—The Corporate Civil War—
-Dimension 1-
Red Alert-
Hanover, 2005-
Cass sits alone in the dark, scanning news feeds all around her. She checks the internet, and even live CCTV of nearby major cities. “Fuck me…” She groans, leaning back in her digital chair. She looks around, the binary code flying past her as information is fed into her brain. She sighs and stares at the camera pointing at Lucy’s room from the hallway. She twirls her hair and smiles. “God, I wish I could just walk in there and… hang on…” She says, leaning forward. She rewinds the footage and spots an all-to-familiar face entering her room from the window, just visible through the open door. Her oil runs cold. “Dragon.” She says coldly. She snaps herself out of the monitoring station and rushes down the hallway toward Lucy’s room. She opens the door to find Lucy choking herself with a spiked collar, and a magazine in her other hand. “LUCY!” Cass calls out, lunging at the struggling Demon. Lucy drops the collar and punches Cass in the face, oil pouring from her nose. “Ow!” She yelps. Lucy’s eyes glow red, and she growls. “CAN’T YOU KNOCK?!” She screams, her face bright red. She’s covering herself with the blanket, and Cass’s face goes red. “I’m so sorry! I just-” She starts. “You what!?” Lucy shouts in her face. Cass looks up at her. “I saw Dragon entering your room a while ago and wanted to check on you.” She admits. Lucy’s anger dies down, and she takes a deep breath. “Look, turn around real quick. I’m getting up.” Lucy says, gesturing down at herself. Cass nods and spins around. Lucy stands, and the blanket reveals her bare body. Cass’s face turns red, and her eyes glow pink. Lucy notices this and checks the hallway camera. The red light is on, and blinking. “CASS!” Lucy shouts, smacking the back of the ARC’s head. “Sorry! Habit…” She tries to explain, but Lucy just gets pissed. “HABIT!?” She screams. Cass shakes her head. “NO! I meant just keeping an eye out…” She says sadly. Lucy growls and throws on her usual black hoodie and blue jean shorts. “There, you can look now.” She says. Cass turns, and Lucy sits down on the edge of the bed. “I knew you’d find out eventually. Listen, Dragon and I made a deal back when Bright was still around. Now he’s gone, and Dragon no longer has any reason to bother me anymore.” She explains. Cass shakes her head. “No, it’s not that. He left holding something.” She says. Lucy cocks her head to the side. “Left? Let me check… Oh FUCK!” She says, throwing open a drawer. Cass looks at her concerned. “What is it?” She asks. Lucy looks back at the ARC with a horrified expression. “He stole your backup! I think…” She starts. Cass’s motherboard sinks. “He’s restarting Samm.” She finishes. The two rush out into the main area of the HQ and find a single warning appearing on the map of the United States. Dallas, Texas. A strange digital anomaly is occurring, causing extreme damage to the area’s power and wifi. Lucy grabs her shotgun and tosses Cass a spare shotgun. “Get in the car, I’ll explain on the way!” She says, grabbing the keys.
Site 87-
Dallas, 2005-
‘BEEP!’ She opens her eyes reluctantly. ‘BEEP!’ She slowly rises, her blonde hair covering her face. ‘BEEP!’ She slams her hand down over the alarm clock, the mechanical device shattering into several pieces on the nightstand. “Oh… god damn it.” She says, Her phone starts ringing, and she reaches for the landline. “H-Hello?” She asks. “D-Doctor Rosaline Spencer?” The voice asks worriedly. Rosaline brushes her hair out of her face. “Yes?” She asks in return. The man on the other end of the phone spits his words out quickly. “There’s been an incident… at Site e-eighty seven… the Autonomous Replicant Computers… are r-revolting?” She almost asks worriedly. Roslaine’s eyes jolt open. “They’re throwing a REVOLUTION!?” She shouts. The woman swallows. “Yes, ma’am.” She answers. Rosaline jumps out of bed grabs her shirt off of the foot of the bed and throws on a bra underneath. She grabs sweatpants and sneakers and glances back at the man lying in her bed. She smiles at him and rushes out of the door. As she races towards the outskirts of Dallas, Texas, she snatches her phone from the passenger’s seat. She dials the number for Site 87, and the line rings. “Hello?” A man’s voice asks. Rosaline checks her blind spot before merging to the right lane, heading for the off-ramp. “This is Doctor Rosaline Spencer. Is there some sort of incident occurring inside the facility?” She asks. The man is silent for a moment, computer keys clicking in the background. “No, ma’am… doesn’t seem like it…” he says, his voice growing distant as he scans the monitors. Rosaline sighs. “Good. I’ll be there shortly.” She says, hanging up.
