"Mnh~." E107 woke up with a light groan. It hurts, everywhere hurts. What had happened? Light blared into his eyes when he tried to open them. Stinging his eyes yet not enough to the point that it hurt. In a manner of what felt like seconds his eyes seemed to have adjusted to the brightness.
Where was he? What was he doing here? How is he here? Then like a torrent his memories flooded through his still awaking mind. They had received a call from the adults, and they answered. Not just those of Building E but all the numbers had been called. They were all led into the main building within the center of the settlement that they have been at for the last few months. No one knew why, nor did anyone really give a braincell to even care.
They were then taken into some room where they had then been taken handful at a time. Deep within the structure. None knew truly what was happening until they were taken inside. E107 was no different, once inside he knew what was coming. First came the pain, lots of it. He didn't know when it had finally stopped, did it stop before the darkness claimed him or after? He couldn't tell. Pain was all that he could recall. The adults had done what they always have done since as far as he could remember. There wasn't anything new.
The procedure has been complete and once again several more of the numbers didn't make it…more brothers. They started with numbers up the hundreds now…. Only small pockets of the numbers still remain. Most of them were not even well known they were but mere orphans that the people up in those tights button suits could care less about.
E17 threw these thoughts out of his mind. Gritting his teeth and bearing the pain he strained his neck slightly to see around him. He was not alone, all around him. There were multiple medical table pods just like the one E17 finds himself encased within. There was just enough room for E17 to sit upright. Taking a few breathes slowly methodically. He braced against another surge of pain, lifting his back off the soft padding of the pod. The flesh and nerves instantly were aflame with pain. Overloading his senses but still he muttered not even a grunt as he continued.
Fully seated upright, he now had a greater view of his surroundings. The space was dark as night. The only illumination present was that present within his, and each number's personal prison coffin. There was no telling the true scale of the space E107 found himself within. Twisting his head from side to side, breathing heavily from the pain. He searched but couldn't find what he was looking for, he could make out the faces of others around him yet none around him that he could make out was those that he sought.
Not able to see what he sought, his attention then went elsewhere. Lifting his arms up slightly, groaning ever so slightly from the pain that lingers from what just happen even though it already been several hours, even days maybe even since. There highlighted over his thin arms there were scared lines running through his arms as well as his legs down from his ankle no pass that to her toes even and runs up to his thighs in a straight line, and from the tip of his finger to his shoulder was exactly the same situation.
Though E107 wouldn't ever learn of the name of the procedure done upon him. What he saw was the remains of the surgical procedure that he undertook today along with many others that he does not even know about like the Nero-Implants at the back of his spine as well as the back of his head at the base at the near the top of the neck.
There were a lot of things that E107 does not know about, or what was done to him and his fellow numbers but all he knowns that he is still breathing he's still alive. Feeling the stinging and aching pain in his arms and throughout the rest of his scarred body he slowly gripped his arms together while trying to bear the overwhelming pain that seemed like it would consume her. Moving his limbs and her body, however, only seemed to cause her more unspeakable amounts of pain jointing throughout his body almost causing him to fall backwards because of the pain.
Unable to bear the pain much longer he let himself fall backwards landing roughly against the surprisingly soft pillow that softened his landing for his head at less. What should have come next was the soothing release of this realm and into the dreamscape. However, that moment never came. It felt like everything inside her was breaking and the pain was becoming far too unbearable for her, making her feel extremely tired as she closed her eyes and drifted off into the dream world.
With no one she could turn to for help, the only sense of relief that could sooth him denied, brought only more pain inside. There wasn't anything else that could be done but endure. No matter how much time had passed he had to continue to endure as he laid upon the now cold surface of the bed.
At another location, or rather in the room directly above E107 and the other Numbers Bay area. There were two people looking over them through the glass, displayed upon the glass screen, there were countless holographic monitors showing each individual subject's vitals down below them. Two distinct figures features distinguish the two souls being one being male and the other of a female.
"The second stage procedure has been completed most of it has been successful however as we predicted some of the subjects didn't make it." The female dressed in the attire of an assistant without any expression on her face spoke coldly without any feelings or remorse regarding the topic of the subjects.
