Oct 19th, 2407
A health monitor echos in a small square infirmary room with one large window. A Man lies in a hospital bed. Sunlight starts to seep through and covers the man’s body. The Man’s muscles start to relax as the light covers his body. Opening his eyes, he slowly began to look around and sees a chair with folded clothing sitting in the chair. A cracked mirror leans next to the chair.
His pale skin covers his heavily carved muscular body. His thin round nose stands against his hard diamond angled face. As he reaches up and traces the scar that runs from just above his left eye and to his lower left jaw. He feels the rough texture and thinks, no good deed goes unpunished. His silver eyes were slightly bloodshot as his silver hair was a little longer than he likes. I need a shave and a haircut, the man thought to himself. A black blade with four serpent wings on his upper right bicep.
Sweat runs down his head. Reaching up he wipes the sweat with a sharp pinch in his left arm. looking down he sees an I.V. in his lower arm. He follows the line with his eyes up and into the wall. Slowly he starts to move forward and sits up in the bed. Noticing the white paint on the wall was starting to peel, but the grey marble floor was freshly polished. He reaches over with his right hand and pulls the I.V. As it leaves, a burning sensation erupts in his body. The Man fully pulls the intravenous out of his arm and looks down to the light orange glowing tip. He leans over the side of the bed and drops the I.V. to the floor. The burning sensation fades as the bed automatically raises and adjusts itself to his back.
He slowly takes a deep breath and thinks to himself. For three weeks, I have been stuck in here. Time slowly passes as he remembers what put him here. The man spoke to no one, I still do not know why I started to bleed from my eyes, nose, and mouth. A faint memory jumps into his head as the room goes quiet again. His face twists into a confused look as he remembers the dream. He felt the dream belonged to someone else.
Floating in space as the void stung my skin. Scanning the void, I found a dying star in the distance with a shattered world with a glowing core. The dream felt so real, yet something still felt wrong as I remember feeling something searching for me. As his heart begins to race as he shakes his head. It is just a dream, Alistair, he said to himself. His temples begin to pulse and reaches up and rubs with both hands. As the pulsing stops he lowers his hands and rest them on his lap.
Alistair turns his head and looks out the window. Seeing the trees and browning grass swaying in the wind. The leaves on the trees were a shade of red. Fall, what a beautiful time of year, Alistair whispered to himself. Alistair feels a sudden urge to feel the wind on his face overcomes him. Alistair slowly raises his hands and reaches for the bed rails. A noise starts to vibrate in Alistair’s ears as he looks to the left.
The door opens with a loud screech as Alistair feels his back tense up. The door reaches the wall and stops. The sound of boots begins to sound out as Doc Mary steps through and stops a meter from the door. Alistair turns his head and looks at her.
Doc Mary’s dark ebony skin slightly shines in the sun's light. Her black eyes had a sparkle to them as her white coat stood out with her grey skinsuit. Her dyed long blond hair drops to her shoulders. Her rounded face and nose had some scaring around her nose. Good morning, Alistair said to her. Good afternoon Alistair, Doc Mary responds. What? It is afternoon already, Alistair exclaimed! Doc Mary slowly starts to chuckle a bit.
Doc Mary reaches up with her right hand and touching a hidden panel on the wall. A Small rectangle began to slide down and into the wall as the monitor moves out of the wall. Doc Mary looks at the monitor and keeps her eyes on his vitals and slowly looks to Alistair. Alistair feels a little on edge as her eyes make contact. Taping the side of the monitor, it pulls back in into the wall and disappears.
Yes, you woke up only thirty minutes ago, but that is not why I am here, Doc Mary said. Alistair shifts in the bed a bit. I am here to let you know that I will be discharging you soon, Doc Mary said. Your brain waves have stabilized and. Yes, Alistair screams and accidentally cuts her off! Doc Mary cracks a smile and tilts her head over to the side. I will let you get changed into your uniform, Doc Mary said. Doc Mary raises her left hand and points to his uniform lying in the chair. Alistair moves his head and sees his grey worn boots lying next to the chair.
Doc Mary turns to leave. As she leaves the room she closes the door behind her with another screech. Alistair shifts his legs in the bed and swings them over the side, then plants them on the floor. Alistair feels cold the floor seep up his legs as he slowly stands up. Feeling his legs begin to wobble underneath him. Taking a couple of breaths, he gets his balance back. Walk with light uneven steps towards his uniform.
Alistair looks to his left and notices the cracked mirror as he feels a presence coming from it. The light began to swirl around and shift into diamond-shaped silver eyes. Alistair feels a sensation as the eyes move from side to side and look around the room. Vas yulor, the eyes said. Alistair feels uneasy as his heart races and closes his eyes, he harshly shakes his head. Opening his eyes again, the eyes were gone. Alistair steadies his breathing, a side effect of the drugs they put in me, Alistair thought to himself.
