Project SHAME

Under the cover of the night sky, I peer through the bushes. looking into the lighten outpost below, I observing its layout. The outpost cuts into the hillside, being sunken in slightly. The hillside I'm observing from, sits directly above the wall of the post. On the far side of my position, a scout tower. Most likely where the sniper was shooting from. It barely extends over the treetops of the forest. Being exposed just enough for the outpost to have a general overview of our base and a little of its surroundings. on the far right of the base three cylinder, military shelter tents sat in a row. Closest to me and finishing the line a single semi-circle tent rested. lights beamed out of every tent, signifying their occupations. I assume that the circular one is their planning base. Taking a peek inside may give me some useful data. As for the left portion of the base, two jeeps await orders along with rows of crates hidden under several tarps. Surrounding the base is a simple 2 high stack of Hesco Bastions. The entrance of the base is a simple chain-linked gate. Found on the left side of the base, separating the crates from the jeeps.

I notice movement in the camouflaged dark tower. A figure stands up from the tower, slinging a rifle over their shoulder. They swing around, throwing themselves down the ladder to the soft dirt ground below. As the person steps off the ladder, a girl reveals themselves as she steps into the base's humble light. She slides the sniper rifles sling through her palm as she glances over the base. I wasn't expecting the shooter to be a girl, but she won't receive any discrimination regardless. The woman seems to be in her thirties, wearing a simple white tank top as her grey two-tone uniform dangles at her waist. Her hair was a deep green and was fitted with a half-rimmed, crimson red pair of glasses. A man exits the tent nearest to the tower and meets her at the ladder. They exchange a few unintelligible words as the woman enters that same tent. The man then climbs up the ladder, taking his place as overwatch. It seems that the base is mostly inactive for the night. With the three tents I assume there are around 18-36 men on this base. Not exactly an easy fight for me to run and gun.

I push the shrubbery further to the side, slowly inching through as not to make a noise. I climb down onto the dirt-filled Hesco Bastion, slowly returning the shrubbery to its previous state. I inch myself across the wall, dropping myself over behind the semi-circle tent. I peer into the nearby window, spotting a man spread over his desk, most likely asleep. I walk around the semi-circle, taking a glance over the entirety of the base. I spot a man posted at the outside gate of the base. Seems exit won't be the easiest thing either. sneaking into the circle tent, I quietly brush the cloth door aside. The sounds of the jungle subside as I close the tarp behind me. The man on the table snored softly, allowing me entrance. I overview the room, finding a sort of meeting table centering the room. I look across the table, seeing random papers thrown around. I glance over the papers, seeing the woman on one of them. Chloe Lance, a world-class mercenary sharpshooter huh? Would explain that accuracy. Looks like she was called here today to assist with capturing the target. With an aim like that, it sounds closer to assassinating them... I return the paper to its original position, noticing a shipment record beside it. A package of C4 was shipped here with her? Looks like I have myself a plan. Setting the paperback on the table, the man grones to life. I quickly shove myself to the floor before quietly sliding underneath the table. The man lets out a contagious yawn before sitting up.

Man: "Damn... It's this late already?.."

He pushes himself to his feet, clicking off the lamp before staggering outside the tent. I hear him talk to another person as the voices fade away. Carefully sliding myself out from under the table, I once again look through the papers. At the end of the pile laid a bolded title: Synthetic Humanoid Andriod Mimic Experiment or project S.H.A.M.E.

I awaken from my dream, sluggishly sitting up in my bed as the sun's fatal rays flood my room. I inch myself out of bed, cherishing every moment inside my sheets. I sit on the bedside, letting my body awaken itself. I haven't had one of those dreams for a few days now... I push myself to my feet, checking my laptop for anything interesting. throwing on my usual clothes, I stagger out of my room. I sag through the hallway, passing Nick's room. I pause, looking at his nameplate. I haven't seen nick since we went training together a few days ago... I wonder where he's gone. I push myself upright, taking one last glance at the nameplate before heading into the cafeteria. Throwing on my usual breakfast for the day I head out into the seating area, finding Doc by his lonesome.

Jax: "I thought you made your own breakfasts."

I slide onto the seat across from him. I take up my bagel, slathering the tasty cream across it before taking a bite.

Doc: "I usually do, but a man needs a break now and then."

Jax: "Understandable, have you gotten those machines to work yet?"

Doc: "I'm almost there, those damn machines are the reason for my break after all."

Jax: "I won't ask for the technical stuff, but you HAVE been sleeping right?"

I look into his dying eyes and sagged face. his movements almost seem mechanical as he raises his mug to his mouth. He set the mug down, letting the dark coffees taste spread across his mouth.

Doc: "I have been sleeping PERFECTLY fine. Coffee is all I need to get me through the day."

Jax: "Doc... 30 minutes doesn't count as perfectly fine sleep..."

Doc: "It's fine, I'm fine. What about you? Have any weird dreams you like to bring up?"

Jax: "Yea actually, I had one last night."

Doc: "Is that so? Mind giving me a brief explanation then. They're quite entertaining stories after all."

I give Doc a brief explanation of how I dodged the sniper, defended my camp, overheard the soldier's conversation, and how I snuck into their outpost.

Doc: "That's, quite something. What happens next?"

Jax: "Well, that's where the dream ended tonight. Well before I woke up I was going through some papers on the desk."

Doc: "Oh? What sort of papers."

He lets out a yawn as his head slowly sinks towards the table.

Jax: "... Nothing much... Just a shipment delivery... Oh, and Chloe was in my dream."

Doc: "I thought you said it was in the middle of a jungle in an outpost. Do you know what she was doing out there?"

Jax: "Yeah, it said she was a mercenary sent out to capture someone on my base. She was also the sniper if I remember correctly."

Doc: "Interesting, a few years ago, before she became your Commanding Operators, she was a renowned sharpshooter. It's strange how your dream fit her to her once noble title."

Jax: "Was?"

Doc: "On one of her mission she was ambushed and severely hurt... Due to that, she has since been "slightly" impaired."

His face meets the table as his eyes begin to sink shut. His eyes flutter open, trying to refuse his body demands.

Jax: "I see... there was something else I saw, something called the synthetic android something? It's a little on the foggy side... I think it was called the shame project?"

Doc springs up, nearly knocking over his mug. He shifts his gaze, taking a swig out of his coffee mug. His previously tired expression shifts to alertness as his eyes refuse to remain still.

Doc: "Do... Do you remember what it was about?"

Jax: "No... The dream ended before I got any detail out of it... Doc you alright?"

Doc: "Yes, I'm fine... I think it's finally catching up to me. My fatigue I mean."

Jax: "Yea... You should probably go take a nap Doc, nearly 6 full days with only 30 minutes of sleep to separate them is pushing it too much."

Doc: "Right, right. I think ill go lay down. The constant work has been putting a number on me."

He stands, coffee mug in hand, he takes another big gulp finishing the glass. He walks away, setting his used dishes down at the appropriate areas before heading into the accommodation building. Doc... Has never been a very good actor...

But what exactly is the S.H.A.M.E project?