Chapter 10: Witch Supporter
April 20th, 1992. 04:11 PM.
(Interrogation Room. Venadu Base, loaned to Alt. III's HC for Swaraj. Venadu Island. India.)
[Jerzy]
"Ugh…" The intense light of a reflector kept showering on me. I could do nothing more than squint my eyes, as I am restrained on a chair.
A silhouette paces in front of me, back and forth. Tapping a folder with her fingers, she stops and seems to look in my direction.
"Comrade Sandek, are you telling us the truth?" The woman in the formal dress of the USSR said.
"…All I've said is the truth, and nothing but the truth."
"Care to retell the events that led to the demise of your whole company, if you would be so kind?" The woman said, softly hitting the folder with her palm.
I gulp and proceed to repeat what I wrote in my report. I heard the rumors of the… special and exhaustive inquiries of our superiors whenever they suspect something is odd in our papers. However, I had never fell victim to one of those.
In this case, I believe they are suspecting me of being a defector. Being the sole survivor and having left the Russian officers behind seems to have made them think I betrayed my squadron and ran away. These hardheaded Moskalis cannot accept that a Pole was the one to survive instead of their 'finest Russian elites'.
Once I finished my summary for the second time, the woman paced back and forth in front of me for a moment. Her silhouette sending rays of dark at me when she passed in front of the light, she slowly walked and walked.
My head is still killing me. I don't remember what happened to me after I took Doyarka out of our cockpit and left her with the medic crew. I think I fainted then.
I had the worst rest I ever had since I was put in the STF. I felt like vomiting once I woke up, as if my whole body was filled with some heavy oil. My breathing is still not completely calm, my arms and feet are swollen. The doctors told me they gave me a strong hypnotherapy session to help me calm down, since it seems I started thrashing about when I regained consciousness.
Recalling how my comrades died, the screams, Doyarka's and the other ESPers' suffering during that ambush… It might have been for the best that they drugged me, but I can't help but to think that it was a bear's favor what they did. If I could have let that out, I wouldn't still feel so intoxicated and I could have avoided this fogginess that assails me whenever they use those damned drugs on us. This was supposed to help me be stable again, yet I can't be at ease. This calmness is but a fake veil placed atop the tempest, it was truly a challenge to write my report concisely when I felt like puking every ten minutes, yet I could only feel my throat twist shut as I gagged on air when I tried to follow the instinct.
And despite that, I had to push myself to write that damn paper on time. Otherwise, this chair… would have another shocking add-on put on it's frame. Combat exhaustion is not recognized by the USSR as an excuse to shirk duty. If I didn't want to leave India with scars on me, I had to deliver. However, it seems my efforts did not please my superiors.
My gaze falls to the floor, my eyes squinting in pain, feeling dry and warm as if I had stared at a screen for a whole day. The woman hits my left shoulder with the folder she had, standing in front of me. She seems to be frowning as I hear the sound of her feet as it keeps hitting the floor in quick succession.
"Comrade, I would like you to focus your gaze upwards. We are having a conversation here."
"…Sorry, Ma'am."
"Speak louder, comrade! We did not train such feeble soldiers. You're a veteran who returned from a hive, are you not? Show some grit!" Her shouts seemed to ingrain itself inside of my head, like an ear bug constantly repeating the same words as an echo. You can't expect me to… be in high spirits after what I went through, goddammit. I inhale sharply and tense up my abs, bringing my chin upwards slowly.
"Sorry, Ma'am. Won't happen again." The woman smiled like a snake, letting me see her teeth for a second.
"Good. Now then comrade, your comms seem to have been damaged during the fight, according to the mechanics. What do you think caused this?"
"As I said before, there seems to be something on the hive's walls. Our comms got distorted and we couldn't keep the connection stable. As I reported, after that ambush we had to proceed without a wired connection. It is possible my equipment was overloaded during the escape."
"I see…" She again paced around, reading the papers that I had written some hours ago before getting my first meal since leaving the hive. "Regarding the death of your superior… Did Cpt. Rogofsky give you any orders you had to fulfill?"
"Our exchange is detailed in the report. It seems his unit was damaged when the ambush happened and he ordered the last two of us to escape. Due to how the ESPers lost control, our squad couldn't be put back in order before the BETA struck."
"I see, so… About this ambush… Why did your partner regain her focus?"
"Considering my past experiences, I chose to not force the medicine on her and cut her off the sensors until she regained her composure on her own."
"…You do know that breaks the protocol, do you 2nd Lieutenant Sandek?"
"The situation was an emergency. If we followed the protocol to the letter, we wouldn't have gotten past the first hall when we had to engage the BETA to keep advancing."
"However, the lives of your comrades could have been saved had you silenced the ESPer and used the data you could have obtained to aid them. One could say… your negligence costed them their lives." So… I suppose they want me dead? Is the data we brought useless? Is this a punishment?
"My unit should have a backup of the data I sent them. I did keep them updated but in the end only two of us managed to rendezvous near the drift. Despite the strain it put on her, my partner managed to gather data amidst that chaos. I believe I detailed that in my report, Ma'am."
"Yes, you did. However, why did you not administer the medication to the ESPer?"
"As I said before, my past experience made me abstain from that course of action. My partner had already suffered from serious memory loss before, if I had pushed her and she died or fainted the mission would have been over for me at that point. However, if my decision was mistaken in your eyes… I shall bear the consequences." I know that reasoning with them is pointless. Being honest and frontal is all I can do, their decision has already been made.
The woman moved away, letting the light blind me again. I squinted my eyes, she moved behind me and started pacing back and forth. Feeling as if snow had gotten inside my shirt, I bit the inside of my lip in a futile attempt to calm down myself.
"Comrade Sandek, regarding your escape… None of the UN units that were with your company within the hive survived, is that correct?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"According to your unit's control log, it seems you shared some data with them. Could you tell us what that was? And, why did you do such a thing?" I take a second to inhale and calm my breath, feeling the pounding of my heart peel off my chest's skin from within.
"I sent them an updated map. My partner sensed more BETA coming towards us from an area beyond the one that was currently mapped in our radar, so I had to send them proof of my words so that they agreed to perform one last dash to escape. As the recording should say, Antlion 14 also confirmed my readings."
"So, your ESPer managed to remain functional during the escape?"
"…Yes, my partner remained controlling the sensors while I ran and fought."
"Going by the data…" I felt her stopping right behind me, her voice sounding closer to my ear. "It seems you two engaged a projection. Did you use the medicine on your ESPer at the time?"
"No, as I said, my partner was under severe strain at the time. The medicine was not used."
"I see… And then, your element and the UN's units were intercepted by the BETA, I believe?" She started to pace back and forth behind me again.
"Yes, Ma'am. The Forts halted our stride, allowing the rest to swarm in and split us up. I barely managed to get past them using but a small opening in the middle of their chaos."
"Could you describe that part in detail?" I slowly part my lips to gasp for some air as the memories come flowing back.
I can't feel quite sad or angry thanks to the hypnotherapy, but relieving that part of the escape… is making the back of my head feeling like it's going to explode. As if someone had hit me from behind without warning, I close my eyes for a second. I know they won't allow me to show weakness, so delaying my answer for a small moment is better than let my words fall short on their ears. I let out some air as I open my eyes, and retell the events of how we broke through that horde as best as I could.
"So you did not use the medicine and engaged a projection for over twenty minutes?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"And… you say you barely managed to escape the BETA?"
"…Yes. I barely managed to break through a hole in their numbers. I don't clearly remember all the details of the fight, however I do remember that it was nothing short of a miracle that we didn't get surrounded." I don't know why, but remembering that part of the fight makes my head hurt much.
"…And you immediately contacted us after you returned to the gate? You didn't contact any other UN officials?"
"I only contacted one UN pilot before speaking with Col. Rogofsky, Ma'am."
"Then, when you fled the hive, you didn't contact anyone else?"
"No, I was too focused in my escape to even try. I do remember the common channel being made a mess after the Lasers appeared, but I only paid attention to it when they updated my escape route. When I rendezvoused with our comrades, I left my partner in their hands and fainted. I believe my TSF was brought to our vessels with a Support Vehicle, but I do not know anything else past that point."
She let the silence hang for a moment. Then, she walked back to where I could see her and waved somehow, the lights were turned off and the soldiers that were standing guard nearby removed my bindings.
"That will be all, 2nd Lt. Sandek." She said, caressing her hair. "I shall take it upon myself to deliver the revised report to the UN. Until next time."
"…Yes, Ma'am." I stood in attention and saluted her.
She gestured me to be at ease and then, as I turned around towards the exit, I saw that a few comrades were awaiting by the door. I salute them in kind, a slim female in a formal dress of the UN takes a step forward. Her blonde hair and complexion told me she also comes from Poland. I think she's one of our operators… But my memory isn't in top form right now.
"…2nd Lt. Sandek, Col. Rogofsky is awaiting you. You are to go to this office."
"I see. I acknowledge my orders." I salute her and then they open the door, escorting me then to our superior's office.
It's such a charade… UN uniform or not, this is the same as before. All personnel in our UN Branch still belongs to a nation under the old Warsaw Pact, and all those who are not of Soviet origin are more or less political hostages or know that they can only move in certain sectors and have to mind their tongue. Wouldn't want an accident to happen in the civvies' camps, right?
I hasten my pace, since I rather deal with whatever this is now and be done for the day. We reach the vicinity of the office and are stopped by a pair of soldiers in our fatigues instead of the UN's. They confirm my identity and let me through, those who came with me saluted me and went their ways. I walk straight ahead and knock on the door.
