shield. Now you can enter the portal and call me in when you need to. See you over there. I love you AJ."

"And now I think a good old fashioned two minute rest is in order. A pleasure doing business with you two. Good night." Kal headed to his room.

"Good night Kal," said One. See you...um...like right away..."

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