The male figure however made no comments, nor did he signal the fact he was attentive towards her. This immediately drew her attention towards the man. Who seemed ignorant of her existence.
"Doctor Song?"
Seeing as how the man was not responding she raised her voice again. The response came as a soft whisper yet still it reached her ears.
"…. how many?"
Doctor Song spoke so softly that it was nearly impossible for the assistant to hear. Yet being void of any other sound it reached the assistant's ear.
"Yes?"
"How many of them died Calare?" Doctor Song questioned once again. His tone was still flat yet the hidden emotions behind the words were slowly seeping out.
"Out of this batch of the 500-test subject that we had remaining only 390 of them remain." The assistant spoke reading off the display screen that was projected for her when she called for it.
"We originally started out with 700 this round, now less than three thirds of them remain."
Doctor Song stated angrily while gripping his arms. His gaze fixed upon the multiple figures down below. Looking upon the multiple pods that all contained a life within. No doubt all whom undoubtedly wished for the release of the end yet were denied.
With a wave of his hand, his sight was replaced with a stream of data. Scrolling though them. Before reading out the information he called upon.
"These augmentations are based off the ones from 30 years ago, for the first Augmentation experiments. Why would the board give that man the authority to restart these inhuman tests surly they must not have forgotten the tragic fate that befell upon those unfortunate souls, now they're doing it to children. Do they simply not comprehend the consequences should they become just like their predecessors?"
Doctor Song said with a prophetic tone of dark foreboding future to come.
"As matter of fact wasn't he also affected by these experimentations as well, how could he…no…. how could someone like that man even morally approve of this?" Scrolling down the list of augmentation procedure, Doctor Song studied and reread the information of the experimentation that he had long become accustomed to. This SWARA Treatment
(Subliminal Weaponization and Artificing of Reflex Arcs) as they named it now.
Each augmentation and implant under its code name what they are and what the 'supposed' theorized effects that they hope to achieve: The Ambro-Sil (Breath of Immortality) containing genetically-engineered viral sequences which could rebuild the human body according to the biological template contained within it. As the Ambro-Sil, itself is encoded with all the genetic information needed to reshape ordinary human cell clusters into the special organs. Each implant has a high margin of catastrophic metabolic failure and physiological rejection and so only a small number of "candidates" live through the process.
Each one was divided between the different sections of the body from which each implantation occurred.
Head Area:
The Hibernator Weaver: This organ implant is a three-part implant, implanted into the back of the cerebrum, link to the ear lopes via the second and third parts of the implant. This implant allows a one to avoid sleep, instead entering an almost comatose trance where their minds "recharge". It also allows one half of the brain to rest while the other hemisphere remains alert, thus removing the need for the unconsciousness required by normal sleep. It also renders a one immune to dizziness and motion-induced nausea, and enables one to consciously filter out "white noise" or resist other sonic attacks and greatly enhance certain sounds over the capabilities of normal human hearing.
The God's Eye: Multiple layers of augmentation enhancements that enhances one's eyesight submergence and boosted blood vessel flow beneath the rods along the optic nerve and cones of the subject's retina.
The Amplifier: This Ambro-Sil is a three-part organ the first part being a small, thumbnail-sized lobe that is inserted into the brain's cortex secretes hormones that increase the body's growth functions whilst also intensifying the function of its other transhuman implants. The second is implanted within the central nervous system and links into the endocrine system via the lymphatic system, this part of the organ alters the pigment cells in the skin, which allows the Lynx's skin to shield him from otherwise dangerous levels of radiation and heat. Which also responds to specific chemical stimuli in the environment causing the Lynx to secrete a waxy protein substance similar to mucus through his pores that seals his skin. The process can even protect them from the harshness of the vacuum and other extremes of temperature, particularly deeply frigid environments.
