Sunlight cascaded through my bedroom window, painting the room in a warm glow... but it did little to ease the pounding in my head. This relentless headache that had clung to me since yesterdays procedure turned my brain into a smoothie of pain. With a groan, I sat up in my bed, rubbing my temples. "Good morning, Commander." Helix's cheerful voice announced, jolting me back to the present.
My HUD flickered to life, displaying the time and Helix's holographic form. "Helix..." I mumbled, dragging myself out of bed towards the bathroom. Today was the first time since Ive been born that they allowed myself to sleep in- no disruptions as I went through the motions of my morning routine. Getting dressed, braiding my hair, brewing a pot of coffee- two cups this time, as the bitter liquid was the only thing keeping me upright when I collapsed onto the couch, Xpad in hand.
My days schedule filling me with a mix of dread and anticipation as today was dedicated to our weapons testing. We'd be trying out new gear forged from Nova steel, specifically designed to interface with our abilities to help in our incursion as I asked Helix to continue the debriefing and a sense of unease settled in. We were leaving for earth in less than 24 hours. It felt rushed, like there was a hidden urgency that hadn't been fully disclosed but I had no choice than to push those thoughts aside as I finished my coffee and headed to the barracks where my team awaits.
-
The familiar chill of the training grounds grazed my skin as I stepped into the massive, enclosed structure. Its walls, forged from iron and steel that was designed specifically to contain the explosive force of weapons testing. Today, however, was reserved for my team as I entered and saw them all assembled. Their stances rigid with attention while I- was the last one to arrive.
"Gods, this woman..." The General muttered a complaint that reached my ears, forgetting that Id been genetically modified to hear at that distance as I grimaced. "Atlas, you're late!" His amplified voice piercing through the air like an arrow, sending a fresh wave of pain through my already throbbing skull that made me close my eyes briefly.
And when I open them, I had saw Grey leaned in, whispering to his father upon approach, "Our senses are heightened, Father. Please-" The General grunted, rolling his eyes as I took my place in line. "My apologies, sir!" I chimed as stoically as I could when I heard Helix appear in my thoughts. 'Commander, your stress levels are increasing.' Helix chimed in my mind, its robotic voice becoming a nagging pull in the opposite direct of peace and quiet . 'I suggest you-'
"Enough with the suggestions-" I snapped out loud, my patience wearing thin as I panned up and saw the General stride towards me. His was gaze intense, almost predatory that sent a shiver down my spine. "What did you say to me, Commander?" I met his gaze, a silent plea in my eyes. He knew about the A.I yet, he saw it fit to keep me on my toes as Grey stepped forward, saluting sharply. "General, Sir!" The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on as I held my breath, waiting for the storm to break.
Was Grey trying to shield me from his father's wrath?
I watched as the General closed in, a low growl escaping his lips, "Watch yourself, soldier." As I began to feel a pang of gratitude towards my second when I saluted to my general, "Yes, Sir!" Watching him turn to his son, his expression softening slightly as he listened to Grey's request. I released the tension in my arm and snapped back to attention.
'My apologies, Commander.' Helix's voice echoed in my mind. 'I didn't mean to cause you distress. Please remember - we are highly classified. You and Grey are the only specimens capable of hearing me at the moment.' Helix finished. Specimens?' I thought, rolling my eyes, seemingly oblivious to my internal monologue... until he wasn't. 'My apologies, Commander. Should I refer to you as 'test subjects'?'
The fact that he could read my thoughts was still unsettling and being called a test subject- rubbed me the wrong way as I told him exactly how to address us, 'How about just Grey and Atlas? We are humans- not test subjects or specimens, Helix.' I exclaimed to it. In my defense, I was still grappling with this new ability when the General's voice boomed again, launching into a lecture about the weapons
'Understood, Commander Atlas.'
Helix responded as I chimed back into the generals lecture. It did make me wonder though, 'Why did General Beckett hate me so much?' The question echoing in the silence of my mind as Helix materialized in my vision, his form shimmering with a faint, golden light. My eyes, I realized, were glowing in response feeling the warmth around my iris.
