5/25/2401

I execute Horis with a shot to the heart. He falls dead blood drenching the floor. I look at the white revolver barrel still smoking from the shot. The pact has been signed with this gun as the pen and Horis’s blood as the ink I am no longer Aidoshian. I will refute them and their teaching and be purged of their lies. The soldiers that brought in Horis raise their guns to aim at me. Aihl reaches out his hand for me to give him back the gun. I look down at his hand then at the gun.

“This will be the first time I willingly give my gun to a Gandole,” I say as I put the gun in his hand. “I hope it was not a mistake.”

“You made a choice not a mistake.” Dr. Genome states. “As for you two, you are dismissed.” The soldiers lower their weapons and salute before leaving. “Kai, your implantation will be in two days…”

“No, I proved myself to you. Give me Reaka’s Seed today.” I say.

“Implantation is not something many people survive,” Aihl says. “You just recovered enough to walk you need to rest more.”

“Very well,” Dr. Genome declares. “Sasha, send the executed Aidoshian’s body to the incinerator and configure lab for Black Seed implantation.”

“Of course, Doctor, reconstructing,” Sasha responds. “Stand still Kai.”

The table that held Reaka’s body retracts into the floor and is replaced by an examination table. Several robotic arms come up out of the floor around me and strip me down to my underwear then place probes and vital reading equipment all over my body. When they finish four drones come up from the floor. Scanning me with multicolored lights.

“Dr. Hackly, Dr. Kevlar, you are relieved.” Doctor Genome says.

“Yes sir,” The two say simultaneously as they turn around and walk out of the laboratory.

The floor moves me forward to the surgery table and Dr. Genome motions me to get on. I lie down on the table and it warps to fit my body comfortably. Dr. Genome then swings one hand over me and visuals of my vitals and real-time x-rays appear on holo-screen all around us. Dr. Genome looks closely at each screen then nods in approval.

“You’ve come along faster than I anticipated,” He says as he sticks and IV needle into my arm. “This Seeds integration is mild compared to most.” The table suddenly straps me down. “Aihl, prepare the Seed.”

“Of course Creator,” Aihl says as the Seed and orb are lowered to him by the robotic arms.

He drops the Seed on top of the orb and it slowly sinks into the middle. The orb starts to glow again as the Seed roots inside. The orb then becomes malleable as he forms it into a dagger. My eyes open wide as I realized they are going to impale me with this Seed. Dr. Genome looks at me, my epiphany must have been written all over my face.

“The Seeds are still very much unknown,” Dr. Genome says. “Why the ancient Black Technologists would choose such a barbaric way to integrate Seeds into the body is still largely a mystery.” Ailh hands him the newly formed Seeded Dagger. “Now Kai, show me your commitment to the Gandole. Your first order, don’t die.”

He plunges the dagger into the center of my chest. Pain shoots through me along with the shock of what just happened. My vision hazes then blacks out completely but I stay conscience. I feel the Seed expand into every facet of my being. The agonizing pain as it pushes into veins and artery, nerves and organs is undoubtedly the worst aching I have ever felt. My body locks and contorts the only thing keeping me down are my restraints. I try to scream but my throat contracts as the Seeds roots spread up to my head and begins digging into my brain, clawing its way into my mind.

Hours go by while I am stuck in this hellish nightmare. All of my senses going haywire as the Seed tortures me with one wave of dread after another. Suddenly it all stops and my vision returns. Feeling once again takes hold in my limbs. Dr. Genome sits at my side looking at holo-monitors as Aihl wipes sweat from my body with a towel.

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“And so he returns to us.” Dr. Genome says. “Now that the first integration is complete I suggest you try and stay as still as possible. This Seed is a special one and its second phase is soon to begin.” As if on cue my pain shoots up my spine deep into my head. “This is unique to this Seed it is called the Advanced Nervous Synchronization. By the end of this your nervous system will be indistinguishable from the Seed. A remarkable process really…”

I once again black out as all of my sensations and senses are cut as the Seed isolates my nervous system. The process takes what feels like days. I am unable to move in what feels like a void absent of form. Then I am suddenly brought back to reality as I nearly jump from the chair. Aihl holds me down so that I don’t move.

