The streets of New York City are always busy. Even as time passed on and reached 2035. It was cold outside, with the December snow making a neat white blanket on anything that hadn't been touched by the residents of the city. The rest are piled up in a grayish mush for cars to freely drive. Politzania Industries owns a mass amount of buildings within Manhattan and the Tri-state area, with the fluorescent lights of the sign on top of the several story building hummed and glowed, standing out against the cloudy, night sky as it stained the white concrete with the neon pink radiating off the sign. The large and expansive halls had seemed to be occupied with many scientists and researchers, finding new ways to make the quality of life for citizens better, that is if they can even afford the products.

One seemed to stand out amongst the rest, confidently strutting within the corridors as they cocked a smile while casually greeting their coworkers, with his puffy, scruffy brown hair almost covering his face . His face reeked of youth, hardly any blemishes or signs of age on their soft tan face. Eyes as blue as the ocean, looking about with glee and hardly any care for others, only himself. Making his way to the lab. He was easily able to push the doors open to the sight of various machines and lab equipment, computers at their disposal.

Various frames hung up at the wall of magazine covers with their likeness printed onto the paper, and various awards and prizes rested amongst a pristine shelf, ready for their bi-weekly dusting. Each award had his name plastered, Anthony Morcana. Bundle wires looked like Twizzlers as they were secured together with zip ties, and ran along the walls and floors of the room. A fridge with various foods and drinks kept fresh as well as a cheap microwave that was carelessly placed on top. The scent of the lab was like that of a new car, mixed with a hint of mint. Anthony observed achievements and success with a rather arrogant grin. Briefly sitting down at a table chock-full of beakers and test tubes that still had their glossy and smooth feeling, free from the clutches of Father Time. It seemed like a cliché, but to Anthony it was a key to his success. After a bit he got up, and nearly tripped over, with his lab coat getting snagged onto the leg of the chair, which he swiftly managed to get unstuck, continuing on with his day without thought. He effortlessly snatched an apple, the bitter and sour flavor of the Granny Smith making his lips subtly pucker brought him delight. Walking straight out of the lab, another scientist followed up behind the young man with a clipboard. The man following Anthony was a bit shorter than him, a middle-aged man with a noticeable bald spot, and glassed. Sighing, Anthony gestured his hand at the man. Soon, a clipboard was placed in his hand as he began glancing at the neatly written schedule and notes on the yellow-lined paper.

¨Talk to me Gomez.¨ Anthony nonchalantly said, reading the lists and notes while managing to maneuver the halls with relative ease.

¨I'm sure you know by now about the annual conference with the other branches.¨ Gomez replied, his smaller stature trying to keep up with the rather swift and efficient lad.

¨Yeah? I've read the conference circumstances multiple times, Gomez. If we are able to impress the higher ups the most, then our funding increases.¨ Morcana explained, taking a sip from a mug full of coffee. ¨Don't worry, next Thursday we'll easily get that funding increase.¨ After reassuring Gomez, taking another sip of his drink.

¨Next Thursday? That's tonight, Anthony.¨

Upon hearing that, Anthony nearly spat out the coffee like if he were a sprinkler but snorted as a bit of the warm liquid ran down his chin. Gomez was surprised by this, as recoiled slightly at Anthony, almost making the paper match the clipboard. He took a moment to swallow the drink, and jerked his head to Gomez.

¨That's TONIGHT?!¨ Anthony yelled out, a sense of dread oozing from his face. ¨I've got plans! You told me it was on the 26th!¨

¨No." Gomez replied, seemingly agitated now, ¨I said it was going to be on the 26th, but they moved it back a week. You know, when someone tells you important info, you should really try and listen, Anthony.¨

¨I've got a dinner reservation tonight! At Porcello's, you know Porcello's? One of the hardest restaurants to get a reservation into?!¨ Morcana explained, ¨It's dinner with Layla Kealey, one of the most popular models in Manhattan. I can't reschedule this Gomez, I can't!¨ Gomez stared at Morcana, his brow furrowed as he snatched the clipboard from Morcana.

¨Listen, what do you think is more important? Some dinner at an overpriced restaurant that serves cheap champagne with a woman who's probably only using you just so she doesn't have to pay for the meal herself.¨ Gomez paused, ¨Or would you rather help your colleagues who helped you get into the position you are in now, just so we can obtain more funding from the higher ups?¨ Gomez used his freehand to adjust his tie, and began to walk the opposite way. ¨Truly think about it, if your ego even lets you.¨

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Anthony stood there in disbelief as he witnessed his co-worker storm back from where they came. Everyone else within the area looked at him like he committed an atrocity. It took a moment to turn back around and continue on, but those looks deeply affected the brunette. He let out a sigh, snagging his sleeve a bit to reveal a watch. Looking at the time, he seemed to be scheming while walking towards the exit with his head down.

