The wards of Harmonia Heights hummed with activity as the recruits awaited their test results after receiving the NEC-14 injections. Positive outcomes meant advancement to physical therapy and specialized training; negative results spelled disappointment and departure.
Leia, Matt, Swift, Baygon, and Jones rejoiced as their results came back positive. They were whisked away to the field for assessments of their newfound abilities—strength, agility, heightened senses. But Ike and Damilare's results remained shrouded in mystery. Their anxiety grew with each passing minute. Finally, Ike's name was called.
" Ike, please report to the testing room."
Ike's heart sank as he followed the medic. A barrage of tests ensued, each one ending in disappointment.
Ike forced a smile, assuring Damilare and Leia that he'd be alright. Commander Alderan offered him a role as an engineer, but Ike declined graciously, his pride wounded but resolve intact.
As Ike packed his bags, Leia and Damilare accompanied him, their faces etched with concern.
"Don't worry about me," Ike reassured them. "I'll be fine. I've missed home anyways."
The walk to the gate was a blur of mocking comments and snickers, reminiscent of his first day at Harmonia heights.
"Knew he wasn't cut out for this," someone jeered.
"Back to his shitty town, he better be ready for that NEC-15 jab tomorrow" another commented.
Leia bristled at a particularly vicious remark. "Hey!"
Ike placed a calming hand on her arm. "Let it go."
As Ike disappeared into the distance, Leia turned to Damilare. "What's taking so long with your results?"
Damilare's eyes narrowed. "I don't know."
Hours dragged on before Damilare was finally summoned.
Dr. Vex's demeanor was serious as he delivered the results. "Damilare, your results are unlike anything we've seen before. Your senses have not just heightened—they've spiked to unprecedented levels. Your neural activity shows pathways we can't comprehend. You'll need close monitoring."
Damilare's mind reeled.
That night, Damilare slept fitfully in the lab, his dreams plagued by visions of the imprisoned Unity code leader - Dr. Powell.
He jolted awake, sweat-drenched. "Powell escaped!" Damilare's voice echoed through the quiet lab, startling the attending doctors.
"Impossible! He's been in the highest security prison in the country for over a decade now," Dr. Vex responded, perplexed.
"I saw it," Damilare insisted, urgency in his tone. "He's escaped!"
**
Two weeks passed since Damilare's outburst in the lab. The doctors had dismissed his claims as hallucinations, side effects of his unique neural pathways.
But Damilare knew what he saw.
Vivid visions haunted his dreams and waking moments: Dr. Powell's escape, the chaos, the destruction. Damilare's concerns fell on deaf ears.
That morning, Captain Emily drilled the new Harmony Vanguard members with precision.
"Attention!" she barked. "You're not just soldiers; you're the shield of Fuzhou!"
Suddenly, a messenger burst in.
"Captain Emily, emergency meeting. Now."
The captain's expression turned grave.
As she rushed out, Leia approached Damilare.
"What's going on?" she whispered.
Damilare's eyes locked onto the departing captain. "I think it's about Dr. Powell."
Leia's brow furrowed.
The intercom crackled to life. "All personnel, we have a Code Red. Explosion reported at Nowhere Prison."
Gasps echoed through the room.
"Dr. Powell has escaped."
Damilare's eyes met Leia's. I told you.
The room erupted into chaos. Captain Emily stormed back in.
"Battle gear, now! We have a situation."
The Harmony Vanguard mobilized. Damilare's visions now seemed prophetic.
"What does this mean?" Leia asked, her voice trembling.
Damilare's jaw clenched. "It means I'm not hallucinating."
The darkness closing in around them grew thicker, heavy with foreboding. But Damilare knew the truth: This was just the beginning.