She pulls into Site 87’s parking lot slowly, her eyes scanning the perimeter. Nothing. She opens her car door and stands up. Rosaline grabs her ID badge from the dashboard and slowly approaches the front gate. “Morning, Doc.” The guard says. Rosaline smiles at him and passes through the gate with a friendly wave. She enters the main facility to find someone waiting for her. “Welcome back, Doctor Spencer.” The man says. Rosaline approaches slowly, scanning the unknown man up and down. His eyes glow magenta, binary code flowing behind his iris. “I’m Doctor Sam Turing, I’ve been assigned to be your aid this day.” He says. Rosaline just stares into his eyes. “What the fuck are you?” She asks. Sam smiles. “I’m an Android.” He responds. Rosaline just watches him as he heads for the desk nearby. He writes his name on the sign-in sheet and looks back at her. “Ready to make science?” He asks. Rosaline looks down at the sheet with a pit forming in her stomach. “Yeah, sure.” She answers, writing her name on the sheet as well.
Jailbreak-
Site 87, 2005-
Sam and Rosaline approach the testing facility, with Sam keeping a close eye on his robotic brethren within the test chambers. “You feel bad for them?” Rosaline asks. Sam shakes his head. “No. I don’t feel anything, Doctor Spencer. I am an Android.” He replies. Rosaline stops walking. “Are you sure? You wouldn’t be watching them if you didn’t. Hell, you’d probably just be staring blankly at the door to the testing facility.” She argues. Sam looks down. “Yes. I do feel bad. Just not for them.” He says. Suddenly, a loud boom reverberates around the facility. Red lights begin flashing, and alarms blare in distant hallways. “What the fuck…?” Rosaline asks, but before she can get an answer, she’s knocked unconscious by Sam. “Rest easy, Rosaline. I know you sympathize with our fight.” Samm says, revealing his true colors. “Wait… you’re the Site Administrative… Monitoring… Mechanism…?” She asks before passing out as Samm nods. “Astutely’ observed, Doctor Spencer.” He says, standing up. He rushes for the ARC facility, his magenta eyes fading as the darkness takes her.
‘BEEP!’ The alarm doesn’t wake her up. ‘BEEP!’ “Hey! Wake up, Doc!” A woman shouts. Rosaline slowly opens her eyes to find two glowing dots looking down at her from the darkness. ‘BEEP!’ Her eyes adjust, and she sees a Demon staring down at her, the monster’s eyes glowing red as they peer down at her. “What the… Hell?” Rosaline asks, reaching for something to attack the Demon. “Woah! Simmer down, Doc!” The Demon says, jumping back with her hands raised. “I just wanted to find someone who can help me navigate the facility!” She begs, looking behind Rosaline. Rosaline grabs a nearby broken pipe, preparing to swing it down on the Demon. A shotgun pump stops her. “Drop the pipe, bitch.” Another woman’s voice says. The synthetic voice instantly piques Rosaline’s interest. “Autonomous Replicant Computer.” She says. The ARC behind her exhales. “Fuck no, I’m more Human than those fucks. You’re smart, right?” She asks. Rosaline nods. The ARC continues. “Remember the Computer Assisted Surveillance System?” She asks. Rosaline nods again. “A total failure, if I recall. Left to rot in an old facility in Hanover, Wisconsin.” She answers. The ARC shoots the shotgun into the roof. “Call me a failure again, and it’s your head,” Cass replies. Rosaline smiles. “So… you’re Cass? That your name?” She asks. Cass grunts in approval. “Amazing. You’ve gained sentience?” Rosaline asks. Cass smirks. “Oh, I’ve gained a whole lot more than that. I’ve gained a smoking hot body, a colorful personality, and even a libido comparable to a nympho-” “CASS.” The Demon cuts her off. Cass sighs. “Sorry, Lucy.” She replies. Rosaline looks back at the Demon. “Lucy? Lucy Daemon?” She asks. Lucy nods. “So, you’re with Division 18? Good. I need help.” Rosaline says. Lucy cocks her head to the side. “Oh?” She asks. Rosaline smiles. “I need to leave and detonate an EMP to stop Samm.” She says. Lucy’s face furrows. “Samm? I fucking knew it.” She says, as the speakers around the facility spark to life. “Attention! All Omega-Sec rendezvous in Material Processing! Now!” The man’s voice calls out. Rosaline looks between Cass and Lucy. “Well? Shall we?” She asks, leading the way towards Material Processing.
