The sewers were crawling with rats but Josef walked through the darkness anyway. He was not only concerned for Alexis but his own too.
If the Kapitoll or any of its allies knew of his association with the rebels, he would be swiftly executed in public.
But the fear dissipated when he met his counterpart at a corner of the sewers.
Thank you for coming on such short notice, Josef, said Frank. But we need to know how close we are to obtaining the serum.
Frank started to twist a door which led them to the inner sanctum of the entire rebels dome. It revealed the state of the community; a child, no more than six-years-old, was in her grey mini-jumpsuit as she played with the other children on the hard cement floors. There were only small holes which shone streams of light, allowing the small community to sell their wares from food to even used clothes in the black markets.
But the center of the small communitys excitement was The Pit where several young soldiers spar against each other with another Freeman.
Encouraging shouts shot from the side of the ring as two of them entered the ring. Build for speed and agility, they certainly did not lack in their physique, Josef noticed.
One of them started with a side-by-side moves, sweat glistened against his bare skin.
He continued with a few quick moves of kicks and spins while balancing on his arms which only intensified the spectators excitement.
His opponent, a Freeman woman, countered his moves with similar moves only to leverage hers with a jump in the air as a finale.
They kept twirling and spinning with their legs extended up to their faces without touching it. Each move was akin to a dance but with semi-combat stance.
Beautiful capoeira moves, Josef thought quietly.
Theyve been keeping themselves busy. Frank commented. Theres a makeshift hospital, some medicinal supplies, food and shelter. But, we cant stay here much longer.
Josef nodded, understanding the implicit message.
Josef was in his official long black tunica with its silver linings trimmed at the edges of the cloth. Just like the capoeira fighters before him, he was also balancing in overseeing the rebels needs while attempting to use his position to overturn President Cole and others to forgive the fugitives who were harboring underground.
He longed for the higher echelons to forgive for the soldiers insubordination by fleeing the Kapitoll in wanting their freedom. He hoped the news which he was carrying now would assuage Franks uneasiness for awhile.
As they neared towards Franks office, Josefs eyes scanned across the entire underground structure which the rebels had built after escaping from the laboratory. Some of the guards were seen stationed at their posts, ready to draw their weapons when needed.
But, there were also signs of lethargy among the soldiers, he noticed. It was in their jaundice eyes and sunken faces deprived of oxygen combined with the non-existence of the cure, their life span would last only another five years.
Step inside, Josef.
While Frank took his place behind a table, Josef wasted no time cutting to the chase.
The scientists are creating more cures which are stored here, he said while flipping out the Academys blueprint. Its not too far from the training centre, approximately 200 meters along a corridor which is guarded heavily with laser beams and coded doors. There are more than 700 cameras capturing every movement made there.
But thats not all the entire set up is motion-detected. One false move and youll be sliced by the lasers like nothing.
The day we were created and sent on mind-bending missions without knowing our red blood cells would deteriorate overtime, we were already nothing to them, Frank muttered, studying the map carefully, running his fingers across it.
I suppose I should thank you for saving my sister, he grunted.
Josef merely shrugged away the compliment. It was the only way to get her from them. From the last assessment reports, shes shown to be better than her replica. If they pushed her any more than they should, then they will know shes not part of their battalion which would spell disaster on her part.
Frank laughed. Shes that good, eh I guess its all down to the genes. He continued studying the blueprint and pointed at an intersection.
So, whats our plan here, Josef What do you have in mind for us to retrieve the serums he asked.
Josef flipped his hood open which revealed his long white hair. His brown eyes surveyed some of the routes which could be used and contemplated on the alternatives which the Rebels could do on their own.
We need Alexis back into the field again to avoid suspicion by the lab coats and also those aligned with President Cole, Josef said. Her friends memories will be wiped out from remembering receiving medical care here.
Meanwhile, Ill assemble my own trusted team to transport the first batch of the serums to you in a fortnight. Dont frown now, Frank, theyve been helping with the resistance after witnessing first-hand how you were all eliminated from the programme. Theyve pledged allegiance to help you whenever they can.
For the first time, he felt relieved to see that the rebels leader seemed pleased with the plan.
Let me speak to her in the next few days until she returns to the Academy, said Frank. Shes not herself. She doesnt remember me or the rest of the platoon here.
Josef nodded in agreement. I understand. Temporary amnesia will do that to any good soldier who has their mind constantly transferred in other peoples consciousness. Shell recover soon with the right treatment.
He lifted a silver briefcase onto the table. Upon opening it, he revealed an array of serums to the rebels general. Frank peered at the contents which were placed in several crystal-shaped bottles with syringes at each side.
These were made for instances to command a soldiers memory to be recalled. Its less painful than having to resort to using say, an electric shock treatment which is only used as a last resort, said Josef.
Frank was speechless. These are custom-made. Not even the president knows of its existence, he exclaimed.
Josef gave a rueful laugh. Thank goodness you have me on your side then.
Before Josef left, he turned to the commander. Ill leave you to your work then, which seems to be running smoothly. But make no mistake Frank. The presidents allies eyes are keeping close watch on the rebels troops movements. Small droids have been placed in several key areas which they believe are your forward command base. Just be aware of it.
Both men shook hands and Josef later walked away with the whiff of the sewers still lingering in his mind.
*************************
There was the gentle smell of fresh baked blueberry muffins in the air.
Opening her eyes, she saw a women dressed in a green cape handing it from the tray which she carried to the other patients near her.
She finally reached Alexis. Here you are dear, just came out from the oven. Baked them myself, you see, she said.
Who who are you Alexis asked, taking a bite. It tasted so delicious that she took two more from the tray.
