Nothing took place until a day later. The connections Osiris had were extensive, and, because John's reputation preceded him, his orders were not questioned. They were actually embraced with the idea that the world's top soldiers would have their teeth cut on the island. As much as other military officials were questioning the reasons, Osiris was able to stress how much more valuable that soldier would be if they survived a single week on the island. Even two weeks, if needed. Promotions were offered, as well as compensations for any losses. They agreed to send out one test group compromising of their best men. They couldn't risk S.W.A.T going in, but only the finest that each military school had to currently offer.
It was five in the morning EST when the group of ten soldiers were called into the small room. All of them were the best of the best in their military training. They passed the questionnaires with flying colors, and all of them were practically orphans with no families to speak of. A drone with a genetic copy of Commander John walked into the room to evaluate them silently. Another drone with a genetic copy of his assistant was right next to him. It was important to let them consume clones that were constructed. The breeders with the original forms couldn't be under any form of threat. The drone with the Commander's body was one of Alex's drones. The drone with the assistant was from Agatha's side.
"I understand," the Commander drone said calmly. "that the ten of you were recommended by your Drill Sergeants and their peers. I also understand that all of you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. I'm going to ask all of you one question. Answer honestly. If you had the choice to kill your fellow man in order to survive, would you do it?"
Only three of the ten men nodded. The other seven were caught by surprise at the question. The assistant drone pulled up the files that were carried in a small briefcase that had the identities of the three men. They would be studied while on the island.
"Sir, I mean no disrespect," a blond-haired, brown-eyed soldier said. "But...why would you ask us such a question?"
"A good question. Soldier, do you know where your training is going to take place?" the Commander drone asked now. When they all shook their heads, a map was now lit up on the back wall. At the point of the quarantined Blacklight Virus island, many of them started to shake with a form of intense fear. "You all have a right to be afraid and nervous. However. If you can survive for at least two weeks on that island, you will truly be the best of the best. Also, I asked the question, because, if one of you becomes infected, you may have no choice when it comes to killing each other. When they say 'survival of the fittest' they really mean it."
There was only one man in the room that caught the assistant's eye. The Commander drone tapped into the hive link to glance at the man casually. He appeared to be of Hispanic descent with the typical military style haircut. His hair was a dark, rich brown at one point. His eyes were the same color. He didn't appear very buff, but he did appear to be extremely dexterous. He also looked like a fighter. As though he would do whatever it took to live.
The Commander drone could already tell that several men were going to see about opting out. The only problem was that they signed a contract. If they opted out, they would be discharged from the military with no honors. Their names would be tarnished. Several drones would be ready to kill them off the moment they tried to flee somewhere. The hive collective would not tolerate anyone knowing of what was going on.
"Sir," the assistant drone said. "the plane leaving for the island will be ready in twenty minutes. I was just informed."
"Good," the Commander drone nodded. The iPhone the assistant drone used was just for show. It wasn't even connected to any form of internet or even activated. There was no need for it. Practically the entire air force, save a few of the more notable soldiers and engineers, were already taken over as drones. The only soldiers spared were the ones that had families. All the Commander drone had to do was call a small group into the main office, have other drones ready in ambush and they had their new recruits. It was easier than anyone knew. "You are all dismissed to get ready for transport. However, the three that agreed to my question earlier. Please remain. As for the rest of you, I expect to see all of you at the landing pad at the designated time. You may go."
After the seven men left, the Commander drone looked at the three men that remained. A dark-skinned soldier with a rather buff physique, the Hispanic soldier, and a rather buff white soldier were left. The drone studied the first soldier with a bit of scrutiny. He was much like Ragland with black hair and eyes, and he was exceptionally tall. Almost six foot, from what the drone could judge. The white soldier was judged next, and he had red hair with dark green eyes. A bit of freckles coated over his skin, but he looked like he could easily hold his own. However, it was the Hispanic that the drone was betting on that would be the sole survivor. The hive would be testing this one to his limits.
"Would you like me to do anything, Sir?" the assistant drone asked.
"Take notes," the Commander drone said gruffly. "First thing's first. Your names, soldiers? Starting with you on the left."
"I'm Karl Higgins, Sir," the white soldier nodded.
"Carlos Sanchez, Sir," the Hispanic soldier said.
"Jeremiah Bartley, Sir," the dark-skinned soldier said with a stern ring.
"Good. You all know me as Commander John Murlow. The three of you were asked to stay, because you all agreed to possibly killing your fellow man. Tell me. Do you know what to expect on this island? Do any of you have an idea?"
"Any that go there end up dead," Jeremiah said. "It's just like you said, Sir. If we come back, it shows that we have what it takes."
"Survival of the fittest has to be the main rule," Carlos said. "I've lived on the streets my whole life. I know what I have to do to survive."
"No pain, no gain," Karl shrugged. "What more is there to say? I have nothing to go back to. If I die, it's for my country, anyways."
"Ah. But...what would you do if you were forced to ally with the enemy to survive? To turn-coat against your country?" the Commander drone now asked.
"Kill me first," Jeremiah snorted.
"Same," Carlos nodded.
"I may be on my own, but I'm not stupid!" Karl growled.
"Good. Remember what you just answered today. I'm only saying this now, because there is a chance...a good chance...that you may change your mind. And, if you do, there is no turning back," the Commander drone warned. It had to make it sound like it was serious. As much as it wanted them into the fold, it had to play the rules of being against the idea. "The Blacklight Virus, Project Zeus, is currently at large. We don't know where it is. We don't know what it plans. The last group we sent there was eradicated. We lost all contact. The last known contact we had was at the major hospital on the upper east side. So, since you all are on such good standing with the situation, I am giving you three a personal mission. From me. Go to the hospital. Find out what happened. Get out alive. If you perish, you will be remembered. If you survive, I'll make you three a part of my personal team."
"Yes, Sir!" the three men said at once. They all wanted the chance to prove themselves now. Either they live or die trying.
"Dismissed," the Commander drone nodded. "Join the others on the landing pad."
Right after they left, the drone soldiers watched them carefully. Several scouts were camouflaged and standing in the rooms the chosen soldiers were staying in. They were there to act as the eyes of the hive, like they were bred to be. Alex was perplexed, though. I want one of the soldiers to antagonize the other soldiers into their change of heart. One soldier of each group would need to be taken over. He now knew the perfect one to do the job. The blond-haired soldier that questioned the Commander drone in the conference room was now a newly recruited drone. It was easy to do when he was caught taking a shit. Humans were easy to grab when they were distracted with every day functions.