“How do you feel,” Aihl asks.

“Just peachy.” My raspy throat croaks sarcastically. “I haven’t felt this good in a long time.” I look around and see that we are the only ones in the lab. “Where is Dr. Genome?”

“Sleeping it is four in the morning,” Aihl replies. “You were out for three days.”

“Now that I have a Seed what is next?” I ask.

“You haven’t survived just yet,” Aihl says. “There is one more phase left. Bone. If you survive this last one you will truly have a Seed. I will warn you now. No matter how powerful you think you become if you step out of line I will kill you. It won’t be the first time I killed the Host of that Seed.”

I open my mouth to respond but the only thing that comes out is a blood curdling scream as I feel the Seed break all of my ribs simultaneously. Then I feel the roots form into the broken bones and force them back together. Then the process continues as every bone is shattered and reformed starting from my ribs and slowly spreading to my limbs. This time though I don’t blackout. I am force to stay awake. Each breath I take brings another wave of pain as my tender newly formed bones rest.

“Now you are truly a Host,” Aihl states. “I would enjoy this last night of rest it is the last you’ll have.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask.

Aihl doesn’t respond. He puts a mask over my face as I breathe in my eyes grow tired and before I realize it I am waking up again. Dr. Genome is standing over me. Without saying a word he grabs my face with one hand and shines a flashlight directly into my eyes with the other. After he is done he pats my face and types away on a holo-computer.

“Good you are coming along well.” Dr. Genome says. “And you regained consciousness without stimulation very impressive.”

“I am fine Doctor.” I say. “How is Lucy doing? Is she alright?”

“You’re little Dokain friend is in the proper facilities. She will remain in stasis until suitable organ donors are found.” Dr. Genome responds. “There is no need to worry, Kai. You have my word.”

“Thank you doctor.” I respond as I sit up.

Aihl walks into the lab focusing on Dr. Genome.

“I apologize for being late but the mission was unsuccessful. Mount Hokzera is still hostile.”

“It is alright Aihl,” Dr. Genome replies. “It was a reconnaissance mission. We now know how strong enemy forces are. I will alert the Beta and Sigma Myrmidon Commanders that joint operations will be required.”

Mount Hokzera is the largest mountain in Hirri, one of Aidon’s eastern provinces. While I was in the Brotherhood, we had lost contact with Brotherhood bases we have in that area. However, Dokain forces have occupied the province aiding Aidoshian forces and citizens anyway they can. It is astonishing to hear that Hirri still has the firepower necessary to keep a Myrmidon at bay.

A beep comes from a bracelet on Dr. Genome’s arm.

“It appears I have a call.” Dr. Genome states. “If you all will excuse me.” He takes a few steps away to answer.

“Can I stand up now?” I ask Aihl. “Or is there another wave of pain coming.”

“You can stand. You are a host now there aren’t any more phases.” Aihl says. “Welcome to godhood.” He hands me an access card. “You are free to venture the facility just don’t leave. That card will open any door in the public sectors.”

I sit up and put my feet on the ground and stand. I look at the card in disbelief. They really just gave me the key to my own release. This can’t be real. No one would trust an enemy soldier so soon.

“Are you serious?” I ask.

“Yes.” He states. “You are free to venture.”

“Impossible.” Dr. Genome yells. “Why wasn’t I told earlier?” He starts to cough uncontrollably.

Aihl runs to his side helping him stand upright.

“You have to stay calm, Creator.” Aihl instructs.

“Where is he?” Dr. Genome continues ignoring Aihl. “I want a plane prepared for me yesterday. Do you hear me?”

“What is wrong, Creator?” Aihl asks.

“Dr. Jackson is in jail for conspiracy. He and his granddaughter stole the Vortex. There is a chance he has been selling Myrmidon secrets to Aidoshian allies.” Dr Genome yells. “This is a worst case scenario. All of the Myrmidons could be in danger.”

“You should sit down.” Aihl says.

“There is no time for that help me to the flight yard.” Dr. Genome says. “Sasha, I am stepping out for a few days. Alpha Pilot Aihl has control over the base until I return.”

“Yes Sir, Myrmidon commander.” Sasha responds. “Have a safe trip.”