This chapter contains some tiny details that are going to become important later.

Also, a big pile of virtual cookies to Trekkiewhoviansmurf for the idea and to Alpha Infinity and Alpha Three for helping me develop it. :)

The file on screen appeared to be a Xeroxed PDF of a spiral notebook. Someone with very slanted handwriting had scrawled quick notes about the Astronomy Project. It was only from a certain date to somewhere near the present.

Day 1058

Today the Astro tre triplets (Units 9-11) were exterminated. Lack of desired power traits and inability to function as a unit warranted deactivation. The Sorelle Lunari operation will begin tomorrow.

Day 1059

Unit 12 (Subject Equinox) and Unit 13 (Subject Solstice) were activated today. 12 is the remodeled version of Unit 7 (cold temperature bugs fixed) and 13 is from Watch6's DNA and the specialized power DNA fragments. Optimal results expected from both units.

Day 1060

Both Units were set through Upload and Fast-age Programs. Each is showing remarkable aptitude and prowess relative to previous Unit failures.

Day 1103

Unit 13 is breaking free of its behavioral constraints. Tests are being done to determine the source of the problems. If 13 is continually allowed to associate with 12, it could convince 12 to fight back against the project.

Day 1105

Tests have determined that the DNA used in Unit 13 was not of Watch6 but from Watch17. Explains the temper issues and abnormal ways of thinking. Must be Re-uploaded within the near future.

"Is that where this file ends?" Raven asked.

"Yes, but this file is making little sense to me," Nero replied. "What do the words Re-uploaded and Fast-age mean?"

"Beats me," Raven said. "Try searching the files for something on Watches. If there is a possibility that Solstice and Equinox have a parent through some sort of technicality, I think they deserve to know."

After a second of scrolling, Nero found the file; however, it was one of the encrypted ones. "I'm sure that the Professor will be able to figure this out." Nero put the laptop back in the overhead equipment rack and pocketed the USB. "Let's talk about the Hunt."

"The location has already been secured and the only human activity is fifty miles from the drop-off point," Raven replied, starting up a tablet and opening a report. "It's a largely forested area with about 6 to 8 inches of snow daily."

"Has the proper outdoor gear been obtained for the students?" Nero asked.

Raven opened a new file. "Yes, there is – there are two extra . . ."

Nero's expression of false innocence gave it away.

"Oh no," Raven snarled. "No way in hell are the two biggest trouble magnets I have ever had the misfortune to meet coming on the Hunt."

"Are you worried that they beat your twenty-four hour record?"

"No, I more concerned about them blowing something up, massacring the Alpha Stream, or causing some form of uncontrollable chaos."

"I'll make you a deal, Natalya," Nero said. "I will monitor the activities of the Hunt in person if Miss Solstice and Miss Equinox on the Hunt. Mind you, they are your students; you can say no."

"You'll actually be on site?"

"Yes."

"And you know that they already have connections with Otto and friends. They're bound to team up," Raven stated.

"Is that a no?"

"If two little assassins-in-training causing mayhem on the Hunt is what takes to get you out from behind your desk, then so be it."

Unbeknownst to Nero and Raven, the two girls were listening diligently to the conversation. Equinox had reversed the intercom system to make the speakers in the cabin's ceiling to microphones and they were both listening through their headphones.

Solstice threw down her headset. "That sorry bast-"

"Language!" Equinox scolded.

"Yes, mother," Solstice quipped, rolling her eyes.

"So, what are we going to do about that flash drive?" Equinox asked, ignoring Solstice's retort.

Solstice stood up. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting my flash drive back." She walked towards the ladder with the intent of prying it from someone's cold and very dead hands, if needed, but Equinox blocked her path.

"No, Sol, think about it. We've been trying to hack into those files for months. We clearly do not possess the geeky-tech skills required to break in, so let Nero give it to the Professor. Once he unlocks all the files, we can blackmail and/or threaten a SciTech to hack into the H.I.V.E. database and get us a copy," Equinox explained with a slight smile.

"And by threaten you mean . . .?" Solstice asked, raising an eyebrow.

Equinox's smile widened. "You can deal with that."