Alistair returns his attention to his uniform and bends down as he grabs his uniform by the shoulders and lifts. The uniform swiftly unfolds to show the gray, black, and steel colors. The colors stood out as he held it up to the light. A grey rounded patch runs along the outer arms and legs with black covering the inside. The steel color covers most of his chest as the black covers the padded shoulders with a steel strip running along the inner shoulders. Several black buttons were along the left inner flap as the right flap hangs down and reveals the zipper.
Alistair lowers it towards the ground and opens it up. Alistair raises and slips in one leg at a time as the fabric brushes against his skin. Alistair pulls his uniform up and onto his shoulders and feels the rough lining starts to give him an itch. Alistair reaches up and scratching his right arm. Do not know why my parents gave me a tattoo, Alistair thought to himself. Looking down, Alistair moves his feet into his boots. Turning, he heads for the door and starts to button up his uniform.
As he finishes the last button on his uniform, he reaches the door. Alistair taking the handle as he pushes down and opens the door as another screech cries out. The screech was louder in Alistair’s ears as his he moves his arm forward. The door hinges let out a snap as the door shifts forward. Releases the handle, Alistair lets the door crash to the ground with a boom. Alistair turns his head to the right and sees Doc Mary was already making her way over. Doc Mary reaches Alistair and quickly looks around. She has a confused look on her face and looks to Alistair. What happened? Doc Mary asked. I think the hinges snapped when I opened the door, Alistair said with a firm tone.
Doc Mary examines the scene closer and looks to the door and sees the hinges did snap. Doc Mary slowly shrugs her shoulders. Well, I cannot blame you, Alistair, that door was on the way out anyway, Doc Mary said. Doc Mary’s chest begins to bulge. Thank you for the repairs that this place needs, Doc Mary said as she starts to laugh hard!
Doc Mary turns around and heads back to her desk. Alistair starts to look around the infirmary and sees walls with a blue stripe with doors to other rooms. The medical bay was open at the far side of the hall. Alistair’s eyes locking onto the surgery bay as the doors to the medical bay’s lights were on. State of the art medical equipment shines through the door as a look of worry came over Alistair. Alistair shakes his head and turns his attention to his right and spots a massive wooden desk.
The curved wooden desk covers most of the room. Alistair turns to the desk as he wipes the emotions from his face. Starting to walk he keeps pushing his emotions deeper down. Alistair getting close to the desk as he looks down to see Doc Mary working. Coming to a complete stop as Doc Mary slowly looks up from her work. Ready to check out? Doc Mary asked. Yes, I cannot wait to get out of here and back to training with my squad, Alistair responded. Doc Mary looks back and starts typing away on her computer. The holographic screen flickers with each letter appearing on the screen. Alistair seeing the screen projecting from two rods the protruded from the desk as the keyboard rests in the desk.
A few minutes later, the last of the paperwork. Doc Mary tapes the enter button on her keyboard as the shuts off with the paperwork uploaded. With that out of the way, I think this belongs to you, Doc Mary said. Reaching underneath her desk and pulls up a sword. His eyes slightly widen as he sees the onyx leather scabbard with silver running along the stitching. Gripping the sheath in her right hand and moves it over the desk holds it. Alistair notices her arm was trembling as she holds out the sword.
Alistair reaches out with his right hand and takes the sword by the hilt. Doc Mary releasing her grip and lowers her arm as Alistair pulls his arm back and looks at the sword. A leather strap drops down as Doc Mary release her grip. A sense of relief washes over Alistair as he holds the sword in his hand. I thought I lost it when I destabilized, Alistair said. Doc Mary tilts her head to the left. Your friend Ash grabbed it and brought it as we rushed you in, Doc Mary responded. Alistair takes the sheath with his left hand as he pulls the sword free.
Alistair angles the dark silver blade as it reflects the light. The blade’s sharp single angled tip as grooved channels running down the center. The blade was a meter in length as the hilt was about another twenty centimeters. A leather grip wraps around the hilt with integrated stitching with a curved claw pommel. Alistair moves his left hand and places his fingers on the edge of the crossguard and moves his fingers. Alistair’s fingers stop as they hit the mark as removes his hand and looks down. The same mark sits in the center of the crossguard. A faint high pitch begins to radiate from the blade.