"Come on it." An old, raspy voice commands. I open the door and enter.
"2nd Lt. Jerzy Sandek, reporting in." I give a salute, the old man points to a sofa and I sit on it.
"Before anything, congratulations are in order. You did well, 2nd Lt. Sandek. As expected of one of our elites."
"Thanks for your praise, sir." Come on, drop the pretending already and tell me why you called me here, Colonel.
"Now then…" The man smiles as he rests an elbow onto his desk, that was busy with many folders, a few stray pages, a laptop, a small glass, a bottle of vodka, and a gun. "I would like to hear your fresh impressions about the mission."
"I already sent my report, sir. It should-"
"Please, comrade. I want no formal words. I want the raw opinion of a soldier." His smile turned into a smirk as he poured himself some vodka. "How was it? Infiltrating a hive, fighting in their territory." He then gets another small glass from under his desk, fills it with some vodka and passes it to me
I gulp it in one go and sigh, preparing myself for yet another explanation.
…
"Comrade Sandek, regarding this matter about your sensors… Are you certain something in the hive was interfering with your comms?" Col. Rogofsky asked as he looked at the laptop, while taking another shot of vodka.
"Yes, sir. There is no denying how much worse our radars and sensors worked after the underground attack, and even before that, the more we descended the worse the interference became." Honesty is the best policy. And I might end up getting sent into another hive if I live long enough, so maybe using my newfound status as a 'veteran' can help me convey these ideas while the thankfulness lasts.
"Hmm… Do you think this was made by the BETA on purpose to hamper us?"
"No, my partner mentioned she felt something odd in the walls of the Hive the more we descended. At the least, I do not believe it was made as a countermeasure."
"I see. Now then, how was the combat? Your report said you found the Mindseeker lacking… How lacking are we talking about?"
"Very much so, sir. I do not know how I made it out alive with only two daggers and less than a thousand rounds left of 36mm. If I may, I would suggest we start researching new methods of defense in CQC. If we desire to reclaim the hives nestled in our soil, we will need to cleave through those narrow drifts once more. Daggers won't be enough, rifles will run out of ammo."
"Do you mean our own brand of melee halberds?"
"Well, that would be of much help, I'm sure. But I believe we should weaponize our whole TSFs. If we could put small blades on it's feet and shoulders, maneuvering through the BETA hordes would become easier on us. In this way, we could deal with the Tanks and Grapplers much more easily using those small blades."
"…I'll keep that in mind for when we return to our HQ." For when we return, huh? Sigh… So we are going back home for some days at the least. "Now… How was the ambush? What happened in there?"
I narrow my brows as I look down, remembering how the ESPers were treated. I chose my words carefully, for his son was my Captain, and retold the events again.
"…I see. It seems that idiot let his temper cloud his judgment again." He grimaced as he filled his cup once more.
"Excuse me?"
"Talking about my son. He let the chaos run rampant for precious seconds. That's what caused the downfall of the squadron."
"If I may, sir, anyone would have been overwhelmed in that situation."
"And yet, you managed to react on time and made it to the drift along another of your squadmates. I am glad to see the Motherland put a decent man in that place. The Captain…" He takes a pause and drinks, looking upwards as he narrows his eyes and slowly closes them. "…He simply reached his limit."
"…I suppose the mission was a success then, sir?"
"Hm? Oh, right. I forgot you were out of commission for a long time due to your efforts. It wasn't a victory, but we put a dent in the BETA forces. It seems now India has some more time to rearm their frontlines. You and the other survivors gave us very valuable data, so you can rest easy. Your efforts were not in vain, Comrade Sandek. The A-01 STF made the Motherland proud." So we won't be seen as failures… I fold a sigh and give him a nod.
"I see. It is a relief to hear that, sir." He nods as he returns his attention to the laptop.
"Indeed. Now then, since there are only twenty left of you, I was planning on placing you in the surviving squad from the STF. For the time being, you'll get some leave time from your duties once we're back in our base back in Alaska. Consider this a reward for all your efforts."
"Leave time?" That… is a first. I've never heard of anyone getting leave time in the STF, after all. "I thank you for the gesture, sir."
"Well, it's not like we can send you out to the field without an ESPer, after all. You'll have to wait until we tune and configure another one for you from the leftover stock of the fifth generation."
"…Excuse me? Did… something happen to my partner?"
"No, nothing of the sort as far as I'm concerned. However, the Professor seems to want her as a… volunteer for some testings." The Colonel squinted his eyes as wrinkles scorched their surroundings. "I'm the Commander of the human side of the STF so I have no say in what happens with the witches. Don't worry Comrade Sandek, you'll be flying again with a brand new ESPer fine tuned right out of production soon."
He then laughed quietly as he returned his attention to the laptop. I blinked a few times, hearing a beeping in my hears. My gaze slightly lowered, I furrowed my brows as I tried to process the words I was just told. But, for some reason, the puzzle didn't want to come together.
I… What? Volunteer for testing? What are they… going to do to her? Did she… reach her limit? I clenched my fists, closing my throat shut. Running a hand through my hair with the slowness a doctor would use when treating an open wound, I let out a sigh.
I can't do a thing. I shouldn't do a thing.
If I speak up, I'll be admonished and… punished for challenging the authorities. As nothing but a soldier, I cannot ask about her condition or whereabouts.
Doyarka is… She's…
Gone.
"Well, this has been a pleasant talk 2nd Lt. Sandek. I will be expecting much from you in the coming missions."
"…Yes, Colonel. I shall not disappoint." I stand up and salute him, he gestures towards the door and I leave.
I silently reach the elevator and then return to the ground floor. I slowly make my way to the PX, holding my forehead in a futile attempt to ease the pain.
I want to know what happened to Doyarka but I am not allowed to ask. I do wonder what was the need to tie me up in such a way during the interrogation. It isn't the first time I'm called to give insight about my reports, all soldiers go through this eventually in our organization, but it was never in such an aggressive way. Considering the importance of the STF, it's a given any survivors from Swaraj were going to be put under the microscope. But the interrogation is usually nothing more than sitting in a typical small room face to face with an officer, perhaps two. Why did they bind me and even went as far as use the light to blind me? If they did not think I'm a traitor, why did they go so far?
I sigh and wipe the cold sweat off my forehead. I truly thought I was going to be sent to Siberia or shot on the spot for a second there. And yet, the oppression on my chest is no longer due to that fear.
I suppose they were increasingly paranoid about me leaking intel to the UN when they couldn't monitor me. And yet, their trainings did their job. Even if the UN could have took me with them in exchange for the intel, even if they had offered that to me I am too scared of the retaliation that would follow upon my Father and close friends to even ponder that course of action for more than a millisecond.
I finally arrived to the mess hall and got in the small line after grabbing a tray. To think it's been two days already… I move my shoulders up and down, trying to release the stiffness in me. We could make it out thanks to those American and Japanese pilots that sacrificed themselves to kill some of the Heavy Lasers, otherwise we would have been killed in mere seconds. And even then, that was at the expense of leaving the western front of the mission alone. My escape route went to our carriers to the east, so the suppression efforts focused on the BETA marching towards us. The ones going west… were not dealt with until I had reached a safe area.
I spent most of the 18th either being out cold or drugged after waking up and having a breakdown after the tension had left my body. Yesterday I was busy writing the report once I regained consciousness, and I didn't really felt that good. I went back to sleep once that was taken care of and I put some food in me, and even then it took me quite some hours to prepare the papers.
When I woke up today it was past noon and I went to file the report, then I got to properly eat something in the mess hall in peace, instead of having vitamins and proteins being forced into me through the cables in the med bay while I was out or forcing something down my throat while I was writing. I had next to no time to gather my own thoughts after that as I was yet again called by my superiors.
Sigh… I didn't expect a grand welcoming, but this was crushing. I wonder how she was these last few days… Why have you been chosen to be a test pilot, Doyarka? Did you… reach your limit? Was it my fault? Should I have used the drug instead? There's so much I want to know, but we cannot ask any questions.
I got my food and sat down in an open seat. Surface Pilot or not, survivor of a hive infiltration or not, I'm still nothing but a soldier. I'll go lie down for a while after a shower, my head is still killing me.
I finished my food and exited the place. With heavy steps and a gaze that was being dragged on the ground, I somehow reached my room.
I threw myself on the bed, my gaze and mind now hanging from the ceiling. I softly rubbed my head as the edges of my eyes betrayed the drug that was put on me and slightly watered. I can't let out tears but I do feel the wall is about to crumble.
I sigh and close my eyes, rolling to a side and facing the wall now. The more I think about it, the worse it'll be on me. Knowing I'll never hear her laugh another time, never see her again… is more painful than I thought it would be.
…Doyarka, what happened to you? Why were you chosen for the tests?
No… Don't be an idiot.
It will only get worse for you if you keep her in your heart. Burn the bridge, she's gone.
She's gone. Forever… Sigh…
Knock!
Hm?
Knock!
"…I don't recall having any other business today."
Whoever was on the other side knocked again, this time more strongly. I sigh and stand up, I just won't be allowed to rest well it seems.
I open the door slowly and see a man dressed in the UN formal dress in front of me, but without a rank insignia on the neck of his uniform. His pale skin contrasted with his blue eyes and brown hair. He gave a me salute, that I returned, and then he put both of his hands behind his back.
"Excuse me, 2nd Lt. Sandek. Would you be free at the moment?" Goddammit. What does today has against my resting time?
