The world snapped into motion the moment I thrust my hand forward.
A ripple of purple eezo flared from my palm, warping the air into a tiny singularity...barely the size of my tiny fist, but enough to twist gravity into a knot. The miniature black sphere pulsed, pulling the incoming paint-ball rounds straight into its center. They swirled around it like a atom.
Korgath's grin widened. "Good thinking," he rumbled. "But two can play that game."
His free hand rose. Blue eezo energy radiated around his claws before swirling outward and compacting into a second singularity on my opposite side. I barely had time to register it before its gravity seized me.
My tiny body jerked sideways. The world yanked itself into a violent tilt. My feet left the ground as the singularity's gravity dragged me helplessly through the air.
My mind reeled. Korgath is a biotic too?! In the games, Krogan biotics were rare...almost nonexistent post-genophage. But this Krogan wasn't just capable… he was strong. I really need to watch myself.
Suspended midair, unable to move, I could only watch as Korgath leveled the paint gun at me. "Too bad, 13," he said, monotone but amused. "I hoped you would have put up more of a fight." He then fired.
A spray of green paint-balls streaked toward me...fast enough to blur, and enough to make my blood spike in panic. They got closer. And closer. And then...
My mind expanded and the world slowed. A build up of energy exploded in every fiber of my body. My mind felt awake and wire and the core of my biotics erupted, sending a shockwave of purple eezo tearing through the training room.
WHUMP.
The gravity trap of the singularities dispensed. Equipment skidded across the room in a violent blast of force. Scientists yelped behind the glass of the observation room as panels flickered and the window cracked.
Behind the glass, Dr. Kline, Matriarch Yelara, and Dr. Vorath leaned forward in unison. Their expressions were unreadable, but their eyes were shining with interest. Korgath staggered back a step, only one, but a razor-wide smile split his scarred face.
"That's more like it," he growled. "Come on 13, let's see how far you can go!"
As for Jasen everything felt… strange. The world slowed. Sounds thickened like syrup. Korgath's breathing echoed in his ears like a drumbeat.
My heart hammered, but not in fear. It felt like adrenaline tuning my senses to a razor's edge. But I knew one thing I felt really good and wanted to keep pushing. I looked at Korgath with a smirk.
Korgath tossed aside his empty paint gun. "Good. Let's keep this going." He grabbed an assault-rifle, style paint gun, chambered a new clip, and fired.
The spray of paint left the muzzle in a rapid burst, but to me it was a soft, drifting arc of green spheres, floating through the air like lazy bubbles.
I smirked. If this is like the adrenaline rush power from the games… Then I would use it. My feet moved before I could think. I already knew what I was gonna do.
I dashed aside, weaving between the shots. Each dodge felt effortless, natural, almost instinctual. I saw the trajectory of each ball and knew what needed to be dodged and what wasn't worth my time.
I then moved from in front of the line of fire. The world blurred around me as I zigzagged across the training room, flipping and twisting around the lab equipment, while dodging every incoming round.
From the outside, to the observers behind the glass and even to Korgath, it must have looked almost inhuman...my tiny body flickering moved quickly and with great dexterity and agility. Barely anyone could understand what I was gonna do next.
The scientist omni-tool monitors screamed as they tracked everything subject's 13 body was doing. His vitals, brainwaves and reflexes were amazing.
Nothing even close to what they seen to the other subjects besides Subject 12. Doctor Kline had a small smile on her face. She knew that Subject 13 was the one.
I dove behind the massive weight sled machine, breathing lightly, not even winded. The sound of paint balls splatting against the machine.
Korgath then lowered his rifle. " Not bad Subject 13. You can show me you can run around like a rat. But can you stand your ground and fight? I thought you were gonna take my gun and ammo, and use them on me." He called. "What happened to all that confidence?"
He opened fire again, suppressing the sled with a barrage of green paint balls. The metal clanged and rattled under the impacts, splatters streaking across the floor in neon trails.
When his clip clicked empty, he reached for another magazine and froze. There was none. Before he could process it, a faint click sounded behind the sled.
I stepped out slowly and smooth. One foot in front of the other holding the paint gun he'd tossed aside.
Korgath laughed low in his chest. "Not bad. But it's empty, remember?"
I smirked, raising the weapon. "Good thing I picked up some ammo."
Flash back: Jasen Dodging paint rounds, and snatching several out of the air mid-sprint. Jasen sliding across the floor picking up the discarded gun in the quick movement. Loading the gun silently while concealed.
Before Korgath could raise a barrier.... THWIP! THWIP! THWIP! THWIP!
Four shots hit him center mass. Neon green splattered across Korgaths clothes.
Then silence fell across the room. Korgath stared down at the mess on his chest. A slow smirk curved upward. "Good grouping, kid. You're a natural shot."
I stepped closer, deadpan. "Thanks."
Something then prickled at the back of my neck. My nerves were more sluggish then before. My reaction time was diminished.
Before I could turn....THWIP! THWIP! THWIP!
Several paint-balls smacked into my back and shoulders. I stumbled forward, startled. Behind me stood Ela and Sula.
Ela held her paint gun with a beaming smile. " We got you 13," Ela said with a bright smile. You know you really shouldn't let your guard down or bad things will happen!"
Sula smirked. "You could have ended up dead. But don't worry we will keep you on your toes."
Korgath folded his arms. "They're right, you know."
I internally sighed. What is it with Aliens and shooting at me. Do I have some sing on my face that say's shoot me or something.
Then the door hissed open. Captain Stone marched inside.
"He's all yours, Captain," Korgath said. "Good job, Subject 13… I mean, kid. I'll see you tomorrow."
I gave a tired smirk. "Yes sir. Can't wait."
Dr. Kline's office…
The four senior researchers examined holographic charts and sensor readouts. "Subject 13's results are almost as good as Subject 12's," Kline said coolly. "Even without accounting for biotics."
Dr. Vorath, the Salarian, nodded vigorously. "His ability to focus and process information at accelerated speed is notable. Physically, excellent. Mentally, intriguing. We should test brain capacity next."
Yelara crossed her arms. "What are you thinking, Doctor?"
Vorath pressed a few keys on his omni-tool. "Basic foundational subjects: science, biology, and languages. English will suffice for the human baseline. Warlock Break for Krogan linguistic testing, High Thessian and Bartuk will be the last ones."
Kline raised a brow, but her voice remained even."I approve of this plan doctor you may proceed."
Vorath nodded. "Excellent. After he completes his week with Korgath, I will begin constructing his curriculum."
Later…
In my room, I collapsed into the thin bed. My muscles felt heavy and warm, my nerves humming with exhaustion.
But for the first time since waking in this place… I felt good. I drifted into sleep almost instantly, as the sterile room was quiet again.