Final Battle by Sigmund Brouwer Read Free Book Online Page A

assassination attempt occurred less than an hour earlier yesterday at a news conference in New York City. There Combat Force officials had just announced to the world the incredible ability of Tyce Sanders to handle a robot by hooking up his brain to the robot’s computer. As if this unveiling of technology that fuses human with machine wasn’t enough to get the world’s attention, it was also announced that Tyce Sanders had controlled the robot that prevented a nuclear plant meltdown outside Los Angeles earlier in the week.”
    The analyst’s image faded as the network logo appeared on the screen. A deep voice said, “Robot control. Colonization of Mars. And terrorist assassination attempts. More on this when our one-hour special returns… .”
    The television image switched quickly to two women in business suits. One sniffed under her armpit, hoping the other wouldn’t notice. But the other woman did notice and began to recommend a brand of deodorant.
    â€œStrange planet you live on,” I mentioned to Ashley. “Life or death situations on the news. With breaks to bring us really important things, like controlling body odor before important meetings.”
    â€œI’ve been meaning to talk to you about that serious issue,” she said, grinning and plugging her nose. “Now what was the name of that deodorant you could use so badly?”
    â€œHa-ha.”
    We were interrupted by the opening of the door.
    Cannon moved into the room. “I’m sorry I had to leave you two alone for so long. But I knew you would be safe here.” Then he paused and sat down next to Ashley.
    I knew something was up just from the way he sat down.
    â€œAshley,” he said slowly and kindly, totally unlike his normally brusque self, “I have some news for you. The computers have been humming 24-7. They now have a match to the results of your DNA tests.”
    â€œMy parents?” Her voice trembled.
    He nodded.
    Ashley’s eyes widened, and she turned to look at me.
    I was as startled as she was. After all, Ashley had spent her entire life thinking she was an orphan and had only recently been told by Dr. Jordan that her parents were alive. Now we knew it was true.
    The look in her eyes was a mix of fear and excitement. What will they be like? it seemed to say.
    My stomach fluttered nervously for her. What would it Robot Wars be like to find out you had parents after all these years? And to finally meet them? Then another thought struck me. Will it change Ashley’s and my friendship? What if her parents don’t want her to return to Mars? Or she decides to stay with them and not go?
    â€œAshley? You okay?” the general asked.
    Ashley just nodded.
    â€œThey’re here right now, ready to meet you,” the general continued. He stood up, walked toward the door, and opened it.
    I could tell Ashley was holding her breath.
    A man and a woman stepped into the room. They looked approximately my parents’ ages. The man was of medium height, with thick, dark curly hair. He looked stiff in tan pants and a golf shirt. The woman was petite and Asian like Ashley. She wore a red hat that matched her dress. Her eyes looked misty, as if she’d been crying.
    They ignored me and stared at Ashley. They smiled, but with hesitation, as if they weren’t quite sure how to react.
    â€œAshley, please say hello to your parents,” Cannon said.

CHAPTER 9
    Late night 04.05.2040
    Before, I thought I was lonely. Before, when I remembered Mars and my mom there and how she and my friend Rawling McTigre were millions and millions of miles away. Before, when I hoped and prayed my dad was okay wherever he was. But before, even at my loneliest, at least I had my best friend, Ashley, nearby.
    And now she isn’t.
    Or at least she won’t be when her parents take her away.
    In the darkness, I stared at my computer screen and rubbed my face. I had been given a standard