As I lay in the genetic-stasis chamber, the robotic arms descended, each one equipped with a different tool or vial of genetic material. The hum of machinery filled my ears as I steeled myself for what was to come.
"Initiating genetic modification," Major Tiberius said, his tone steady and reassuring. "You may feel some discomfort, but it will be brief."
The first needle pierced my skin, injecting a cyan fluid directly into my synapses. A searing pain shot through my body, lighting up every nerve center. The excruciating agony was far beyond anything I had ever experienced. I clenched my jaw, my teeth grinding against each other as I fought to remain conscious.
Another machine descended over my head, its magnetic alteration system humming ominously as it began to alter my brain structure. The process was invasive and precise, changing neural pathways to enhance cognitive functions. Needles plunged into my vertebrae, brain stem, and three into my cranium. Each new injection brought a fresh wave of pain, a blinding, all-encompassing torture to my nervous system that made it impossible to think.
The pain was too much. My vision blurred, and a darkness edged into my consciousness. Despite the slight narcotic in the pod, the agony overpowered everything. I blacked out.
When I awoke, I was lying inside the drained genetic pod, the cool air of the room washing over my skin. I felt strangely detached, as if I had been disconnected from reality and was only now being plugged back in. I flexed all my muscles, testing each limb to ensure everything still worked.
"Lieutenant Galen, welcome back," Major Tiberius said, his voice breaking through my haze. "How do you feel?"
"Like I've been hit by a starship," I muttered, sitting up slowly. "But I think I'm alright. Everything seems to be in working order."
"Good to hear," Tiberius replied, his expression professional but with a hint of concern. "We need to run through a few checks. I'm going to read off a questionnaire. Please answer to the best of your ability."
I nodded, feeling a bit confused. From the stories I'd heard about my commanders' enhancements, this wasn't a part of the process. But I trusted Tiberius and followed his lead.
"Are you experiencing any dizziness or vertigo?" Tiberius asked.
"No, nothing like that," I responded.
"Any nausea or disorientation?" he continued.
"No."
"How about your vision? Any blurriness or changes?"
I paused, blinking a few times. "Actually, my vision seems sharper. Everything is clearer."
"Good. How's your mind? Any confusion or mental fatigue?"
I thought for a moment, then shook my head. "No confusion. My mind feels... clearer. Sharper."
"Any unusual sensations or phantom feelings?" Tiberius asked, his pen poised over his data pad.
I hesitated. "Yes, actually. I feel like I'm touching things that aren't there. It's strange."
Tiberius nodded, making a note. "That's expected during the adjustment period. Any pain or discomfort?"
"Only a dull ache, but it's manageable."
"Excellent. Any changes in your strength or reflexes?"
I flexed my hands, feeling a newfound strength in my muscles. "Yes, I feel stronger. More responsive."
Tiberius continued his questions, probing for any side effects or unexpected results. I answered each one, noting the positive changes I felt. My muscles were more responsive, my mind more focused, and I had no sense of fatigue despite the ordeal.
"Alright, Lieutenant. Everything seems in order," Tiberius concluded, his tone relieved. "You can rest now. AM-3S will guide you back to your quarters."
As Tiberius left, I lay back in the pod, trying to process everything. Suddenly, I felt phantom sensations—like I was touching various things in the room without physical contact. It was disconcerting, but I pushed the feelings aside. Strangely, I seem to have some benefits of both a physical and mental enhancement.
AM-3S entered, its sensors scanning me. "Lieutenant, I will assist you back to your quarters."
I nodded, swinging my legs over the side of the pod. As I stood, a wave of dizziness hit me, and AM-3S moved to support me. "Thank you, AM-3S. I think I need the help."
We walked slowly through the corridors, AM-3S steadying me with its mechanical arm. My body was adjusting, but the sensations and aftereffects of the procedure were overwhelming.
"How are you feeling, Lieutenant?" AM-3S asked, its tone laced with concern.
"Strange," I admitted. "Everything is sharper, clearer. But there are these phantom feelings... it's unsettling."
"Your body and mind are adjusting to the enhancements," AM-3S explained. "It will take time for everything to settle."
We passed through several clearance checkpoints, each one more advanced than the last. The genetic test and digital permission code were standard procedures, but they served as a reminder of the secrecy and security of the genetics department. As we ascended to the higher levels, I felt phantom sensations again, like I was touching the walls and equipment around me.
"Any changes in your perception of your surroundings?" AM-3S inquired.
"Yes," I replied, frowning. "I can feel things I shouldn't be able to. It's like my senses are reaching out beyond my body."
"That is a potential effect of the neural enhancements," AM-3S said. "Your new feelings will either bloom into an extra-sensory ability or dull back to normal."
We finally reached my quarters, and I collapsed onto the bed, grateful for the support. AM-3S hovered nearby, monitoring my vitals.