"…Yes. Who would you be, comrade?"
"My name is irrelevant." He closed his eyes briefly, then he made a small smile as he again looked at me. "The Professor is calling for you. Could you kindly come with me? I was ordered to escort you to her presence."
Huh? The Professor? As in… the leader of the Alt. Project?
What does someone like her want from me? If I recall correctly, the Professor is the Director-in-Chief of the Alt. Project. She's the one who made the medicine for the ESPers, the one who oversees their growth from the moment they're born. The Mother Witch, as they call her. There is another nickname for her though, the one that replaces the W with a B.
I also know there's some… struggles between her and the Colonel. No, between some of the high ranking officers in the army. It's as if both sides were constantly trying to gain more power against the other. Me being from the 'human side' of the STF, one could say I'm a pawn of her rival within the Project. What does she want from me?
"Comrade, could you tell me what does the Professor want from me? I believe I already sent my report." I said as he furrowed his brows, perhaps I could have restrained the sting of a blizzard coming from my voice a bit better.
"If you must know… It's about your partner's condition. The Professor has a few inquiries she desires to ask you herself." Doyarka's condition?! What… What is she doing to her? To call for me to meet her… I do not recall a soldier ever getting called by the Professor.
…Is this a trap? No, why would this be a trap? They wouldn't try to stir a fight after such an important mission… But if they wish to experiment on Doyarka… If my words could cause her even more suffering… But let's first see what I can glean from him.
"…I was told a new partner would be assigned to me at a later date. As a member of the STF, we are forbidden from interacting with the researchers unless we have the authorization." The man didn't even blink as he kept looking at me.
"2nd Lt. Sandek, there is nothing you should worry about. The Professor herself is wishing to speak with you, so this won't count as you obstructing our researchers or anything of the sort." His small lips turned into a smile, I squinted my eyes and he chuckled. "Do not worry, this will only take a moment. Will you come meet the Professor?"
I felt a cold wind reach my back and nape of my neck as I continued to look into the man's eyes. I know the Col. and the Professor don't exactly get along. He might take this as treason on my part. And what could that woman want from me?
"Well, I was not told anything regarding my partner's condition. Also, I doubt the Col. will simply let this fly. Did you ask for his permission?"
"Worry not, 2nd Lieutenant. The Col. has no power to either prevent you from coming or punishing you for this. Your partner is… in good hands. The Professor wants to inquire about the mission from you to… administer the proper treatment to her."
Proper treatment? Is she alright? For them to come look for me… Did they see I didn't use the drug? Right… They might want an explanation. From their point of view, I mishandled a 'delicate set of weaponry'.
"So, will you come with me?" He again asked.
The Professor might want to know why I didn't use the drug on her. Perhaps that did have a negative effect on Doyarka while we used the projection. If I harmed an ESPer in her eyes… There's a chance she'll order me to be punished.
However… I already know the Col. will place a new partner with me. This might be my last chance to see Doyarka. However, I can't ignore that this is odd. Would the Professor want to harm me? I doubt even she could get away with erasing a survivor from an infiltration. The Col. gave me some leave time, which is proof enough our data was worth it's digital weight in gold. Perhaps, does she only want to hear my own thoughts on the matter like Colonel Rogofsky did a moment ago?
…I don't think I'll be kicked out of the STF, not after escaping a hive. The Col. might give me more harsh missions and I might get into another interrogation from time to time, but I'm too valuable as a veteran for them to off me so easily. And I know how Col. Rogofsky sees ESPers. I don't owe anything to him, I don't care if he sees this as a betrayal, me meeting with his rival. The fact that I was so throughly questioned for every detail they could get out of me while the memory is still fresh tells me I am now a valuable asset to them. And I am worried about Doyarka, so even if this is suspicious…
And in the worst case, I'll say I was following orders. The Professor is technically my superior. I'm only being asked for my compliance because of the rule to not intrude too much into the research we swore not to break. The less we know, the safer we are. And the easier it is to ignore… the toll the ESPers carry on their shoulders.
"Well, I would like to see if I can say my goodbyes to my past partner. I believe I won't be asked to sign no papers regarding my visit?"
"Of course not. You are not breaching the oath, 2nd Lt. Sandek. And also, to put you at ease, I will report this to your superior myself. So that you don't have to… endure any other interrogation sessions."
"That will be much appreciated."
"Well then, should we be on our way?" The man gave me a small, short bow as I took a few steps from my door.
"…Yes. Lead the way." I gave a nod and I followed him as we exited the barracks.
We went forward in the hallway, towards the eastern part of the base, towards the gate. Exiting the building, feeling the wind on my face, seeing what little light remained as dusk was making it's way into the sky, the man directed me to one of the outdoor hangars. Riding a Humvee, we exited the coastal base we were stationed at for the whole planning of the last operation, going towards the port where our vessels were stationed.
Since it was a short ride, neither spoke a word. I know it would be futile to even try to spark up a conversation, so I enjoyed the scenery, the sea, the cloudy evening sky, what nature gave my eyes as we got closer to our destination. However, my mind wandered to what was about to happen.
The Professor. The woman who leads the Alt. Project, the one who is on the peak of all ESPer related matters… is calling for me? What happened to Doyarka? Will the woman punish me for not using the drug? Did she want data on that, perhaps? I do not know what happened to the other nineteen survivors, but perhaps I'm the one who reached the deepest into the hive, perhaps the others were forced to escape, or couldn't keep advancing due to a high number of BETA and had to take many detours. For the one to have reached the deepest point, the one who spent the most time within the hive to not have used the drug… She might be very upset I didn't gave her side valuable data to analyze. And considering Doyarka is supposed to no longer be my partner from now on, I can only assume the worst.
After going through the control procedures, leaving the gun I had on me with the security personnel, we entered the port. Riding one of our ships, we quickly moved to the lower levels. Our ships are grand enough to be able to house our equipment, after all. They're nothing like the small, almost pathetic naval vessels the other armies employ.
My guide and me descended some stairs as we passed our comrades from the navy that were coming and going within the ship, talking and complaining as about all the procedures needed for the return to home. We took a hallway to my left and reached it's end, with a steel door that had a sign that would halt the steps of anyone coming here by accident. 'Alternative Project Personnel Only', it said. The man walked up to the door and after inputting some sort of code on a panel, he let a scanner check his eyes. He told me to do the same and after I did, he pressed something on the panel and the door opened. We walked in and kept going, now in complete silence. What was behind the door did not have the same lightning as the rest of the ship. The low light in the place made it all the more eerie, only a blueish hue coloring our way, some tubes on the walls coming and going.
With only our footsteps tainting the silence, we descended another set of stairs and finally reached a door. It was made differently than the others, it looked to be made of a finer steel plating as it shone bright. Two lights to it's side showered a cold, bright, white light into it, allowing the cameras nearby to have a clear view of whoever got close. The words 'Restricted Area. Special Personnel Only' painted in red on the door, said door had yellow and black lines marking it's outer frame. A small siren was on top of it, probably to notify if anyone was trying to break into the room. A small metallic keyboard on the side, the agent passed his ID card over the reader and inputted the password, blocking my view with his body. An alarm rang out and, after some sounds of gears turning, the door slowly opened for us.
"Come, the door won't stay open for long." The man said as he looked back at me.
As I followed closely and we again entered another room, my vision adapted to the bright light in the place. I could start distinguishing shapes around me. The submersion mechanisms, the ESPer tuning machines, were in rows lined up before me. To my left, many people were sitting behind desks, typing on their computers. Some people with lab coats were near some of the devices, discussing something or the other. A small series of dim cerulean lights in a pattern shone from another device further into the room, to which all submersion machines were connected.
"This way, 2nd Lieutenant." The agent guided me towards my right, dodging the long steel cables on the floor and people in the room.
We go into a narrow hallway barely lighted up by dim cerulean lights from above. It's so narrow there's no space for two people to walk side by side, I wouldn't be able to stretch my arm fully here if I tried. This hallway's walls are made out of a dark plating, the floor isn't made out of steel, but out of wired plates of metal, as if they were fences, or like those near the engineering rooms. The echo my boots make on this floor is making me uneasy, the hallway seems to go on for longer than it should.
Once we take a turn, we reach another locked door like the one before. The man opens it again and I follow behind him.
There's another hallway on the other side, one that isn't as narrow as the one before, but this time it's similar to one of a hospital. There's doors to my sides and glass on the walls, letting me see the inside of the rooms.
"This is where we keep our ESPers after the missions." The agent said as we walked onwards. "Not a word of what you see here leaves your lips, 2nd Lieutenant. Not even to the Colonel or anyone who claims to be from HC."
"I know, comrade." I don't know who he is, but I don't need a reminder.
In the rooms, the surviving ESPers were lying on the beds covered by nothing more than a thin white robe, something was connected to their heads. Looking like the helmets we should use if we were to bail out of a TSF, but with cables coming out if it going to a nearby machine, similar to the one that was in the first room, that had some cerulean lights making a pattern in the dimly lit room.
Something was also connected to their arms, as if trying to inject serum on them. However, the pink-grayish liquid flowing into their bodies was no serum. They were drugging them to… 'purify' their nervous system, as they called it. I know it's the right thing to do, otherwise they wouldn't be able to even walk or articulate coherent sentences if their senses got overloaded, but this is still sickening to see.
"We've arrived. Go on in." The man took a step back, pointing to a room we had just gotten to. "Do not worry, the walls are sound proof and this area is free of bugs. You can discuss anything the Professor asks of you without fear."