I need to thank Ash for bringing my sword, Alistair said with a hint of releaf. Moving his sword and sheaths it and raises it over and straps it to his back. The hilt of the blade hangs over his right shoulder. Doc Mary looks up to Alistair and sees the look of happiness in his eyes. This sword seems to mean a lot to you, Doc Mary said. This weapon represents your honor, never lose it, Alistair said. looking a little curious she looks closer to the sword. Who told you that saying? Doc Mary asked. My swordsmen master told me it, Alistair pauses as he tightens his grip. May I know his name? Doc Mary asked. Yamato, Alistair said. He sounds like a good man, Doc Mary said. I still get letters from him, Alistair said.
I know you did not like it here, Doc Mary said. Well, considering I tried to escape multiple times over the last few weeks, Alistair said. Doc Mary starts to laugh. Well, you did prove the money spent on your training was well invested, Doc Mary said. Shifting his eyes as he remembers it took five Marines to stop him during his last attempt. Also, I checked your still top ten squads for your class, Doc Mary said. Alistair feels his checks starts to turn and looks away. Breathing normal as Doc Mary starts to chuckle.
I need to thank Kimberly for bringing my homework to me while I was in here, Alistair responds to the Doc. Alistair tenses his shoulders as he fights his emotions. A small amount of shame breaks on his face as the red in his cheeks fades. I cannot let them down, Alistair said in a firm tone. Before you go, I need to talk to you about a few things, Doc Mary said with a concerned tone. looking back to her with a slight tremble on the sides of his lips. During a routine scan, I found cartilage starting to form around your heart and valves, Doc Mary said. Looking confused as he turns to face her. What? Alistair asked. Looking up in wonder and with slight concern. I also found that your cells seem to be incredibly well insulated from the cold, Doc Mary said. So, I am putting medical note restricting your summer activities, she said with a worried tone.
He shakes his head in confusion and tries to process the information. Are both of those normal in humans? Alistair asked. It is not, humans do not have anything like this, but your biological parents are a complete unknown, doc Mary said. Great I am a complete freak, Alistair said with a depressed tone. It might be tribal mutations, we have encountered mutations from different tribes before, Doc Mary said. Also, I noticed you speaking an unknown language with a higher increase in neural energy output, Doc Mary said. Alistair starts to look worried, higher energy output? Alistair asked. Yeah I have seen it before, often a sign of a Vanguard, Doc Mary said. Do not worry, I will keep this confidential, Doc Mary said. Do you have a recording of the language? Alistair asked. She moves her hands to her computer and taps the keyboard. A few taps later and an audio began to play. Yulor mak’ua yectu, the recording stops. Might be the tribal language your parents spoke, Doc Mary said. But I feel you are actively suppressing some of your memories, Doc Mary said.
Looking at her as his face slightly shifts to curiosity. You seem to like learning about tribal culture? Alistair asked? It one of my hobbies, I also looked at your sword, it seems more refined than what most tribes have, Doc Mary said. My parents left it with me, He pauses as he tenses up his arms. Left a sword with their child, lowlifes, Alistair said. I am sure your parents were heart broken when they had to leave you, Doc Mary said with a worried tone. They never cared, Alistair said. Looking at him with concern upon her face as she remembers something and snaps her fingers.
Oh, before you leave, the headmaster needs to see you ASAP, Doc Mary said. A firm look overtakes Alistair’s face as he needs to get moving. Also, some of the meds in your system might cause some emotional outbursts, Doc Mary said. Thanks, Alistair said as he shifts right and walks. His boots made a clunk with each step as Alistair reaches down into his right pocket. Alistair pulls his communicator out of his pocket and looks down on it. The communicator was a small grey curved device that wraps around the ear. Alistair looks up as he reaches the doors to the infirmary and slips his communicator on to his ear.
The large rectangular glass doors slides opens. Alistair exits through the door of the infirmary as the communicator comes online. Alistair hears a creaking sound and stops as he notices a sign hanging from the ceiling. The wooden sign swings as the wind rush against it. “AND DON’T COME BACK.” Alistair feels a chuckle but fights it as he sees a road the circles around and exits out onto the main road in the distance.
The crisp fall wind rushes against Alistair’s face as his eyes close. Fall, what a great time of the year, Alistair thought to himself. The wind kept its gentle pace as Alistair opens his eyes and starts to walk at. I need to get to the headmaster's office, Alistair thought to himself. He looks around the area and sees a map terminal twenty-five meters to his left.
Alistair begins to jog over to the terminal with large strides. Alistair regains his rhythm with each step he takes and reaches the terminal as he comes to a gentle stop. Seeing the terminal was 1.8 meters in height as his head clears the terminal by eight centimeters. Alistair looks at the screen and studies the map and finds out where he was. Alistair slowly looks down and sees a white keyboard was angled just beneath the screen. Reaches down he begins typing. The screen quickly shows the quickest path to the administration building.
