September 2070. Yucca Mountain Complex, Nevada. United Nations of America.
The following days settled into something of a routine for Liam. He woke up, patrolled the facility, attended the various shift meetings that Redwater held, and retired at night to expand on Redwater's Standard Operating Procedures. His only significant addition was the inclusion of a Code of Conduct for his team.
With the Director’s warnings in mind, he wanted a Code of Conduct to act as the guiding principle for his teams. While security was necessary, he first needed to establish trust and collaboration between Valorus employees and the various civilians within the complex. Any breach of the Code of Conduct would result in termination from the contract, and Liam would seek a replacement for the offender. Considering the high paychecks the contractors would earn, he expected it to be a sufficient deterrent.
Further, Flint had authorized deadly force for his men. Each member of the security team carried a sidearm and rifle. While it was the safe bet, and Liam understood the reasoning, wielding deadly weapons around the facility didn’t encourage a peaceful and collaborative environment. Instead, he wanted his guards to only wield a pistol and a taser. They were to be more akin to the police forces of old, who were encouraged to interact positively with the community. At the same time, he planned for a Quick Reaction Force that could activate in times of crisis. The chances were slim, but Liam wanted to prepare for any eventuality.
By the middle of the week, Flint had given up his office, where Liam spent most of his time. In a few days, the rest of the Valorus staff would arrive, and then they would work alongside the Redwater contractors for another week. With Liam leading the effort, it would be more than enough time to ensure a seamless transition.
As he was finishing the new SOP, the bank of monitors in his office abruptly blacked out before turning back on to display six copies of the same feed. The glitch caught his attention, and he focused on the displays, witnessing a base medical tech wheeling an unknown woman in a wheelchair into an experimentation room.
Curiosity piqued, Liam used his computer to zoom in on the feed to get a clearer view of what was happening inside the room. The scientists were carefully maneuvering the woman onto a cruder version of the treatment tables in the alien spacecraft.
Even through the camera, Liam could tell the woman was in bad shape. Her hair appeared thin and wispy, while the muscles in her face constantly fought against whatever plagued her, resulting in a slight asymmetry in her expression. Her limbs were thin and weak, and she seemed to lack the strength for even basic movement. Liam was no doctor, but the woman appeared as if she had ALS, a wasting disease that robbed individuals of all autonomy.
With a button click, Liam adjusted the multiple copies to coalesce into one combined image and then enabled the sound. He could vaguely hear the scientists speaking calmly to the woman as they reclined her in the complex medical contraption. Once the tech settled the woman, a couple of the scientists helped him secure her wasted limbs to the table. It seemed overkill to Liam since the woman clearly couldn’t move around alone. Soon, the scientists left the chamber to an adjoining observation post. The woman’s eyes rapidly glanced around the room, the only sign of discomfort.
Moments later, the whine of a mechanical arm fastened to the ceiling lowered to her position. Liam watched in macabre fascination as a small needle extended from a hidden receptacle within the component and punched its way into the woman’s chest. She let out a slight cry of pain and surprise before subsiding.
Liam brought up a second camera feed, one that showed the actions of the scientists within the observation room, and put it side-by-side with the video of the woman. They were selecting options on a computer, and finally, one of them seemed to initiate the process because the machine whined again, and the woman let out an unearthly scream. It was loud enough that it startled Liam, and he hurried to adjust the volume.
It took only about thirty seconds of her ragged screaming before Liam was determined to understand the situation. It took him five minutes to reach the observation room, and he could hear the woman’s screams filtering into the corridor. He stormed into the room with the scientists, and they were startled at his arrival.
He confronted the group, his expression a mix of anger and concern. “What the fuck is going on here? Why is she screaming like that?” Liam demanded.
The lead scientist turned his gaze to Liam, and despite his initial surprise, he appeared unruffled. “She volunteered for this experiment, Mr. Ward. The patient has a genetic mutation in her C9ORF72 gene that has contributed to her amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We’re attempting to use our gene editing techniques to reverse the mutation and hopefully alleviate her suffering. In short, we’re trying to cure ALS.”
“A cure? This looks more like torture!” Liam retorted, his voice firm. “This is not how to conduct science.”
The scientists exchanged glances, seemingly unfazed by Liam’s objection. “I’m not sure you’re qualified to tell us how to conduct the process of scientific research and experimentation.” The lead researcher continued. “We understand the risks, Mr. Ward, but the patient consented to participate. We’re trying to help her, even if it means enduring some discomfort.”
Liam's mouth opened in shock. The woman’s screams had blessedly lowered, but that was only because her throat had become so ragged the screaming couldn’t continue. He couldn’t comprehend their perspective. In his eyes, no potential medical advancement justified the level of suffering the woman was experiencing.
“End the experiment, now.” He ordered. He fully realized that he didn’t have the authority to issue such an order, but he couldn’t stand by while the lab coats committed atrocities in his presence. Ellis wasn’t the only snake—the complex was a nest of them.
“I don’t think…” the lead scientist began before Liam grabbed him by his cheap button-up and slammed him against the thick, one-way glass that separated the patient from her observers. The contractor snarled as he lifted the man with one arm off the ground, displaying a strength only pure rage could afford.