"I see." I know that's probably not entirely true, but I know even they have to be careful of learning more than they should.
I nod and open the door. Inside the room, a woman in a lab coat, who looked to be in her mid-forties, was sitting by the bed watching the ESPer sleeping under the sheets. Doyarka didn't have a helmet on nor were cables connected to her arms, her chest was slowly going up and down so she must be asleep as of now. I took some steps into the room, the woman in a lab coat directed her gaze at me.
Her light brown hair contrasted with her deep, dark eyes that had large, reddish eyebags. Her cheeks were also dry and reddish, reflecting her lack of sleep. The woman stood up, letting me see she was actually almost a head taller than me.
"Welcome, 2nd Lieutenant Sandek. We haven't met yet, I suppose? I'm the one in charge of all ESPer related matters for the STF. I believe you know me as the Professor?"
"Indeed. Good evening, Ma'am." I stand in attention, giving a salute. "What did you need of me?"
"Take a seat, I want to discuss some matters with you."
I sat down, not letting her out of my sight. She went to open a laptop from a nearby desk and then she sat back where she was before, facing me this time.
"Now then 2nd Lt. Sandek, I will ask you some questions and I want a clear and fast answer."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"First… You're of Polish descent, current age is twenty one, you were trained since you were fifteen on our camps back in Alaska, joined the STF three years ago, and have been part of our special recon team paired with the ESPer that is in this room for around two years as of now. Is this information correct?"
"Yes, it is Ma'am."
"Well then, let's get down to business. Did you use the medicine during the operation on your partner, Doyarka Yarostina?"
"No, Ma'am."
"Why didn't you?"
"I deemed it would do more harm than good. My partner was under great mental stress when I could have used it, and, as my experiences have taught me, it is not wise to use the medicine when an ESPer is subject to such strain."
"I see…" She wrote something down on a notepad she produced from her lab coat with quite some speed. "Moving on, she didn't faint until you were close to escaping, am I correct?"
"Yes, that is the case."
"And you had her manning the sensors during your escape from the hive?"
"Not all throughout it, but for the most part she was using them." She kept taking notes as she glanced at me from time to time.
The woman brings a hand to her face, covering her mouth, as she finished scribbling down whatever it is she's noting. Flipping some pages back, she seems to be reading something before looking towards the small desk to her right. A lone finger massages the tip of her nose as she gets lost in her laptop's screen.
I try to calm my breathing by looking at Doyarka, it seems she's unharmed. But physical is not the only kind of harm she can suffer. I lick over my lips as I again focus my sight upon the Professor, who looks back at me after a moment. An unchanged expression showing no emotion in her, the apathy of an ice wall had frozen and peeled off any traces or hints to her thoughts from her complexion.
"Tell me, did you experience headaches during the mission?"
"No Ma'am, nothing of the sort." Her brows narrowed slightly.
"How was your partner throughout the mission? When was her… peak of anguish, so to say?" She leaned forward very slightly as she readied her notepad again.
"When the BETA ambushed us. She was clawing at her head, her mouth was wide open as if she were gasping for air. My partner remained in that state until I managed to run away from that hall, and even so she showed clear signs of distress all throughout the escape, especially when her sisters perished." I couldn't help but to tighten my fists as that memory came back.
"I see… Could you describe that situation and how she reacted to it in detail?" I took one deep breath, feeling the cold pike of winter on my back, feeling part of that vile I felt back then crawling up my throat like a crab, it's pincers tearing my neck from within.
I told her about how we reached the hall, how the ESPers reacted, what Doyarka said and did, and how she eventually calmed down after I turned off the sensors when we managed to get back into the drift.
The Professor didn't react at all. She doesn't even care for their safety, does she? It doesn't seem like she wishes to harm me, but I can't predict what she'll do. At the very least, Doyarka is fine for now. I will have to wait for an opening to… to do what? Ask and be denied an answer? Learn of it and spend my days in anguish? The tapping of her pencil upon the nearby desk took me away from my mind, the Professor slowly looked at me again after some moments.
"…And during all these events, she didn't lose consciousness? Not even once?" She asked as she finished noting something down.
"No, she fainted when we had returned to the first hallway before reaching the gate."
"And you didn't feel any headaches or vertigo?"
"Not at the time, no. I recall felling a slight dizziness after getting past the stab, but no headaches."
"Hmm… Can you tell me of what happened from then until you returned to the surface?"
…Does she suspect me of something? I steal a glance towards Doyarka, who is still sleeping peacefully. Why is she not being forced to endure the same procedures as the others ESPers? Or, did they do that already? What was that of being used as a test subject? Not like I can pressure this woman for answers, being who she is.
I gulp before telling her of what happened, omitting some details of the deaths and my disgust towards my squadmate's treatment towards his partner. The Professor listened closely, without breaking eye contact or interrupting me once as she jotted words down her small notepad. Resting her chin on her entwined fingers, she leaned back onto her seat once I finished. She then directed her attention towards her laptop again, typing something in it. I remained silent while she busied herself, until she again looked at me while brushing her bangs off her face.
"Tell me 2nd Lt. Sandek, how much do you know of the ESPers' powers?"
"…How much? I was only given the customary briefing."
"Sigh…" The woman shook her head slowly. "Tell me, what can an ESPer do that a 'normal' person can't?" Testing me, perhaps? I can't read her, I feel nothing from her demeanor and I'm at a loss here on what would be the best course of action. Is she after me? Or is she only gathering data, perhaps?
"…Well, they can see a person's feelings at first sight. I believe they refer to that as an aura made of a certain color, and they can see the stream of colors coming from the subtle tells of the body which allows them to quickly guess the state a person is in at first glance without having to use their sensory abilities."
"Good. Go on."
"Then, there's the Reading powers. They can focus themselves to read a person's thoughts if they're close enough to that someone. Though, I was told it was a rather limited power and they can't sustain it for long periods of time."
"Sadly, that is true." The woman again types something in her laptop. "In the case of the Yarostina Generation, their powers are stronger but require them to be medicated more often than previous generations of ESPers. What else can they do?"
"I believe the last power was the Projection. ESPers can project thoughts, images or words to someone's mind. We have been trained to perceive this flow to not dismiss it as a random thing. And this power generates a great strain on them, which is the main reason the… medicine was developed, to effectively give them the ability to use the projection for extended periods of time."
"So far so good. Now, you said you were using the projection during the last part of your escape after your partner suffered a great strain from her readings. Am I right?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"And you did not use the medicine on her during this last mission?"
"I said so a moment ago, Ma'am. You can ask the crew working on our unit, the medicine was not employed."
"So then… How do you explain what you did, 2nd Lt. Sandek?" She leaned forward, narrowing her eyes for the first time since I arrived here. So you finally reveal your true colors, a wolf in white clothing.
"What I… I'm afraid I don't follow, Ma'am."
"You say your partner used the projection on you for over twenty minutes straight, and that this was after she suffered a severe recoil from her reading powers during this ambush." Still speaking calmly, leaning forward to stare into my eyes, the woman's tone remained as cold and emotionless as the BETA despite the fissures that were forming around her eyes. "During normal circumstances, your partner wouldn't have been able to perform such a feat. What are you hiding from me, 2nd Lieutenant?"
"I am not hiding anything. All I said is the truth, Ma'am." I bite my tongue softly within my mouth. What is going on here? What is she suspecting me of?
"Are you now?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I have not lied to you."
She remains staring at me for a moment, then she again sends her gaze to her laptop.
"I see. Well, I am sure you must want to go back to your new unit, to meet your new ESPer partner." Narrowing her eyes at me, hail paired with her every word. "I shall not hold you anymore. Send your dear superior my regards, will you? You may retire, 2nd Lieutenant." She leaned back, waving towards the door.
I couldn't help but to frown towards her words, clenching my fists as she smiled. I took a look at Doyarka, who was still sleeping. I won't even be able to say anything to her? Damn it…
"What is it, 2nd Lieutenant? Is there something on your mind?" Do I take my chance? Even if knowing will only hurt me more in the long run? Sigh…
"If you would allow a question… How is my partner's condition, Ma'am?"
"I don't know, I have no idea who your new partner is."
"I am talking about her, Doyarka Yarostina." I say as I look at the sleeping woman in the bed. "What happened to her?"
"You just said you know nothing, so I have no reason to answer you. You're getting a new partner anyways, why do you care about this witch?" What?! I inhale slowly through my nose as I lean back on my seat until I feel my back tense up. Calm down… She shouldn't have asked that question, because now I can answer her and continue this for a few seconds more. I am an idiot, aren't I?
"…One could say it was my responsibility to look after her during Swaraj. If something is wrong with 2nd Lt. Yarostina, I want to know if my actions caused harm to her. To avoid it happening to my future partners, if she doesn't return to the STF. And it is rare, almost unheard of, that you would call for a soldier to meet you. I don't believe our discussion so far gave you answers you could not have obtained from my report. Could you tell me what was the need of calling me here, Ma'am?" She holds my gaze for a moment, running a finger from the edge of her lips to the bottom of her chin time and again.
"I suppose that means you are willing to talk?"
"I always have been. I know our factions are… at odds with each other, however, all I've said is the truth and nothing but the truth. If my actions burdened my partner, I wish to know what folly I committed. If discussing this would help you somehow, I am more than willing to answer your questions."
"So you will answer, huh? And will those answers be honest ones?"
"Of course, Ma'am."