Dont let her muffins deceive you of her fighting skills, said Frank who came up suddenly from nowhere.
Sister, meet Elisabeth, our best chief ranger who happens to acquire many sets of skills, including nursing the dead to life, he smiled proudly.
And now he exaggerates! laughed Elisabeth. Both now sat down beside Alexis as a glass of warm milk was passed to her.
Alexis stopped eating the muffins and stared at Frank. I dont recall that were related. I didnt know that I had a brother.
A twin elder brother, Elisabeth corrected. Temporary amnesia sets in whenever a soldier undergoes too many mind-transfer missions which is beyond their own capacity.
Frank nodded. Ive had them myself years ago. Its a nasty experience in trying to recall even your own name. But, we have the proper medication to help you remember us, he said confidently.
I dont quite follow you, said Alexis.
Elisabeth then turned towards Frank. Why dont I take care of this myself I understand youve got to meet the captains in a few minutes.
He understood when he was not needed. He smiled and as he left, his placed his palm temporarily onto Alexis.
Elisabeth is my best and trusted agent, sister. Dont feel frightened. We are your family, he said.
When the two siblings were left alone, Elisabeth pulled out the silver case and extracted the serum provided by Josef a few days ago.
These were given by your guardian to allow your brain to remember us, she said. Filling the syringe with the purple liquid, she said: Place your right arm out now. Trust me, it wont hurt.
I promise.
Naturally, Alexis was skeptical at first. However, she sensed Elisabeths gentle nature was natural and honest.
Placing the muffin away, she did as was instructed.
There was a gentle prick into her right arm and slowly the liquid disappeared before she knew it.
There. That wasnt so bad, wasnt it Elisabeth said. How do you feel now
Alexis lifted her shoulders. Nothing. Just hungrier than usual, she replied.
The muffins and milk were returned to her. She finished them in seconds then felt a wave of drowsiness overwhelming her.
Slowly, she dozed off quietly as Elisabeth removed the food away from her patient in silence.
The war room was filled with the rebels trusted soldiers. Beside Frank was Elisabeth who looked on as he spoke to them.
Weve received good news on the serum, Frank said. Well receive it in a fortnight from our contact based in the Kapitoll.
Weve also planned out a mission which will be fought two fronts well engage with Kapitolls forces at the academy once weve crippled its online system. Once thats done, well retrieve the remaining serum which is placed at the academys laboratory.
Ill need five volunteers for this mission because it wont be an easy one. Theyve tripled their security since we sent our own nanobots to inspect any activities.
We expect heavy firearms once their security detects us. Thats the reason Ive mentioned the word volunteer because it wont be an easy task this time around.
All agents stood quietly until one of them spoke.
Permission to speak freely, commander, he said.
Permission granted, Captain Luke.
I believe weve already made the biggest choice in our lives ever since we left the laboratories and decided to live here on our free will, sir. I speak for my own troops that were prepared to defend our people and locate the serum till our death, sir.
Others nodded in unison.
Frank nodded gravely. Once youre acquainted with the plan, Elisabeth will provide you with a few weapons which youll need when we enter the Academy where the serums being harvested.
Only then, we can help the others here. Good luck.
******************************
The chamber lit up as both Elisabeth and Alexis entered. Modern combat weapons of all various sizes were stacked on racks all through a long corridor.
In the middle of it all was a table where a double-sided blade stick, knives and laser guns laid out neatly.
Alexis picked up the stick and twirled it. The blades shifted in when she pressed a button which allowed her to move swiftly. It felt light in her hands.
She then turned towards Elisabeth. The two other agents who came with me. Have they been returned to the Academy she asked.
Elisabeth nodded. Theyve returned with their mind wiped cleaned. They wont remember anything here. Weve replaced a new memory in them instead.
I find it strange that the lab coats havent managed to trace me yet. Im told theyre very effective in tracing lost agents, Alexis commented.
Elisabeth laughed wryly. There is always a weakness in the system. The only reason they havent found you yet is because your actual identity has been camouflaged. The agent which they know is already presumed dead.
Alexis had earlier asked permission to exercise as she felt sluggish from the constant serum injected into her for the past two weeks.
There had been images of her and Frank growing up wearing military fatigues. Being twins, they had often fought with other agents as there were seen as outcast because they had each other. Frank was constantly on the look-out for his younger twin, but more often than not, she defended herself well even in the arena where those aged 10 and below were tested emotionally. If they did not manage to reach their instructors after running through several obstacle courses, for example, the whipping cane came would swoop their backs.
It was an institution without mercy. Meals were placed away if their aptitude scores were not up to par.
The worse lesson they learned was during summertime where each child-agent was handed a puppy. The animals, they were told, was a token for their efforts upon reaching their birthdays. It was a happy occasion as some would sneak some of their food to feed their pets during free time.
When they were training, their pets were safely locked up in their cages until their owners returned.
It was after their dinner when each of them was called to their instructors room to bring their pets which have grown up to five months.
In front of the agent was a laser gun. Their instruction was simple shoot the puppy.
Naturally, some broke down crying when they did not comply. The others, frightened that they would be terminated, closed their eyes and shot it anyway.
The ones who disobeyed were temporarily isolated from the rest of the team as their pet was sent away.
Frank, who often came to meet Alexis to help her during the recuperation period in their base camp, explained the motive behind this particular strange training.
Its to instill a sense of detachment and indifference because therell be a time when youre forced to either defend yourself or kill the enemy. Its us against them, he said.
Alexis was dismayed by the answer. Theres no sense of honour in killing an Innocent. Its cruel.
