Chapter Five

“End of simulation.”

“Go back to the cell.” The guard said.

Damien hurried to the cell, the one the nightwalkers here called home.

“No hot shot!” He exclaimed in joy as he entered his cell.

“Damien!” Brooke said throwing her arms around him.

“Good news?”

“A lot of guards are quitting.”

“Oh? That’s nice. Why?”

“I guess they feel some insecurities are going on around here…or the program’s ending.” Brooke suggested.

“I see.”

“Do you know a Mark?”

“Yes, vaguely. Why?”

“He’s waiting for you in your room.”

Damien walked over to his room. “Brooke, come with me.”

“Why?”

“I just want you there, for support.” Damien said pleading.

Brooke walked up to him and grabbed his hand. Together they walked into the room to see a man with slicked back, black hair. His eyes were a dark brown and glasses covered them. “Hello Damien.” Mark looked at Brooke. “Ah, you must be Brooke. It’s interesting, the attraction between your originals carried.”

“What do you need to talk about?” Damien asked abruptly.

“The two of you are our best specimens. Apology for calling you that.”

“Dully noted.” Brooke said.

“How would you like to be released from training cells?” Mark suggested.

“Where would we go?” Brooke asked.

“Todd.” Damien said quietly.

“You would work for us.” Mark said.

“Would we be free?” Damien asked.

“Partially. You’d have to earn it.” Mark answered.

“Better than what we have now.” Brooke acknowledged.

“What would we have to do?” Damien asked.

“Be police, basically.” Mark said professionally.

“Rent-a-cops?” Brooke asked.

“Um…no. I have no idea where you heard that.” Mark said confused.

“Guards.” Damien said.

“They are crazy, which is why they are guards. But no, you’d be official patrol men. Any questions?”

“Can Todd be free?” Damien asked.

“No, not yet.” Mark said.

“Why?”

“We need something to keep you from running away.” Mark said bluntly.