The restaurant he had arrived at was elegant. There was soft and quiet music being played by the experienced musicians, their gray hairs acting as proof to their experience. The quiet piano and string instruments made the environment a rather exquisite time, with Morcana being at the front of the restaurant with his date, now approaching a table as peers looked at the scientist. Some looks were that of jealousy from the old, and with others being in awe about being in the same room as a renowned scientist.

¨That Anthony Morcana kid," said one of the older men sitting at the table nearby as the subject of their discussion sat down, ¨Can you believe it? He is only 24! He apparently came from rural Texas, and is now one of the top scientists in the world.¨ He scoffed, taking a sip from his mimosa, with it being as bitter as his attitude.

¨Well he did bring in a medical renaissance,¨ the other man replied, smiling as he observed Anthony waving to all the people who recognized him, and even shook some of their hands. ¨And a new way to collect renewable energy? How can you not like the kid?! He's like a god who was sent down to help man!¨

Anthony held the hand of Ms. Kealey as he helped her sit down at the opposite side of the table.

¨There you go, Layla,¨ he said, heading to his seat as he dusted off his pants. "And they say chivalry is dead.¨ Her eyes slowly looked towards Morcana, she seemed like she didn't even want to be here from the looks of it, an unamused and bored demeanor set off some idea in the scientist's head. ¨Something wrong? I thought you were excited for this dinner.¨

¨It's because I couldn't get a reservation myself, Anthony.¨ She admitted, ¨I don't even quite like you that much.¨ Anthony had been stabbed by her words as if they were like daggers, his bright mood now dimmed. ¨If it makes it feel better, I was gonna pay for myself-¨

¨No, no, I completely understand.¨ He said, standing up as he began to walk towards the entrance, ¨My treat, now enjoy your dinner.¨ Anthony stated before begin a soft sprint out of the restaurant and to his car.

Politzania Headquarters was located in the Freedom Tower, the company buying the property 7 years ago, to emphasize the fact they were there for New York. The tires of Morcana's fancy Sports Car screeched to a halt in the jug handle, as he opened the door and got out. With a loud slam, he ran towards the entrance of the building while trying to get his coat over his tuxedo.

Waiting for the elevator to bring him to his desired destination, he checked his watch as he impatiently tapped his foot. The ding of the elevator put his attention back on track as he zoomed through the doors when they retracted enough for him to escape the small box. Charging at the doors all the way at the end of the hallway like a raging bull, he stopped right in front of the door to make a more proper and polite entrance.

¨Sorry directors, I was caught in traffic so sorry for the-¨

Anthony was greeted by various bodies within his view, the likes of which were disgusting to look at the bloodied scientist and higher-ups. The lights flickered, as he looked around in a panic and went up to the demonstration table while trying to pull his phone out. Once he got it out, he dialed up 911 as he gazed upon the beakers and test tubes. Morcana paused his observations once the operator began speaking as he stammered a bit.

¨Y-Yeah, I-I'm at Politzania HQ, Freedom Tower. There's been a massacre on the 86th floor-¨

A slight wheeze came from a few feet away, as Gomez had multiple gunshot wounds planted into his chest that kept him on the floor like some anchor. He could barely muster a word but all he said was,

¨R-Run.¨

Morcana's lip quivered, his eyes glassy as he couldn't bear to see his friend like this. He continued talking to the operator to keep his composure.

¨Yeah, we need medical assistance up here! Come qu-¨

A bullet shot heading towards Anthony interrupted his pleas, the bullet shattering the test tubes as chemicals spilled onto his chest. The pain was unbearable, like his chest was being rubbed against magma. He let out a scream as he began tearing away at his tuxedo, to prevent the cloth from fusing with his skin. Stumbling against the table. His fingertips were tearing away at the fabric as the phone fell to the floor with a clunk. The young scientist follows in tandem. His eyes looked up at the ceiling, the room soon being lit up by the reds and blues of the police arriving on the scene. With his eyelids becoming heavy, he passed out from the pain before he could see a mysterious man appear right besides him.

Days passed. Anthony slowly woke to the sound of a heart-rate monitor meticulously beating. Upon his wake, the figure who had appeared before him let out a soft snicker, while he adjusted his gloves. His green eyes staring at the scientist. Morcana looked to his wrists. He had been restrained with leather straps. His eyes widened, as he shuffled around. The beeps became more consistent before the man held his hand out, shushing the brunette.

"Calm down, you ain't gonna die," He reassured Morcana as he stood up. "I've been watching over you, I was told to."

"How long was I out?" Anthony asked, calming down as the beeps became more distant.

"Four days," The man answered. The chair besides the bed screeching against the floor as he sat down.

"Now, who are you?" Questioned Anthony, raising an eyebrow.

"Owen Koslowski," He answered, a big grin appearing on his face. "How would you like to become a Mercenary?"