"…What you said just now seemed to imply you still think of this ESPer as your partner. Didn't Rogofsky inform you she won't return to the STF? If in the end you produced a good result, why do you worry about any possible burden you might have placed on her?"
"As I said before, she was my responsibility during the mission."
"The mission was completed rather successfully, however. You've already did what you came here to do, isn't that right?." She sighed and moved her neck slowly in circles.
"…You'll have to forgive me, Ma'am. But were you not the one who called for me? I believe my answers so far have not gave you anything you couldn't have found in the report. I was told you called for me due to my partner's condition. So, is there anything wrong with her?"
"Huh… So, if I may inquire, what causes you to be so adamant in wanting to learn of your this? This could be considered as you breaking the oath, 2nd Lt. Sandek."
I gulp at her words. If she, of all people, points a finger at me I'll be in some serious trouble. One thing is if she tried to accuse me of not delivering data, another one is if she accuses me of treason. However… If that is her angle of attack, she should have made it seem as if I were the one coming here on my own. I know tampering with data is not beyond our superiors, but she called me here. There has to be a reason for that.
I can only hope that reason isn't to screw with Colonel Rogofsky by taking me out.
"Ma'am, it is only natural for me to be concerned about my partner's health. Even if the mission is over and we delivered a good result, if my partner has suffered unnecessarily because of me, I wish to know what it is that I did wrong. I do not wish to keep burdening any other ESPers that are placed in my care."
"…Is that so?" She smiled again as she again drew a line from her lips to her chin. "Then, I can trust you won't divulge any intel I might share with you?"
"If you're fearful of me being subject to the truth serum, you can withhold any sensitive information from me. I merely wish to know how my partner is faring, and if her condition worsened due to my irresponsibility. I believe that to be the reason you called for me in the first place."
"Hmm… I see." Smiling like a Grappler, showing me her teeth and sending me into a frozen lake, she leaned forward. "Well then, regarding what we were discussing before, do you still not see anything wrong with the long-lasting projection you endured during your escape, 2nd Lt. Sandek?" The Professor rested her chin on her softly coiled fingers.
"Again, I do not know what could possibly be wrong with that. It's not the first time we use that ability for long periods of time."
"I see. Then, could you describe how you felt during the projection?" I brought a hand to my chin, once more retelling the events. "…So you felt less pain than usual, huh?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Despite not employing the medicine? Don't you see how contradictory that is?"
"Well, yes, I do. However, that is what happened. Perhaps my partner took the heaviest burden during the mission."
"I see… So you say she was the one who endured the heaviest recoil, am I correct?" I nod, as that's the only explanation I can come up with. My head does hurt but not as much as it does after we engage a long projection. "I see, so that's how you see it…"
"Is there something wrong, Ma'am?"
"Not wrong, per se. However, if that's what you think happened, could you be as kind as to explain to me what this means?" She picked up her laptop from the desk and showed it to me.
A graph was on the screen, a few bars were oscillating low, a timeline graph was running, with some line staying around the middle of the graph. Doyarka's face was on the upper left side of the screen. Some numbers and shapes were also on the screen, but I have not the foggiest idea what this is.
"I do not know what I'm looking at, Ma'am." She sighs loudly.
"This are your partner's numbers when we hooked her up to the machines. As you can see, she's fine. Blood pressure normal, no anomalies anywhere, no signs of pain or damage in her brain or nervous system, heart rate stable… And all of this, without us doing anything to her. What do you have to say to that?"
"Forgive me, but if she didn't need to undergo the treatment that means she's alright. I don't see what is wrong with her." If she didn't need the drug this time, then she's… Wait a second.
"Looks like you figured it out on your own. Precisely because she's fine this is an issue. Didn't she shoulder most of the recoil for you, 2nd Lieutenant?" She narrowed her eyes at me even more, resting her chin on a hand after she put the laptop back on the small desk.
"That's what I thought, however… I have no clue what caused this." It is odd. Even if I didn't use it, the doctors wouldn't have hesitated to drug her. Is this a lie? Or, did she truly not need the medicine? Going by the bear-like stare of the woman… It looks like it's the second.
"Surely you know how frail ESPers are after your two years of service in the STF alongside one. You may be barely over twenty years old, but surely you should know better than this. Do you think I buy your ignorant act?"
"This is no act, Ma'am. If she could endure the strain and didn't need the medicine, then that would mean she is in good health despite everything. I know she must have been under great duress during the mission, but, as I said before, I don't know what caused her to not suffer the usual strain. And I did feel less pain than usual during that projection." She stares at me for a moment, doing something on her laptop, which now faced her.
"…Did she ever remain completely stable during any of your missions, 2nd Lieutenant?"
"Of course not. She always had to be connected to the… purifying mechanisms when we returned. I don't know why this time it's different, was she alright when she regained consciousness?" I ask my doubt finally, she sways her head from left to right as she folds her arms.
"Oh, yes. She could talk just fine, even if she was weak."
"Then, doesn't that mean that she was only debilitated this time?" I relax onto my seat. It's true this is odd, but if she's fine for some reason there's no need to use the drug on her. Or, perhaps, there is something wrong with her. Something the Professor cannot tell a mere soldier like me. "There was truly nothing wrong with her at all?"
"No, at all. Hmm… 2nd Lt. Sandek, this is a first time for you, isn't it? Having your partner remain stable after a mission?"
"Yes, of course. So, is there… anything else wrong with her?"
"No, she's fine as far as the tests go. That is what's odd here."
"Then, if I may, what do you think this means, Ma'am? I don't know exactly what you're trying to inquire about. Perhaps you could clarify the matter so that I can answer you as best as I can. If you suspect my actions caused this, I could try to explain our interactions in more detail."
"Nice try, 2nd Lieutenant. Covering your prying for intel as a helping hand." She laughs weakly as she focuses on her laptop again. "But allow me to accept your offer. This is the first time something like this happens. Not just for you and your partner, no ESPer had managed to remain in such good health after a mission as long as the one you performed in was completed. Most of them were beyond recovery. Can you see what this means, 2nd Lieutenant?"
"Wait a moment… Most ESPer were beyond recovery?" A shock similar to jumping into a cold lake after a hot bath assails me. No one ever… However, if that's the case, what is that drug good for?! "But.. I thought that medicine was invented to keep them in good health. What happened to-"
"Died."
"Huh?"
"The ESPers of the first generation died after a few missions. Those of the second remained scarred for life, suffering from something we called a Mind Break. I suppose you call it 'silent mode' or something of the sort?" The woman looked up, her lips becoming smaller as she also squinted her eyes.
"…I see." Of course they would just dispose of them when they were of no more use. I should have seen it coming. The woman brushes her hair before continuing.
"Well, it wasn't until the third generation that we produced ESPers who could endure their powers while working for extended periods of time, and even then they had to be tuned daily to not suffer lasting damage from the recoil. The medicine and the limiters of refined hyper ceramic were created for this third generation, and their effect has been proved to do wonders to fourth and fifth generation ESPers as well, despite the… ahem, collateral damage."
"…But an ESPer never managed to keep her health without relying on the medicine?"
"Exactly. So, your partner is the first to ever come back from a long mission and remain in good shape. As you can see, she's peacefully sleeping without any strain on her body. So…" She again looked at me, frowning with the might of a blizzard. "I want to know what happened during the mission, without you omitting a single detail. Doyarka Yarostina was no different to the rest, nothing on her previous numbers indicated she had this resilience. 2nd Lt. Sandek, what happened to cause this change? If you did not use the medicine, what did you do to her to cause this effect?" Asking me that as she furrowed her brows, letting me know she was willing to call the agent on me if I refused, I could do little more than return the frown.
"Even if you ask, I don't know what could have made this happen. During our preparations for Swaraj she should have been here under your care most of the time. Nothing was given to her since we got together to be deployed." We were together until we were told to board our units, neither of us drank or ate anything. She also wasn't taken away to give her a hypnotherapy session, so that's out of the question as well.
"Are you sure? Your superiors wouldn't have threatened you into secrecy, would they?"
"No, Ma'am. I truly don't know what we're speaking about here. My partner was not drugged, harmed or anything of the sort. Neither me nor my superiors laid a hand on her, and she didn't leave my side after the briefing so I can guarantee you nothing that would break the oath happened to her before or during the mission."
"Then, care to think of an answer? What was different this time? Surely you can come up with an answer, being the man that was in charge of the medication's controls."
Is she suggesting I used a different kind of drug on her?! How dare… No, calm down. Think… How did Doyarka remain stable? There has to be an answer, after all.
"Sigh… I don't know if I can come up with… Hmm…" Wait… Something that was different this time?
"Did something come to mind?"
"Well…" Something did feel different, now that I think about it. And I need to give her an answer, and quickly. Perhaps this will let me see if she's telling the truth or not. "During the last part of our escape, the projection felt… different than usual."
"Different? Different how?" She moved her chair closer, now her stare resembling a hungry boar, the daggers of winter shaving away the sun's light from the surface, as she again got her notepad out.
"Well… It felt more vivid at times. I could judge the distance between me and the enemy easily and it didn't hurt as much as it usually did whenever she forced her thoughts into me."
"Could you describe that in detail?"
I went in as much detail as I could about our escape, about that tingly feeling, about how it sometimes felt like Doyarka was whispering into my ear, about how my eyes twitched from time to time. After taking her notes, the Professor fell silent as she looked at her laptop.
"…Is something wrong with my partner, Ma'am?"