The Devourer: This Ambro-Sil organ actually consists of 2 separate glands implanted into multiple locations inside a Lynx's mouth. The first function allows a Lynx to biochemically assesses a wide variety of things simply by taste or smell, biochemically testing various objects for toxicity and nutritional content, essentially determining if the substance is edible or poisonous. From poisons to chemicals to animals, a Lynx can even track his quarry by taste or smell alone, much like the average canine bred for tracking.
The secondary function including the inside of the lower lip, in the salivary glands or in the hard palette, these two glands work in tandem to transform a subject's saliva into a corrosive, blinding acid when consciously triggered. These implants' more common use is to aid in the digestion of unusually difficult or impossible things to digest, such as cellulose.
Chest Area:
The Helix Monitor: A technological Bio-Tech Ambro-Sil that is surgically implanted in a user's body in practically the back of the neck in the upper spine, resulting in alteration of bioelectrical nerve transduction to shielded electronic transduction. The data plans suggest that it was to increase their reflexes though by what magnitude requires more testing.
Secondary Heart: This is the first and least difficult implant to install it is pack tightly along with the main heart located so closely together in the body, many unknowingly refer to it as one organ. The Secondary Heart has two huge five-chambered hearts, and it is thought that they are capable of fighting on with only one intact. It increases blood supply and pumping capacity and is capable of taking over entirely should the primary heart fail. It may also pump steroids and adrenaline into the first, primary heart to give the subject an extra "rush" of energy on the battlefield. In times of extreme stress, or should the warrior's body undergo violent, damaging trauma, a dormant function occurs it expels great blurts of self-synthesized chemicals -- a hyper-cocktail that simulates the biological action of combat stems while also aiding in the rapid regrowth of tissue, bone and muscle. The gland then falls dormant again and takes some time to metabolically build itself up once more for the next usage.
Multi-Lung: The Multi-lung is a third lung implanted into the pulmonary and circulatory systems in the chest cavity that greatly increases oxygen intake and retention, the organ is able to absorb oxygen from environments usually too poor in oxygen to allow normal human respiratory functioning. In theory allowing the subject to breathe certain non-oxygen atmospheres and helps process toxins from the air In toxic environments, a similar muscle closes off the normal lungs, thus oxygen is absorbed exclusively by the multi-lung, which then filters out the poisonous or toxic elements practically makes a the subject immune to toxic and dangerous gases.
The Ironwill: An advanced material protein complex implanted into the chest cavity platinum pellets containing human growth hormone catalyst to boost growth of skeletal and muscle tissues. This implant strengthens and greatly accelerates the growth of the skeleton by massively bolstering skeletomuscular development and muscle fiber density throughout the body by unleashing a wave of human growth hormones. Part of the process involves injection thus must be injected intramuscularly to increase tissue density and decrease lactase recovery time. This injection is also pumped directly into the bone grafting itself onto the entire skeletal structures to make bones virtually unbreakable
The Remembrancer: Implanted into the upper spinal cord so that it becomes a component of the central nervous system, this organ is designed to absorb information and any DNA, RNA or protein sequences related to experience or memory. This enables the Lynx to gain information, in a survival or tactical sense, simply by eating an animal indigenous to an alien world and then experiencing some of what that creature did before its death.
Multiple Layer Stomach: The original Stomach Organ is removed and is replaced with a multi-layer stomach organ thus resulting in a sense that subject now has a Nine Layer Stomach in total. Having four main Stomachs with five interlocking tubes containing constricting muscles that ensures any matter is deceased before it continues through the digestive tract, essentially a furnace ensuring that the swallowed item is entirely vaporized into its component parts and absorbed into the body. The four main Stomachs applies acid to further break down the subject's meal ensuring nothing solid remains. As it is more than just their new highly active fast metabolism being solely responsible for their trim figure controlling which stomach their food can go to even store it for later time. Allowing the body to extract the maximum amount of nutrients and carbohydrates from food with minimal waste.
The Purifier: This organ works in conjunction with The Neutraliser, filtering the blood to remove toxins that have been ingested or breathed into the body. However, this detoxification process in the simulated data renders the subject unconscious once it begins, so it can be very dangerous if required during combat. Under normal circumstances, The Purifier also in design also acts as a regulatory organ for the subject's new physiology, maintaining the efficient action of the advanced circulatory system and the proper functioning of his other organs, implanted or otherwise.
