The gate opened and their jeep pressed on. A small village fenced with heavy-duty metal sheets, and rectangular-type one-story structures constructed along a concrete road, faintly lighted by equally spaced street lamps composed the camp.
The rain still poured, and somehow people sought shelter. Only the watch guards with their rifles covered in trench coats walking about the road, gawked at their jeep as they passed.
Ominous interpretations of what transpired raced on his feeble mind. Seemingly, as the gates opened, it sounded like they were gates of hell. Or the only fort that served as their salvation, stood against the Hell-curated world of a savaged species. Where was the honor that people had been talking about in 2030? Why does the government push the current young generation to enlist when that seems the support faintly reaching the year 2069?
"What is your population here?" Luke asked.
"About a thousand soldiers. We are not the only camps present on this continent. There are a lot scattered around Brigham City. You know, it is a strategy. We don't want the bugmen to bomb us and erase the Movement with one blow, right?" Nica elucidated.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Major George. He's the camp leader here. He wanted to meet you, of course. We are putting humanity's fate in your hands. The Major is not a believer in such an idea that we can win this war with mutated virus. He questioned Command and said that they should be bringing more soldiers. So, I suggest you expect hostility from him." Nica said.
The vast compound accommodated several structures, that seemed to be make-shift military barracks. Nothing fancy. The depressing picturesque had forsaken the definition of comfort. Judging from the condition of the camp, one would say that humans were losing the war. It should not be the case, the Media back in 2030 persistently showed positive results of war. Looking at Brigham City from afar seemed that the aliens were progressing, economically.
The sharp sound of disc brakes emerged as they halted at the last structure on the farthest corner from the gate. The moment they stepped out, the downpour of rain ceased. The cold, moist, arid atmosphere hugged his exposed skin that crept inside his pores to his bones.
"Good," His open palms facing the sky. He just stood outside the jeep awkwardly, marveling at the possibility of virus mutation environments. It was easy to transmit airborne viruses, he assessed while soft cold rain pattered against his cheeks.
"What are you doing?" Kristo asked.
"Just feeling this timeline. You know, I miss home." Luke said, inhaled, and exhaled deeply.
"I am just curious about how you got your pension rewards if you don't have parents."
"I donated the benefit to my orphanage," Luke responded.
Kristo nodded and they went on a flight of stairs that comprised only four steps. Two lamps hung on the opposite side of the door, and a foyer made of wooden planks, creaked as their footfalls tested their integrity.
Facing the structure gave him a nostalgic feeling. It looked like his orphanage, not the design, not the façade, but of hopelessness and defeat. The feeling of being a loser back home. He could not fathom an understanding, interpreting his overwhelming feelings gave only frustration since the innards-twisting portal jump.
The pressure burdened his shoulders, straining his steps up the stairs. As Nica opened the door, a man with long sleeves of military garb, broad shoulders, a square jawline, and the deep eyes of a killer greeted him with a cold stare.
"Major, this is Luke. Our new Virus evolver," Nica introduced while the Major sat behind his desk with plans on his table. Two others were standing beside him, hovering above the plans that lay before them.
"So, this is the Evolver. You look young, Luke. You are even younger than Jameson. Maybe half his age." A mocking grin creased his face and delivered an unwelcoming aura to the new traveler.
"I am young but I am ready," Luke said confidently. "I can assist this war to victory at least that's what I've been told."
"You don't know what's out there, Luke. I can assure you, it's a bloodbath."
"Hmm. You don't believe that a virus can wipe them out?" Luke asked.
"I believe that you can help. However, the resources should not be solely around you. Now, our instructions from Command is that we will protect you at all costs. Our enemies are getting stronger, getting smarter. Even Jameson had difficulty infecting them with the virus. He managed to kill a few thousand but they reacted fast and made a cure. What can you offer beyond Jameson's strategy that we can give a dent in this war? Huh?" The Major had a stern voice, a command of his tonality common to military leaders that made him intimidating.
His statement disclosed his distaste for the Command, against the strategy of aiding a virus evolver and allocating resources to form a lab. This was what Nica had warned him. Luke chose not to answer. It seemed the Major had his unpolluted principle in winning the war.
As long as he would construct his lab, it would be progress for him.
"Major, with all due respect, I am willing to risk my life to participate in this war. Just give me my lab, and I can work on my own." Luke said.
"Well, come to think of it. I am not putting my whole faith in you for this war. But I expect that you will cooperate with what is needed from you. I want you to learn to defend yourself. Learn the ways of a warrior, not some softy in my base. We are all killers here, and I need you to become one."
"Ok, Major. I accept that challenge," Luke had no choice but to accept the Major's terms.
The Major released a deep sigh. He tapped his fingers against the wooden desk and squinted at the plans on top of it. "I know you will be needing assistance in collecting your materials for the mutation, which I can give you too. But anything else, it's all up to you."
"Major, permission to speak," Nica interjected snappily.
"Yes, you can Sergeant."
"Let me handle Luke's training and spearhead his security. I can also assign Kristo and Calyx with me in this endeavor. If it does not interfere with your plans."
"I accept. You may train Luke here."
"There's one thing, Major. We intercepted two Bugmen scouts, six miles from here on our way to Luke's jump location."
The Major shook his head and clicked his tongue. "They are getting closer. We need to expedite the plans. We need to attack first their military complexes near Brigham, Fort Cygnet North. We will mobilize in two days, create a diversion, and mask our location."
"Yes, sir." Nica agreed.
Luke exchanged nods with the major and the people inside the establishment.
"Nica, show Luke his accommodations, and tomorrow you give him a taste of what it feels like in a war," Major said.