The Alchemist's Children: Panacea
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Using the combination of his rig, and the interface on his workbench, Callen examined the data that had been collected. He didn't ask how they got it, and he didn't want to know. So, he stuck to his job of planning and piecing together the combination of his resurfacing dreams and the sketchy data files.
The facility was completely underground with a secret entrance through a warehouse along with several underground entrances. The combination of the maps and the memories of being there with his father told Callen how complex the place was, but those same memories made him extremely nervous.
The facility consisted of three sub-levels below the surface and had been built in old underground water caverns. The factories that were over it had been built during WWII for ship manufacturing and had long since been abandoned, converted, or demolished. How the facility had managed to be installed there was beyond Callen, especially with the Delaware River so close to it. The whole place should be underwater, but he would cross that bridge when he came to it.
The first level was operations, the second was the research laboratory, and the lower level was all the equipment necessary to keep the place running. There was a pair of elevators that connected each level along with a few emergency stairwells. Each level also had emergency exits that lead into the city's sewer and subway systems. His father's office was located on the second floor. His work was more than cut out for him.
He brought up a partially readable file on the facility that described a complex computer system with a complex containment system and other facility security systems. To both Callen's surprise and curiosity, the files he scanned indicated that the technology in this research facility was extremely advanced. Despite being ten years old, the systems in this facility were comparable to what he had worked on with Felix.
He ran the file through one of his programs to polish up the data file. His program worked a little better, and brought up images that looked like security robots and specs for some sort of self-destruct system.
The first file that came through gave more specifics on the facilities self-destruct feature. It was designed for containment and disposal. The building was lined with incinerators to dispose of biological research materials, computer systems, and to keep the husk of the facility completely unnoticed by anyone on the surface. Callen took that to mean no sinkholes and whoever installed this paid top dollar.
After his program had finished, the final image appeared showing a small logo on one of the pages. He did a quick search and the symbol was a logo for a dead biotech company called Biocore, Inc.
The company was involved with all kinds of pharmaceutical research, production, and a variety of other medical functions, like prosthetic limb manufacturing and medical diagnostics. They went under about ten years ago after a failed release of artificial limb technology for soldiers returning from military hot zones around the world. Afterward, the company was broken up and sold to a variety of other publicly traded biotech companies. Why they were broken up and sold was never published, but the controversy he read was connected to some electronics in their prosthetic limbs and other unethical biological research. There was a paper trail of lawsuits that gave nothing conclusive. The files that Callen opened didn't say much aside from health problems, malfunctions, and a list of deaths.
"Weird." Callen shrugged and leaned back in his chair. He let out a sigh. "Guess I'm set. Maps are set, got all my computer gear for hacking, hard wire connectors, programs, everything is good to go."
"Not everything," Felix said waddling into the room. He was carrying the revolver he had tested with Sadie a few weeks ago, but it had a few added tactical attachments. "When Ania, Sadie, and Tende came to me with their plan I took the liberty of preparing this for you while they chose their gear. We knights have a habit of running into trouble. So, I'm not about to let you go marching into some sealed up laboratory unarmed." He handed Callen the handgun. "Don't tell anyone. Your grandpa would disapprove but agree...and well Bethany...I don't even wanna go there..."
Callen checked the weapon. "No problem and how's Reeves doing?"
"They are doing just fine tracking those monsters. I helped them get a pretty solid lead. So, don't you worry a bit about your mom. You need to take care of yourself now, and ol' Felix is more than happy to help." Felix said. "Not that I wouldn't help you out anyway, but this whole thing makes it even more fun that I get to stick it to the bitch."
"Why are you helping me?" Callen asked, sounding tired. "I mean, can this get you into serious trouble?"
"They really can't do anything more to me, aside from exile, and being here is just as close. Besides, your family has always done right by me." He grinned. "So, I'd say now you're prepared. Well, almost. I gotta sync the gun attachments to your computer."
Callen yawned. "Alright...where's the software?"
"No, no, I got it," Felix said. "You go rest. It's getting late. You four are starting early tomorrow. I got the gear for Sadie, Tende, and Ania to finish up anyway. I'll get all the systems prepared for me to play tech angel on your shoulder as you guys go into the facility."
"Do you think we can actually do this?" Callen asked. "I mean shouldn't we call Grandpa or Reeves...I don't think..."
"What?" Felix said sounding shocked. "Do I hear doubt? Kids younger than you have faced all sorts of dangers and lived to tell about it. And here you have already battled monsters, victoriously I might add, that have killed experienced knights. All you need to do here is get on a bus and enter a derelict subterranean laboratory."
"Sounds like a video game and there's always monsters in those games..."
"Yeah. Hence the weapons," Felix said. "You know how to shoot without your computer and goggles targeting system. Now you have that to aid you. Besides, according to those files that place is sealed up tight. So, once you hack the system you'll have control of the security system and it will be a walk in the park. Any issues and Mavis and I will be remotely supporting you.”
"Are the Mavis servers cleared after your issue with the bugs?" Callen asked.
"I cleared the last of the bugs this morning after a few more adjustments to my EMP device. I found a few issues after our first test and fixed it. Now our network is clean...and I'm gonna have Mavis run a scan on it tonight to get more details on the make of these odd devices. Anyway, I'll add the improvements to your wrist computer when I sync up one of the hellbreakers you and Sadie tested. Who knows, it may come in handy. You'll be more than set to go in the morning. I have faith that we'll be making inventions long into the future. Just trust yourself."
"I guess you're right."
"Damn straight," Felix said. "Now, let me finish your load out and you go rest up. You got a big day ahead of you...oh and keep your goggles with you...I don't need them for the sync process because of your designs. You should play with them and get used to using the different vision modes before you go to sleep. Now, go rest."