Everyone wants to spend time with their father, even if they are criminals, lazy, great, or workaholics. I was like that too, so I went to see my workaholic father on his birthday, December 13th.
My dad works at an AI company named Effortless, which is a private company furthering research on artificial intelligence and machine learning, trying to achieve technological breakthroughs. They were the first to make an AI that could help people code easily, write anything from novels to movie scripts, etc. So, when I heard that my dad, a scientist, was getting a job there, I was pretty shocked but stoked. It was a huge promotion, not only in income but in status too. He was in the third position from the CEO; he was the head of Effortless in Korea.
When I went to visit my dad, I was astonished by the size of the building owned by Effortless in the Gangnam District. The building was like a grand government structure, complete with intricate decorations and a majestic facade. The clear sky that day provided a stark contrast to the white facade of the towering structure. The pathways were lined with meticulously maintained trees and vibrant flowers, giving the area a serene yet powerful aura.
As I approached, there was a buzz, and I heard a voice over the intercom. "Name and ID, please," said a man's voice.
"Ah, yes, my name is Max Miller. I'm here to visit my father, Dennis Miller," I said while showing my ID.
The voice replied, "What position is your father at?"
This question shook me a little. My dad was the head of Effortless in Korea; he should be a very important presence here. 〚Maybe this guy is just new.〛 So, I replied, "My dad is the head of Effortless in Korea. As for his ID number, I have no idea."
I heard a thud that sounded like he had fallen from his chair. He replied, "Yes, yes, I apologize. You are allowed to enter."
After entering, I found myself in a cylindrical corridor with paths leading in several directions, divided by glass panes. 〚This place is like a maze.〛 That's when I saw my dad walking while holding a suitcase, in a hurry. I followed him, trying to catch him off guard. He was running and went to a room. I followed him, but before I could enter, BOOM BOOM BOOM! There were numerous explosions, and the entire building shook. The ceiling was cracking. I wasted no time and ran to my dad.
When I entered, I saw him still with a syringe in his hand, working on the computer. I shouted, "Dad, we need to get out of here now, stop working!"
My father turned around, and I saw his shocked expression. He shouted back, "WTF are you doing here, Max?!"
I said, "You were the one that allowed me in! I came to see you, but now is not the time for this. We need to leave!"
My dad nodded, but his expression was sad and confused. He simply said, "Okay," and went in front of the computer, typing #all access code 013008 clear data all. The computer screen showed: deleting all local files. Disconnecting code from network. Disc...
There were messages appearing, but my father chased me out of there and into a small area. I said, "Dad, we need to go!"
But he said, "Max, listen to me carefully. I am part of a secret research team working on the advancement of tech through the combination of AI and nanomachines. It seems that 'Effortless' has betrayed me and my team since we denied them master control." Dennis said while the secret elevator descended to the ground floor. He was about to say something when BOOM, the wire cable broke, and we fell.
I woke up and saw the entire compound destroyed. The once pristine Gangnam District, with its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, was now in chaos. I tried to get up, but my legs wouldn't budge. That's when I looked down and screamed. I felt powerless and fuzzy looking at the blood. My legs were nearly torn apart, and I could see my bones.
〚This isn't the time to panic.〛 I thought and looked for my dad. I used my hands to move around a bit and saw him. He had lost an arm and was stuck in debris. "Dad, why is this happening? Come on, it's time to go now!" I cried. I tried to lift the debris, and that's when another bomb exploded, and I couldn't see anything. I think debris went into my eyes. Now that I couldn't see anything and could hardly feel my legs, I was strangely calm.
I then heard my dad's voice, "I am sorry, Max. I wish I was a better father."
"No, no," I started crying. "We have to leave."
"Take good care of our family, Max. You're the man of the house now." Don't worry about me and liivv...." I couldn't hear him anymore. I cried out in desperation, trying to feel my phone but I couldn't do anything. That's when I felt something touching me like a snake. I tried to shake it off, but it didn't budge. I was scared and then it went inside my legs. I tried desperately to remove it. That's when another bomb exploded, and my mind went blank.
When I woke up again, I was lying on the floor surrounded by debris and chaos. I saw people running towards us, shouting for help. Ambulances were arriving, and emergency responders were trying to control the situation. The once bustling Gangnam District now looked like a war zone.
〚What just happened?〛 I thought, feeling despair wash over me. 〚We didn't talk much, but we cared about each other. Our relationship wasn't bad, it was actually great.〛 I looked around, trying to find any sign of my father. 〚I have to take care of Mom and Kim now. I have to find out who did this and make them pay.〛