I agree, said Frank, nodding his head. But, for humans, were just soldiers who are meant to follow orders without question. Its not a democracy. Besides, they feel that theyre entitled to shape us in that fashion because they created us. Theyve forgotten the fact that our own entity is based on their DNA and that our feelings are the same as theirs too.
There was a time when the lab coats attempted a small-scale experiment to remove our sense of self which meant we would become totally robotic. But, time wasnt on their side. The Sentinels started to attack Earth, you name it, front and centre, until almost every living specimen was wiped out from our planet. They stopped the experiment, seeing that we were more effective during combat with an innate built sense of intuition. But, more importantly, they dont have to build more robots which would take longer than the current genetic-engineering programme theyre running now. A little tweak here and there, off we go as mind agents seeking answers which are beyond the humans understanding.
They forgot to erase our souls, Alexis noted.
Correct, this is the reason behind our defection from the Kapitoll; to establish ourselves as equal as they are and entitled to the same rights as they have, Frank replied.
Alexis pondered on the complexity of being equal to their Creator. The agents were only different because of their functionality and usefulness to humankind. They were more or less the same as the humans except for their function and specialised skills.
But, what happens when they had outlived their mandate after 30 years of service That was never explained to them which left Alexis thinking more of the conundrum.
During her stay, Frank proved to be a dedicated brother. He would often order his subordinated to update on Alexis progress.
Sadly, their response was often more than not was negative. He finally instructed a psychiatrist would come to evaluate Alexiss consciousness to determine her memory of the rebels but most importantly of Frank.
Running a brain scanner over her skull, there was nothing to indicate that her mind was but normal.
She admitted there were still gaps in her mind in accepting a rebel commander as her kin but ironically did not want to push him away.
With the puzzle still unsolvable, Alexis was released from the infirmary after the last serum was injected into her body system.
****
Looking at a blade, she picked it up and saw a target board. She flung it at the epicenter and missed it by a few inches.
She attempted again for at least ten times. Her speed and coordination improved slightly nearing to the target.
Seeing a laser gun, she took aim and fired at a mannequin. Again, more practice was needed. Frustration began to set in. She had been placid for far too long until finally Elisabeth came up with a plan.
The chief ranger ran the idea of allowing Alexis to see a place after an agent is terminated.
Shes never heard or been to Elysium. Its time for her to grasp the idea behind the rebellions cause, Elisabeth reasoned.
There was a great hesitation from Franks part. He was also slightly disheartened that Alexis did not totally remember him.
Now he was about to let her see with her own eyes to agents deemed unworthy to the humans.
Itll break her, he warned.
Elisabeth shook her head. I disagree, commander. Shes stronger than she looks. Theres no fear in her yet because she doesnt understand the consequences of being redundant once an agent is put down. She should want to join us, not on a whim just because youre her brother, but there others whose lives are at stake too.
He prayed for guidance. Although he held no stock in any religion, he finally relented reluctantly. Just bring her back in one piece, was all he said.
**************
Inside a hovercraft carrier, Alexis peered through its windows where she saw the lush greenery forest which later merged with another portion where its tree leaves turned slightly purple.
It was a peaceful morning without a sign of the Kapitolls drone spies hovering in the air. Created in a form of a bee, it was easily mistaken by many as the common insect. However, should one actually be caught and studied under a microscope, it could be seen that they were small mechanical creatures with the ability to send out signals to warn agents nearby of incoming enemies.
Reaching Elysium had to be improvised as they flew below radar. The pilot maneuvered to a safer patch where the observers could still above while guarding both Alexis and Elisabeth from above.
Upon landing in the purple patch forest, the carriers doors open only to reveal a piece of land filled with rotting limbs and legs scattered across it. The stirring northeast wind brought up the strong stench of blood mixed with mud and decomposed parts of agents.
At its first stench, Alexis vomited. She nearly ran up the carrier until Elisabeth stopped her. Take it in, soldier, she calmly said while handing her a helmet to mask the odor.
Through the visual lense, she could see that maggots had inched their way into an agents corpse for days now. She trudged on among the purple trees as some had their heads decapitated strung on its branches or eyes gauged out with it.
The stench of decade old dried blood mixed with new cadavers which were placed on top of the other in a pyramid shape sent shivers down her spine. There were patches of the soldiers faded uniform now tattered in the mud.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, birds flew from above the bushes, revealing a soldier with half its brain exposed across the cesspool in a daze.
As Alexis attempted to walk towards him, without warning, she fell deep into a deep ditch with her arms outstretched to stop from falling further.
Help me! she cried out.
While Elisabeth tried to wring her out with a rope, Alexis eyes caught on a finger, which then turned into an arm and shoulder. There was nothing else attached to it.
Panicked sank in. Her body was slowly sucked in among the cadavers now with each struggle to escape from it.
Escape. She needed to escape from the madness of the scene around her. There were entrails which laid open for the wild wolves to feast on. It will be nightfall soon.
Im coming! Dont move! Elisabeth cried from above the ditch.
Using the rope while another soldier held on the other end, Elisabeth shoved her way to her charge who was laying flat face front on the ground. Although the mud was thick which slowed her movements, Elisabeth pulled Alexis up and tied another rope around the young soldiers waist.
Here, hold onto my hand, said Elisabeth.
Pull! she called out. Both women felt the strong tug as they climbed out of the ditch which they later learned was one of the mass graves among others.
Trembling at the site, the hovercraft was called in to fetch them.
Alexis was too shock when they departed from the horrific scene. History was now not only in her memory but on the boots she wore, the uniform, her hair which spelt out the genocide of her own species.
Leaving the purple forest where the crime had been committed on her own people, she turned to Elisabeth who remained placid. Alexis reached out her hands.
Only then she started to cry.
