The metal walls of my cell felt closer than ever, a constant reminder of my confinement. But my mind was alive with possibilities, each one more tantalizing than the last. I could feel the edges of my new abilities creeping in, almost like an itch I couldn't scratch. They had altered me, yes, but that didn't mean I was powerless. I was a blank slate, waiting for the right moment to write my own story.
In the following days, I observed everything. The guards, the routines, the faint sounds of machinery beyond my cell. I paid attention to every detail, every conversation. There was a rhythm to this place, a heartbeat that I could learn to follow. I didn't know how long I would have before they decided to use me—or worse, dispose of me—so I needed to act quickly.
It was during one of my solitary meals, a tray of unappetizing slop, that I overheard something useful. The guards, always dismissive of my presence, had let their guard down, their conversation revealing more than they intended.
"Did you hear about the meeting tonight?" one guard said, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"Yeah, something big is happening," the other replied. "Dr. Royce is briefing the higher-ups about the new 'project.' I heard they're planning an operation to intercept Corella. She's been getting too close to finding the remnants of CAT."
My heart raced. Corella was close. I didn't know what they had planned for her, but I had to warn her. If they were aiming to intercept her, it could mean anything from capturing her to outright eliminating her.
As they continued their discussion, I leaned in, pretending to be lost in thought, as I quietly mapped out the layout of my surroundings. I was confined to a small, sterile room, but beyond it, I knew there had to be a corridor leading to an operations center—wherever the guards came from. I could hear the faint thrum of machinery and muffled voices through the walls.
When the guards finally left, I began testing my restraints. They were tight, but not insurmountable. I took a deep breath, focusing on the modifications they had made to me. My body felt different—stronger. If I could just channel that newfound strength into breaking free…
After a few tense minutes of twisting and pulling, I managed to free my left hand. Heart pounding, I quickly surveyed the room. The door was still closed, but I could hear footsteps approaching.
Panic set in. I quickly tucked my hand back into the cuff and leaned back on the table, pretending to be compliant and still. The door swung open, and in walked Dr. Royce, flanked by two guards.
"Ah, I see you're getting comfortable," Royce said with a smug smile, as if I were nothing more than a pet. "I trust you've had enough time to reflect on your situation?"
"More or less," I replied coolly, keeping my voice steady.
He stepped closer, examining me with a mixture of curiosity and contempt. "You know, it's quite fascinating what we've done to you. Your body is adapting well to the enhancements. But that doesn't mean you can ignore our instructions."
"I'm just waiting for the right opportunity," I said, feeling my heartbeat quicken. I had to act. I had to find a way out.
Royce's smile faded slightly, and for a moment, I saw a flash of irritation cross his features. "You don't have to wait long. Soon, you'll be put to use. But first, we need to see just how much we can push you."
"Push me?" I repeated, forcing a laugh. "You think I'll just roll over because you say so?"
He leaned in closer, the air between us electric. "I think you'll do what you're told—because if you don't, we'll have no choice but to reassign you. And I doubt you'll enjoy that."
I met his gaze, unflinching. "I'll take my chances."
Royce's smile returned, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Very well. Just remember, every choice has its consequences." He turned on his heel and walked toward the door, leaving the guards behind. As he reached for the handle, he paused. "Oh, and we're sending you on a little field trip soon. You might find it enlightening."
The door clicked shut behind him, and the guards exchanged glances, clearly unsure of what to do next. I seized the moment.
With a sudden burst of energy, I lunged toward the guards, using the element of surprise to my advantage. My enhanced body surged with newfound strength, and I tackled the closest one, using his momentum to push him against the wall.
The other guard reached for his weapon, but I was faster. I twisted, grabbing the first guard's gun and disarming him in a swift motion. Within moments, I had both men incapacitated, their bodies crumpled on the floor.
Breathless, I stared at the fallen guards, my heart racing. I did it. The adrenaline surged through me, but I had no time to revel in my success. I quickly scanned the corridor, listening for any signs of reinforcements.
I needed to find Corella before they did.
I sprinted down the dimly lit hallway, adrenaline fueling my every step. I passed a series of doors, each one marked with official insignia. My mind raced as I searched for any hint of where they might be holding Corella.
As I approached the end of the corridor, I spotted a larger door marked "Operations." This was it. This was where they would be monitoring her movements.
I kicked the door open, gun raised, ready for anything. Inside, the room was filled with screens, each displaying various feeds from across the city. Maps, surveillance footage, and lists of targets littered the walls.
But the room was empty.
I rushed toward the nearest monitor, scanning the feeds for any sign of Corella. My eyes darted across the screens, but there was no indication of her whereabouts. I felt a sinking sensation in my gut. They had to be tracking her.
And then I saw it—a small feed labeled "Field Operations: Corella." My heart raced as I clicked on it, my breath catching in my throat.
There she was. Corella, moving stealthily through the streets, her expression focused and determined. She had no idea that danger was closing in on her.
I had to warn her.
I quickly grabbed a radio from the console, my fingers shaking as I tuned it to the frequency I overheard from the guards.
"Corella," I spoke into the device, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling in my mind. "This is important. You're being tracked. They're coming for you."
There was a brief pause, and then I heard her voice crackle through the radio. "Who is this?"
"It's me," I said, my heart racing. "You have to listen. You're walking into a trap."
Silence hung between us, thick with tension. "You? I thought you were dead."
"Not quite. But we don't have time for this. You need to get out—now."
"Why should I trust you?" she snapped, her voice filled with skepticism.
"Because I'm the only chance you have right now! Please, Corella, just move."
After a moment of hesitation, I heard her take a deep breath. "Fine. Where do I go?"
"Head north toward the warehouse district. I'll try to meet you there."
Before I could say anything else, a loud alarm blared throughout the operations room. The monitors flickered, and I realized they had traced my signal.
"Shit," I muttered, grabbing the nearby laptop and stuffing it into my bag. "They know I'm here. I'll cover you from this end. Just get moving."
"Be careful," Corella said, her tone softening for the first time.
"I will," I replied, feeling a surge of determination. "And don't get caught. We're not done yet."
I quickly disconnected the radio and dashed back through the corridor, my heart pounding in my chest. I had no idea what lay ahead, but I couldn't let them capture me again—or worse, capture her.
I was going to rescue Corella. I would make sure she made it out alive. And once we were free, we would take the fight to Royce and his men.
This time, I would be the one pulling the strings.