Page 52 of Fragments
BerkeleysLexLuthor: guys I gotta get back to my work. We’ll talk later.
Closing the screen, I hop out of my chair, reacquainting myself with the sensation of standing on two feet as I rush into the house. I need to stock up on sugary beverages because I think I’m about to make a breakthrough. I’m so close I can smell it…
Whatitis, I’m not exactly sure. But I’m positive it’ll yield some fascinating new information.
Not that I even know what I’lldowith said information when I find it. But the obsession is driving me. I feel like a hunter, seeking out the biggest, baddest game possible just toknowthat it’s out there. Maybe tag it and move on.
I’m in this thing. I can’t juststop.
Not when I’ve come this far.
Dashing over to the pantry, I grab a six-pack of Mountain Dew and a bag of Doritos. I’m just about to slink back to the garage, when my father’s voice stops me.
“Lexington…”
Damn. So close.
I turn and blink at him, trying to appear casual when, really, I’m sure I currently resemble a slightly hotter version of Gollum. “Hey, Dad. What’s up?”
“What’sup?” he grumbles, looking me over. “We haven’t seen you for more than five seconds in days. You look like shit. What are you doing in there??”
“I have an important project due,” I lie.
“Bullshit,” he retorts. “Your mother says your car hasn’t moved all week.”
“I don’t always need tophysicallybe in class,” I mutter. “I can do all my assignments from home if I need to. It’s less distracting…”
“Lex, you look sick.” He shakes his head. “Whatever you’re doing isn’t healthy… You should really…”
His lecture continues, but I’ve tuned out his voice. I can see his mouth moving, but all I can hear is static, like a ringing in my ears.
I need to get back to my work… Back to LOIS.
I need to see what’s on the other side of that wall. I needanswers.
Thetruth. They’ll see. When I find it, they’ll all understand why this was so important.
“Dad, I just… I have to go,” I cut him off, mid-scold. “I’m fine, I promise.”
Stalking back into the garage, I drop everything on the floor, returning to my chair like I’m magnetized to it. My eyes are instantly glued to the screen once more while I crack open another Mountain Dew.
I click and type, and click some more, stomach twisting in thrill, and nerves.
I think I’m in…
The walls are down. I’m through the final door…
On the back-end, it readsUnited States Department of Homeland Security: Pentagon database clearance granted.
I gulp down the fizzy sweetness on my tongue with a whole fuckload of startled disbelief.
The… Pentagon?
That’s where the server brought me??
“Oh fuck, oh Jesus…” I whisper to myself, scrolling through the confidential files. “I’m in the fuckingPentagon.Oh God oh God.”
I don’t even know what I’m doing. I barely know what I’m looking for. The FBI information was locked up tight. I figured I could use my malware to get into it, but somehow it brought me… here.
