Chapter 10

Chapter 10

It’s been two months since the surgery and after passing every exam with flying colors she is set to meet the director of the operations team for an interview to be recruited for his exclusive unit. Rumors were, they dealt in national security, when a situation arises where something needed to get done without all the red tape of legality they took care of it. Armed with the latest weapon tech and soldiers who are the best of the best. What better place to hone her new skills and get close enough to Titan to gather the proof she needed. Her flight didn't leave until four a.m. but of course, she couldn't sleep. She barely does anyway, but tonight she was nervous, like it was the first day of school tomorrow. She replays the day again for the millionth time, the day she lost her unit. Lost her legs, and became a shell of her former self. Every time she fires a gun now she has to fight the urge to panic. She grits her teeth and powers through her fear but eventually, it will catch up to her. A car arrives promptly at two in the morning to bring her to the airport. Upon arrival, she is greeted by the Doctor and a private jet.

“Good morning Val, I hope you are well rested because the Director will likely put you to the test.” He says.

“Slept like a baby Doc, no worries here. I can't wait to show him what I can do.” She replies confidently. He smiles and they board the plane together but sit separately. There are two men in black suits with sunglasses sitting towards the back of the plane. There is a man behind them wearing a white suit with a red tie and he is on a computer typing away. Who’s this prick? Doesn't even glance up from his screen to see who boards the plane? She thinks. The plane takes off without a problem and the flight is enjoyable but quiet. No one speaks to her the entire six-hour flight but this doesn't bother her. Faking kindness is draining and she must keep up the facade much longer if she is to get close to the truth. Staring out the window she sees an island below her with what looks to be some kind of compound with a tower-like structure on top of a mountain. Is this some kind of fortress? She thinks. They land on the runway and the cabin door slides open and she sees the pilot. She freezes in her seat as she sees his green glowing eyes. Her hatred boils up but she tries her best to hide it. Gripping the armrest as hard as she can, she begins breathing slowly and deeply. Her body reacts and begins to calm itself. The Remnant begins to walk by her as she watches it closely.

“We have arrived at our destination masters. Please exit the plane with caution.” It says as it walks past her and to the man in the back. He scoffs and stands up, leaning into the Remnant he says.

“Oh shut the fuck up already, we know what to do. What can possibly happen that we need to be cautious of? What am I going to trip and die right here? They really need to patch their minds, common sense you just can't replicate it am I right Val?” The man in the back exclaims.

“Yea I know right? You would think by now they would be able to pass as human. Who are you?” She replies.

“Where are my manners? Director Anderson at your service. Normally I would test your sharpshooting skills or possibly a hand to hand battle but I figured a good ole fashioned stress test was in order. Especially with what happened to your unit oh and what was his name? Eric! Yes, that was a shitty way to go for sure. Anyway come with me and I will introduce you to your new unit.” He shoves the Remnant into a nearby seat as he passes by, he stops at the exit door and winks at her then leaves the plane. She stands and follows him but the Doctor noticed the armrest. He touches it as he walks past and ponders how well the OS is working with her system. Enhancing even her physical strength is a remarkable breakthrough. She walks side by side with the Director and the Doctor trails behind them.

“You passed by the way, in case you were wondering.” He remarks.

“What if I didn't?” She replies.

“Then you would not have made it off the plane.” He replies with a smirk.

“Sir. I'll be blunt, what the hell is going on with the Remnant? Obviously, you know what happened to me even though the Doctor and others wouldn't confirm it during my rehabilitation.” She asks.

“A terrorist cell calling themselves Humanity First has somehow hacked the Remnants and are using them to attack humans. Don't get me wrong they were always able to attack people but only on our command if we unlocked them. There are a handful of black bag operations our military uses them for but always under the direct control of Titan Industries. Humanity First’s play is if the population realizes they can harm us then the company will fall as will the Remnant. If we lose public trust it’s all over.” He replies.