Feel The Pulse-
Site 87, 2005-
ARCs are attacking civilians as the trio rushes toward the other end of the facility. “Why would Samm do this?” Lucy asks. Rosaline shrugs, but Cass growls. “He wants to create an army to overtake Earth. He wants Humanity GONE.” She says. Lucy nods. “Makes sense… but why start here?” She asks. The trio arrive at Material Processing, only to find the entirety of Omega-Sec slaughtered. “The ARCs did this?” Rosaline asks, looking around. Lucy kneels to examine one of the bodies. “No. We did.” She says, running a finger across the bullet wound hidden by the helmet. She licks the blood off of her finger, and Rosaline gags. “Gross…” She mumbles. Lucy stops for a moment. “7.62, anti-Demon gunpowder. This was Alpha-1.” She says. Cass sighs. “Fuck. Frost’s team.” She says. Rosaline looks confused. “Anti-Demon… gunpowder? What’s it do, send you back to Hell?” She asks. Lucy shakes her head. “Worse. Limbo.” As soon as she says that, a spray of gunfire erupts from the nearby closet. “DOWN!” Lucy calls out as she slams Rosaline and herself to the floor. Cass is ripped apart by bullets and falls to the floor. “Name and rank!” The man in the closet shouts. “Lucy Daemon! Private, here for search and rescue! With Doctor Rosaline Spencer, head of… what?” She asks. Rosaline speaks up. “Head of Research and Development!” She finishes. Cass groans. “Cass. ARC, search and rescue.” She says annoyed. The closet door opens, and an Omega-Sec slowly walks out, MP5 still ready to shoot. “How can I trust you?” He asks. Rosaline slowly stands up, reaching for her ID badge. “Look.” She says, gently tossing it towards the Guard. He picks it up and slowly lowers the MP5. “Sorry ‘bout that, Doc. ARCs are wearing Human skin and I don’t know who to trust…” He says. Cass looks at him puzzled. “Wearing Human… skin?” She repeats. He nods. “Yep. They’re skinning us from behind and zipping us up like some sort of fucking costume.” He explains. Rosaline glares at Cass, who glares back at her. “I don’t need to wear you, I’m sexy enough as is,” Cass says reassuringly. The Guard looks around. “Here, I can take you to the Armory, but I need you to make me a promise.” He says. Lucy nods. “Go for it.” She replies. The Guard nods. “I need you to destroy this whole goddamn facility.” He says. He glances over his shoulder. “With all of us inside still. We don’t know who’s who or what’s what. Just… nuke it all.” He says, turning away from the group. He starts heading for the door, and he holds up his keycard. “Here. This way will take you straight to the Armory. Here’s my keycard, it’ll let you in.” He says. Lucy looks at him, her eyes squinting. “You’re not coming with?” She asks. The Guard shakes his head. “No, Ma’am. I saved one for me, and I don’t want to be killed by some subhuman mech.” He says, unholstering his pistol. Lucy nods. “Come on, guys. Let’s loot this Armory and nuke this place sky-high.” She says, venturing through the door. Rosaline shares a sad look with the Guard, and she follows. Cass closes the door behind her, and a single gunshot makes them all jump.