Seeing the administration building was 11 km away, he shrugs his shoulders and checking the time. 14:34. I can be there in an hour if I catch a tram, Alistair thought to himself. A notice quickly pops up on the terminal, Alistair reads the message as rage bursts forth. DAMN IT WHY ARE THE TRAMS ALWAYS OUT, OF ORDER, Alistair screams out loud! Swiftly raises his hands into the air and brings them down onto the keyboard. Alistair snaps out of it and quickly reaches up and covering his mouth. His eyes open widely and slowly looks around and takes a deep breath as he removes his hands. Keep your cool Alistair you do not want to be noticed right now, Alistair said. Besides, the drugs are not out of your system, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair looks down and sees the jagged smashed keyboard and looks to his hands and not a single cut on his hands.
Alistair looks up and finds an alternative route to take and exhales a slight breath of frustration. Alistair turns right and walks away from the Terminal. I have to pass by the Twilight-Watch tower, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair looks up and remembers details about the tower. Great war memorial to all the lives lost in a war that almost rendered us extinct, Alistair thought. Alistair lowers his head as he passes the front of the infirmary. Alistair starts to look around and spots some officers and what looks like a Knight. Alistair takes a good look at the one in armor.
Yep, a Knight, Alistair thought. Alistair began to remember details about the knights. All knights wear a unique armor that looks like a modern knight. Their emblem was dual slanted swords behind an angled shield. Alistair lets out a sigh of disappointment. Knights the Alliances most feared and respected special forces, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair gently comes to a stop as he remembers the three months of intense training. Swiftly shakes his head and remembers the reason he walked away.
The headmaster is waiting for me, Alistair thought to himself. Starting to run as he remembers, I had to walk away. The Knight begins to look at Alistair as he starts to run. The knight stands in awe as he took off running. They would never retake me, my sponsor was never going have me pass, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair’s eyes narrow, she knew what I am, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair looks up and sees officers and students running towards him. Alistair quickly passes by officers and students out for a twenty Km run. Their heads turn and follow Alistair as he focuses on his breathing. Three in, three out, Alistair thought as he tops out at 38 kph. The world soon changes from the woods to the auditoriums.
Alistair takes a few minutes as he runs by the auditoriums, cadets were getting out of their classes for the day. Moving his eyes, he spots some cadets drenched in sweat as others had their books and papers. He turns his eyes back and looks up to see the top of the tower in the distance. Alistair looks back and keeps his breathing steady and leaves the auditoriums behind him. Alistair looks up and sees the tower growing taller and becomes more transparent. The white marble tower stands in an open clearing. Alistair begins to slow down and flatten out his feet and slides across the ground.
Alistair’s eyes open as his feet heat up as the tower swiftly approaches. No Brakes, Alistair screamed! Sliding through the entrance of the tower and into a slightly dark interior. Alistair stops violently as he slams into an empty wall. Pain shoots through his body as he peels off the wall and stumbles backward. The room spins as Alistair reaches up and grabs his head. Alistair sees it was full of pitchers and historical plates. Small rectangular screens in the walls begins to flicker to life.
A video begins to play on a monitor. The footage starts explaining the great war. No one knows who fired the first shot but from what historical documents we have found. All order broke down over the clashes of ideology and corruption of old-world governments, the voice said. Records are scarce due to the digital age, EMP’s due to nuclear detonations wiped most computers clean of data, the voice said. Turning around and slowly walks out of the tower with a slight limp. The know fighting lasted for at least twenty years, the voice said.
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Getting his senses back as he walks to the exit of the tower and steps outside. I’ve got to watch the speed; I could expose myself if I am not careful, Alistair thought to himself. You still need to keep your abilities hidden, the law is clear, Alistair thought to himself. The voice on the video slowly fades as he walks along the side of the tower. Alistair focuses and comes to a stop and turns around and looks up at the tower.
The white marble bricks were stacked evenly towards the sky. Alistair lowers his head and focuses on the sidewalk that circles the tower and split off into different directions. Alistair tries to get his bearing on what way he needs to go. Alistair turns around as he looks down and sees the tower’s shadow. Alistair moves to face the north-east direction as he hears the bushes and trees rustle. Takes a few steps and stops as his feels his instincts kick as he hears clicking. The sound of the clicks of the person's boots became slower with each step. After a few seconds, the sound of the clicks stop. A rough impact knocks Alistair forward as arms wrap around his neck.
Alistair figures that a woman had just jumped on him as her arms tighten around his throat. You're out of the infirmary, the Woman said! Alistair feels his ears hurt as he recognizes the voice. Kimberly, I cannot breathe, Alistair said as he struggles to breath. Blue starts to cover his face as his legs start to go weak and falls forward. Kimberly starts to panic and unwraps her arms and jumps off Alistair. She lands and sees Alistair fall forward and crashes onto the ground. Kimberly’s slim body was a little hunched over as she sees Alistair on the ground. Her sun-kissed skin was a little burned as her long blond hair flowed in the wind. Kimberly’s amber eyes swelled with tears. Her upper chest was more prominent than average.