They said well live till 30 and enjoy our days till the end on a colony, not butchered like senseless animals! she cried.
And cried some more.
A thought suddenly struck her on the forests intense purple hue it was a serum which was often used on newborn would-be agents who did not qualify after a simple test conducted on them which revealed the candidate to be incompetent. The ground had absorbed the liquid which resulted in the soldiers death.
The liquid was poison.
*********
Her hatred burned deeply after visiting Elysium. She pushed away the plate, sickened with the images now deep into her soul.
She felt nothing. Numbness began to set in.
It was ironic, she thought, to name a miserable death zone Elysium. The word was a conception of the afterlife which developed over time and which was maintained by some Greek religious and philosophical sects and cults. It was meant to denote heaven but all she saw were the horrified expression set on hundreds soldiers eyes. It even hurt her brains just thinking about it. She rested her pounding head into her palms, trying not to have another outburst.
The dead had been called worse names before but one particularly stuck out now degenerates.
Damn it! she thumped her fist on the table, surprising the other diners.
Elisabeth, meanwhile, continued to chew on her bread after dipping into her tomato soup. She seemed undeterred as horrific scenes continued in her own brain which was akin to plots of a horrible movie repeating itself.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Frank marching up to them in the mess hall and saw the look sewn on Alexis pale and subdued.
He sat next to her but she shifted away from him.
She wants to be alone, Elisabeth said, still chewing on her bread.
Frank continued to stare into his twins eyes.
I remember now, Frank, Alexis spoke suddenly, grasping his arm tightly. Her voice was between a whisper and hoarse from crying on their journey back to the base camp.
I remember our talk as children how you held onto my shoulder.when theythey.triedtoseparate us, she quivered slightly now.
You were the stronger one because of your strength. They wanted you in the battlefield while I was placed with the others in the laboratory. We were mind-transferred into the Sentinels brains. I could you see you wielding your sword on your horse. I moved into anothers mind to escape the blow that came later. We were only six then. We made a vow never to become the Kapitolls slaves ever again.
We decided then to run a rescue mission for those who were condemned to be terminated. The labs were locked down so there wasnt any access for us to transfer our minds into abled-body soldiers. We were helpless but we were determined not to be squashed like bugs after that. No one could push us as they pleased.
We were stuck in the Sentinels bodies for days, living among their kin, eating, drinking, breathing like them. We waited for reinforcements, for those pathetic lab coats to pull us back. But, they didnt. They were fascinated by our ability to survive. Our physical bodies were sustained throughout those long, lonely months when finally, just when we were standing at the edge of a cliff and decided to jump, we were recalled back to our original bodies. Our so-called reconnaissance observation provided all the information needed to build the defense needed by the Kapitoll.
It was a journey which we promised never to return, never to be forced against our own free-will.
The memories theyll all back now.
****
After retrieving the weapons, Elisabeth and Alexis moved to another room where a laid back chair with wires and machines stood by.
Lie down and Ill send you back to the Kapitoll myself. Your new identity is this Elisabeth showed a card, which is another agent that we took down last month. She was sent here as a spy a month ago Shes gone now.
The card read Agent Maria Angela Marcus, aged 16 with terrific combat skills with multiple language abilities.
Your memory will merge with hers. Youll be confused for awhile but itll all settle down within minutes.
Find Josef once youre there. Hell guide you onto the next plan.
Before Elisabeth placed the head wires, Alexis placed her palm up.
Wait. I have a question. One of the agents told me that we were all created singularly, meaning we dont have families. How is that Frank is my brother she asked.
Elisabeth smiled. Such an inquisitive and persistent creature, she thought quietly.
Both you and Frank were the first batch of genetically-engineered army created by the lab coats. Dr. Marcella de Selva, your creator and chief genetic engineer, gave birth to you. She was a fine woman. She wanted her own children and both of you were supposed to be exempted from the military programme. Geneticists worldwide respected for her wisdom and accomplishments. But, they revered her sense of determination to allow those like us to also be allowed a say at the World Council. From there on, she was considered an outsider of the scientific world except those closest to her. They rallied with her which was why they were part of her team.
But, as much as she wanted both of you, that wasnt meant to be. When she heard a commanding officer insisted to have both of you conscripted, she tried to run away alone taking both of you along. Her friends tried to helped her but ended up hanging by the galleys when their plans was discovered.
Sadly, she didnt make it, Elisabeth explained.
Alexis eyes widened. You mean she was executed By whose orders she asked frantically, taking off the device strapped on her temple.
Elisabeth, however, remained indifferent as she caught Alexis wrists in her attempt to stop the young soldier pried her way from the chair. Alexis pushed her back.
Im not going anywhere until you tell me about my mother! she cried. I deserve to know the truth!
She managed to wrangle her way until she stood up, staring hard at Elisabeth, who placed her palms up.
Fine, Ill tell you. In any case, its not a story which Frank tells well, thats for sure, she said, sitting down on the floor now.
Dr. Marhcella de Selva saw a small red laser light through her window. No, she was mistaken. There were five of them pointed at her wall.
It was past midnight and the bombardments had stopped when she was sleeping on her couch. The geneticist gradually moved away from the window and crawled on all fours towards a drawer opposite her.
Opening it, she snatched out a pistol which belonged to her late father to protect herself, but most importantly her twins.
There was a sudden thud at the door. It was being knocked down now but it was too sturdy. With time on her side, Marchella crawled again in the dark, hiding underneath the stairs store room.
She tried making herself into a small ball as possible.
After a few hard kicks at the wooden door it finally broke through. There were shadows of heavy footsteps on the floor. Quietly, she edged herself into a corner, wishing them away.