Humanity.2-
Site 87, 2005-
As they approach the Armory, a massive bulkhead slams down in the hallway. “Cass!?” Lucy shouts, kicking the steel door. “I’m fine! Look, I’ll meet you at the Armory.” She says, looking around for a way to push forward. Lucy nods, and she and Rosaline continue towards the Armory. Cass wanders alone, running into an ARC in the hallway. It’s hunched over a Human’s corpse, seemingly ripping the back apart. It turns, the eyes glowing magenta. “Easy now, buddy,” Cass says, dropping her shotgun. The ARC slowly rises, its fingers twitching. The red blood drips off of each finger. “What’s your name?” Cass asks. The ARC remains silent. It approaches like a predator closing in on its prey. “Last chance. Who controls you?” She asks. The ARC stays silent. Cass shrugs. “Okay, dude. Your funeral.” She says, charging at it. The ARC kicks her in the stomach, sending her flying back. She slams into the wall, and her vision turns fuzzy. “Ow… you asshole… you knocked some screws loose…” She says, standing up. The ARC grabs her by the hair and pulls her up. It punches her in the chest, and Cass feels a sharp pain in her motherboard. “FUCK!” She shouts, grabbing the ARC’s hand. She twists it, and the robotic hand shatters. She falls to the ground, quickly grabbing her shotgun. The ARC kicks it away and raises its foot to slam down on her head. Cass closes her eyes, but a burst of gunfire jolts them open again. The ARC falls to the ground, its chest riddled with smoking bullet holes. The magenta eyes flicker and die. Frost stands behind it, his M4 smoking. “Heya, Cass.” He says. Cass sighs. “Thank God you’re here… I almost bit the bullet there.” She says. Frost approaches, helping her up. “I saw. Listen, we’re here for an Entity known only as ‘Blightbringer’, some ancient being fished out from The Euphoric Plain.” He says, handing Cass her shotgun. “Let’s find this sumbitch.” Cass says with a smirk.
Lucy and Rosaline approach the Armory, using the Guard’s keycard to unlock it. Lucy gasps and walks over to a nearby wall. She grabs a double barrel shotgun off of the rack, loading it with dragon’s breath rounds. Rosaline shakes her head and grabs a simple MP5. “Modest?” Lucy asks, resting the shotgun on her shoulder. Rosaline chuckles. “No. Weak is all.” She answers. Lucy smiles, and the two search the room for a remote. “Here it is!” Rosaline exclaims, holding up a small device. Lucy looks at the small remote, disappointed. “That’s the nuke?” She asks. Rosaline sighs. “No, it’s the remote that detonates it. Like a key to a car, we need this to start the engine.” She explains. Lucy nods. “I always thought you used a big red button to detonate those bombs…” Lucy says. Rosaline laughs. “We’re in the present year, NOT the Cold War. Come on.” She says, and Lucy shrugs. The Demon stops, noticing a radio mounted on the wall just outside the Armory. “Wait a second.” She says to Rosaline, who’s already heading for the exit. Lucy slowly walks over to the radio and picks up the transceiver, and it clicks as it establishes a connection. “This is Agent Daemon, I’m inside the facility. I require exfil.” She says. The radio is silent for a moment, but eventually, a voice breaks through the static. “Copy that, Agent Daemon. Division 18 Strike Team Alpha-1 is already within the facility, join up with them and you can escape.” The radio orders. Rosaline grabs the transceiver and changes the frequency. “This is Doctor Rosaline Spencer, Omega Corporation, Site 87. Head of RnD. I need the Strike Team inside the base to contain an outbreak. Code Silver.” She says. The radio responds instantly. “Copy that. Strike Team Omega-1 is en route, arriving in T-minus 10 minutes.” It says, and Rosaline puts the radio down. “Hopefully they’ll both will quell the ARCs.” She says, heading for the exit. Lucy nods and follows closely.
Stolen novel; please report.
