(A/N: Alright it's that time again. It's time for songs that are not included in the story but serves as part of the soundtrack. The particular song I have in mind is called "Evolution" from Korn. Now, you may not quite understand at first, but as you go along in the story, the song's lyrics will start to make more sense. Anyway, the song I have here now for this one part is called "Higher Ground" by The Red Hot Chili Peppers.)
Chapter 8: Getting Down And Dirty
Chris and Pikette were making their way down to the mess hall until Captain Peterson stopped them. "Johnson, could I have a word?"
"Of course sir," Chris said.
"I wanted to tell you what a good job you did yesterday," Peterson said. "You possess skill that I rarely see in many soldiers."
"Thank you sir," Chris said. "I just give every training session my hardest."
"Good to hear," Peterson said. "Anyway, we started test-running our J-22s.I thought perhaps you would be interested in testing one yourself."
"Really sir?" Chris said. "It would be an honor." He then looked to Pikette. "What do you say Pikette? Interested in some flying."
"I don't know," Pikette said uncertainly. "I'm not exactly the "flying-type," no pun intended."
"Oh come on, you'll be fine," Chris said. "Trust me."
Pikette sighed. "Alright, but you better not get us killed," she said.
"I'll let them know you're coming," Peterson said. "Hope your flying is as good as your shooting."
Soon, air control helped suit up Chris and showed him all the controls. They also had to get a customized breathing mask for Pikette due to her size. Chris was in the front seat while Pikette was in the back.
After firing up the engines, Air Control came through Chris' headset. "Alright Johnson, you are free to clear the runway."
*"Roger that Control," Chris said. "Now let's see what this baby can do." He then hit the thrusters and the jet jolted forward with such speed that Chris never experienced. "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he cried out as he cleared the runway.
"HOLY SHIT!" Pikette yelled out. She wasn't used to such speed.
"I have got to get me one of these!" Chris yelled back. Once hitting the air, the amount of G-forces seemed to decrease. He looked down from the window and saw the large ocean and the small area that was Sunnyshore City. "Take a look at that, Pikette," he said.
"Yeah, it's quite a view," Pikette commented.
Chris then decided it was time to see what the jet was capable of. He then increased the thrusters and hit the joystick hard to the right, causing the jet to spin in mid-air. "Hey, what are you doing!?" Pikette yelled out. Apparently she didn't like that.
"Just getting a feeling of the ol' girl," Chris said.
"Well, just leave her alone," Pikette said.
"Hey look, no hands," Chris said, letting go of the joystick.
"CHRIS!" Pikette cried out.
Chris just laughed. Pikette's misery was just adding more fun to the experience. He then noticed a large amount of rocks coming up fast on them. "Hey Control, you think I should test out the '22's weapon system?" he asked.
"Go ahead, Johnson," Air Control said.
Chris then headed towards the giant mass of rocks. He then flicked off the safety and held his thumb right over the button. "Target locked," he said as the cross-hairs matched up. He then pressed the button. A missile then fired out and launched straight at the target. Upon contact, the rock were blown to smithereens.
Chris was definitely impressed. "Control, when we end up making enough of these, I don't think anyone will want to fuck with us."
"So wait a minute," Pikette said. "You're saying that Zena Corp. could have been involved with the events that took place three years ago?"
"Without a doubt," Chris said. "Those Pokemon we saw were in the same condition I'm in. It can't be a coincidence."
"So that means that all these rabid Pokemon here... were humans?" Pikette said. She then shuddered. "How awful."
"The three of us were lucky," Chris said. "It means that some cannot control what the nanomachines do to them. But that's not what worries me the most. What I'm curious about is why they're doing this? Something seems fishy."
"Well, it won't do us any good standing around," Pikette said.
"You're right," Chris said. He then sighed. "Just when I thought we were done with this completely."
They then continued on, exploring the third floor. This floor was a bit different, as it had a cafeteria for work personnel, as well as a training facility. Of course, what they trained here Chris did not want to know. He then realized it had been about four hours since they first arrived. Sure didn't feel like it.
All of a sudden, they heard a beeping noise. "What's that?" Pikette said.
"It's coming from in here," Chris said, going through the next door. The beeping became louder and then they realized it was coming from one of the computers in the lab.
"Wow, a working computer," Chris commented. He saw the screen was flashing something. He got up closer to it. "It looks like an incoming message."