Do not die on me, Alistair, Kimberly screams. She kneels as she digs her hands underneath Alistair’s chest and struggle to lift. Kimberly flips Alistair over as she feels a pull in her arms. She quickly looks him over as her arms start to burn and pulse. Kimberly sees the blue receding and reaches over and grabs Alistair's uniform. She starts to shake Alistair gently and notices his body was stiff as a rock.
Alistair regaining cohesion as he clenches his right fist and punches Kimberly in the stomach. The force of the punch made Kimberly’s uniform ripple as her face gasps for breath. Kimberly falls forward and lands on the ground next to Alistair. Alistair slowly shifts his shoulders he rolls over onto his front and plants his hands on the ground. Alistair starts coughing hard as he pushes himself up and gets to his feet. Stopping after a few seconds, Alistair turns his head and looks at Kimberly. Alistair’s eyes begin to glow slightly with a crimson tone. What the hell is wrong with you? Alistair screamed in an angry tone! Kimberly starts to stand up and looks to Alistair. Are you trying to put me back in there, Alistair screams! Kimberly struggles to speak as she tried to catch her breath.
I only wanted to surprise you when you got out, Kimberly pausing as she gathers her thoughts. Kimberly starts to get to her balance and walks over to Alistair slowly. Kimberly reaches out and takes his left arm and presses closer. The top of Kimberly’s head reaches Alistair’s shoulder. I am Sorry, Alistair, Kimberly pauses. I just want you to know how I feel about you, Kimberly said in a soft tone. Kimberly, pressing even closer to Alistair as she moves her head up to Alistair’s ear. I want to tell you that I love you and I want to be your girlfriend, Kimberly said with a soft tone.
You only want me because you come from a wealthy family, Alistair said. He turns his head and looks at Kimberly. You always get what you desire, Alistair said sternly. Kimberly release Alistair’s arm and steps back. Kimberly stands there on the sidewalk with the memory of her family playing in her head. The memories were intense as massive tears swiftly start to roll down her face. Kimberly moves her right hand to her heart. That is not true, Alistair, Kimberly said. Alistair keeps a firm eye on Kimberly.
Kimberly starts to run away and makes her way out of sight. The look of anger began to fade from his face. Alistair starts to double-time it. The thoughts of how hard he was to Kimberly starts to weigh on his mind. Shame quickly covers Alistair’s face as he feels he crossed the line. I need to apologize to her, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair starts to run as a crimson color lingers behind him. Alistair looks ahead and seeing the wooded area came into view and turns left and enters the tree line. Branches bend out of his way as he passes by.
Alistair sees an area with down trees as light shines through the open gaps in the treetops. Alistair spots a few fallen trees resting on top of each other. Quickly thinking and comes up with a plan, Alistair leans back and extends out his left and slides. Grass and dirt shoot by as she goes under the tree. Alistair looks forward and spots another tree on the ground. Alistair plants his hand and pushes down and launches himself into the air and clears four meters over the tree. Coming down, Alistair leans forward and tucks his head and rolls forward upon landing. Rolling for a bit, he feels his feet on the ground and stands up and runs again.
Alistair moves through the woods like lightning as he gets a glimpse of the administration building. Minutes pass as Alistair makes his way through the woods and spots the edge. Alistair quickly transferring his speed to resistance and drags his feet as he comes to a complete stop. Looking back, he sees a significant deep grove behind him. I never moved that fast before, Alistair thought to himself. Feeling his breathing become slightly heavier he looks forward and walks. The sweat on Alistair’s head enters his eyes and feels a swift stinging. He pushes his way through the last of the trees and exits. The stinging sensation dissipates after a few seconds, and he blinks a few times and spots the administration building just across the way. Alistair looks down and sees a steep hill and begins to focus an energy layer on his feet. Alistair pushes back and slides down the hill with his right foot extended.
Alistair slides over the grass as the wind whips past his head. Alistair takes a deep breath and bends his legs and pushes on the energy and leap’s into the air. Alistair flying sixteen meters through the air and starts to come down. Transferring the energy of the momentum to his legs and builds a cushion as Alistair lands and bends his legs. Alistair barely feels the transfer going through his legs as he looks up. Seeing he was forty-four meters from the building he moves his head to the right and sees a stone staircase. Moving to the right Alistair reaches the stairs and starts to climb. Climbing with speed and determination and reaches the top. Starting to walk forward, Alistair runs his eyes over the building.