“Exactly, you spineless weasel. You don’t think!” Liam snarled. “You’re torturing that woman, and you,” he glanced around the room as he spoke, “are acting like sick fucks. End the fucking experiment right fucking now before I lose my patience.”
One of the other scientists hurried to end the experiment. He frantically typed away at his computer and clicked a final key before the machine stopped whining, and the arm retracted from the patient and returned to its former position. Liam let the lead scientist go, and he slumped to the floor in a messy heap.
Liam rushed from the room like a summer storm and entered the chamber with the woman.
He kneeled by her side and gently touched the side of her face.
“Hey,” he said quietly, “are you okay?”
‘Is it over?” She replied with a ragged whisper that broke his heart.
“No, I stopped the experiment.”
“Why?” She asked as tears pooled in the corners of her eyes.
“Sweetheart, you were in so much pain. No one should have to go through that much agony in the faint hope of being cured. They’re taking advantage of you.” Liam was trying to remain calm, but seeing the woman in such a broken state, ignited a fire in his chest.
He couldn’t help imagining his mom in the same position. If he had any reservations about bringing her to the mountain before, the actions of the staff solidified them.
“No,” she rasped and tried to push him away. Her resistance was futile, her strength sapped by illness and agony. “My whole life is pain. My joints hurt, my muscles are cramped, and my body spasms uncontrollably.” The tears dropped from her eyes and slid down her face in silent testament to her desperation. “This was my chance,” she said before sobbing.
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Liam cradled her head with his muscular arms in a vain attempt to keep the hurt at bay. If sheer will could cure disease, then the woman would be cured merely by the thoughts running through his mind. He wanted to curse the disease for wrecking her and the men who took advantage of her situation to push their agenda. It was an abuse of authority.
Just then, Dr. Ellis, the facility’s director, walked into the room. He took stock of the situation with a single sharp glance. His face held a mixture of anger and disappointment.
“Mr. Ward, what’s going on here?” he inquired, his expression severe. The question was wholly unnecessary. The Director was likely here because someone in the control room had snitched on Liam. It made the veteran hate him at that moment.
Liam explained the situation, his voice unwavering. “Your scientists were subjecting this woman to intense pain in the name of science. I couldn’t stand by and let that happen. Surely, this isn’t the type of experimentation you approve of.”
Ellis’ gaze shifted between Liam and the woman. “While I understand your concern, Liam, this is a delicate balancing act. We need to push the boundaries of the technology if we’re to make significant progress,” she said. “ALS is rare, but it causes untold suffering. It’s one of the few diseases we know is linked to mutated genes. It’s exactly the type of condition we hope to eradicate.”
“A balance that shouldn’t involve causing undue suffering,” Liam amended firmly. “You can’t cross all moral and ethical boundaries for an illusory future when it inflicts pain today.”
“You’re an insolent brute, Liam,” the director bit out. “My job is to consider the ethical considerations of our work. Your job is to provide security and not get in the way. In case you’ve forgotten, we have a mission here, and if you’re not willing to fully commit to it, I’m afraid you’re no longer a good fit for this facility.”
Liam’s heart sank at the other man’s words. He knew the importance of the complex’s mission, but he couldn’t, no wouldn’t, compromise his principles for an uncertain future. It wasn’t the type of man he saw himself as, nor would his parents appreciate that he ignored the woman to potentially treat his mom’s cancer. He could already imagine the ass-chewing his dad would deliver if that happened. His mom would just be disappointed, and that was always worse.
He rose from the woman’s side and nodded at the director, accepting the consequences of his actions. He wanted to reply, but he knew that would only add fuel to the fire. Amal would have to find someone else to head security here—Liam was disgusted with it.
“If that’s the case, then so be it,” he replied firmly. “I stand by my decision.”
“Fortunately, the decision isn’t yours,” Ellis replied flatly. “You’ll be confined to your quarters until your team arrives and Mr. Jahar can arrange your replacement. As soon as I’ve spoken with him, you’ll be on a one-way flight out of here.”
Liam's expression transformed with rage. At that moment, he wanted to punch the snide, domineering man in the face. It might do the petty tyrant some good. People tended to do dumb or immoral things when they weren’t afraid of getting slugged in the jaw.
“Don’t look at me like that, and don’t forget that you assaulted one of my staff. You’re lucky I’m not sending you to the brig and letting the government press charges,” Ellis snarled. “Don’t ruin the last bit of mercy I’m willing to extend.”
Liam took a breath and calmed his raging heart. Anger and violence would only serve to worsen his position. He needed to walk away while his pride was still intact. “Understood, Director.”
He left the room and marched toward his quarters. On the way back, his mind was a tempest of emotions. Rage and frustration surged within him, fueled by the memory of the woman’s suffering in the name of experimentation. He couldn’t fathom how anyone with moral decency could subject a fellow human being to such torment, even if they had volunteered for it. The pain etched on her face haunted him, a grisly reminder of the crossed ethical boundary.