"A moment, please. I'm trying to access some data…" She again went quiet for a long moment. I crossed my arms, feeling as if I had swallowed the crab, a pincer wreaking havoc inside my stomach. What is she planning to do with her? What is wrong with Doyarka now? "2nd Lt. Sandek, if this isn't wrong… some of your relatives were chosen to contribute to the… genetic pool from which we make our ESPers. Am I right?"
"…Yes, Ma'am." I couldn't help but to scowl at her, folding my arms tightly.
"Do forgive me if I struck a wrong nerve. Now then, take a look at this." She placed her laptop on a nearby chair so that it would be facing both of us and then she clicked something on the screen. "I accessed your Mindseeker's data while you were coming here. The readings of the sensors were… most odd, truth be told. Also, it's movement data logs shows maneuvers that are… well, simply put impossible to achieve. Are you still going to play dumb, 2nd Lieutenant?"
"I don't know what you speak of, Ma'am. What do you mean, my maneuvers were impossible to achieve?" What is she talking about? I thought she was after me for not using the drug, that she had something against me for being on the Col.'s side… But I'm still lost here.
"Your reaction time to the threats was too high for a normal person, you wasted not a single movement during the last part of your escape. So, you still claim nothing happened?" She said as she pointed towards the screen of her laptop, that had some numbers and graphs regarding my performance.
"…Excuse me, but I don't know what you're talking about. I don't recall my maneuvering to be anything to praise, I am far from an ace pilot. I was on my limit, I think I mostly powered through the horde with sheer emotion." And luck.
"Yes, I am aware you're not among the best pilots we have within the STF. However, why don't you see what you did?" She again pointed her laptop at me as something replaced what was on screen.
In it now was the marking of my Mindseeker with my callsing came into view within the radar alongside the footage that was recorded from my head visor playing in part of the screen.
…This has got to be a joke. My mouth remained open as I saw how I managed to rush in between some Grapplers without sustaining damage, the speed at which the arms moved and slashed at the Tanks, how quickly I reacted to the BETA's charges…
"I don't remember moving like this…"
"I see… You don't remember, huh."
"It's the truth, I don't recall doing these sharp movements!" I do remember the BETA moving rather slow due to the cramped space, but this is just ridiculous!
My Mindseeker was delivering kicks and slashes without wasting as much as a second, even to the ones that tried to blindside us. Not missing a single jump, always managing to land safely amidst the chaos… I did this? How?!
"…It seems you truly don't know. Then, in that case, what do you think of this, 2nd Lieutenant?"
"Ma'am, what is the meaning of this? How did I-"
"I don't know. You are the one that has to deliver an explanation."
"Even so… What does this have to do with my partner's health? If we were moving in such a violent way… There is no way she didn't need the medicine. Why did you lie about that?"
"Lie?" She furrowed her brows at me. "I did not lie. She didn't need the medicine in her. If anyone lied here, that would be you."
"What? Ma'am, I've told you all I could. Is this footage real? And, is my partner truly alright?" There is no way Doyarka is fine if we moved in such way during our escape, considering all that came after we left the hive. The Professor's gaze relaxed as she folded her arms, giving me a long pondering look.
"…Well, I suppose I could answer your inquiries. But first, let me ask you one question myself. Tell me, what is your partner for you?"
"Huh? What is she for me?"
"Yes. It is rare to see a soldier being so insistent on learning about an ESPer's health."
"…I am merely worried about my partner, Ma'am."
"And why are you so worried? Were you ordered to deliver a report on her status, perhaps?"
"Nothing of the sort. Do remember that you were the one who called me here, Ma'am."
"…So you weren't expecting me to call for you? You still claim to be ignorant to the causes of these turn of events?"
"…Yes, I am. I honestly don't know why she's fine despite what we did, nor how I managed to pilot my machine in such a way." I guess that explains why I've been so throughly questioned. I'm sure my superiors must be very curious about how I achieved such a performance.
"…I see." She again starts drawing a line from her lips to her chin as she stares at me. "Then, why are you so insistent? I'm sure you could find a more… voluptuous partner to satisfy your basest urges, in case you took a liking to ESPers."
"…Ma'am, I have never laid a hand on her in such a way."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. I am not so low a man to force my partner to perform comforting duties for me." I scowl at her, clawing at my fists hard enough to tense my arms up to my shoulders.
"Huh… Do forgive me if I struck a wrong nerve. Then, what is this ESPer for you? Is she just another witch, another weapon to you? Isn't it odd, that you're asking this much about her? I could claim you're breaking the oath, and you should know that well." She leaned ever forward, her bangs falling onto her nose as she gazed at me. I took a second to get some air in me, relaxing before answering.
"She… She's someone I respect, someone I rely on. She's not a witch nor merely a weapon. I…" I slowly inhale through my nose, facing the perfect ice wall that was her stare. "I believe the ESPers to be human. With all due respect, I completely disagree with the vision you propose, Ma'am. She's my comrade and piloting partner, she isn't an object to me." Holding my gaze in silence for a moment, she then smiled at my answer for some reason.
"I see. So, I suppose you did not wish to give her the medicine to safeguard her own well-being, am I correct?"
"Yes."
"And you kept an eye on her until you boarded your machines, am I right? You didn't let anyone lay a hand on her, did you?"
"Are you accusing me of something, Ma'am? Perhaps, are you insinuating I'm a traitor for not following the protocol?"
"No, of course not." She again rested her chin on a hand as she crossed a leg over the other, leaning back once more. "But you were worried for her safety and made sure she was as fine as she could be before the mission." I nod. "And, by extension, you decided to… push forward until you either managed to break through the horde or were forced to use your S-11 instead of relying on the medicine as you should have. Is that right?"
"…Yes, that's the case."
"I see… I see, so that's how you see her."
"Then Ma'am, if it isn't something I shouldn't know of… Could you explain to me what is wrong with my partner?" She crosses her arms and nods.
"As I said before, nothing is wrong with her. That's why I suspected that something was done to her, and if that were the case, I had to inquire about this matter. You being her partner are the most suited person to call in such a case. Don't worry, she's truly fine. She didn't need the medicine, as I've been saying."
"…I see. Then, how did this happen? How did she remain fine after those movements? Do you believe the projection was different this time for some reason?" It's the only way we could have performed those movements, but then she should have needed to medicine. What is going on here?
"Hmm… I don't know how this could happen. However, I had my doubts about you but it seems that report about your… views was correct." She again briefly smiled.
"What do you mean? Are you still suspecting me of something, Ma'am?"
"Not anymore. I can see that what those papers said was true. You're as disgusted as I am regarding the… classification the UN gave to the ESPers."
"Wait, as you are? But weren't you the one who-"
"I cannot go against the Alternative Council's decisions. I suppose you also don't agree with ESPers being treated as non-human beings, right?" She narrowed her eyes, looking downwards as she tightened a hand. I grimace as I nod.
Artificial beings are not humans, according to the UN. A human being is that which is born through a natural conception, that's what the laws say. This was made in a fearful answer to the successful creation of the first generation of ESPers. People were afraid of being cloned and replaced, of the USSR or another power using clones to substitute key people in certain positions.
A mixture of religious, political, and scientific concerns were raised against the proposal of the USSR, and thus, this was the compromise the UN made. ESPers are not human, therefore they will never be able to replace anyone and they would be kept in check so that they never abuse their powers against their 'masters'.
That's what we were explained when introduced to the ESPers for the first time. If cloning could be made possible, anyone could manufacture an army in a week, a day. Terrorists could replace Presidents, Prime Ministers, CEOs, and all without nobody knowing of it. People could kill others and replace them with brainwashed and obedient copies of them without no one being none the wiser. And that's not even delving into the debate of whether or not the ESPers have a 'soul' or not. Some even called them abominations of nature, an insult to the Lord's designs.
All kind of conspiracy theories were thrown around at the time, it seems. It's some sort of miracle the Third Project was given to us in such a climate, with the BETA winning the Moon War.
Those fearful reasons are why the ESPers… are not clones of anyone in particular according to the rumors, and are instead made from a genetic pool of selected individuals. So, they won't ever resemble anyone in a position of power. Eugenics, cross-breeding, DNA manipulation, forced mutation, the terms and rumors are as vast as the ocean.
However, as artificial beings, they're the same as… the cloned sheeps and cows that are used to make food. They're not seen as human beings because they didn't come to life in a 'natural' way. Therefore, ESPers have no human rights and are not seen as 'people' according to the laws. That is why we get away with sending them to fight despite some of them being too young and why the researchers can do so many experiments with them. For the rest of the world, they're not people. They're merely weapons made out of flesh and with human shape.
And I despise that view, with every fiber of my being.
"Yes, it's true that I… do not agree with that vision, as I said before." And she… is also against that? Is she trying to make me willing to talk? I was being honest from the start, however. "Then, what intel do you believe would be of use to you?"
"Hmm… Could you tell me of how she was before the mission? Just to make sure." I take some air in and tell her of what I remembered of our short stay in the base during the prep work for Swaraj. "I see… Well, I suppose you truly do not know anything. Forgive me for taking so much of your free time. You've proven to me you're free of guilt. Thanks for your honesty, 2nd Lieutenant. You may leave."
"…Yes, Ma'am. But, allow me one last inquiry. Will she be alright from now on?" She looked at me, and again she smiled. This time she showed me her teeth as she rested an elbow on her chair.
"I don't know. Perhaps this is nothing but a calm before the storm."
"…How do you mean? You said she was fine, did you not?"
"Yes, she's fine. For now."
"…What does that mean?"
