The Eternity Code (Artemis Fowl, #3)

by Eoin Colfer

Artemis held up his palm. “Wait a moment. Am I right in thinking that when I wake up again, this will all be over?” Holly smiled. “Yes, Artemis. This is good-bye, for the last time.” Artemis’s face was composed, in spite of the emotions churning inside him. “Well, then, I have a few things to say.” Root was curious in spite of himself. “One minute, Fowl. Then nighty-night.” “Very well. First, thank you. I have my family and friends around me thanks to the People. I wish I didn’t have to forget that.” Holly laid a hand on his shoulder. “It’s better this way, Artemis. Believe me.” “And second, I want you all to think back to the first time you met me. Remember that night?” Holly shuddered. She remembered the cold individual who had attacked her by a magical hotspot in Southern Ireland. Commander Root would never forget escaping an exploding tanker by the skin of his wings, and Foaly’s first encounter with Artemis had been via a recording of the negotiations for Holly’s release. He had been a despicable creature. “If you take away the memories and influences of the People,” continued Artemis, “I might become that person again. Is that what you really want?” It was a chilling thought. Were the People responsible for Artemis’s transformation? And were they to be responsible for changing him back? Holly turned to the screen. “Is it possible? Artemis has come a long way. Do we have the right to destroy all that progress?” “He’s right,” added Foaly. “I never thought I would say th...