"Get some rest, Lieutenant," it advised. "Your body needs time to recover."
I awoke with a start, my body still adjusting to the new enhancements. The previous day's ordeal was a blur of pain and confusion, but I felt stronger, sharper, more focused. As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my personal terminal beeped with a new memo. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I activated the screen.
"Lieutenant Galen, you are to report to High Command at 1800 hours for your genetic modification procedure."
My heart skipped a beat. Confusion washed over me. I had already undergone the genetic modification. What was this memo about?
"AM-3S, what's going on?" I asked, expecting my assistant unit to provide some clarity. But instead of a response, AM-3S suddenly powered down, its sensors dimming as it dropped lifelessly to the floor.
"What the—?" I muttered, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my chest. Something was very wrong.
Without wasting another moment, I activated the emergency beacon on my terminal, summoning an armed detail to my quarters. Within minutes, a squad of heavily armed soldiers arrived, their faces set in grim determination.
"Lieutenant Galen, sir, what's the situation?" the squad leader asked, his eyes scanning the room for any immediate threats.
"I received a conflicting order to report for a genetic modification procedure, but I've already undergone it. Then my assistant unit, AM-3S, shut down when asked about the notification. I need to return to AP-1 and initiate an investigation," I explained, trying to keep my voice steady.
The squad leader nodded. "Understood, sir. We'll escort you immediately."
As we moved through the corridors of the complex, the sense of unease grew. The typically bustling city seemed quieter, more tense. We reached the base without incident, and I was escorted to a waiting area where Private Jax stood, looking anxious.
"Lieutenant Galen, sir," Jax said, snapping to attention. "Is everything alright?"
"Not sure, Jax. We're waiting for Internal Affairs and the Branch of the Interior to sort this out," I replied, trying to keep my tone calm. "Stay sharp."
We didn't have to wait long. A group of officials arrived, led by a stern-looking man in a crisp uniform and another wearing the insignia of Internal Affairs. Behind them, a platoon of Capitol Guards fanned out, guarding the area.
The stern officer stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he looked me over. "Lieutenant Galen, I am Colonel Richter an Officer of the Interior. This is Agent Harris from Internal Affairs. We received a critical alert summoning us here. Explain yourself."
I stood at attention, intercepting their scrutiny with my response. "Sir, I received a memo this morning ordering me to report for a genetic modification procedure, despite having already undergone the procedure yesterday under Major Tiberius. My assistant unit, AM-3S, shut down inexplicably right after. I feared a security breach and took appropriate measures."
Colonel Richter's eyes darkened, and Agent Harris frowned. "Lieutenant, do you understand the gravity of initiating a planetary lockdown and summoning high command without just cause?" Harris demanded, his voice icy. "The consequences for an unjustified alert are severe."
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I understand, sir. But I assure you, this is not an unjustified alert. As I said, I already had my genetic modification from a Major Tiberius."
Colonel Richter's face froze, his eyes narrowing further. "Major Tiberius, you say?" He gestured away on his portable terminal, "We have no record of a Major Tiberius, let alone one authorized for genetic modifications on Atraxis Prime."
My mind raced. Something was deeply wrong here. "That's correct, sir. He conducted the procedure and then left. But if he wasn't authorized, then who was he? And why did AM-3S shut down?"
Agent Harris and Colonel Richter exchanged a glance, their expressions grave. "Lieutenant, it appears..." Harris said. "...we need to investigate this matter privately."
The platoon of Capitol Guards tightened their formation around us, their presence a stark reminder of the severity of the situation. As we stood there, the full weight of the uncertainty settled over me. Whatever was happening, it was clear that the answers lay deeper than I had anticipated.
We made way into the secure elevators on the far end of the base. Minutes passed before we arrived an unknown depth below the surface of the city. Soldiers frantically scurried about, sirens wailed, and red lights illuminated the corridor. The guard led me into an isolated interrogation room where Harris and Richter joined after some time. A man in an exosuit walked in behind them, with a case in his hands.
"Lieutenant, we need samples of your tissues to analyze the procedure you've underwent." the colonel explained, before he nodded to the soldier with the case, "He is collecting one liter of blood as well as some dermis and muscle samples."
The soldier opened the case to reveal several large syringes, a few types of needles, and an extraction device. He assembled his tool before approaching my arm; I released the gauntlet, allowing access to my bicep and forearm.
The man adeptly collected what he needed before inserting the tubes into an analyses unit on his assistant droid. The holo-table we sat around displayed the results.
"It seems you have undergone a Commander-rank enhancement of both physique and mind. However, a third factor unknown factor exists within your results." The medical assistant explained.
"Where did you say this laboratory was lieutenant?" Harris inquired.
As I sat in the interrogation room, the onslaught of questions descended, each one targeted for a different name or event. The sound of the sirens cried in the corridor behind us. I contemplated exactly what happened and what will happen due to the events of this morning.