The building looks like a massive pentagon fort with a rounded front. A single tower rises out from the center of the building. That is what we get for going to a military school, Alistair thought to himself. Alistair spots some officers leaving the building and walking towards him. Alistair and the officers pass by each other. Alistair gives a quick salute to the officers. The officers hardly noticed him as they pass by him. Alistair reaches the entrance as sees multiple rotating doors lined the outside of the building. Alistair arrives at the doors and looks in and sees dozens of people in the lobby.
Alistair enters the rotating door with haste and feels the air pressure build. Alistair was hoping that none saw his secret and began to keep an eye open. Alistair exits the door into a giant circular room with pillars running along the outer walls. Alistair sees even more people in the building than before and looks around. The floor was dark grey with several noticeable cracks. Alistair comes to a stop and looks for a receptionist. Spotting one on the far-right side and starts to walk towards the receptionist. Behind the receptionist was three separate hallways with dozens of doors on the right and left. Alistair began to step forward with his eyes on the officers that were looking at him.
Alistair passes through the officers as he gets close to the receptionist. The receptionist sits behind a rectangular grey desk working on some paperwork. Her ears pop up as she hears Alistair approaching and pulls her head up and spots him. Hello, how can I help you? the receptionist asked with a happy smile? The headmaster wanted to see me; Alistair responded. Ah yes, the headmaster wanted me to send you as soon as you arrived, the receptionist said. The receptionist quickly points down the hallway behind her. Take the elevator at the end of the hall, I already have it programed, the receptionist said.
Thank you, Alistair replied. Alistair turns and walks around her desk and heads for the hallway. Entering the hall and sees elevators on each side. Alistair keeps walking until he reaches the end of the hallway. A large, grey, painted door opens on the right. Alistair turns and quickly steps into the elevator and stops in the center. The elevator door quickly closes and begins to play music. The elevator jolts as it starts to move upwards. Alistair slowly shakes from side to side for a few minutes and comes to a stop.
The door opens after a few seconds, and Alistair steps out into a hallway. Alistair looks right and sees nothing. Alistair turns his head left and spot the headmaster’s office. Alistair seeing Commander Taylor Evergreen in bronze letters on the door. Alistair turns left and walks at a gentle pace and reaches a bronze oak door with a brass handle.
Alistair raising his right arm and knocks on the door. Enter, Taylor responds through the door. Alistair reaches down with his right hand and opens the door. Alistair opens the door and steps into the office and releases the knob. Alistair looks around as he closes the door behind him. Alistair notices medals and weapons were sorted and mounted on the right. A broken piece of armor with a red strip hung in the center of the wall. A small plaque hand an inscription on it. My beloved, the plaque said. Alistair walks carefully to the headmasters elder wood desk. A bronze omega insignia was on her desk. Alistair stops two meters from the desk and raising his right hand to salute Commander Taylor. Commander Taylor looks up from her desk.
Well? Alistair, how does it feel to be out of the infirmary, Taylor asked with a caring tone. Taylor sets her pen down on her desk and slowly gets up from her desk. Her chair rolls back and bumps into the wall. Commander Taylor looks at Alistair as she walks around the desk. Commander Taylor’s uniform had a gold lining on her left and right shoulder. Her rank insignia was on her left arm. Three V’s in front of five rectangular bars.
Taylor’s red hair was in a ponytail as her steel-blue eyes were focuse on Alistair. Commander Taylor’s soft triangle face had some stress lines to it. Taylor’s solid build with medium arms and legs. A small bump was noticeable on her lower left wrist. Taylor, for a woman of forty-three years, is still in prime shape and health, Alistair thought. Alistair notices she is 155 cm height. She stops in front of her desk and leans back on it. A small clink rings out in the office.
I am fine, ma’am Alistair responded. She leans back and reaches for a photo on her desk, gently picks a picture up to look at it. How many times have I said you can call me Taylor anytime? she said. Commander Taylor looks at it for a few seconds and places the photo back on the desk. Alistair quickly guesses who it was. Relax, I wanted to talk to you about three things, Taylor said. Alistair lowers his hand and keeps his hands at his sides. Alistair notices Taylor was calm and a little bit excited. First, I wanted to give you this, Taylor said. She reaches into her right pocket and pulls something out. Taylor moves her right hand up and gives a flick of her wrist and tosses the item. Alistair swiftly moves his left hand and catches the insignia. She cracks a smile as she sees Alistair’s speed and accuracy.
Good to see your reflexes have not rusted, Taylor said. You know I attempted to escape five times; Alistair responded. Taylor begins to chuckle, I know you gave them a good chase for a commando, Taylor said. Alistair feels the cold metal in his hand as he opens it up and looks down. Alistair recognizes the Knight insignia as his jaw drops. But I failed the last test, Alistair said with a stutter. Analyzing and sees a bit of pride on his face. Taylor examins Alistair and sees him holding back his pride as his eyes show pure confusion.