"Let's see what it says," Pikette said. Chris clicked on the flashing mailbox and a message indeed appeared:
Message Log: June 23, 2012
We can't even explain what had occurred. Something broke out, and next thing we know, the whole damn facility is on lockdown. But that's not the worst part. Due to power failure, the Pokemon were able to escape and started causing havoc, most likely due to side affects from whatever they were given. We were sent in to quell the Pokemon, hoping not to kill any of them. That proved to be our worst mistake as about half our force was taken out immediately. We realized the area wasn't safe now and had to retreat, and look for escape. We did happen to find an escape route, but it involves going through the garbage chute into the sewers, and last I heard, something may be down there. We didn't have a choice though. Unfortunately, there may be other things out in the facility, so to those who read this, keep your eyes out for anything. One wrong move, and you're as good as dead.
Commander Sam Davis; 4th Division; Zena Corp.
"Well gee, that's comforting," Pikette said. "Chris, maybe it's time we just get the hell out of here."
"You're probably right," Chris said. "I'll see if I can get in contact with Sadie." He then set up a comm channel. "Sadie, do you read me?"
"Loud and clear, Chris," Sadie said. "Find anything interesting?"
"As a matter of fact we have," Chris said. "We found two Pokemon who weren't affected by these lab tests. Sadie, all these Pokemon used to be human."
"What? That's impossible," Sadie said. "Nothing can just change a human into a Pokemon."
Chris sighed. "You'll find out soon enough," he thought. "Anyway, how about on your end?"
"Not much," Sadie said. "While we may not have enough as we planned, we can sure get these bastards for Pokemon cruelty and illegal practice. I think it's time we plan our escape route. I only have one way to get back towards the first floor, and it may take me a bit."
"We have a way back as well," Chris said. "Once we meet up, we can finally get the hell out of here."
"Alright Chris, stay in touch," Sadie said before cutting the channel.
All of a sudden, one of the TV monitors flickered on, catching both Chris' and Pikette's attention. They then saw a man dressed in a lab coat sitting in a chair, smiling at the two.
"Well, well, well," the man said. "If it isn't the famous Chris Johnson? I can't I'm surprised that you're here right now."
"Who are you?" Chris asked.
"Doctor Jason Troy," the man said. "I'm charge of this facility here as part of Zena Corp. Unfortunately, I don't remember inviting you here in the first place."
"We know what you're up to. What Zena is up to," Chris said.
"Of course SIP would send you in to investigate," Troy said. He then looked closer. "Hmm, it seems like your transformation is finally complete. How does it feel, Johnson?"
"Pretty good," Chris said heatedly. "But I think I'll feel better once you're out of the picture."
Troy just chuckled. "Funny that you wouldn't be thanking me for this," he said. "Isn't it a dream we all cherish? To be just like a Pokemon? But not just acting like one, but actually becoming one?"
"You performed those tests on those people against their will!" Pikette said angrily. "You had no right to do that!"
"My dear Pokemon friend," Troy said. "This is what Zena strives for. A new era in science. A new type of revolution. The bond between humans and Pokemon can now become even greater. Of course, we had our flaws, but now we've made it better. And I must say, I cannot be anymore proud of our test subjects."
"You don't even care that they escaped and killed off all these troops!" Chris said accusingly. "Let me guess, they follow under your rule?"
"Ah, you're thinking back three years, aren't you?" Troy said. "I do not believe in mind control. The Pokemons' wills now belong to me and they will carry out any order I wish."
"Well, I hate to bust your party, but once SIP hears about this, you'll only be dreaming of such a future behind bars," Chris said.
"Do you really think I would just let you notify them so easily?" Troy said. "There's no point trying to contact them now. Communications have been jammed. You're all alone on this one, Mr. Johnson, and trust me, you may not end up making it out of here alive. It was nice talking to you though. I wish you luck with the remaining time you have." The TV then flickered off.
"That bastard," Pikette said. "Thinks of us as just pawns who serve every human's wish? Disgusting."
"Don't worry about him, Pikette," Chris said. "Let's just find a way out of here. Once we do, we'll be the ones who have the last laugh." They then continued on and soon Chris started to sense a faint smell, one that was unpleasant. They were getting close.
Soon, they went through another door and saw that this room was very different. It was rather dark, with emergency lights on from the backup generator. They then saw a large gap in front of them. More like a huge pit.
"Looks like this is it," Chris said, approaching the pit.
"Ugh, it stinks!" Pikette said.
"Sure does," Chris said. He then turned to Pikette and he had a smirk on his face, one that Pikette definitely didn't like.
She caught on quick. "No way Chris!" she said quickly.
Chris then grabbed her paw. "Way!" he said right before jumping and pulling Pikette with him down the large open gap. Pikette then found herself screaming at the top of her lungs as they fell down.
(A/N: Well, that was interesting. Now we all know who the bad guy is. XD And now you see why I mentioned how so much good and bad stuff can come out of science. You think that's bad, check out the next chapter and then you'll see how science can REALLY BE BAD! But until then, you'll just have to wait... So until then, hope you enjoyed the chapter as always and we'll be seeing you later.)
FoxMcCloud7921