The Neutraliser: The Neutraliser is essentially an organic decontamination chamber that is implanted inside the chest cavity and connected to the digestive system, above the stomach so that no actual digestion occurs in The Neutraliser. It is capable of biochemically analyzing ingested materials and neutralizing most known biochemical and inorganic toxins. The Neutraliser enables the subject to eat normally inedible substances and resist any poisons he may ingest.
Helix Furnace: Shaped like a human heart this organ is implanted within the new Lynx's abdominal cavity, and it becomes a part of the body's excretory system, an emergency detoxification organ that allows the body to survive exposure through the respiration, tactile contact or ingestion of poisons, toxins and gases that are too powerful for the human body to normally process without this organ's help. The Helix Furnace
The Healer: Shaped like the human liver but only the size of a golf ball and enhances the body's ability to slow bleeding and clot wounds, this organ is placed within the chest cavity and manufactures the synthetic biological cells known as RR Cells. These biosynthetic cells serve the same physiological purpose as the normal human body's platelets, serving to clot the blood lost from wounds, but they act faster, more efficiently and more effectively. When wounded and incurs blood loss, RR Cells are released by the circulatory system, attached to the body's normal leukocytes (white blood cells). At the site of the injury, they form scar tissue in a matter of seconds, effectively preventing massive blood loss and infection of the wound.
The Mantra: A Ambro-Sil infusion of unique engineered DNA implanted into the Thymus, thus transforming it to mutate into a more advanced and sturdier organ. It still retains its original function before its transformation into a super organ but to a greater degree. Actively creating new antibodies when the body encounters new threats and rapidly replacing dead cells with new cells keeping the body in top peak conditions longer than normal humans.
Meridian Stigmata Sinew Coils: the subject's sinews are now reinforced with Organic Nano-Durametallic Coil-Cables that can contract with incredible force, magnifying his strength as well as giving their body another layer of defense. Given them the strength to crush a man's skull in his hand or even bite through a metal cable should the need arise. In theory supposedly.
Last and but not least, the Void Genome Serum: A chemical solution cocktail though what it entailed is a mystery and not open to someone of Doctor Song clearance level.
Such were the new experiments entailed.
"Most of these have such a high risk of danger of failure this is impractical it's hard to believe that they would still continue this research, there have been some much death already and for worst most of the children who had survived but could not handle the change had become disabled."
Though he was told that the children were taken to get medical care, deep down Doctor Song knew that those poor children who could not make it were secretly disposed of.
"Who the hell is funding this project anyway I can't believe that there would people who would even fund lent alone support this sort of a project."
"Someone who clearly has an invested interest in the revival of the project doctor." Assistant Calare responded to Doctor Song.
"It's best not to question it though doctor, that beyond our paygrade, remember curiosity kills the cat."
"Ha~, I'm fully aware Calare." The doctor signed; frustration was evident in his voice.
"I'm not that foolish enough to put myself in the fire so carelessly."
'I certainly hope so.' The words came to Doctor Song's mind, yet it never left his mouth.
"Get some rest this was just the first phase; phase two will begin in the next few hours."
Doctor Song said turning on his heel. Heading out for the doorway far behind the duo.
"Yes sir~." It was the cute reply from assistant Calare. Skipping up behind the doctor.
Several days later.
Back in the outside world within the West side, sector two of the base. The cause yet consistent rumbling of various sounds echoed throughout the air. Engines along with an assortment of different machinery churned and whined. The rapid footfall of crowds of people walking around in the free open space within the sector.
In one particular section, various market stalls were erected upon the grounds. The rich scents of the stall mixed and blended in one mind numbing sensation of smell. Among the sea of souls wandering through the grounds, there were three small figures among the crowd wading through seamlessly. Like fish swimming through water.
"They sure have been quiet over there haven't they." A soft feminine voice spoke through the snack the trio had just purchased from the stall they left.
"May don't talk with food in your mouth." Another one of the trio spoke back in response to the first.