No, you passed, by not wanting to fight, took the greatest strength. Knights must have the wisdom to see the outcomes of their missions, Taylor said. Alistair pauses as he evaluates her words as he rubs his thumb over the insignia. So, Knight, how does it feel to be amongst the ranks of the elite? Taylor asked. It is an honor, Alistair said. You are still holding back your emotions, Taylor said. I do not have any reason to let my emotions out, Alistair said. She looks away from Alistair and sighs then turns her head back to him. Alistair slips the insignia into his right pocket and looks back to the commander.
Next, I want to give you your dorm key, room 212, the twelfth floor of the center building. Why ma’am? Alistair asked. I got tired of you sleeping outside every night, Taylor said with a worried tone. I slept outside so my team could sleep with a roof over their heads, Alistair responded. Besides, the first day here they said, we do not have enough room for all our new recruits, Alistair said. Alistair, that was a leadership test to see who leaders are, Taylor said.
Taylor quickly looks towards her wall with the armor piece. A leader must always put the squad and mission ahead of themselves, a rare sign of a true leader, Commander Taylor said. Commander Taylor reaches forward and places the key card in Alistair’s scarred right hand. Alistair pulls his arm back and slips the keycard into his right pocket. Taylor begins walking back and rounds the desk as keeps to the right side. Taylor stops at the window and looks out then turns around to faces Alistair. The last thing I wanted to talk to you about, Taylor said. She stops in the middle of her sentence as she pulls her arm left up and flips her wrist. Taylor fires a blade at Alistair.
Seeing no time to draw his sword, he raises his right arm with his hand with it open. A crimson wave launches from Alistair’s hand as the recoil kicks through his arm and shoulder. The force moves through the room and stops the knife stops in the air. The pictures and the medals on the wall swing gently from side to side. Commander Taylor feels the wave hit her and knock her off balance and feels her head spin.
Alistair swiftly engulfs himself in a crimson field and hunches forward with his right leg out. Alistair reaches back for his sword and promptly dashes forward. Shooting around the desk and straightens out in front of Taylor. Alistair comes to a complete stop and swings with his sword. She stands up with a calm look and hardly moves from Alistair’s strike. Coming stop a stop, Taylor looks down and sees the blade a centimeter from her throat. Alistair turns his head to look at the Commander with a cold stern look.
Taylor knows if she pulls another move like that, he will slash her throat. Commander Taylor could hear the blade ring in a slightly high note. Taylor relaxing as Alistair tightens his grip. Commander Taylor began to smile and chuckles as she nods her head down to her right. Looking down, Alistair sees a short-round pistol aimed at his chest with her finger on the trigger. He slowly looks back up and focuses his eyes on her. I can put five shots into you, Taylor said. Alistair keeps his eyes locked with her and says nothing.
I had a feeling that you are a Vanguard, Taylor said. His face turns to confusion and tightens his grip in the hilt. What gave you the suspicion? Alistair asked with a concerned tone. It is how you are always in control of yourself, right down to your emotions, Taylor said. Cracking her neck as she moves the pistol down and sheathes it on her back. Also, the burn damage to my house was a slight give away, Taylor said. I covered that up, Alistair thought to himself. I know, what your sponsor knows, Taylor followed up. Commander Taylor moves her eyes to the back of his neck and does not see any scar tissue.
Do you have the D3- implant? Taylor asked. Her face was calm with the sword so close as she keeps he breathes steady. No, my energy abilities are all-natural, Alistair responded. Commander Taylor looks slightly shocked as she processes the information. That is unheard of, but most of your genetics is unknown, Taylor said. Alistair focuses and radiates energy from his body. Ask Doc Mary, Alistair said. Like how that mark on your shoulder is skin, there is no hint of any kind of ink, Taylor said. How long have you been able to do this? Taylor asked. Alistair pulls his sword away and steps back as he dampens the energy. He sheathes the sword with a stern look on his face. Since I was six, and I had absolutely no control over my abilities, Alistair said. Ever since then, I practice every day which has helped, but I still need to focus, Alistair said with disappointment in his voice.
Why do you hide your abilities? Taylor asked. Alistair slowly walks over to the window and looks out. Alistair takes a deep breath. I do not want to put those I care about in harm’s way from anti vanguard groups. Alistair’s face goes blank as he keeps his eyes out the window. They have harassed, assaulted even murdered people for just talking to Vanguards, Alistair said with a blank face. She feels her stomach twist up as she remembers what Calvin stood for. We have arrested most of the groups and sent the rest into hiding, Commander Taylor said. My sponsor was going to expose me, Alistair pausing as his face twitches. The Alliance would never have a Vanguard Knight, which is why I walked away, Alistair said. So, what, your sponsor was molding you to be the best, Taylor said.