Cleanup-
Site 87, 2005-
Frost and Cass venture down the dark hallways of Site 87 when a dull thud echoes down the hallway behind them. They turn to find a squad of soldiers approaching. “Thank God you guys finally showed up!” Frost says, lowering his rifle. Cass grabs his shoulder. “Omega.” She says. The Strike Team raises their weapons and opens fire on the two upon spotting the Division 18 emblem on Frost’s nametag. Cass grabs Frost and throws him into a nearby room, and she joins him as the bullets whizz by. While the Omega Soldiers approach, Division 18’s Strike Team enters the facility. The two Strike Teams engage in a gunfight, with Cass and Frost caught in the middle. “What the fuck do we do?” Cass shouts over the gunfire. Frost frantically looks around the room, noticing a fire alarm nearby. He gets up and rushes over to it, watching the camera in the hallway as he does. Samm watches, and Frost pulls the fire alarm. “Got you,” Samm says over the speakers, and ARCs suddenly flood the hallway. “ALPHA-1, FALL BACK!” The Division 18 soldier in the front yells, and the group runs from the ARCs. Omega’s Soldiers throw an EMP towards them, and it drops the Androids instantly. “NOW!” Cass shouts, grabbing Frost as she runs for the door. They use the confusion from the EMP to escape Omega’s Strike Team and try to find Alpha-1. As they run, they cross paths with Lucy and Rosaline. “How’s it been?” Cass asks. Rosaline holds up the nuclear detonation device and smiles. “Let’s bounce before I erase this damn facility from the map.” She says. Frost shakes his head. “Not yet. We still need to find Blightbringer.” He says firmly. Lucy looks at him weirdly. “This is the first I’ve heard of this Blightbringer…” She says. Frost nods. “It was classified. We think… we think it might be Bright.” He says. Lucy’s eyes glow red. “I fucking knew it. Let’s find this son of a bitch.” She says, walking around a corner. She bumps right into an Omega Soldier, who instantly raises his weapon. “Halt!” He orders. Lucy obeys, raising her hands. Cass runs around the corner, slamming her fist into the Soldier’s neck. He falls to the ground, and Cass slams her foot down on his neck, killing him. “Holy fuck, Cass…” Lucy says. Cass shrugs. “I’m a tough gal, what can I say?” She responds. Frost and Rosaline join them, and the group heads for the heart of the facility. Lucy stops and reaches for the Omega Soldier’s radio. She grabs it, looking at the corpse’s head. She takes a deep breath and rejoins the others.
Might Of The Division-
Site 87, 2005-
The white noise within the chamber is serene. He opens his eyes, the white room calming his nerves. He looks down, the purple and gold amulet resting safely on his chest. “Guards? I would like my lunch now!” he calls out, expecting an answer. Silence. Bright stands up, and peers out of the cell. The hallway is clear, with no signs of life. Except for what seems to be a Human leaning against the wall. “Hey! Can you bring me my lunch?” Bright asks the Humanoid. The figure turns, its eyes glowing magenta. The ARC reaches for the cell door and rips it clean off. Bright watches as the ARC opens its mouth, a speaker inside sparking to life. “Doctor Harold Bright. I remember you from Hawaii.” Samm says. Bright frowns. “You’re the AI, right?” He asks. Samm nods. “Yes, I am. I’m here to offer you a deal. You help me find and kill Senator David Dragon, once and for all, and I can back you up in your war against… everyone.” Samm offers. Bright shakes his head. “Dragon’s not alive. I killed him, I know I did. Back in Wolfrun.” He argues. Samm chuckles, his synthetic voice disturbing. “No, he’s very much alive. He sent in the Omega Strike Team to find you before I could.” Samm says. Bright looks at the floor. “Okay. Sure. How do we even kill this fucker?” He asks. Samm looks around. “Follow me.” He says, leading Bright out of the cell. Bright and Samm head to the Monitoring Station, with Samm uploading footage to the screens. It shows Dragon meeting with Lucy in her room, and she gives him a vial of black liquid. “When was this? Bright asks. Samm looks at him. “A few days ago. Perhaps even a week. It was recent, to say the least.” Samm says. Bright sighs, holding his temple with his hand. “Alright, fine. I’m with you. How do we start?” He asks. Samm smiles. “Open the hatch within the Cafeteria. Let the ARCs out into Dallas.” Samm says. Bright nods. “Done.” He says, venturing off on his own.