The footsteps were closer now to the stairs. Marchella placed towards the store rooms door, placing her finger on the trigger.
Her heart raced to a high pitch when the door creaked open as she nearly pulled the trigger until she saw a familiar face.
Jared! she exclaimed excitedly. Dear God, I thought I dont know
The general embraced Marchella tightly. We tried your receiver but it was dead. Thank goodness youre alive. You should have run to your bunker.
Im sorry, Marchella whispered back. I was just too exhausted. Theyre getting heavier every day.
General Jared Williams smiled. Their lips first tentatively touched then they kissed turned deeper. He clasped her head with his free hand while tugging her closer.
I was so damn worried about you, he finally said. She returned his kiss passionately this time.
And I you. Im so sorry, I know that I should have joined the others at the Academy. I just needed time for myself, for us, she murmured.
They embraced again until there was a small cough from outside from one of the subordinates.
The couple laughed.
Come on. Lets get the three of you back to the base before the Sentinels return, General Williams said as he passed a brief glance at Marchellas stomach.
****
Both General Williams and Dr. Marchella were escorted by his troops as they were driven in a convoy truck. There were rubbles along the roads which they passed making the journey more difficult to reach. More houses were burned down and casualties were high among the civilians, they learned.
But some buildings still stood tall among others which included a few military bases stationed worldwide and the Academy, a haven for scientists.
Together they combined forces to combat against a single enemy. But, for one single moment, Jared held onto Marchella in the truck gazing into her eyes.
They had met when she conveyed a proposal to the World Trade Union Council a year ago. He recalled how she appealed to the committee to see the positivity of harnessing a new form of supersoldiers instead of risking more human military personnel in combat.
Clad in her long white laboratory coat with coifed hair, Dr. Marchella was strong in her demand which the committee agreed it was a strong case indeed. During their discussion, she felt General Williams smile on her.
They had met years earlier at the academy when Jared was a mere captain, training in the gymnasium with the others while a few young, bright and upcoming genetics were escorted to see the soldiers performance.
Jared, who was usually fast during a sparring match, was slightly unfocused when the group marched beside the ring to see him only to be punched in the face.
Disorientated, his eyes caught Marchellas, who leaped into the ring to stop his opponent from lunging further.
She kneeled down beside the captain in her white coat, checking for his pulse. His instructor was also beside her, a worried expression etched across his face.
There were major bruises and cuts on his face. Marchella quickly ran her hands through his chest, listening to his heart. It was beating fast due to the adrenaline pumped during the exercise.
Is he going to make it, doc the instructor asked.
She sprayed on some anti-inflammation liquid onto his face. His swollen eyes now only showed a tinge of dark blue but still throbbed with pain.
Marchella nodded. Hell live. Just take him to the sanitarium now. His cells are reacting quickly to the painkiller which Ive just given.
She then turned to Jared.
Captain, look at me. Here, she placed out one finger which ran across side-by-side. How many fingers am I holding up
O-one, he muttered, feeling the effects of the medication given.
Good, youll be sent to the medical bay, she said as a few assistants ran up with a stretcher for Jared.
He remembered a flowery scent which she wore that day.
As they both climbed further up in their careers, they met again when Jared was awarded the rank of a general. He was 25 while Marchella was 32. The ceremony was witnessed by the entire genetics faculty too.
Yet, she did not look her age which was due to her Asian ancestors blessed with olive skin and huge, round eyes.
After the ceremony, Jared went to search out for her. Marchella stood with her colleagues until she waved at him.
She was wearing the same scent.
Without hesitation, he pulled out his hand. Here we are together after so long.
Yes, Marchella quietly replied, shaking his hand, feeling the tiny tingle in her palm.
Theres a small gathering at the hall to celebrate those honored tonight if youd like to join me, he asked, hoping he did not sound pathetic at the same time.
She nodded. Of course, General Williams, Ill be delighted.
Since their first dance, Jared and Marchella were inseparable until one day they had lunch together.
He found Marchella typing furiously on her laptop without touching her favourite food spaghetti bolognaise.
It was until she accidentally tipped the glass water over the table then she stopped.
Im sorry, just rushing this for the committee tomorrow, she said, showing the diagram and slides which she worked on.
Fascinated, he kept urging her to present the idea to them.
Once the approval was given, they were delighted. In a rare occasion of celebration, he invited her to his home to rejoice their victory.
Despite the strong appearance, she was actually a shy person. She hesitantly accepted the dinner invitation, arriving in her best black dress.
He opened the door which revealed a small dining table with a single sunflower in a small glass and two rationed steaks made to perfection.
They spent more similar evenings together until she revealed that a long list of potential candidates had been drawn up to contribute their sperm. The decisions was made after the Council approved of her proposal and established a sub-committee to oversee the projects completion.
He was on top of the list along with another commanding officer.
It was a unanimous decision due to your excellent track record that youve been chose as a perfect candidate, she cheerfully said.
He was surprised at the announcement and did not expect to embark on the programme.
But how
Dr. Marchella brushed his question aside with a glance. Since you joined the academy and provided your genetic print to them. The information has been downloaded for some time now.
They continued walking together, hand-in-hand, on the embankment that evening in the metropolis while he attempted this new information.
They walked on without a word.
****
After one of their long evenings, General Williams confessed that he had fallen in love with her.
Ive seen too many sorrow and too many deaths. Youve been a fresh air to me, he said.
She returned his affection which was when they decided it was best for her to live with him instead of the laboratory.
The IVF treatment went successfully. Dark haired, dark eyes, he was attentive, showering her with small gifts, including a pendant inscribed with their initials which she wore to work.