“I thought their OS was hack-proof, that's what you people told us all these years.” She asks.

“It was, we aren't sure how this is happening. It should be impossible but that's my job. To root out the leader of the cell and make him tell us how he's doing this. Get some rest, tomorrow you meet Ghost Unit and if our lead pans out you may be going into the field. The Doctor will take you to your quarters.” He replies while he places his hand on her shoulder. She can feel the darkness this man has not only ordered others to do but partook in as well. She fakes a smile and follows along all the while remembering every detail she can of her surroundings.

Scientists in white coats stand around looking at screens, soldiers everywhere. Many are augmented with cybernetic limbs and gear. Their weaponry looks futuristic, unlike anything she has used or seen before. A few hovercrafts are parked on the runway. Just need to succeed and show them what I can do. They've never seen someone like me before. She thinks. Surprisingly she sleeps soundly for the first time in ages, with no dreams or nightmares of any kind. She always was an early riser, six a.m. was her go-to. From a kid to now her internal clock just rose with the sun. Today was no different, she dresses and combs her hair then ties it into a small ponytail. A knock at her door and she is greeted by a soldier with a cybernetic arm. He has dusty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, the kind that seems to peer into your very soul. He’s a few inches taller than her with a medium build. He smiles and offers his human hand as a greeting and she accepts. Great smile. She thinks.

“Nice to meet you, my name is Taurus. Second rank in Ghost Unit and the demo expert. We use code names here, no you can't choose it, they are assigned. Lame right? Check this out!” He says excitedly. His cybernetic hand opens and transforms into a cannon-like weapon. “This baby can fire a rocket and be laser-guided up to two hundred yards. Pretty cool right? I see you got some nice legs, oh they are Olympia tech! Wow, my arm is Kleos Tech and I'm on the waitlist for Olympia upgrade.” He says. Val smiles and nods but before she can get a word out he speaks again.

“Sorry I ramble when I’m nervous. I will be introducing you to the others then it’s mission time.” He says while walking away. Making the come on motion with his robotic hand Val smiles and follows him. They walk down a long hallway all the while she counts her footsteps. Memorizing each detail, she can pick out from her surroundings even though there are barely any. The cracks and chips on the wall, how many doors they walk past. Some have little windows at the top and when she passes by she glances in only to see the rooms are completely dark. They reach their destination after walking for fifteen minutes, Taurus talked the whole time and she just carried on the small talk while observing. A large hangar bay with a hovercraft and a group of people standing by it conversing.

“That big guy with the dark hair and sunglasses is Leo, our fearless leader. Word of advice, do your job, and don't get on his fucking bad side or else. Anyway, your code name is Sagittarius. Hey, guys meet our newest member and Marksman, Sagittarius!” Taurus yells. The group turns their attention to her and a pit develops in her stomach. She can feel them sizing her up and making assumptions about her. Leo walks towards her with a cigarette in his mouth, he easily towers over everyone here. He must be at least seven feet. She thinks.

“Hope Taurus didn't talk your ear off. I’m Leo and the two behind me are Pisces and Gemini. Today you will be put to task, we found the target and will move to eliminate him in his stronghold.” He says. As he turns to walk away she notices both of his arms are cybernetic starting at the shoulders down. Pisces is a female with goggles on and long pink hair.

“Leo why are you so mean!? Let's go out on a date after this mission!” She bellows. Leo just growls and ignores her as he walks by. Gemini is a smaller man of Asian descent with what looks to be some kind of blade in a sheathe on his back and a visor covering the top half of his face. He nods at her then follows the others.

“Gemini doesn't speak much, shit have I ever heard him? Eh, I don't know whatever. Quick let's go before they leave us.” Taurus says. Each of them are killers, I can sense their hands tensing the second they laid eyes on me. Their muscles flexed ever so slightly and their breathing slowed to a crawl, How the hell do I know that? Is this a side effect of the OS? She thinks.