“Alex, is this report yours?” Reshma asked as he returned his attention to the computer. Siddiq and Evalyn continued to watch him.

  “Uh, what report?” Alex said nonchalantly.

  “The one you left running on this computer,” Reshma frowned. “These results are incredible. What is the base of the experiment?”

  Me, Alex thought, before answering with, “Oh, uh. Let me see it,” Alex walked over, his mind racing to come up with a story, as the others made room for him. “Riiiight, this. Uh, one of the other teams that I helped asked me to review some potential experiment numbers, Alex said, trying to think of something quickly.

  “Really? What is it that they are doing? The potential growth is astounding,” Reshma said, still going through the numbers.

  “You think so?” Alex asked. “I mean, it is but I don't see how it will be strong enough to fix things.”

  “Well if they place multiples of whatever this is, with the same parameters, it has the potential to work over long ranges,” Reshma muttered, while still going through the calculations.

  “Yeah, I am starting to think the same thing,” Alex said, a distant look in his eyes as he remembered what the voice said in his vision.

  There are others. You must call out to them. You must make them see. The voice rang in his mind.

  “What is it they are working on?” Reshma asked again.

  “Uh, you know we aren't supposed to discuss other projects,” Alex stammered, “but like I said, they just wanted my opinion on a growth possibility.”

  “Huh, well these numbers are impressive,” Reshma said, as he stood up and looked at Alex. “Are you alright? You look a bit pale.”

  “Uh, yeah. I just… With everything that happened. I can't believe I forgot that I left this going,” Alex gulped.

  “No problem man, cool glimpse of someone else’s project,” Siddiq smiled. “Glad everything was okay for you though.”

  “Yeah, me too. I don't have any family left, so Professor Langdon is like the only person I have back home,” Alex said softly. Siddiq punched him gently on the shoulder and Alex smiled at him. “Oh there is going to be a press conference held here. They want me on the stage and to say a few things. Although, I don't know if I was supposed to tell anyone that.”

  Evalyn chuckled, “We won't say anything.”

  “Thanks,” Alex said, scratching his head. “When I have my speech together I would like to read it to you all and get your opinion.”

  “Sounds good to me,” said Reshma, Siddiq and Evalyn nodding in agreement. Everyone broke off to their own projects. Alex plopped onto the chair. I can't believe I did that, he groaned internally. Thankfully I could blame it on someone else's project. I mean, it wasn’t a total lie. It is another project, just a private one. Not sanctioned by the committee, Alex sighed as he leaned back and stared at the ceiling.

  After a few moments, he sat up and scanned the room watching everyone working on the projects. I hate lying to them, he thought with a slight frown. They are the closest thing to actual friends I have had in a long time. Sitting up he started going through his report as everyone else worked on their own quietly.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  “Hey man,” Siddiq said, walking over towards Alex at the end of the day.

  “Hey,” Alex said, looking up from the computer.

  “You want to go chill at the center?” Siddiq asked.

  “Uh, sure. When are you thinking?” Alex replied.

  “Today? Now?” Siddiq answered.

  “Oh, uh, sure I could use a distraction,” Alex smiled. “Want to go right now?”

  “Yeeeesssssssssss,” Siddiq smiled. They both chuckled and gathered their things. “Hey, see you all tomorrow!” Siddiq said, giving a wave towards Reshma and Evalyn.

  “Oh, have a good evening gentlemen. Don't forget, we should be joined by some new teammates tomorrow,” Reshma said.

  Alex and Siddiq carried their scooters and chatted as they slowly walked towards the recreation center. The day was hot but a cool breeze kept it slightly at bay.

  “Want to eat first?” Siddiq asked, an audible growl from his stomach roared as they entered the main area of the recreation center.

  “Sure, sounds like we need to,” Alex chuckled as he led the way to the cafeteria area. They ordered their food and sat to eat.

  “Burger and fries, can’t ever go wrong with that,” Siddiq sighed, leaning back and patting his stomach.

  “Yeah, they do make a mean burger here,” he chuckled. They picked up their trays, put them by the trash and headed towards the game area. Walking in they were met by a cacophony of sounds. Some cheers from people surrounding a ping pong table, the music from the karaoke area and just all the sounds from the arcade style games.

  “What do you feel like?” Siddiq asked, as his eyes drifted towards a few driving arcade games.

  “Want to race?” Alex asked, and walked towards them.

  “Yes!” Siddiq exclaimed. Laughing, they headed to the games and began to race. After a few hours of playing different things they decided to call it a night.

  “Thanks man, I needed this,” Alex smiled.

  “That’s what friends are for man. I know if it were my family I would have been stressed beyond everything. Least I could do,” Siddiq answered, clasping him on the shoulder. They chatted as they made their way to the apartments. “Alright man, have a good night. See you in the morning. We will get to meet some of our new teammates tomorrow!”

  “Yeah, I wonder who we are getting,” Alex said. “Anyway, see you tomorrow. Thanks again!” He waved and started walking towards his building. As he approached the main building doors the hairs on the back of his neck stood on edge making him shiver involuntarily. Furrowing his brows he looked around before entering. He walked slowly down the hall towards his door.

  Danger! Said a voice in his head.

  As he approached his door he listened and heard something inside. There was a voice but he recognized the voice. It was his. Slowly he turned the knob to his door which was unlocked. I know I locked this, he thought, as the door swung open he picked up his scooter ready to swing.

  No one was there. He put his scooter down and closed the door. Walking towards the living room his eyes were locked on the television screen. On the screen was him sitting on his chair hardening and softening the material in his bucket.

  “What…?” Alex said out loud as he stared in horror.

  “Like my movie. More where that came from.” said a familiar voice from the shadowy doorway of his bedroom.

  “Zayd?” Alex asked, stunned, as he turned towards the doorway.

  “Hello, Alex. We have a lot to talk about,” Zayd said, stepping forward. He was unkempt with a wild look in his eyes.

  “Where have you been? How did you get in here? How did you get this footage?” Alex sputtered in disbelief.

  “You have ruined my life,” Zayd said.

  “What are you talking about?” Alex asked, confused.

  “I have been watching you ever since the press worked that first time. That stupid idea,” he sneered. “No way it would ever actually work, but when that positive result happened…” he trailed off.

  “Again, what are you talking about?” Alex asked.

  “Don’t play stupid Alex. I know you are smarter than that. Plus, it's all right there on video,” Zayd Spat.

  Alex looked at the television as he hardened the material in his hands. His heart dropped as he felt the blood drain from his face.

  “Looking a little pale there Alex,” Zayd said smugly. “I know everything.”