Ever since that day, even before I became a cyborg. A part of me was lost. I swore to myself I’d find the people responsible. I swore I’d make them pay.

Name: Andre Walker A.K.A. (ANDRONIUM)

Date: September 29th, 2046

Location: Hunts Point New York

Age: 16

Height: 5’9

Weight: 147 lbs

My High School had an intruder drill that lasted three hours. After it was over, the principal later notified us that a bombing had occurred in the vicinity of our school. She said that the situation is currently being handled by police and firefighters and that we will be dismissed shortly. Soon after that, a security guard came into my class and told me to come to the principal’s office. My heart instantly drops, and all of these negative thoughts start to rush into my brain. I prayed to god that my mom and dad were still alive and well. But deep down I knew it was unlikely. I arrive at the principal’s office and see a police officer, the school’s guidance counselor, and the principal herself all in the room. They informed me that the duplex I was living in was the building that was bombed and that my mom’s body was found in the rubble. Tears immediately started rushing down my face. I asked about my dad and the police officer said they couldn't contact him. So I decided to call my dad, but the phone call immediately went to voicemail.

“Do you know where your dad works?” the officer asks.

“ At Burger House,” I said.

“Ok, we’ll try to contact him again.” the officer says as he leaves the office.

The room goes silent for a while. “ You can stay here as long as you like,” the principal says in an attempt to console me.

All of the fond memories I had with her rushed into my brain all at once. I started crying hysterically, I tried to stop myself from making a scene. I tried to keep my composure, but I couldn’t. 10 minutes went by and I hadn’t even realized the police officer was patiently waiting to talk to me. I told him I was ready to receive the news about my father.

“ I called Burger House about your father and they said he isn’t there, they also told me he doesn't work on Fridays.” The officer informed me.

This shocked me. How come I didn't know that? More importantly, where is he? What is he doing? Is he even alive? I thought to myself.

“ Do you have any idea where he might be?” the officer asked me.

“No, I don't have a clue,” I said to him.

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I did have a clue. I do know that my dad does some business under the table. But I didn't want to tell them that. I thought that it was just a side hustle. I never thought that it was serious or concerning. How could I have been so naive? I thought to myself.

“ How about you give the questioning a rest for now?” The guidance counselor said to the officer.

“ Oh, sorry about that, didn’t mean to overwhelm you. We’re just trying our best to find your dad and make sure he’s safe.” The officer said, trying to sound sympathetic.

“ It's ok, I understand,” I said, even though I knew it was bullshit.

It was clear to me that finding my father was the key to solving an even bigger case.

“ Take me to the crime scene,” I demanded the officer.

“ I can’t, It's against the rules. Besides, you don't wanna see it. Trust me on that.” The officer responded.

“ I didn't ask for your opinion! Just take me to the crime scene! I want to see her!” I yelled.

“ Calm down Andre. No need to get mad at him. He’s just following orders.” The guidance counselor said.

“ I think your mind needs time to decompress and take all of this in. Going to the crime scene will only make things worse right now.” My principal tried to reason with me.

Tears began to flow down my face again. I was never like this. I’m usually so nonchalant and wasn’t the sensitive type. Even as a child, I don’t recall ever throwing a tantrum like I did that day. I hated it. I felt weak and powerless. Shortly after I left with the police officer who drove me to a nearby orphanage. The lady in charge greets me and leads me to my room. All of the kids that I walked past looked at me and stared. Some even glared at me. Jealous of the attention I was getting. Some seemed like they looked down upon me. Wondering how a kid as old as me could be so emotionally unstable. The lady took me to a special room filled with toys and a twin-sized bed. “If you want something, please let me know and I will assist with your needs.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“No problem,” she said on her way out.

About an hour later. A lady comes in to serve me dinner. I refused saying that I already ate even though I was starving. I didn’t like the special treatment. I didn't feel as if I deserved it. I felt insignificant, There were probably other kids who deserved attention more than me. I felt as if my life had lost its value already. I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling reminiscing about my old life. How blessed I used to be. I couldn't hold in my tears. I continued to cry until I fell asleep.

A week passed and I hadn't left my room once even though the caretakers advised me multiple times to get some fresh air. Instead, I decided to sit and stare at the scribbles on the bedroom wall. The head lady of the orphanage informed me that the police wanted to see me. I go to the front of the building where two police officers are waiting for me. One of them I met a week ago at my school, he goes by Officer Miller, he was a caucasian man with brown hair. looked about 6’3 and appeared to be in his early 40’s and a little on the lanky side. They took me to the police station and took me to the investigation room. About a minute later 2 men walked into the room. One had blonde hair and greyish-blue eyes and looked to be about 6’0 tall. The other one had slicked-back hair, and dark brown eyes, and seemed only a couple of inches taller than me. Both of them were white and seemed to be in their early 30s. They both had well-dressed suits on and we're above average looking for a man.

“ I'm sorry but I don't have any info for you guys, I said.

“That’s fine, that's not what we came for anyway. My name is Drew Baehler. NYPD’s top detective.” The black-haired guy says with a smirk on his face.

“ And I’m William Kales, Director of the FBI.” The blond hair guy says with a charming grin. I shake both of their hands.

Chief Kales: “What if I told you you could avenge your mother’s death and help us bring down the bastards responsible for this heinous crime? What if I told you we could turn you into a real-life superhero crime-fighter?”

This is how I became a crime-fighting cyborg. This is how I became ANDRONIUM.