"On stop being such a stick in the mud Seth. let loose once in a while."
"You wouldn't get into too much trouble all the time if you tightened up once and awhile."
"Alright you two stop fighting." The third soul among the trio finally spoke. Shushing the duo behind him.
"We're not fighting Max." The duo Seth and May respond together in unison.
"Yes, you were." Max responded back simply still not facing the duo behind him. still walking ahead. Leading the group on there the square. Through the sea of bodies all around them.
"What do you think is going over there?" May asked finishing up the snack she had been feasting upon. Now licking at the residue still clinging onto her digits.
"How should I know." Max grunted squeezing through a pair of legs that hindered his path. This caused a bit of complaint and an outcry from the adults. Prompting them to give way for the other two that followed. Though not without spilling forth curses and other venomous tongue at the younger souls
"There have been talks from the other sectors that say batches of them are taken into main building for the last few days" May continued on following after Max.
"Something is definitely about to be happen soon. Hopefully it wouldn't mess up the agreement we've set."
"Well as long as they return to uphold their end of their bargain then we've got nothing to worry about." Max replied nonchalantly carrying on with his stride undeterred.
"Aren't you worried?" came the worried tone of May. "If they don't show up in time to then we're."
"We don't have anything to worry about those things seem to hold their vows and oath quite seriously they'll be here when the time comes." Max then said soothing May's worry while caressing her hair.
Causing the young girl to slightly redden her cheeks. Shifting away from Max's caressing touch mummering something inaudible under her breath.
"We're not out of options yet don't lose all hope just yet we'll get through this like all the other times, this obstacle will be no different from the rest of the problems we've faced in the past."
He continued facing the duo beside him. Meeting their eyes trying to each of their woes.
"Hope." Seth the only other male in the group spoke then, "There is no such thing for people like us." Seth said sternly tapping at the mark on his left cheek.
Before then shrugging his left shoulder indicated with that gesture, at another set of marks on the uniform they wore. The highly noticeable tall telling markings of Human Drifters. Max couldn't help but sigh at that, however he didn't refute it. He knew it was true they all did, there was no use in arguing about it.
"Ha~, yes, we're all very acute to that fact. That's what we are, what we'll ever be in this life Drifters. Unwanted worthless drifters."
Human Drifters or simply Drifters were simply orphans of various backgrounds, but orphans were all the same. The remnants of unwanted children with nowhere left to go, most government programs simply didn't care to deal with this problem. Lending to the now functioning system of Human Drifter system. Set up by petty crime lords and various corporations, utilizing this untap resource.
Many of these children were rounded about and traded and sold between each group. Most commonly used as free labor force, others used for the more common labor of military conscripts. These practices became widespread through the lands and most popular due to the versatile use of such a merchandise. As many organizations, through recent battles have employed and proven the strength of child soldiers many factions began to use Drifters in greater numbers.
Slaves in all but name. This resource became highly sought after and unutilized by various military and mercenary groups. Their unfortunate circumstance of being slaves meant that they usually serve a lifetime of service with no form of payment or personal residency of their own, as well as an ingrained belief that Human Debris are always supposed to die in space and nowhere else.
Most Human Drifters are easily identified by vertical red lines painted on their clothing. Another most striking key feature of identifying a Human Drifter. Was the Skintennagraft tattoo on their left check. Made with poison ink and other hidden technology depending on the owners. It was nearly impossible to remove such as mark. The were stories of others who have developed a method to remove it. Even then the rumors has it, that it was not fully guaranteed.
As the rumor operation to remove was said to be very particularly delicate, not to mention extremely painful, as the slightest mistake could allow the ink to spread through the body lead to death. Not to mention the other hidden effects that aren't well known. As such many Human Drifters have long resigned themselves to their fate. With the world against them, none wilily to aid them in this blight. Ridiculed and shunned by all, the majority of Drifters view themselves as being less than a real human, even developing a submissive personality complex.
Though some were not willing to fall under that same trap.
"Nothing ventured nothing gain my friends, we won't have a future if we don't take risks. A real future one that we decide for ourselves."
