SNAPCRAFT | Ch. 32.0 - Summer Blizzard
Added 2024-02-16 10:19:46 +0000 UTCHello, dear readers!
Snap Craft is soon ending, and I'm writing a few bonus chapters that will be featured in the published version of book 2. This will be the prologue! :D
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Press conferences reminded Phineas of the ocean. There was always an outburst of chatter and a barrage of questions whenever the governmental spokesman finished a remark, spaced by silence to hear his responses. Reporters sounded like waves breaking and then receding, building up power for the next surf.
“What about the rest of the survivors?” was the question that pierced through the wall of sound.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have devoted all available units to search for survivors, but now that the first 48 hours have elapsed, we just can't keep all our men here. Hurricane Veronica has caused serious damage in the capital, and the wildfires are still ravaging the East Coast. Every life is precious, but we must allocate our resources to where they're most needed.”
More chatter. Phineas had to give points to the admiral for maintaining his calm and composure. He couldn’t hear any anxiety or tension in the spokesman’s voice, only confidence. He wondered whether he could keep his facial expression neutral, though.
“What is being done about the insufficient number of responders?”
“We've already received permission from the president to summon all reserves, and we’re deploying all available units of the National Guard and the Army.”
“Is it true that despite all the domestic disasters we're facing, we're still sending more troops overseas?”
“Let me assure you that our manpower allocation has the nation's best interests at heart. How do you explain the rising number of catastrophes?”
“What is being done to get to the bottom of why this is happening?”
“Our best minds are working around the clock on this, ladies and gentlemen. We're confident this unlucky streak is almost over. Autumn is starting soon. Wildfires will lose strength, and this unnaturally long tornado season will end too.”
“Yeah, right,” spat Phineas as he heard the spokesman lying through his teeth.
“After the night comes the dawn, and dawn is upon us. Soon, we should get some much-needed quiet to rebuild and mourn all our losses. Things will get better, folks.”
“No, they won't,” he heard from the back seat.
Phineas lowered the volume on his car's radio while glancing at the rearview mirror. The remark had come from the large silver sphere which barely fit inside his car.
“Maybe they will,” Phineas said. He wasn’t sure if he addressed the words to Daisy, himself, or the people on the radio who couldn’t hear him. “Are you positive that your predictions are accurate?” Phineas asked his passenger as he took his exit. He was close.
“Sir, this is the 32nd time you've asked me this. I can only give you the same reply I've given you the first 31 times.”
“Do you think they will accept?”
“They have no other choice, sir.”
It was a snowy night, even though it was the middle of the summer. Phineas thought it was the appropriate weather for making a proposal to the council. A summer blizzard was yet another argument in his favor.
As he coasted near the security gate, one of the soldiers came, machine gun in hand, and signaled him to roll down the dark, tinted windows.
“Phineas Cotton,” the soldier exclaimed before Phineas could say his name.
Phineas wasn’t sure if he was surprised to see him in the flesh or to see him driving. Most tycoons had drivers and rode helicopters. He often got this reaction whenever he went around driving his van.
“Do you need to see my security pass?”
“No, sir, no need. They're expecting you. Please. You can just follow this road, park underground, and take the elevator.”
“I know the way.”
The soldier frowned at the large sphere inside the car. “What is that?”
“Just some new tech I’ve been working on.”
“Right. Right. By the way, big fan of your work, sir.” Turning toward his colleagues, he shouted. “Open the gate!”
Phineas was happy that the guard hadn’t demanded to check Daisy’s proxy. Time was of the essence.
Phineas followed the lamp posts that illuminated the cold night and entered the underground parking, leaving the car in the spot saved for visitors. He left the car and opened the trunk of the van. “You can come out,” he invited.
Daisy's engines turned on, and she hovered out of the car. They walked together toward the elevator, and Phineas pushed the button. Luckily, the elevator was already on their floor, so the doors instantly opened.
He turned toward Daisy. “Did you do that?”
“What?”
“The elevator. Did you hack it?”
“You told me not to hack government facilities unless it was strictly necessary.”
That wasn’t a no. “Let’s go, Daisy. It’s time for the world to meet you.”
