"Are you done treating your best Vanguard like a fucking lab rat now?" Captain Emily asked frustrated, as she gazed at Dr. Elara Vex, the lead scientist at Harmonia Heights, overseeing her and Damilare's quarantine. They had spent a whole week under strict observation following their mission in Edenwood, undergoing tests and constant monitoring for any signs of the NEC-15 virus or unusual behavior, all of which yielded no findings.
Dr. Vex smiled warmly. "Apologies, Captain. Precautions were necessary. You're cleared for release."
Emily stood, her eyes never leaving the scientist. "So what's the final outcome?"
Dr. Vex turned to the monitor behind him, tapping the screen to highlight key results. "Ike's analysis, combined with our research, revealed something remarkable. The NEC-15 virus cannot coexist with the NEC-14 super soldier dose."
Emily's brow furrowed. "Explain."
"The NEC-14 virus enhances physical abilities, rewriting genetic code," Dr. Natasha, the assistant lab doctor began. "The NEC-15 virus attempts to reprogram cognitive functions. They're fundamentally incompatible."
Dr. Vex nodded. "We've confirmed this through a series simulations and testing. People with NEC-14 are immune to the NEC-15's effects."
Emily's expression turned thoughtful. "And what are the implications?"
"A meeting with Harmony Vanguard's top brass has been convened," Dr. Vex replied. "We're recommending accelerated administration of NEC-14 to the new recruits, instead of waiting another six months."
Emily's gaze locked onto Dr. Vex. "When does the new protocol begin?"
"Within 48 hours," Dr. Vex replied.
Just after, Ike and Leia arrived at the quarantine ward, eager to pick up Captain Emily and Damilare. The facility hummed with activity as scientists and doctors moved about.
Leia's heart raced as she spotted Damilare standing by the exit, his expression brightening at their arrival.
"Dami!" Leia exclaimed, launching herself at him. Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and for a fleeting moment, Damilare's eyes lit up with delight.
"Hey there, I'm glad to see you too" he replied, gently easing Leia off him, his gaze drifting to Captain Emily.
The captain's expression turned wry, her eyes narrowing slightly at Leia's exuberant display.
Leia quickly scanned Damilare from head to toe, concern etched on her face. "Did they treat you well in there? Are you feeling okay?"
Damilare chuckled. "I'm fine, Leia. We had a good time, didn't we, Captain?" He gestured toward Emily, who raised an eyebrow.
Leia's expression turned serious. "How could you do something so rash, knowing you could be infected? You risked your life to save her."
Captain Emily cleared her throat, a fake cough that drew attention. "Ahem, well, I'm glad to see you're both unharmed."
"Thank you Captain," Ike intervened, breaking the tension. "We'd be taking our leave now. Have a great...recovery." He waved awkwardly.
As they walked toward their dorms, Damilare couldn't help but notice the newfound closeness between Ike and Leia. They exchanged glances that lingered a moment longer than usual, a subtle warmth in their interactions that hadn't been there before. Damilare arched an eyebrow, unable to resist making a remark.
"So, am I sensing a new alliance forming here?" Damilare teased, which made Ike chuckle nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess," he replied.
In truth, Ike's determination to uncover the truth about the NEC-14 and NEC-15 chips had impressed Leia. Despite the devastating loss of his father, he refused to succumb to grief. Instead, he poured his energy into the research.
Leia, who had once seen Ike as arrogant, now glimpsed the depth of his pain. His eyes, once bright with mischief, now held a haunting intensity, a window to the turmoil brewing within. Her respect for him grew, and with it, a sense of empathy she couldn't ignore.
**
Later that evening, just when the recruits were settling in, exhausted from the day's drills, the intercom crackled to life.
"Attention, recruits! Report to the parade grounds immediately!" Commander Alderan's voice boomed.
Groans and murmurs spread through the dorms as recruits hastily assembled outside.
Commander Alderan stood at attention, his eyes scanning the sea of anxious faces.
"Luck has favored those of you who have survived to this day," Commander Alderan began, his tone commanding. "Consider this your early graduation. Tomorrow's training will determine if you become a Vanguard or not," Commander Alderan continued. "It doesn't matter if you've been exceptional all year; if you don't pass tomorrow's exercise, it's all for nothing."
A collective murmur rippled through the crowd.
"You'll all be administered the NEC-14 chip," Commander Alderan announced. "Unfortunately, it's not compatible with everyone's genes. Also, It's not something anyone can help. Your body either accepts it or it doesn't."
Swift raised her hand, hesitantly. "Sir, what happens if it doesn't work?"
Commander Alderan's expression turned stern. "If it doesn't work on you, your training here is over."
Gasps and whispers spread through the crowd.
"But if it does work," he continued, "your senses will be heightened all-round. Results may vary from person to person. Some may even develop unique or...strange abilities."
Excited chatter erupted, recruits speculating about potential powers.
"Silence!" Commander Alderan barked. "Class dismissed!"
As the recruits dispersed, the night air buzzed with anticipation and anxiety.
Ike, Matt, Damilare, and the others huddled together, their conversations hushed but animated.
"Do you think it's true?" Matt asked. "About the unique abilities?"
Ike nodded. "My dad said the NEC-14 was revolutionary."
Damilare frowned. "But what if it doesn't work? What then?"
The group fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
As they retired to their dorms, sleep proved elusive. Minds raced with possibilities.
Who would emerge with extraordinary abilities and who would be casted aside?
The night wore on, filled with restless tossing and turning, as the recruits awaited the dawn of their fate.