In a luxurious condo apartment, the air was tense. Two figures were in a heated conversation amidst sleek, modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city.
The military man responsible for the attack on the center stood talking to a teenager, about 14 years old. He was a striking figure, with an eye patch and electrical burn marks surrounding his missing eye.
This was man Colonel Alexander Cohen, a distinguished military officer. His well-decorated uniform was adorned with an impressive array of medals, revealing a storied and successful career. His graying hair and chiseled features exuded authority and experience. He stood tall in the living room, addressing his son, Micah. "Get ready for military school, son."
Micah did not look happy. He was still upset by his father's decision. "Why do I have to go to military school? Can't I attend a normal high school instead?" he argued.
Colonel Cohen studied his son for a moment before responding, his voice firm. "Micah, grow up. The military school will teach you discipline and allow you to form connections that will be useful later in life."
Micah furrowed his brow, trying to come up with another argument that would convince his father to let him attend a regular high school. Military school sounded like a nightmare to him, with its strict rules and discipline. When Micah met his father's gaze, he could see that the decision was final.
He let out a deep sigh and dropped his arms to his sides. "Fine, I'll go," he muttered, feeling a sense of resignation wash over him.
Colonel Cohen nodded in approval, relieved that his son had finally agreed.
"Good. I think it will be a great opportunity for you, son," he said, trying to sound encouraging but his son already stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him
He couldn't help feeling a pang of annoyance. He knew that Micah had discipline issues, and he was tired of hearing complaints about his son getting into fights. Secretly, he also wanted his son to get closer to Garrett's children.
Pouring himself a glass of whiskey, he sat down and took a sip, trying to push his frustrations aside.
Just as he was starting to relax, his phone rang, jolting him out of his thoughts. "Cohen here. What's the update?" he answered, his voice brisk and professional.
One of his subordinates, Sergeant Baxter, spoke up from the other end. "Sir, we've got a situation with the families of the men who died in the attack. Their funds are still frozen. Should we release the funds?"
Colonel Cohen frowned. "We can't have that. I made a promise to those men. They took a risk for us, and I intend to keep my word. We need to release those funds immediately and make sure there's no trace back to us. Is that understood?"
Sergeant Baxter hesitated for a moment before responding. "Understood, sir. But what if someone starts digging deeper? It might not be easy to keep this under wraps."
Colonel Cohen's voice hardened. "Then we'll deal with it when the time comes. For now, focus on making sure those families receive what they're owed. I won't have it said that I don't look after my own."
Sergeant Baxter sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Yes, sir. I'll see to it personally. We'll get those funds released and cover our tracks as best we can."
"Good," Colonel Cohen said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Keep me updated on the situation, and let me know if there are any further complications. We can't afford any loose ends."
"Of course, sir," Sergeant Baxter replied. "I'll be in touch."
Colonel Cohen hung up the phone then he got up and began to pace around the room. His thoughts began to drift back to the failed assassination attempt on Garrett. He couldn't help but feel frustrated at how badly things went. His men were supposed to take out Garrett and slip away through the secret exit, making it seem like the general had been an unfortunate bystander in another man's quest for revenge. It should have been a clean operation.
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But he had underestimated Garrett's children, Kristine and Christopher. Somehow, they had managed to fend off the attackers, throwing a wrench into his carefully laid plans.
Colonel Cohen couldn't shake the nagging thought that the twins' impressive abilities had to be the result of Garrett's training. Surely, he must have taken it upon himself to personally prepare his children for military school, teaching them everything that they would need to excel in such an environment. It made sense. After all, Garrett was a cautious man.
What he didn't realize, however, was that the true source of the twins' remarkable skills lay not in their father's training but in the "Angel and Devil" system they shared. They possessed an array of talents and abilities that would put even the most seasoned soldiers to shame.
As he brooded over the situation, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. He knew that he had to tread carefully. Especially now that Garrett was still alive with his ability to read minds and uncover secrets. His capacity as an interrogator and for getting to the truth of any situation was unparalleled. If any of his men fell into Garrett's hands alive, it would all be over.
He paused in his pacing and stared out the window at the city skyline, a determined glint in his remaining eye. "No matter the obstacles in my path," he muttered to himself. He was determined to see the mission through to the end. For the sake of his cause, and for the future he envisions, he would do whatever it takes to succeed.
**
The new Camport Military Academy was nearing the final stages of construction. It had impressive modern architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and well-maintained grounds that looked like they'd just been plucked from an architecture magazine.
Principal Davis sat in his office, studying the blueprints, trying to visualize the final result. Just then, his phone rang, shattering the silence and pulling him from his thoughts.
When he answered, he was surprised when he heard from his old friend and fellow soldier, Garrett.
They used to serve together before Davis transferred over to a desk job due to his injuries.
Life had a strange way of working out, and he was somehow chosen to become the principal of the new Camport Military Academy. It was a challenging position with a lot of pressure. He was already losing hair preparing to welcome the first students. Sometimes he wondered if someone held a grudge against him and chose him for this position on purpose.
"My god, Garrett, you're still alive," he exclaimed, having heard about his recent injuries.
"Don't go killing me off that easily," Garrett said with a chuckle, still in his hospital bed.
"I wouldn't dream of it, General," Davis replied, grinning. "So, what can I do for you?"
"Well, I'm calling about my kids, Kristine and Christopher. I'll be enrolling them in your academy," Garrett explained.
Principal Davis raised an eyebrow. "Really? Are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely," Garrett confirmed. "I think it's the best place for them to develop their talents."
Garrett realized how important it was to develop their talents after learning how they defeated the armed attackers a few days ago. He heard stories from the thankful center employees who visited, praising his daughter's marksmanship.
"Are you sure you want to send your daughter too?" Davis asked. He always heard Garrett bragging about how cute and adorable his daughter was and thought he would be a little more overprotective of her.
"It was her idea to follow her brother along," Garrett said, sighing. "She's got a strong will, just like her mother."
Davis chuckled, remembering the formidable woman who was named in the top 10 CEOs recently. "I can see where she gets it from."
Eager to learn more about Kristine and Christopher, Davis quickly pulled their files and began to read about their abilities and backgrounds.
After reading through the twins' files, he was taken aback by their appearance. "Did Garrett make a mistake and send pictures from a fashion magazine?" he wondered aloud.
The twins were strikingly beautiful, with golden eyes and blonde hair that seemed to shimmer in the light even through the photograph. Their features were perfectly symmetrical, giving them an almost otherworldly appearance. He almost felt like it was a waste for them to attend his academy.
He was even more intrigued by their abilities. They had taken down three armed attackers during the government Psion facility attack a few days ago. He had heard of the failed attack but didn't know Garrett's children were the ones who put a stop to it. He knew the twins must have had some amazing powers.
"I'll be meeting with them on registration day," Principal Davis told Garrett.
"Sounds great, Davis," Garrett responded. "I'm sure they'll appreciate your help."
As Principal Davis hung up the phone, he couldn't help but feel curious. He wanted to understand the twins' motivations, especially Kristine's. He also wanted to know just how skilled they were at combat.