Meanwhile, the war continued to rage between both the humans and Sentinels, leaving Jared on the edge of nervousness. His worries for Marchella and the twins were now his own too. Unsettling mood swings settled in with an intense sense of paranoia that his small family would be snatched by the Sentinels despite the heavy security at their home. There were spats, small fights which erupted without warning between them.
Im scared of losing you, Jared confessed during one of their heated disagreements. Well have to lay out a plan soon for the three of you.
The plan eventually led them being married in secret in the hope that their own children would not be conscripted in the military. The ceremony was held in a small chapel which Jared had paid the chaplain a large sum to keep his silence.
Jared had also recorded instructions in his will which were written out specifically should he fail to return from combat. He placed it in a safe vault in the apartment which they had now made their home. It was accessible by a code with his wifes birth date.
Revealing this to Marchella one evening as they settled down for their dinner, she was both delighted and sad at the prospect of him heading into battle.
Both had been monitoring the aggressive attacks held by the Sentinels, which by this time, were launching their ruthless attack incessantly.
Heavy bombardments and night curfews continued under the military rule. Waiting pensively for Jareds return in their home, Marchella decided to focus her energy in the laboratory longer than usual. There was a sense of purpose as she placed each glass chroma into the genetic library, stored for Earths defense.
The chromas had different coloured-hues which slid perfectly in the brightly-lid library, ready to be accessed anytime with high-end security and guards protecting them. No expenses were spared to keep these living beings consciousness in the facilitys refrigerated state. The chromas would be inserted into a living orgasm the supersoldiers whom she had presented earlier to the committee.
Together with other prominent scientists and researchers, they continued their work by injecting a highly active gene into a human embryo, which not only accelerated their growth rate but speed, agility and strength as opposed to a normal soldier.
Once they had reached at the age of one year old, each would undergo their first psychological test by having a chroma, or consciousness, inserted into their brain which would dissolve into the tissue. It was a delicate procedure which needed the steady hands of surgeons, recruited especially for this task alone.
Once this was completed, a small time frame would be given to see if the procedure proved to be successful. In the initial test case, there was a small batch of children who did not survive and ended with cancerous cells which eventually led to their death.
Others who survived thrived well were immediately sent to a semi-military unit to be trained in the art of warfare and combat.
But neither Dr. Marchella nor the others would dream that their creation would evolve to a stage of maturity, questioning their existence or the forces that wished to control their lives. They had not anticipated that for every supersoldier who had undergone every mind transference mission, they would not only absorb their enemies characteristic, both also their soul which made them for their being. This was the only flaw that was left undetected the essence of the making of a human.
The continuous tests and vigil surveillance on Dr. Marchella as she entered into her second trimester increased her anxiety level. Despite this, she continued working through late morning until she felt the satisfied.
She was daily escorted from her cell, as she liked to call it, to her working station while more guards stood by. The other scientists were also jittery with their presence and hated the fact they were surveyed constantly.
It was during these silent gratified moments that she found through a dispatch officer who arrived at her office with the news that her husband, Jared, was killed in combat.
Without him by her side, she was susceptible to the committees demands to have the twins be part of the enhanced military programme which she created.
Returning to her room each day with a guard escorting along the long corridors nearly drove her mad. She was no longer a child but precautions were taken, she was told, in case any harm came to her.
Or in case she decided to end her own life, she thought menacingly.
Within the confined walls of the small cubicle provided by the military at the academy, there were stacks of scientific books, a computer and the occasion magazines meant for parents to ease the constant discomfort which she would face once the twins were delivered.
There was a sudden pang deep within her heart, aching akin to a thousand cuts slicing her soul slice by slice each hour of the day.
A deep sigh resided in her when she attempted to pray. Her mind froze temporarily, trying hard to remember a single prayer.
None came.
Then, she carefully placed her head against the window. The warm touch of the rare sun on her olive skin provided her with a temporary respite from the guards watch.
With her lips quivering, she opened them and whispered in very basic sentences of her desperation to leave the Kapitoll's prison.
"Dear God," she began. "I pray for your forgiveness. Protect us from harm. Protect Jared. Guide me. Teach me to be strong. I'm in need of your strength."
She missed Jared deeply. She missed his gentle touch and the smell of his woody cologne in the mornings as they kissed, the way his steady eyes gazed upon her rounded frame which she would jokingly exclaimed was unattractive. In return, he would grab hold of her, smoother his wife with kisses upon her neck and ear, which she was now touching, rubbing her face into her palm.
Their love-making even during the early weeks of her pregnancy was memorable. As a first time father, it was natural for Jared to be worried if it would hurt the children in her womb. She caressed his face and laughed.
When they passed that barrier, there was the constant need from him to be with her, touching her face, feeling the plum breasts with his bare hands, mesmerised at her ability to bring life into a chaotic world as they made love despite the chances of their own survival.
Now, he was gone. Gunned down while flying high into the clouds against an enemy whose intention was to colonise their last resource to survive. None of his remains were retrievable. It was difficult for Marchella to accept it because she kept dreaming of him with an impish smile on his face.
She was bailing for blood.
Despite the devastating news, she continued exerting the work displayed on the panel screens in the laboratory which provided her with a mission and focus to help those unfortunate soldiers whose death rate climbed higher and higher with each combat against the Sentinels. There was a sense of peace and calmness when the supersoldiers were tested in several simulations created by a team of specialists.
This was her personally quest - to save humanity at all cost.
****
There was a great amount of resistance to not have her children enlisted but the committee retorted that she was being selfish.
She placed an appeal during the hearing sessions at the nine-man panel but each attempt only proved the heartlessness of the Kapitolls control over her own children.