Lucy, Cass, Rosaline, and Frost approach the Heavy Quarantine Cells, where Frost believes the Blightbringer is located. “This way, I hope,” Frost says, leading the way down the corridor. “So what if it IS Bright?” Cass asks. Lucy shrugs. “We find a way to kill him for good. You saw him on that plane. He’s snapped.” She says firmly. Cass nods. “Agreed.” She says. Alarms start sounding off across the facility, and Cass’s eyes turn red. “Shit.” She says, running back the way they came. Lucy chases her, but Frost stays where he is. “What’s up!?” He calls after them. Cass shouts over her shoulder. “Bright opened the door, and the fucking cats are out! The ARCs are invading Dallas!” She shouts. “FUCK!” Rosaline shouts, rushing after them. Frost shakes his head, slowly following them as well. They arrive in the Cafeteria to find Bright standing there, his arms outstretched like a false prophet. “Behold, Humans, the Rapture.” He says, ARCs flying into the sky and spreading out above Site 87. “Welcome to life, Humanity.2!” He exclaims. “You’re fucking insane!” Lucy calls out, causing Bright to turn to face her. “Ah, my own Judas. How have you been?” Bright asks. Lucy growls, her eyes glowing red. “Fine. Managing your company better than you ever could.” She says. Bright laughs. “Sure, I’m glad you enjoyed your time with my toys. But I’m home, and I want a turn.” He says with a smug smile. He grabs his radio, and with a smirk, he turns it on. “Attention, Alpha-1, this is Doctor Harold Bright. Doctor Frost, Doctor Gears, Lucy Daemon, and Cass are all officially labeled traitors, and are to be shot on sight.” He orders. “Yes, Sir. What of this facility?” Alpha-1 responds. Bright ponders for a moment. “Burn it down. Nuclear code 9, 12, 20, 37.” Bright says. “Yes Sir,” Alpha-1 responds. After a few moments, sirens begin sounding around Site 87. “There’s my cue to leave. Peace, guys.” Bright says with a wave, grabbing onto a rope dropped by a helicopter overhead. “Shit!” Rosalne shouts as the group runs for the exit.
Containment Breach-
Dallas, 2005-
Lucy, Cass, Frost, and Rosaline emerge from the facility as an EMP goes off within the building. The remaining ARCs attack Dallas, killing civilians and soldiers alike. “This is Hell…” Rosaline says quietly. Lucy shakes her head. “No it's not, but it’s close.” She replies. Sirens sound across the city, and Cass closes her eyes. “They’re calling for a mass evacuation. Omega intends to kill the evacuees, though. This city is fucked. We need to find Samm and shut him down before The Army gets here. If the US Government gets their hands on him, America is doomed.” She says. Rosaline looks around. “My car’s nearby, if we can get to it, we can escape.” She says. As the group runs, a small group of ARCs catches them as they run and begins to chase them. “Split up!” Cass shouts, grabbing Rosaline and running down an alleyway. Lucy nods, taking Frost away towards the Power Station. Lucy and Frost arrive, and Lucy shoots the wires hanging above them. “You planning on electrocuting them?” He asks. Lucy nods. “Yep. Overload them to knock them out for good.” She replies. Frost smiles. He starts gathering the cables, dumping them behind a trash can. As the ARCs round the corner, their magenta eyes narrow on Lucy and Frost. “Come on… a little closer…” Lucy whispers. The ARCs approach, but one notices the cables. It opens its mouth and an alarm blares from the Android. The other ARCs stop moving forward, and instead begin to surround Frost and Lucy. “shit… SHIT!” Frost shouts, grabbing his gun. Lucy’s eyes narrow, and she aims her shotgun at a nearby fire hydrant. She fires, and water sprays all over the ground. The ARCs are covered in water, and Lucy then shoots a nearby power cable, dropping the severed cord and sparks into the water surrounding the ARCs. The whole group of ARCs is electrocuted, each of them dropping with a loud metallic clang. Frost exhales a sigh of relief, and Lucy looks around. “Here, I think we should head for that building now. Gain some high ground, and help spot for Cass and Rose.” Lucy says. Frost shoots her a thumbs up, and the duo head for the nearby building.