"Well… A candle shines brighter just before it's light vanishes forever. Considering those maneuvers you performed, and how you seem to not be aware of it yourself… It isn't rare for patients to experience a slight recovery before their last moments come to pass."
"What? Her… last moments?" Her life is in danger? But… But…
"It wouldn't surprise me if her condition worsened all of a sudden. If that came to pass, maybe the medicine won't be enough."
"But that…" If that happens, she'll… she'll…
"Well, it is sad I cannot have you come with me. That shall be all, you're dismissed." She waved towards the door, looking at her laptop again.
"…Ma'am, what's that about me coming with you?"
"Oh? Well, it's easy. If engaging in a projection with you is what allowed her to not suffer as much as she should have from the recoil of her abilities, then having you by this ESPer's side may allow her to keep her good health. But alas, you're a member of the STF. Do not worry about this, this is no longer your problem."
"Wait, you say it would be possible for her to remain in good health?" She's confusing me more with every word she utters. She looks at me, arching one brow and smiling.
"Well, the only thing that was different this time was this… feeling you had. So, all I can think is that, for some reason, you aided your ESPer during the projection. Therefore, if I could study this… whisper you described the sensation to resemble, I could perhaps find a way to make ESPers keep their good health after their missions."
"…I see. So, in that case, the drug… would no longer be necessary?"
"No, if we could pinpoint what happened to you two during the mission, we could devise a plan to allow the ESPers to not require further treatment, so the medicine wouldn't be needed anymore. However… You're under Rogofsky, soldier. So, do not ask any more questions. You already lingered here long enough. You may leave, 2nd Lieutenant."
"However…" I look at Doyarka. Their health is a fickle flame, a thin thread. And somehow I managed to help her? That odd sensation is what allowed her to rest easy now?
…No, calm down. It's clear this is out of my hands. I can't keep asking questions. But… No, there's no proof I was the cause of this. It might just be a coincidence. If I learn more than I should, I'll die. However… What if she… Ugh…
I slowly stand up and salute the woman, again feeling my chest searing from within. I knew this day would come. I can't be an idiot. I'm sure she's just trying to trip me. Someone sent by Rogofsky would immediately offer to help her, to get closer to her research. Don't be a fool, Jerzy. I got my answers, I now know she's fine. And that she might not remain fine for long. I can't clog my mind in this way, I know what comes next and my powerlessness to stop it.
It's time for us… to say goodbye.
"…I shall be taking my leave, Ma'am. Good night to you." I turn around and walk up to the door. I sigh as I grab the doorknob. I wonder if the Colonel will now call me for yet another interrogation. That would be a very bad joke if it-
"…A moment, 2nd Lieutenant."
"Hm?" I look back, the Professor was resting her chin on a coiled hand as she looked straight at me. "What is the matter, Ma'am?"
"You won't try to propose your help to your partner? Didn't you care about her health?"
"…I do. But I do know my limits. If I were to suggest such a thing, not only it would be against the oath I took but it also would be most suspicious. You held doubts towards me, and I'm sure you would have doubted if my intentions were genuine had I offered my help to you. As a soldier, he who serves between the crossfire of both sides of the Project, I should remain neutral."
"So, since you're a surface pilot, you have decided to not involve yourself with this side?"
"Yes, that is the case. You yourself said I should stop asking questions, and I do agree I might have pushed you for answers I did not deserve."
"…Rogofsky must treat you well for you to carry your wagging tail so openly in your words." I frown at her, she then smiles again. "What is it, 2nd Lt. Sandek?"
"…While he is my commanding officer, I do not have a 'wagging tail' in me. You should know how us Non-Russians are treated."
"Huh… You don't say."
"If that's all you wished to say, I shall be taking my leave."
"Now, don't be so hasty."
"…What is it, Ma'am? Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Is she trying to make me trip? I won't react aggressively in front of her, what does she think I am?
"Well, allow me to be blunt. You don't enjoy working under Rogofsky, do you?"
"…As a soldier, I cannot complain about-"
"2nd Lieutenant, answer the question. Yes or no?"
"…If you must know, no, I am not comfortable as I would like in my position."
"Because of these differing views you hold, I suppose?"
"Well, that is one reason. However, it is very hard to work at my best when my commander has openly admitted that we're all disposable to him." It doesn't matter if we die, they have thousands waiting to be sent to the frontlines.
It's already hard to be deployed in all these recon missions to test strategies on the BETA. All to see for how long they continue to be fooled by our approach. When your commander isn't thinking on the troop's survival and only focuses on the goal of the mission, you're as good as dead as soon as you enter the cockpit.
I learned to think of it as a sort of test. I start with a death sentence, and it's up to me to rebuke that future. You start with a zero and you have to work your way up to that hundred percent. But it does wear you down, being asked to continually do reckless maneuvers as if one were nothing but a chess piece.
"I see… Then, I suppose you did not swore your allegiance to him?"
"Heh, I haven't. I don't know what you're trying to find in my words, I'm merely a soldier doing his duty. Even if I don't see eye to eye with my commander, I will do all I can to complete the missions that are given to me. I am no traitor." She again starts drawing lines on her chin, smiling faintly.
"I could tell as much. Now then… I must ask you something now. Would you be interested in joining the Alt. III Research Team, 2nd Lt. Sandek?"
…
"…Huh? Me, joining the Research Team?"
"Yes, so I said. I can have your partner with ease, but without your agreement I can't take you away from the STF or the army."
"But… Wait a second, is that why you called for me? Were you trying to see if I was on Rogofsky's side all this time?"
"You could say that. I knew you didn't treat your partner cruelly thanks to the reports I've been receiving these years, but I wanted to see for myself what kind of man you were. To hear your thoughts from your own mouth, to see how you would react to my inquiries. I am pleased, truth be told." She smiled again, leaning her chin on her palm. "If you help me, it's possible that the medicine can become a thing of the past. And as you see, thanks to this different interaction, your partner's health didn't worsen despite all she had to go through. I am most curious about why this happened. And seeing that you don't really play for Rogofsky even if you're on his side of the board… What do you say? Would you like to join my side?"
…She isn't lying. She's being serious. All those questions… were a test. And it seems I passed it in her eyes.
"…What will happen to me if I join you? You must know I am not Russian. Some people will take offense with that."
"Well, you wouldn't be the first Non-Russian on the team. And if you don't come with us, I'll have to find a new partner for this ESPer. And I doubt I could reproduce the same results without you, I don't think this difference could happen twice without the both of you. Considering your family had latent ESP abilities, maybe you're more receptive towards the ESPers, in which case I just cannot not have you on my side. Considering that you also see them as humans, I think you would be a good addition to the team. So, your answer is?"
"…Are you serious? You're not testing me, are you?"
"I am not like the men from the army. When I say something, I mean it. So, your answer." She didn't flinch and I saw no hidden daggers in her words.
"…What would I have to do if I accepted?"
"You would help me in the research of this phenomenon." She leaned back onto her seat, resting her hands on her lap. "I could also use a pawn who knows of how the army moves and acts, they do tend to obstruct our trials to gain the recognition for themselves."
"So the rumors of infighting in the Alt. Project were true, after all." She laughs weakly for a moment.
"Yes, that's how it is. While I should be the official Director to the UN, I am bound by the Party to… present some of our results as Soviet-made developments instead of Alt. III's developments, while they also manage our budget and equipment. So there's quite some… tension between who gets the praise, if me and the ESPers or the soldiers and regular staff. So, having someone who knows how they move and the signs of when they do would help me much, since I am not the leader of the STF. I'm sure you've heard plenty of rumors about it."
"It sounds as if you were bound by them. Does this have to do with them fearing the ESPers?" She nods with a wry smile.
"Yes, they fear the ESPers might one day overthrown them, so they're keeping me in check to ensure I don't ever betray them. So, rest assured. I am not going to push you or your partner recklessly. I would like to keep her in good health for the tests, after all."
"So, we're going to be just a pair guinea pigs?" I lowered my brows, she narrowed her eyes and shook her head.
"No, I want you to be a pawn. I won't do hurtful experiments on you two, I benefit more with you two being healthy. Simply think about it, what would happen if all ESPers could endure their powers like she did? We could finally capture a Hive if that were possible, maybe even bridge the gap that isn't allowing us to communicate with the BETA. I'm sure you don't wish people to keep calling them witches, for them to continue being treated as objects."
"No, I do not. However-" She cuts me off as she leans forward, smiling again.
"And you could also use your contributions to give aid to your compatriots. The Party could see that people of your nation have worth above the rest. You could get them out of the common camps if they recognize your contributions to the Motherland. And I could shield you in case anyone… tried to use your close ones to threaten you." She again directed a gaze my way, clasping her chin. She was being serious, she truly wants me on her side.
She doesn't seem to wish to harm Doyarka. But that might just be a lie… Can I trust in her?
"…Are you sure of it? Won't you get in trouble for going out of your way to protect me? I'm sure you have your hands full, trying to get results with the ESPers."
"Well… No one can argue against results. And you are one of the few people that has entered a hive and lived to tell the tale. You're a veteran now, so your words also have a new layer of weight behind them." She leaned forward, covering her mouth with her entwined fingers. "You see 2nd Lieutenant, I need to start delivering results. While Swaraj didn't go as good as I wanted, this little mystery may very well become a turning point in the Project. I know you don't see eye to eye with… some of the things the Party forces us to do to the ESPers, but I assure you we don't do this because we enjoy being cruel. I can protect you from being sent into another suicide mission and give you power if you aid me. You can aid me in finding a way to allow the ESPers to remain healthy after long missions, and I would benefit much from having a veteran on my side of the board as well. And you could help your partner while you're at it. Will you come with me, 2nd Lt. Sandek?"