During one of her outburst, she was placed in an isolated room, monitored and watched by the guards like a common criminal constantly, in case she intended to commit suicide.
Her attempts to escape only strengthened the committees commitment to have her placed under a more strict surveillance.
Her prayers were finally answered a few moons later.
A spot of light cast itself upon a maroon carpet laid in Dr Marchella's adjoining room where the twins were sleeping. It was Josef, a young guardian apprentice dispatched to care for her children in her absence.
She had gone earlier to the facility leaving the children behind with a tracking security device attached on their wrists.
The swish of a robe momentarily cast the light off with its wearer peering into the crib quietly. There were gentle breathing emitted from the younglings after a hard day's training in the kindergarten with their instructors by their side, edging the two to feed and clothe themselves while their mother in normal clothes, watched with a worrying expression etched on her pained face outside with a glass panel separating her and the children.
Soon, Josef thought silently, they will have to learn combat skills to strengthen their muscles followed by the academy's stringent style of learning to count, read and write. Their scores would determine their existence whether to continue enjoy the benefits as youthful supersoldiers with the ability to transcend into an enemy's mind, or to have their own lives taken by their own blades, likened to the Japanese art form of harakiri.
Failure, then, was not an option, especially for these two, thought the shadow.
Merely five-months-old now, Alexis and Frank did show a promising start - the acceleration programme which the scientist imposed in the children's genes were encoded in a small chip placed at the base of their neck to monitor their performance. The physicians had gone through great pains placing them a month after each one was manufactured in the laboratory to ensure they would be exempted from pain, but altering their genes before inserting them into their mother's womb was a different ball game altogether.
To remove the need to wait for a full grown soldiers would take a lifetime, like normal human beings, to be inculcated into the special forces programme, it would have taken a lifetime. Thus, the advancement which perfected the chromosomes during the genetic coding stage was the perfect solution, especially with the enemies' staging their attacks at earth's doorstep.
The shadow finally gave way to a head from a robe with his fingers running past each twin's head with a small brown mark on their skulls.
The girl suddenly surprised, giggled quietly at the guardian's touch but Frank continued breathing soothingly, undisturbed.
In the silence darken room with only an amberstone lighting a corner, Josef recalled long and hard acting as an intermediary between their mother and President Cole.
The event took place in the last few weeks when Dr Marchella was found alone sitting by the academy's gardens, her eyes red from crying. Josef remembered her clasping a pendant tightly to her chest with one hand while the other stroking the growing of her stomach's bulge.
Seeing Josef, she revealed that the committee had rejected her appeal to have the twins live with her and if the matter was pursued further, she would continue to lose her place as the most prominent geneticist and sent to colony planet where the odds would not be in favour - both as a mother and career-wise.
"I'm done for," she said. "I'd rather see them dead than have them born."
Josef, who acted as President Cole's advisor, reeled at the injustice which the judgment was given. He consoled her, without a promise, to speak to the panelists personally.
"You'd do that for me Why" she asked, disbelieved.
Josef smiled. "There's no reason to be given, Dr. Marchella. You're the reason our existence, the human beings, especially those meant for combat, now only sit behind their consoles monitoring the war while the supersoldiers engage themselves in our place instead. The world, if not, the universe owes you this debt to at least have your twins stay with you without the interference of worrying of your heart as well as their well-being."
"You speak so well, Josef, I wondered why I hadn't approached you sooner," said Dr. Marchella.
Josef merely shrugged. "It's a natural course for any mother to defend her child, even too end their own lives in the course of it. Don't lose hope yet, doctor. You still have friends even in this desperate of times."
When the case was brought up to the president during their weekly meetings over lunch, Josef candidly explained the predicament faced by their most experienced scientist.
He recalled how Cole had sliced through the succulent duck meat while he watched on hungrily. It was standard procedure for the president's subordinates not to partake with the only exception of a glass of tea or coffee for them.
As she chewed, Cole said: "Damn those committee twits! But you must understand, I've sworn during my presidency campaign that no one is above the law, which includes me."
"But this is a special case, Madam president," Josef pressed. "Dr. Marchella's our brightest and finest, not to mention she was the actual engineer in saving the cost of our human species. If the twins are deprived upon their birth, it'll only send a message to the science community that your government is heartless. They'll make a martyr out of her if she were to take her own life and have them conscripted seconds in the world. Plus," he added "your campaign to succeed in the coming months may not reach your expectations."
At this, Cole abruptly stopped eating. "Are you threatening me, Josef Others have been sent to the gallows for lesser acts."
Josef continued to press on despite feeling his heart beating is his mouth.
"Certainly not, Madam President," he bowed slightly. How he hated to pitter-patter around his superior when voicing his mind when she warranted it.
"The genetic-engineered programme has been brilliant with minimal collateral damage on our own forces by 90 percent. While we don't have the capability to penetrate the enemies' minds, these supersoldiers do both the leg work and fight on the front lines through the mind transference while we focus on more pertinent issues in securing humanity doesn't perish when we faced the first wave of the Sentinels' attacks. We can't afford to lose hold of our gain while it's in our hands," the guardian stressed.
Placated with Josef's reasoning, Cole continued cutting into the meat and chewed thoughtfully. She then took a sip of Josef's cold tea.
"You know, you're the only one on my council who dares to play this dangerous game with me with your brutal honesty. I admire that.
"Grant her request but leave me out of it. I must be seen impartial if this decision is leaked out. I can't afford another affront from my opponents in the next national security meet. They're crucifying us with their hate speech bills which they hope to be passed soon.
Before Josef made his leave, Cole added: "I don't care how it's done, guardian, however, I think you've thought of it before speaking to me today," the president winked.
