Prologue  

Part Two: A Son's Responsibility and Genius' Wish

Date: 18/10/2015

Location: Cheshire Country Side, England  

In the office of Harold Hames, a TV is switched on to a news channel. The reporter was showcasing the various advancement in the technological sector.  

"We are currently in an age where technology is advancing at a fast pace. Although the current state of affairs in the world is something to worry about, we can only look at the future and pray for a solution that will better mankind and end the suffering of the innocent." The reporter stated, as she solemnly prayed for the future.

"Now, we  have a great show ahead of us with an in depth segment on one of the leading companies in the tech world. The Ouroboros Company and their latest product the Helm." As the reporter continued talking she was placed on mute by Harold, who ruffled his graying hair.  

'Finally we can start on our more important projects now that the Helm has been unveiled. Project Chimaera has been waiting for this moment to finally shine.' He mused to himself in deep thought.

It has been many years since his now late Father had passed the reigns of the organization on to him. And he in turn had strived to reach greater heights than his predecessor. In his control the organization has flourished in way that were not possible with the technology he has at hand now. Even though he has been successful in his many ventures, Harold never thought he was better than any of his forefathers as he knew they would be able to do the same, were they given similar situations and tools. He in fact, more than others, knew his Father could do better than him if he was still here.

Harold was now 73 years old and he knew he had limited time on this planet, but like his forefathers he tried hard to prolong this time. Although he was not able to do this in the physical sense, his greatest achievement was Project Chimaera. This project was in simplicity a virtual reality which only allowed one way access. He had created a system that could store the information in one's mind as data. While this in itself was revolutionary it was not his end goal.

'It seems like my Father I will be unable to see the fruition of our ancestor's long held dream. But at least I know that my contribution can help with the memories part of our problem' Harold concluded in his head as he reached for his phone and called his assistant.

"James, it's time to start the final checks on Chimaera. Now the spy and such who have been keeping checks on us will register it as a game software for the Helm and not what it really is." He spoke through the phone with slight relief and excitement.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 05/12/2015

Location: Room 786, Private Ward, Royal Hospital of London, London, England  

Rays of light started to peak through the cracks in the blinds as the sun rose, illuminating the room inside. On the bed was a young man, no older than 20, covered in the bedspread and laying with his head rested back softly on the cushion. His face was not visible, it was covered in a sleek jet black helmet. This was a Helm, and it was slowly whirring as to show it is in use. Near the front of the bed was a patient file with the name Daniel Fount written in bold font.

The door creaked open as the nurse that was in charge of the man supposedly called Daniel Fount, shuffled in. As she walked in the sensors spurred the lights on. She walked over to the young man and pressed the call button on the Helm.

"Daniel, it's time for your medication." She called out in her soothing and homely voice. As if waiting for her call the Helm powered down and from under it a weak voice called out.

"Maddy, could you please remove the Helm for me?" The voice asked. Maddy then elevated the bed to 45 degree angle and helped the young man out of the Helm gently.

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"Daniel. I know you enjoy the freedom of movement in their but please make sure to get some sleep as that could help." She advised slightly worried for his health as she removed the Helm.

"I know Maddy but there's just so much I can do in there, where as here I can only re-read books I've already read" Daniel exclaimed as he was freed. His sickly pale complexion and his contrasting black hair came into view as he looked up to Maddy.

"I understand that, I've been with you most of your life and I more than any understand that; but there has to be some time for rest as well" Maddy countered as she stared into his emerald eyes. Maddy had been with Daniel roughly 10 years and this is the most enthusiastic she had seen all that time.

"What am I to do with you, boy." She sighed. As she reached over to the bedside to get his medication and pour him some water.

"Maddy, This is the only thing that father has ever brought me in all these years and I think he knows I don't have long left so this was him giving me my final wish" he sighed and shook his head slightly. "I know you don't like me talking this way, but I can feel it a lot stronger now than before. That little niggle that used to be there previously has numbed my whole body, neck down and you should know I'm already more proficient in medicine than most the doctors in this hospital so I know what comes next." Daniel felt a tear run down his cheek and neck, his eyes dimmed a little as the reality of his word had started to sink in.

Maddy stared at him for a while not breaking eye contact before she reached up and gently caressed his cheek, giving him a warm fuzzy feeling.

"You can't give up hope. You’re the closest thing I've got to a son and I don't want to see you this way, you’re the only family I've got left." Maddy begged as her voice quivered from holding back her tears. As she recalled  how she had lost her husband and unborn child in a car accident 15 years ago. The hole in her heart was filled when she met Daniel, she saw her unborn child in him and gave him the motherly attention he needed that was missing his whole life as his Mother had passed in childbirth. He had no memory of his mother and he barely had any interaction with his Father because their marriage was for political interests and in the eyes of his Father he was an unwanted burden.

"Maddy, I know you treated me that way and I have always tried to return that as best I can but I need you to know this because I don't think Father will care enough to pry himself away from his new wife and kids. " he stated starting with a gentle expression before letting it turn in a grimace for a slight moment. "As such I want you to know, no matter what happens I was happy, here with you. And although I don't believe in any god or karma, if I am reborn I hope that I have you as my mother" He finished making a silent pray to whatever entities ears it fell on so that his wish would come true.

"I, I don’t, please Daniel don't do this. Not now, we still have plenty of time. I don't want this to happen." Maddie sobbed, no longer able to control her feelings she sits on the bed next to him unable to bear the pain and fear of losing him.

"Maddy, Don’t cry please. I am happy and even if I never got to see my mother, I know what a mother's love can feel like and I don’t want anything else." Daniel consoled her as he closed his eyes and made a decision. "Maddie, please call Mr Hames for me. I want to accept his proposal." The light in his eyes had changed. He was no longer hesitant or lost and he gave Maddy a last gentle smile as a final farewell.

Later that day Harold Hames came to visit this young man.................

Sorry was slightly delayed on this chapter.

How do you like it so far and how is my writing style.

I'm not too confident with this style so a little pointers would be helpful.

Next Chapter this week end possibly

Many Thanks

ZeroX