'The General harbors animosity towards your parents, Atlas.' It explained. 'During my development, I often observed General Beckett's disdain towards the Hawthornes, specifically your father. This leads me to believe that some event, before my creation, may have occurred to cause this reaction.' I glanced at the General, who was now directing foot soldiers to present the weapons to us.
Five elongated black cases with touch-pad locks appeared on the table before the elites, distracting me at the perfect time. 'What are those?' I thought, curiosity momentarily overriding my discomfort with what Helix shared. 'These are designated weapons for Team Alpha-' Helix continued. ;The X Council and military encourages you to utilize these weapons over your automatic rifles to reduce noise reduction while on Earth.'
The General dismissed us from attention and I watched as Nova, my best friend, practically sprinted towards her assigned case. What new tools awaited us inside those sleek, black boxes? And why do they feel the need to equip us with it? As our lieutenants went first, pressing their thumbs onto a unique DNA code lock that granted access to only the users.
When Nova's case opened first it had revealed a sleek, black spear, its edges glowing with an ethereal golden light. ;One hundred percent Nova Steel, in its purest form.' Helix announced in my mind as I watched my best friend began to twirling the spear before stabbing it to the ground and spinning herself around it. I chuckled, 'She'd make a good stripper' I thought to myself, amused.
'What is 'a stripper'?' Helix inquired, its voice tinged with curiosity. I rolled my eyes, of course they didn't teach it. 'An exotic dancer.' I thought back as a soft chuckle escaping my lips. I slid my hand across the delicate case in front me as I checked on the others before opening it.
Gorm, true to his nature, quickly mastered his weapon - a colossal hammer that mirrored his imposing physique. I mean the guy was a walking muscle bag- though he may have skipped leg day a few times as I noticed the hammers design echoed the elegance of Nova's spear, black and that same ethereal gold- as Emmett strung the cords of his bow, testing its strength. Then it was mine and Grey's turn as I placed my thumb on the lock, and it clicked open with a soft hiss.
Inside, a breathtaking katana lay nestled in velvet. Its style harkening back to a bygone era a millennia ago as I picked it up gently and analyzed the steel. Its black hilt flowed seamlessly into a long blade with the same shade. A golden light illuminated on its spine that matched the ornate blade collar as I leaned in when I notice something etched on the ridge of the blade.
The words: "Hawthorne, No. 1."
'I like it.' I thought, my fingers tracing the inscription when I spotted a button on the pommel and pressed it watching as the sword hummed to life. A surge of power reverberated through me in an instant. It almost felt like adrenaline. It was an addicting feeling. "What is this?" I wondered, glancing at Grey across the way to see him wield a magnificent great sword, similar in design to my katana when one by one, my teammates followed suit and activated their weapons.
Each glowing with a golden aura that vibrated with an intensity I, or really anyone, had witnessed before. "If this is magic-" Grey exclaimed, turning around to the open grounds before taking a practice swing that sent an energy pulse wave rippling through the air- colliding with the wall in a desperate slash that made the lights flicker in the building, "-it's truly amazing." he hummed looking at the damage before him.
A thrill ran through me. Magic, technology, or something in between - whatever it was, it was awe-inspiring and terrifying all at the same time as Grey and I locked eyes. A grin emerging on his face when his eyes lowered. I raised an eyebrow and focused my thoughts. 'Patch me through,' I commanded to Helix, picturing Grey's name in the corner of my vision. 'Whenever you're ready, Atlas.' Helix announced.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
I twirled the katana, its weightless balance a pleasant surprise and lighter than even an AR. But that meant nothing without durability. 'Let's test it.' I thought, seeing Grey lips slowly develop into a grin. I wasn't sure if the mental link was working, but before I could voice the question, Grey slowly stepped back onto the training field- his sword in hand. We were fortunate, that the hall was empty today.
Our teammates got the message, seeing them begin to perch on the table behind me, eager for the spectacle of a duel they knew was coming. I returned my seconds grin and walked towards him, 'Let's see how well you handle that blade.' I thought, lunging forward with inhuman speed. Though it was normal for the five of us now and still thrilled me to this day as I aimed a quick slash at his chest, feeling him block me effortlessly. His speed was nearly a match for mine when I heard his chuckle echo in my mind even as he pressed his attack- pushing me back in friendly banter.
