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Chapter 196: Election
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FLUX Chapter 197: Date Night
Jack turned another page of the bill in front of him with a flick of his fingers. He blinked his eyes tight to try and relieve the strain from the screen, then rubbed at them when that failed. His cuff buzzed. He twisted it to read the message.It was a text from Dyna that read "Dinner tonight?"Jack frowned. He had been trying to do his best to stay away from her as Henry suggested, but it was hard coming up with excuses to dodge her invitations. He let the message sit while he continued reading through the bill.Most of the bills trying to get passed were vetoed just because they were so complex that most of the Representatives didn't feel comfortable passing them. For instance, this one would allow a human to purchase health care from a hybrid company, but it also allowed pods to use more power, let corporations lower wages, and let insurance companies increase minimum deductions. So, for one good thing that could be had, numerous bad things would get passed along with it. The Re
FLUX Chapter 198: Winter Holiday, Part 1
"I really don't like you seeing her," Henry grumbled.Jack stood with his hands on his hips in Henry's office. "I don't really think you get a choice in the matter. Besides, aren't you always telling me to network?""Yes, but she's a wild card.""A very rich wild card. I thought you were okay with this?""I never said I was okay with it. I said I would have to make some changes with it." Henry sat back in his chair."Well then make your changes. Put me down for two for the Christmas party tonight.""Why do I have to put you down for it? She's hosting it, isn't she?""I don't want someone to see that as an opening to fill.""Fine." Henry gave a violent flick and Jack assumed the change had been made. "But I want you to be careful. If you let her get too close..." His eyes ran to Jack's ears and he felt like Henry was looking right into him. Jack brushed the notion away."Don't worry. I will make sure it doesn't affect my work."Henry looked as if he would say something else, b
FLUX Chapter 199: Winter Holiday, Part 2
Jack opened his eyes. The biome he stood in was covered in snow. The last time he had seen snow was the first time he held Alex in his arms overnight. That pang hit his stomach again. He fixed his frown into a smile and looked at the scene. Lights hung across the top arch. Trees dotted the open area lit in colorful lights and sparkling garland. People milled about in coats and hats as they headed toward a giant glasshouse. It was truly a winter wonderland, but all Jack could do was think of the base where he had left Alex."Do you like it?" Dyna asked.Jack smiled. "Of course I do.""Have you ever seen snow before?"Jack thought it an odd question but then realized that most people in the Undersea hadn't. He shook his head."It's great. You can make snowmen out of it and throw snowballs, just like they do in the movies.""Really?" Jack did his best to fake interest."You've seen this before, haven't you?""Not this one. Show me.""You're a hard one to surprise." She grabbed hi
FLUX Chapter 200: Birth
"Come on, you can do it!" Alex held Brooke's hand as she breathed hard.Tom held her other hand. "Come on, honey. One more big push."Brooke's grunts turned to a guttural scream as she pushed hard. The nurse caught the baby as it slid free. Crying filled the room as the newborn was shocked with sudden brightness from the overhead lights."It's a healthy baby girl," the nurse said and set the baby down on Brooke's stomach. "Would you like to do the honors?"Tom accepted the special scissors and clamped the umbilical cord."Let me get her all cleaned up for you. I'll be right back." The nurse took the newborn and disappeared behind the curtain."Good job! She's beautiful," Alex said and squeezed Brooke's hand.Brooke's brow beaded with sweat. Her nightgown was soaked through, but even so, she glowed. Tom glowed, too, for that matter. She'd never seen him look so happy. She knew she had made the right decision all that time ago.When the nurse returned, she gave the newborn over t
FLUX Chapter 201: Bill/Valentine's Day
Jack looked up from his desk as Henry entered his white marble office."I want you to recommend to veto that bill," Henry said as he entered.Jack frowned as he looked down at the screen with the current bill on it. He flicked and the screen folded down into the table. "I haven't finished reading through it yet, but so far it is the most direct bill I have read since I've started and that includes the ones you've written.""Just veto it.""Normally, you tell me to read over it and think about it carefully. You don't normally order me to do something."Henry put his hands on his hips. "Don't mess with me. Just do what I say."'Jack looked down at the screen in the table and then back up to Henry. "What's in the bill that's so bad? So far it just seems like basic laws and rights for humans.""It's bad for business. Just veto it. It's got loopholes and stuff. You're my friend right?""Well, yeah.""So, listen to me.""I still think I should at least read it first."Henry came u
FLUX Chapter 202: Press Conference
Jack finalized his materials for the meeting and waved the save button. He stood and smoothed out his suit, buttoning one button. After one more look at the material, he strode out of his office into the greeting area. A wave at his secretary made him only hesitate a moment as he walked past. There was something new about her today, or was she a different woman? He kept walking and pushed the thought for another time. If she was new, he would introduce himself later.He hurried past Henry's office area and took the elevator down. After the courtyard, he walked to the main meeting building. After a few levels, he reached the press meeting room. It was packed with people already. The chairs were full so he stood in the back with the other displaced people, mostly cameramen who manned their small orbs with tedious fingers.Henry stood on the stage with Zeven at his right and Alexandra at his left. A few others from his office stood behind him, probably just for moral support. Guards and
FLUX Chapter 203: Luncheon
Jack led Dyna through the clubhouse restaurant to the private balcony where Henry and Alexandra sat. He pulled out her chair and pushed her in once she sat. She greeted them while Jack took a seat opposite of Henry. The tightness in Jack's belly began. He wondered if just the sight of Henry was subconsciously making him stress out."We've ordered for you," Henry was saying as he flicked the menu off the table screen."Thanks," Jack said and eased back in his chair. He could feel Alexandra's eyes on him."I think I'm going to go powder my nose," Dyna said."I'll join you," Alexandra stood.The two women walked away. Jack watched them go, but his eyes were drawn to the smooth way Alexandra walked. She had gained some weight after all, or at least, filled out. She didn't look as awkward as she had before or maybe he was just getting used to the fake."Looks like the newest problem after last week's fiasco is up."Jack's focus snapped back to the table.Henry folded his hands in fr
FLUX Chapter 204: Panic, Part 1
"Is that another new dress?" Jack asked Dyna while they sat in his pod zooming to another event."Of course. You can't wear the same dress to more than one event. The media will have a hay day.""Are those real diamonds? How much did this one cost?" Jack looked her red dress up and down. It was overlaid in lace and embroidered with diamond flowers."Of course they're real. And what does it matter what it cost?" She gave him an irritated look. "It's always the same thing with you. Money isn't a problem.""It just seems like a cycle. Get invited to a party, buy a new dress, or a new car, or whatever, go to the event and spend a bunch there, too." Jack said as he leaned back in the pod's seat. "Don't you get tired of these fundraisers?""Is the high life finally getting to you?" Dyna asked.Jack shrugged. "It just seems like it's the only thing we ever do with our money.""What else are you going to do with your money? I don't see you spending it on anything. Even your house. You t
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