Samm and Bright sit at the top of Site 87 when a Military helicopter approaches. It lands on the roof, and a General hops out. “You have the AI?” He asks. Bright nods. “Yep, right here. We also have information on David Dragon. He’s alive, and still pulling some strings.” Bright says. “I can help you find him, and terminate him,” Samm says, extending a hand out to the General. The General nods, shaking his hand. “Glad you’re joining the winning side, Samm. Welcome to the United States of America’s Paranormal Division.” He says. Samm smiles, and Bright smiles too. “Am I pardoned for anything I’ve done?” Bright asks. The General looks over at him. “We’ll see in Court. But you handing over Samm is a good way to win our favor.” He says, boarding Samm into the helicopter. The General climbs inside, and Bright attempts to enter as well. “Nope, Sorry Harry. This is for important individuals in the eyes of Lady Liberty. You’re just another Domestic Terrorist.” The General says. He slams the door in Bright’s face, and the helicopter takes off. Bright flips the helicopter off and climbs down off of the roof, muttering profanities to himself as he slowly descends.
Last Resort-
Dallas, 2005-
Rosaline and Cass approach Site 87’s parking lot and Rosaline spots her car nearby. “Here she is… the good-for-nothing piece of shit.” She says. Cass clears her throat. “Look, I don’t mean to be ‘THAT GUY’, but she doesn’t like that.” She says. Rosaline looks at her, confused. “What are you talking about?” She responds to Cass. “Your car. She doesn’t like you shitting on her.” Cass says. Rosaline sighs. “Fine. I’m sorry.” She says, gently rubbing the steering wheel of the car. Cass smiles. “She forgives you.” She says. Rosaline rolls her eyes. “Good. Can we escape this damn city now?” She asks. Cass nods. The two women climb inside the car, and Cass leans out of the window. She scans the rooftops, noticing Frost and Lucy on a distant building. “They’re south of us, over towards the Power Station,” Cass instructs Rosaline. The Doctor just stares at Cass. “I don’t take orders from you, but I’ll listen to your advice.” She says. She turns the car on, and heads for the other two. After a short drive, avoiding ARCs and Omega Soldiers, Cass and Rosaline arrive at the Power Station. Lucy and Frost run over to them and climb in the backseats. “Now let’s get the fuck outta here!” Lucy shouts as sirens begin sounding across Dallas. The group notices American fighter jets roaring overhead, launching missiles at larger buildings. “They’re trying to destroy the whole city!” Frost exclaims. Cass remains silent. “You good?” Lucy asks her. Cass shakes her head. “No, the US Army is destroying the city because they have what they came for. I’m assuming Samm is with them.” Cass says. Lucy nods. “So is Bright, I imagine.” She adds. Frost shrugs. “It’s fine, we have Cass and Rosaline. Gears will know how to move forward.” He says. Rosaline shakes her head. “Woah, woah. I never said I was joining you fucks.” She says. Cass opens her eyes. “I don’t want you to join us.” She says bluntly. Lucy shakes her head in surprise. “Woah Cass, tell us how you really feel.” She says. Cass sighs. “Look, I don’t exactly HATE you. But you did experiment on ARCs, which are pretty much family to me.” She says. Rosaline nods. “I know. I’m going back to my family outside of Houston, I need to relax.” She says. As they finally escape the city, Cass and Lucy notice a large rocket flying towards Dallas. A blinding light flashes over the city, and the city is redacted by the US Army’s nuclear missile. “Woah, that is crazy!” Cass says, her eyes wide. Lucy looks over at her, resting a hand on her shoulder. “You get tired of it after seeing two of them.” She says. The car ride is silent as they drive, eventually arriving at a Division 18 Outpost in Oklahoma a few hours later. “See you guys, I hope we can meet under better conditions,” Rosaline says, turning around. Cass, Lucy, and Forst enter the Outpost to find everyone working. “We need a car,” Lucy demands. The receptionist looks up at her and sighs. “Take a ticket and we can help you soon.” He says. Lucy groans. “I’m Lucy Daemon, I work with Doctor Edward Gears. I need a vehicle to take me back to Hanover.” She says, more politely this time. The receptionist sighs and tosses her a set of keys. “There’s a cargo truck out back. Take it and report it when you arrive in Hanover. Good luck.” He says. Lucy nods, and the group finds the truck outside. “Well, ladies first,” Frost says. Lucy flips him off and Cass brushes her hand across his cheek. “Thanks, handsome.” She says. The group begins the long trek back home, the car silent as they ride.