'Is that really all you got? ' He taunted silently. It made me chuckle, I wasn't even using my dominant hand. I glanced briefly when I blocked him, to see our crew watch us with rapt fascination- the invisible conversation between us drawing our teams attention. It made the weight of our shared secret give me a strange mix of exhilaration and anxiety. 'Don't take your eyes off the target.' Grey warned, his hand darting towards my face to capture my throat... but I dodged just in time, breaking our swordplay to create some distance in a flip- landing feet first.
The katana felt like an extension of my own arm, light and deadly. When I switched the blade to my dominant had- only to show him my true strength. I tightened my grip and the electricity began to whirl wildly around my blade making me grin. The A.I's enhancement emboldened my fighting capacity and physical condition as I spotted an opening in Grey's defense and struck, my move swift and precise.... But, he blocked me again- as if he'd anticipated my attack.
"Are you in my head?" I blurted out loud, frustration edging into my voice when I heard him laugh, "Ha-ha, no, of course not!" He lunged for my arm, but my blade was faster, intercepting his strike as our dance continued. We both grinned, our blades now humming with an energy that far outweighed the capacity of the others when the battle intensified and the energy crackled along the edges of our blades... A visible manifestation of the power coursing through them.
It was exhilarating.
I launched my first energy wave at Grey, followed by five more in its wake. With impressive skill, he cut down each one, closing the distance between us to lunge at me. He was fast, almost too fast as he caught my arm and expertly dislodging my weapon. I dodged the next attack and returned the favor. Using my newfound agility to twist out of his grip and kick his sword from his hand- sending it in the opposite direction of my own.
When we broke off, we came to a silent agreement that this battle wouldn't end... until one of us fell. So we continued, now with bare fists. The intensity of our speed left me strangely exhilarated as I dodged his attacks. I felt a genuine smile tug at my lips and I had no idea why. After all these years of knowing each other, something as simple as this made me feel so...
Alive.
I refocused, realizing Grey was matching my every move. Dodging him had become a challenge I never knew I needed though, as I was lost in my thoughts, he finally managed to pin me against the wall, his hand closing around my throat. "Nghh!" I gasped. I tried to fight back as my HUD flashed "DANGER" in bright red letters. 'Obviously.' I thought, breaking free of his hold. I spun around and withdrew my small blade to strike, only to find myself captured at the back of the neck with his own hidden blade at my throat. He brought me in close and whispered in my ear, "Checkmate."
But I was already one step ahead.
I tapped my own hidden blade against his groin, a dangerous place for something so sharp as I traced it up his.... well. He chuckled and released me. "Stalemate then?" I quipped as we stood facing each other. I was close, dangerously close and noticed that he was actually quite tall compared to my 5'6" frame. He must have been at least 6'2", maybe even 6'3" as I spent a brief moment analyzing his body.
Though- my thoughts were quickly halted when I realized Grey was laughing. "I'm 6'3" he confirmed out loud. "-I figured you'd have known that already." then winked before the private channel between us went silent. So we can hear each others thoughts that was a new development. "Can't believe I thought those things live..." I mumbled, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. I needed to snap out of it, especially with Nova and Emmett approaching.
"Um?????????" Nova leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What was THAT?" She waved her hand in my face but my attention was towards Gray's departing form to General Beckett. I couldn't help but feel enamored. "It was like you two were in your own world..." Emmett added. I was embarrassed enough and this conversation was not one I wanted to have.
I slid past them, trying to maintain my composure. "Just testing our new weapons..." I said, hoping my voice didn't betray the flustered thoughts swirling in my head. "Testing weapons or each other?" Nova quipped in a teasing tone as she followed. I rolled my eyes and collected my sword, carefully returning it to its case when the General's voice boomed through the hall, ordering us back into line.
"Now that you've had your fun-" he said, his gaze lingering on Grey and I, "-We will debrief you on your mission. You leave tomorrow at 04:00 Earth time. Be ready." He commented leading us all to Command X for our final briefing before departure. The excitement and anticipation were there. But amidst it all, a small part of me couldn't help but replay the moments of our sparring match, the unspoken connection between Grey and me lingering in the air like a grape waiting to be plucked from its vine. The feeling was thrilling, a desire to want more~
Like a moth to a flame.