Josef bowed deeply in front of her and hastily made his way to implement the arrangements for the small family. It would take a day or two but better to have Cole's blessing and support first, he thought.
The birth of the twins took place in April slightly after 10pm. Marchella held onto the railings beside her bed as physicians and nurses stood around, ready to receive the children.
Agonising as it was, Marchella refrained the use any form of painkiller. Fear turned to anger which helped with the first childs arrival, a boy followed by a girl.
It was a six-hour labor but Marchella was satisfied when her children were placed in her arms. With the birthing exercise complete, she was left alone, clutching them close as each started to suckle onto each of her nipples.
Lethargy began to set in but in between she managed to count each twins fingers, toes and inspected their thin skin.
Josef observed the moment quietly from behind a glass which stood as a barrier to the room where mother and children lay down to sleep.
It was only a matter of time before the end of the year that another plan would be unraveled. There was a sudden vibration in his a palm an incoming call.
He switched it off with a click of his thumb. No one had the right to avert his attention from this precious moment.
Quietly as he left the building, the cellphone buzzed again. He could not ignore this call.
Are they safe the caller asked.
Yes, was all the guardian could answer before he drove off into the night. Sacrifices would have to be met but not immediately, he thought.
****
"Push! Keep pushing now!"
Marchella held onto the rails on her bed, feeling the agony jolting through her entire body system especially from the leg down.
Biting into a piece of towel, she pushed her abdomen muscles until she felt something moving between her thighs.
There was a loud cry when the doctor handed a baby to her. It was a boy.
Holding on to him, she felt another contraction.
"We've got another one!" said a nurse.
Beads of sweat ran down the sides of Marchella's temples. How she wanted to shout and scratch the walls with her fingers but continued to use her teeth biting into the wet cloth instead.
The second twin was five minutes longer. Marchella thought she was on the edge of fainting when finally a nurse said:"It's a girl!"
Releasing the rag from her mouth, Marchella kissed each one of the twins' temples after she felt the umbilical cord cut.
Slowly breathing now, she allowed the nurses to gently lift her children away to clean them.
The room was quiet with the heart monitoring machine beside her.
The first time she held Alexis and Frank in her arms, an overwhelming sense of joy filled her heart.
The twins, now clean from the mucus, were pink and healthy. They were delivered a day late until which Marchella started to feel cramps in her stomach.
Counting their toes and fingers, she kissed each one again. There was a sense of bewilderment because the ordeal was finally over.
She refused to be induced or receive any painkillers. The pain, she believed, was necessary to allow the others see that nature was in control. The agony was also temporary.
She was alone in the maternity room. A couple of her colleagues had paid a visit and found her staring out of the window with a calm expression on her face.
They found the ordeal to be cruel - here she was in plainclothes without Jared beside to comfort her.
His death proved to be huge blow not only to Marchella but also to the entire Kapitoll community as a whole. He was one of those leaders who refused to give up while undergoing each mission and protected those who he deemed was weak instead of making them feel worse.
At the thought of him, Marchella started to shed a tear. He would have been a very proud father to see his own flesh and blood alive despite the warring circumstances they were living in now.
In the following days, she thought of two appropriate names for the twins. Then, she recalled a brief conversation with Jared before his passing of his fondness for his father, a physicist by the name of Frank.
As for the girl, Marchella decided that Alexis was a strong name.
Feeding them proved to be challenging. Frank proved to be a dominant baby who constantly cried for his mother. Alexis, meanwhile, was quiet. Too quiet for her own good.
Marchella's maternal instincts kicked in when she expressed her worries about her daughter to the doctor. Tests were run to see if she was unwell except that she was as healthy as any newborn.
"She's just a naturally quiet baby. Nothing to be worried about. It's extremely normal for them to develop an early personality at this stage already," the kind doctor said.
To ease her own anxiety, she told them stories of her own childhood, their father who bravely fought against a foe which she hoped they would not face some day.
On the third day, they released her and with the guards escorting the new mother to her home, she could still feel her muscles swollen.
Three months of maternity leave. 60 days of blissful time with Frank and Alexis. It was also a tiring business caring for two mouths with one already asleep while the other needed her touch.
The three finally found their rhythm; Marchella discovered while Alexis had a taste for classical music, Frank was more inclined to watch commercials on the screen, his eyes transfixed on the movements made.
More and more congratulatory notes came in the following weeks. Finally, an official letter arrived with the president's signature, saying that a guardian had been appointed for the children.
At the word "guardian", Marchella crumpled up the paper, leaving it on the floor. The word meant that her twins had been conscripted into the military order despite her demands to not have them enlisted.
She decided to place a plea with the president - the Kapitoll owed her that much after creating the supersoldiers in a last final ditch to save humanity.
An arrangement was made to meet Cole personally. The meeting was supposed to be held in the evening. An escort was already waiting in front of her apartment.
Marchella tried to drive away another instinct in her - she hated to be monitored even though promised not to flee with her only family.
Distrust, a common trait among the Kapitoll's higher echelons.
As the escort drove her in the night, she sensed the road which was meant to lead to the president's private cabin was wrong.
"Hey, what' going on here" she asked in a worried tone.
"Change of plans," came the immediate answer.
She was now being driven to another part of an unknown forest far from the metropolis where small shimmering lights of purple covered the area.
As the car stopped, the escort ordered her to leave the vehicle and followed him from behind.
Along the way, she picked up a long tree bark and hit the escort's head. Temporarily surprised, he retaliated by punching her face, leaving her defenseless on the ground.
Without any warning, he shot her down three times in her face and the last two bullets in her chest for good measure.
He then left the geneticist alone within the woods with the rest of the supersoldiers' remains.