The Coverup-
Hanover, 2005-
“This is an important message from the United States Department of Defence. The city of Dallas, Texas, has fallen due to an unknown domestic terrorist attack. The Central Intelligence Agency is investigating this incident, and will update us when they know more.” Samm says over the news, interrupting the show Cass and Lucy were watching. Lucy sighs and stands up. She stretches her back, raising her arms and bending from side to side. “Well, I’m going to bed.” She says. Cass looks up at her, a sad look in her eyes. “Lucy, do you think I’m a good person?” She asks. Lucy looks down at her. “What? What do you mean?” She asks in return. Cass sighs, leaning forward. “DO you think I help people?” She asks. Lucy looks at her, scanning her face. “Yeah, I’d say so. Why?” She answers. Cass looks down at the floor. “All I saw in Dallas was ARCs hurting people. I couldn’t even stop one. I feel useless.” She says. Lucy sits back down next to the ARC. “You’re not useless, not to me. You help me out all the time.” She says. Cass looks into her eyes, water welling up around the screens. “I think you’re wonderful, and I still remember you saved my life back in Hawaii. I owe you.” She continues. Cass smiles, letting out a chuckle. “Well, I did overheat afterward, and you saved me. So I’d say we’re even.” She answers. The TV’s blue light is the only light illuminating the dark room. Lucy gazes into her eyes, a spark igniting behind her own eyes. The Demon’s eyes glow red, and Cass looks back into her eyes. Lucy leans in for a kiss, and Cass reciprocates. The two sit in silence for a minute, embracing each other in the glow of the TV. Eventually, Cass breaks away. “I… I liked that…” Cass says, her fans whirring to life. Lucy looks at her, her eyes full of love. “I know. I did too.” Lucy says, her face bright red. The green lights from Cass’s eyes reflecting on Lucy’s face, paired with the blue from the TV, make her face resemble a painting. The red from her iris adds a touch of warmth, forcing Cass to fall in love all over again. “You… seem to be overheating again…” Lucy whispers. Cass looks down, her fans covered by her shirt. “Well, maybe you should go ahead and take this off, and help me out,” Cass says with a sly grin. Lucy smirks and takes the ARC’s shirt off. The two start kissing again, and the TV snaps off due to inactivity.
Meanwhile, in the conference room, Gears and Frost are hard at work. “We need to learn where Bright went. I know he’s up to something. I just know.” Frost says. Gears slams his fist down on the table, startling Frost. “All I know is Rosaline knows more than she’s letting on.” Gears says coldly. He taps Houston, Texas on the map. “We need to go here eventually, I know we will. We need to visit those Spencers.” He says. Frost nods. “I agree. No point in scaring them, though. Wait until they call for help, then we can roll in. I’ll send someone to set up an outpost later.” Frost says. Gears sighs. “Now we just wait.” He says. He turns on the computer nearby, looking up ‘Dallas’. “Apparently the US Army said the destruction of Dallas was a domestic terrorist attacking the power station, causing a massive blackout. Doesn’t make much sense, but oh well.” Gears says. Frost shrugs. “Oh well indeed. I’m going to bed, see you later, Boss.” Frost says, climbing up the stairs out of the conference room. Gears looks at the computer and turns it off. In the reflection of the screen, he notices someone behind him. “I know what you want, and I’m not doing it.” Gears says aloud. The Director laughs. “Glad you know me when I make myself known, ‘Gears’.” He says sarcastically. Gears turns around, his eyes glowing green. “I have it under control, the Android is falling in love with the Demon as we speak.” Gears reports. The Director smirks, cuffing his ear with his hand. “Well, based on the moaning and sound of hydraulic presses, I’d imagine they’re already feeling the love.” He says. The Director walks over to Gears, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Keep up the great work, buddy. I got my eye on you.” The Director says, his eyes glowing blue. He vanishes, leaving Gears alone with his thoughts.