Even amid his anger, Liam knew he was right. The ends didn’t justify the means, and he knew that had he acted differently, the warrior would be no different from those lab-coated serpents. He had served his country to safeguard human life, and upholding the values of compassion and empathy wasn’t negotiable, even if he needed to spill blood to do so.
Despite Liam’s righteous indignation, the decision to stop the experiment weighed heavily. It had cost him his position as head of security for the facility and the money he needed to help his mom. In some ways, it was another entry in his life's long list of failures.
As he walked through the facility’s corridors, he was acutely aware of the stares and murmurs of the civilians. Clearly, the news had spread around the complex’s internal network. Some guards looked at him respectfully, and he caught silent nods from them as he passed. Others, mostly the civilians, regarded him with disapproval, believing he had crossed a line and assaulted one of their own.
When he reached his well-furnished quarters, Liam took a deep breath, trying to steady the tumultuous storm of emotions within him. Most of all, he knew that he would have to face the disappointment of his friend and employer, and the reality wasn’t comfortable. After that, he’d need to call his parents and take away their last hope—the lifeline he had unfairly offered.
As he took a long shower, he also felt a sense of pride. The easy thing to do would have been to go along with the heinous experiment. However, he had stayed true to the man he considered himself to be—the son who had adopted his mother's and father's values. He was a man of honor, principles, and compassion. He knew that he couldn’t change the past, but he could continue upholding his values and working for a better future. It was a shame that the experimentation would continue in his absence.
Hours later, Liam was mindlessly watching TV when there was a knock on his door. He looked up to see Marcus Flint standing on the threshold with a tray of dinner in one hand and a bottle of tequila in the other. Despite the turmoil of the day, Liam couldn’t help but notice the glint of dark humor in Flint’s eyes. There was a glimmer of understanding between the two contractors.
“Mind if I come in?” Marcus asked, gesturing towards the tray of food.
“I don’t think I have the authority anymore to deny you,” Liam quipped before nodding his assent.
Marcus stepped inside and placed the dinner tray and the bottle of alcohol on the small table in the sitting area. The meal's aroma filled the room, momentarily distracting Liam from the weight of the events that had transpired. His stomach rumbled in anticipation, but the veteran quieted his hunger to focus on Flint.
“I brought you some dinner. Figured you might need a bit of comfort food after everything,” Marcus said, his voice laced with sympathy.
“Thanks,” Liam replied, appreciating the gesture.
Marcus took a seat across from him, his expression serious. “I wanted to talk to you about what happened. You did the right thing, Ward. It took more balls to stand up against the higher-ups than I have. No one deserves to be treated that way, even if they volunteered.”
“Why didn’t you warn me?” Liam asked.
“I didn’t know you, brother.” Flint shrugged. “I know the kind of man you are now. Regardless, now you know why I’m happy to be rid of this place. I was only half joking when I said there were ghosts from past experiments. Death stalks these halls, Ward.”
Liam sighed, grateful for the support from Marcus—useless as it was. “I just…I couldn’t bear to see her in so much pain. It felt wrong, and maybe it was stupid, but I had to intervene. At least now I know why my boss offered me so much money to be in charge.” He gestured at the steaming tray on the table. “I thought it was because of the bad food.”
The two men shared a laugh, and then Marcus' expression sobered. “You did what a true leader would do,” he replied, his voice firm. “You stood up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity. It’s the shit they tell us in the teams that no one actually takes seriously. That takes courage, and I respect you for it.”
“It cost me my position,” Liam admitted.
Marcus shrugged, a wry smile on his face. “You army boys are too stupid to handle a position of this magnitude anyway. Everyone knows it takes a SEAL to get the job done.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “Oh, another SEAL barking—a member of the not-so-quiet, quiet professionals. You’ll probably leave this position and write a book about it—maybe start a podcast.”
The two men laughed again, finding comfort in insulting each other and breaking up the dark malaise that had settled over them.
“We’re dealing with advanced technology and groundbreaking research daily, but it’s easy to lose sight of the human cost,” Marcus noted. “This is the second time you’ve reminded me of that, and it’s important. Maybe the lab coats will remember this moment when they ask for volunteers again.”
Liam looked down at his dinner and the bottle of tequila, contemplating the other man’s words. “I appreciate the support, Flint. It means a lot to me.”
“Well, what are brothers for? Who knows? Maybe your next contact will have you doing something that makes a difference and doesn’t make you feel like shit while doing it.”
“Not a good chance of that. The world is a dark, fucked up place.” Liam countered. “But I appreciate the sentiment.
“We can worry about the future tomorrow.” Flint declared. “For now, let’s enjoy the fine tequila I brought—one of the few perks of annexing Mexico. The world’s always a little brighter with food in your belly and an alcoholic buzz.”
As they shared the bottle between them, they watched military movies and complained about the inaccuracies. Liam felt a camaraderie with Marcus, a fellow soul who understood the complexities of their role within the secretive facility. Amidst uncertainty, he found comfort and friendship with a brother who recognized the importance of staying true to one’s principles, no matter the challenges ahead.
When Marcus was long unconscious and Liam was about to pass out himself, he could’ve sworn the lights flickered, and the camera position in the corner of his room turned and focused on the two men. Someone watched him no matter what the director said about his relative freedom.