Max place a hand on Seth's shoulder, fingers grasped tightly. Seth too gripped Max's hand squeezing tightly. As if conveying his own convention through Max reassuring one another.
"Come on let's go we still have many trails still awaiting us." The trio went on to their path towards an uncertain tomorrow. With their heads held up with nothing else but their convention and sheer will to push them forward. For this is all they ever and will ever have in the days to come.
At another location within the tower. At a later time around late evening hours.
High above the central tower. Overlooking the whole perimeter of the facility through massive, elongated window panels. Containing within an equally sized space though most features within were obscured by the darkness that bathes the room from the night sky outside.
With only the barely lit figures situated within the near center of the space. By the projected holographic screens and lumens from high above a table. Dark silhouettes of several figures were seated around the table. A light smog drifted between the space between the massive table, evident of heavy smoking, that was happening.
"The progress of the exploration into the Tower is behind by a month, this is unacceptable."
"There has been estimation predicted that there would be delays ranging from a few weeks to months this isn't surprising, it's all within the predict parameters."
"That's not a favorable result the investors need results."
"This is a delicate matter we can't rush it."
Various voices sounded out through space. Each trying to speak over the other rising in volume. The sound of the automated doors slides open, followed soon after with the slow methodical foot falls of a singular person. The individual slowly but surely soon after enclosed by the door shutting behind them, now closed off from the rest of the world.
"Welcome aboard, Handler Simeon. We've been expecting you" The one sitting down at the far edge of the table within the dimly lit space. All other conversations have ceased all attention now focused on the newcomer. "Enough with the small talk, I have read the briefing, I know what I am needed to do. I just need" The man known as Handler Simeon spoke firming and direct.
"Yes-yes of course whatever it is that you need." One of the sitting figures cooed in a friendly manner like response.
"Still, it's a wonder as to why such a man of your potential and standing, would choose to be the dog handler for those rats surely they-"
"They're still assents that we need as such needs a competent person to hold their leash to control and direct them. I just figure I'm more than suitable for the task." Handler Simeon said flatly as a matter of fact.
"They are the 'links' that we need to proceed with the next phase in the Director's plan, are they not? It is a little harsh to belittle the important pieces that make up the whole." Handler Simeon paused then as an idea suddenly pooped into his head. The next words came out thoughtfully.
"Lynx…...huh…...that's a good name for them, makes it easier to remember and distinguish them than just using numbers."
That got a small laugh and several chuckles form the men seated before him.
"You humanize them too much, they are but tools, till they are of no more use, don't get too conformable with them or it might impede your work."
One of them advised respectfully before continuing his words.
"Those rats-"
"Lynx." Handler Simeon corrected with a little force in his voice as if making a statement.
The speaking gentlemen man was filched. Clearly not expected to be interrupted while he was talking. This threw off the sitting official; however, he didn't let this faze them. Regaining their composure they responded.
"Yes, those Lynxs." The man spoke emphasizing on the last word. "Are unimportant in the grand scheme of things most of them wouldn't even survive the next year given the rate of the campaign. The real prize lies within the tower, and the success of the experiment is but a bonus on the side."
A sharp glint hidden in Handler Simeon eyes flash just for a mere second. Though no one would have been able to see it with the room cast in shadow.
"Then we have better make use of what little time we have left, thank you for meeting with me, good sirs, but I must be on my way. Where is the hanger for my cargo if I may?"
"Handler Simeon there is no need to rush the day is late. Come and sit with us so we can discuss other important matters."
"The representative for my sector is already here and present. I'm but an extra hand, I have delayed for too long with my work, I just need guidance to where I'm needed."
"Handler Simeon they're still undergoing the modifications however you can still communicate with them via the mindscape as their minds are still open. Though I can't guarantee if they can listen properly."
"Are they functionally at the least?" Handler Simeon's voice was cold and straight to the point. Leaving no more for small talk.
"Ye-yes though like I said I can't grantee-"
"That's fine we're not running a charity here, connect me to them, let's get to work and there's a lot of it."