Also, that is why you need to register as a Vanguard, Taylor pauses. She relaxes her shoulder Your team could be even stronger with your abilities, Taylor said. She feels her hopes to encourage him starting to fade. Alistair looks more ashamed of himself as she remembers something. There has never been a Vanguard Knight before the strength and power are unheard of, Taylor said with a sense of pride. Alistair looks to the commander with sorrow in his eyes. Your sponsor did train you personally, right? Taylor asked. She did, Alistair responded. How do you know that? Alistair asked. Your sponsor told me, she came to me before she recruited you and came to me afterwards, Commander Taylor said. Why would the Crimson Knight? Alistair asked. I have no idea, Commander Taylor responded.
There is also your Knight armor, but you must register as a vanguard to claim it, Commander Taylor said with a prideful look. Alistair shoots a glimpse of you cannot be kidding. What new armor? Alistair asked. Taylor’s smile begins to grow. Your Knight armor will help stabilize your abilities with a constant flow of energy, Commander Taylor said. Alistair turns away from the window and exhales. Moving around the left side of the desk and stops in front of it. I will give it some thought, Alistair responded. That will be all, for now, Alistair, and if you want to register, come talk to me, my door is always open, Taylor said. Alistair turns and faces her salutes the Commander as she salutes back.
Alistair turns towards the door and starts walking with quick steps. Reaching the door and stops in front of the door and moves his right hand. Alistair swings the door open and steps into the hall and turns left. He walks towards the elevator as it opens again. Getting close, Alistair turns right and into the elevator. The doors close behind him as he comes to a stop and starts to descend. Alistair turns around as he thinks hard on registering as the ride takes a few minutes.
Alistair feels the elevator coming to a stop and walks forward. Stepping through the opening and into the hallway, Alistair turns left. Walking down the hall, Alistair hears fewer voices as he enters the main room. Alistair looks around as and sees hardly anyone. Alistair looks around and finds a clock on the top of the entrance. 17:13, the clock said. He walks through the area and reaches the doors and passes through. Alistair’s mind goes to laws on Vanguards. Under Alliance law, a Vanguard is to be executed if they break the law, Alistair thought to himself. To get access to their powers, a Vanguard must register to get the D-3 implant and be tested to see how strong they are. Greens are the weakest, yellow is medium, as the red is the most potent and rarest known right now. He feels the cold air on his skin, Alistair takes a deep breath and exhales.
“The Vanguards are natural super soldiers with double strength, speed, and stamina, but at the cost of increased pain. A mutation of multiple sclerosis cuts off their nervous system but created cell, bio, symbiosis to regulate body functions. A Vanguard feels pain in every cell in their body from any injury. About seventy percent of the people affected by this died during the Great War. The first generation of Vanguards moved with difficulty, but their kids were not affected by this. While breeding in isolation only strengthened the gene in every generation. The Vanguards joined the Alliance over two-hundred, and fifty years ago, Alistair thought.” When a Vanguard has the D-3 implant attached to the base of the skull, their nervous system acts like a conductor to transform energy. Using this, the Vanguard drains their energy to transform the energy around them, and it often leads to exhaustion of the user. In rare cases, overuse has killed the user, Alistair thought to himself.
I need to talk to Ash and see what she thinks, Alistair thought to himself. Taking a deep breath as he enters the doors. The air presser quickly changing, the cooler air rushes around him. Alistair exiting the building and feels the air get colder. The sun sets with an orange color in the ground. Alistair stops for a few seconds. Alistair looks at the sunset and stands there for a few minutes and studies its beauty. Alistair focusing again and starts to walk. Alistair’s feet made a steady thump with each step as he feels the last of the drugs wear off. Moving in the direction of the armory, Alistair hopes to pick up his weapons. Alistair remembers his standard-issue Alliance pistol and the NX-06 assault rifle. My rifle might be an issue, Alistair thought to himself. The shadows slowly grow behind Alistair as the sun sets in the distance.
Alistair turns his thoughts to the details of his weapons. The NX-06 assault rifle fires synthetic iridium rounds, Alistair pauses as he searches for the correct information. Standard armor-piercing rounds, Alistair finishes his thoughts. The ammo is built using a matter assembler to build the ammo from the inert radioactive matter still in the air and soil. The weapon can also use materials and energy from the combustion and empty shells to make more ammo. Vanguards possibly inspired the weapon, Alistair thought to himself. A small disk powers the whole assembly. No more than twenty cm in diameter. The tiny micro fusion core that is continuously running a reaction to powers the weapon. All Alliance weapons use the same tech to operate all weapons, Alistair thought to himself.