-
"I thought we were going to do this on the Arc back to Earth?" Nova leaned in and whispered as we approached a grand conference room adorned with flags from various nations of the past and the X Corporation's signature emblem at thee center. Inside sat a large black marbled table housing seats for council members, esteemed colleagues, military personnel, and... my parents. A surge of anger rose within me when I saw them. 'Commander Atlas-' Helix attempted to intervene, but I cut him off. 'Not now Helix' I rolled my eyes and took my seat between Nova and Grey.
It didn't take long for the others to join as a holographic map of Earth materializing in the center of the table, watching my mother step up. Her expression vacant per usual as she began, "Earth - Our ravaged home." She began as she used a finger to push up her glasses and waved her hand over the table when multiple screens popped up above.
Team Alpha's names, profile pictures, and information circling the holographic imagine of Earth was presented. "For many years, we've conducted intensive training on 100 individuals. While only the Five present survived, Ninty-Five of them perished due to complications from the HGMP treatment."
A list of names, dates, and causes of death scrolled across the flat surface of the table. I felt my heart ache for those lost souls, people who I've known since the beginning- gone within a blink of an eye. Looking upon the data, it was a grave reminder of humanities position- But with parents as cold and detached as mine? These lives meant little to the success of the mission to terraform our home. It was infuriating that the old hags had spent so much time in a lab that they'd forgotten basic human compassion.
The display shifted, now showcasing images and videos of the creatures inhabiting Earth. Monstrous forms flickering around the table, each more grotesque than the last that left our minds and mouth open, when a separate screen appeared directly in front of the five of us. "Your secret mission is to collect NASA and X 's classified data and assist our scientists in terraforming Earth." We already knew this much. "But there are a few things we must mention-" She continued, "Upon analysis, Earth has become an unstable planet. Though the tremors and chasms have ceased; Your adversaries, those who thrived in the destruction- will come after you. There are a few to take note of..."
I braced myself, the weight of the mission settling heavily on my shoulders. We were going home, but it wouldn't be a homecoming. It would be a war for supremacy when four monstrous images filled the screen. A gigantic praying mantis, a fearsome saber-toothed creature, some arachnids and... "A dinosaur? A real dinosaur??" Nova's voice chimed, breaking the stunned silence.
This last creature was a nightmarish hybrid, a kangaroo-alligator looking abomination that made my stomach churn. It was hard to fathom that such creatures now roamed the Earth, even in its ravaged state. "Due to radiation levels, these creatures have been genetically altered-" My mother's voice droned on. "-these are your S, A, and C-class monsters. Most travel in packs, are highly carnivorous, and sensitive to sound. We urge you to steer clear of their nests and breeding grounds."
Another screen popped up, displaying the location of our first drop. "This is France-" My mother explained, showing a map of Europe. "It's the only place unaffected by the tremors. We need to know why." Three more images appeared: Places previously known California and Washington D.C in the United States.
"America?" I asked, looking up at my mother when she glared at me for speaking out of turn. "Yes, Atlas. I'm glad you paid attention in school." She retorted with a sarcastic bite. I rolled my eyes at her unnecessary comment hearing the bitter woman continue. "The files you'll be retrieving are highly classified documents. You must bring them back to Titan unscathed." She stressed, glancing at the General who nodded and... placed a hand on her lower back?
I frowned and raised an eyebrow, the sight of their interaction making me want to gag. He even offered her a seat before continuing the rest of the debrief himself, when both Grey and I glanced at each other. "Each of you will be equipped with the special weapons given earlier to minimize noise. These creatures are drawn to it. They are quick and they are very deadly. We urge you to make base camp as soon as possible and fortify the Arc upon landing. Do not let the scientist out until the area is clear-" The briefing dragged on, a tedious list of dos and don'ts with a lot of pointed looks directed at me. Why? I still wasn't sure. But now, I had bigger things to worry about. In less than 12 hours, we would be on an Arc, heading back to our home.
Earth