"…I have your word that you'll cover my back and that you won't use the drug on my partner?"
"If you come with me I'll keep you safe, don't worry about that. And I won't be forced to use the medicine on Doyarka Yarostina, or any other ESPer for that matter, if you produce results. However, some things won't be easy on you. There are quite some… cruel rumors that fall short when faced with the reality we have to deal with. However, if we find out how and what happened during your escape, we won't need to employ those cruel methods anymore and we could even use that to appeal to the UN. So, what's your answer?" She again locked her gaze on mine. Now I could feel a certain intensity coming from her. She's serious, she isn't lying here.
…Joining the Alt. Project, huh? I know of what rumors she speaks of. I know about the cruelty that is forced upon the ESPers, even if the rumors fall short to measure up. They wouldn't be silenced if they were inaccurate, after all.
I take a glance at Doyarka. I do wonder why the Professor called for me when she was asleep… To gauge my reaction, perhaps? If my aid could help her and the rest of the ESPers … If whatever happened back then could be replicated…
However, to join the Alt. Project's Research Team means I would have to join the higher echelons. I'm sure many of my compatriots won't take kindly to me doing this. But… If I can help the ESPers and gain power by myself… Perhaps one day I could free my Father and friends from the Party's shackles, sending them to a place with proper living conditions. And I could find a way to let the ESPers live without relying on this drug.
I also would be free from Rogofsky and his deadly missions, as well as the insults of the Russian elite of the STF. This is my chance to change things from within, to have power beyond those rich Moskali who always looked down on us.
I can tell the Professor doesn't exactly like some of our… more intense norms, going by her squinted eyes and dry tone when we talked. All the proof I need is that she's asking me if I want to join her sincerely despite who she is. A proud Russian would never have asked for my input, she would have assigned me as her underling without notice, with plenty of insults and mockery involved. If we both can gain something from this, and I can ease Doyarka's pain with her aid… No, if I can put a stop to the usage of that drug and give people a reason to stop the abuse on the ESPers… Even if I will have to have a hand in… some unsightly matters as part of the Research Team… There is, however, one last doubt in me. I look at her as I cross my arms, she was still staring right back at me.
"Might I ask you one last question before giving you my answer, Ma'am?"
"What is it?"
"Why did you assume your position? I suppose you were not the Director of the Project when it was assigned to us, you look too young to have been the one."
"My, aren't you a charmer."
"Why did you do so? And… Why do you allow the ESPers to be abused?" Why? Why was my family taken from me and many others? Why do you use the drug? Why do you let the soldiers do whatever they want to the girls? What is your goal? What could be worth all of this cruelty?
First she squinted her eyes and I thought I was dead for a second. But then she chuckled as she looked up, ruffling her hair softly.
"…I merely wanted to continue what was left to me."
She looks down, her eyes growing smaller and smaller, the fire of her candle drowned as it reached the base.
"I was twenty seven when I was assigned to this Project, you see. I've seen everything that was done to keep us alive so far."
The Professor looks up again, brows narrowed as her tone regained an edge in it, the howl of a wounded beast ready to counterattack.
"When we failed a mission, the Party would… take one of our close ones as a warning, a motivation to perform better. Most of the original team died of old age, others committed suicide when they weren't able to deal with the guilt of what we had to do."
She closed her eyes and took a moment to gather her thoughts. She let out a sigh as she ruffled her hair.
"Five years ago, the original Director's health took a turn for the worse when his… daughter disappeared and he asked me to continue his efforts as the next Director, as one of the last remaining members of the original team."
She looks at me as she smiles wryly and sighs a hill out from her lungs as her shoulders are eroded and sink.
"I just… believed the ESPers to be our best bet against the BETA, to drive humanity beyond it's limits with our own power. I saw hope in them, hope to one day retake our soil without being subject to any other country. I know you must think I'm a monster… But I have a family to protect, too."
"Huh?"
"I think you also suffered the same fate, going by your report. You must know… how it feels. To have the Party take your family as a hostage."
"So you also…" She nods slowly, closing her eyes again. I can't find words. I open my mouth but my throat refuses to follow through. I look down, clawing at my fists.
"I just want to make sure all this suffering doesn't end up in tragedy for us. If I don't succeed, all ESPers might be murdered on the spot or will be forced to keep living as objects forever. If we lose the Project, the USSR will lose much influence within the UN. And then, America will surely get to do whatever it wants." She sighed, looking upwards as she bit her lips softly. "I can't say I'm proud of what I had to do and concede to have the plan remain alive… I am not pleased with all I've seen is done to my ESPers, with all the words I am forced to endure and swallow. Yet, I can only continue moving on." She crossed her arms and looked at me again, her gaze imposing and cold as if I were gazing at a TSF's visor. "And I believe you and your partner to be a key part of this path forward, going by your feat in escaping the hive despite the adversity you were facing. So, what is your answer?" She looks at me in the eye, I close my eyes and lick over my lips, thinking it through before answering.
"…I accept your offer, Ma'am. I don't know how much help I'll be or if whatever happened could be done twice, but I am willing to take any task you delegate to me. I can only agree on your wish to prevent all of this to end in tragedy." She smiles as she leans back.
"Good. And don't worry, if you don't know you can always learn. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, and I need someone who I can consult in how to deal with the rioting people back in Alaska. I suppose you know more than me about the common camps."
"Are there many riots back home?"
"Not many, but very violent ones in the surrounding areas of my base at the least. All I'm told is to silence them, but I rather not use ammo when my words might be enough. Don't worry, I won't ask you to kill civilians if we can help it. I will need you to come with me for the papers and to ask you some questions to make sure you're… hardened for what you'll see from now on."
"I see. Do you think we could replicate this… phenomenon with ease?"
"I need to see what causes it first, what triggered this, and what was different when you two connected with each other through the projection. Then, we can try to see if we can make this happen again. At the least, monitoring you will reveal something, and in the worst case your services as a veteran will come in handy for me. Well, we can discuss this later. Come on, we have much papers to arrange." She stood up and grabbed her laptop.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Oh, right. Stop with the Ma'am, I'm not a soldier." She said as she got her laptop under her arm, signaling me to open the door.
She dismissed the agent, who smiled at me and gave a nod before leaving, and then she gestured me to follow her further into the hallway. We reached an area without people, where the walls no longer had glass on it.
"Ahem… If I can't call you Ma'am, how should I address you?"
"Professor Prafka, or just Professor. Now then, let us make haste. The sooner, the better."
"Excuse me, Professor. Will you have me transferred to your base back home?"
"Of course. There's no reason to not make haste."
"I see. Then, I suppose we will be filing the papers overnight?"
"Yes, that is the case. Don't worry, if you have any belongings that are dear to you, I'll make sure they don't suddenly disappear. But I will need you to keep your new position a secret until everything is done, since some people might… not take kindly to you from now on."
"People that answer to Col. Rogofsky?"
"Yes. They might feel offended that you came to 'this side' of the Alt. Project, or someone might think that letting a Non-Russian into the Project is something 'they' cannot allow. I'm sure you know how prideful some can be. I will deal with the bureaucracy, so just lay low for the time being."
"I am not an outsider in dealing with agents and scornful comrades, I am confident I can manage." She gives me a look, a finger on her chin.
"Well, I suppose we can see later how good you truly are. For the time being, keep a low profile until you're called to my base."
"Yes, Professor."
"Oh, and just to be clear, I won't let anyone discriminate you for your origins. And if anyone tries to harm you when outside our base, drop my name and they should back off. And if they don't, you're authorized to subdue them in however way you see fit."
"Roger." I suppose this shows how much she's banking on me to deliver good result to her… I can only hope she keeps her word. But if she does… I might just have found myself a very valuable ally.
We reach another hallway, and she unlocks and enters an office that has her name on a plate by the door. She tells me to sit down, and we start dealing with the papers. After that, she opened my profile and asked me to tell her of my abilities, while she presented me what I should know of the Project before arriving back home.
She also used some sort of device to make sure I wasn't lying, and I told her of my Father and living conditions, so that she could see I was no spy. We then started to prepare all the necessary papers, and that took more than I thought it would.
"Well, I suppose this is enough for today." She relaxed on her seat. "I'll call someone to arrange the rest of the papers tomorrow. Now then Sandek, I will need you to tell me about your relation with Yarostina from the day you met."
"Roger. However, before that… What are the chances of an ESPer resembling one of the people that contributed to the DNA pool?"
"High, very high. If Doyarka Yarostina reminds you of a family member, be sure at least a few other ESPers were like her too. Hmm… Perhaps the fact that she reminded you of a family member is what caused the trigger? You did mention that you reassured her during the escape, did you not?"
"Yes, I did. Do you think she could tell my feelings were different and that caused her to be more attached to me, somehow?" It isn't rare for her to follow me around or rest her head on my shoulder from time to time, after all.
"Hmm… That is interesting. 2nd Lt., take a look at this." She turns her laptop towards me.
Another graph with two oscillating lines. Each one in it's own window, moving in different patterns. The lower one, that was colored in red, moved in spikes, while the upper one, colored in blue, moved a bit more smoothly. I tried asking, but the she shook her head and pointed a finger towards her laptop. I sighed and continued watching.
After a certain point, the red line started making spikes much more faster. The blue line also started making small jumps, but much more slowly. As time went on, the graph showed the red line calming down and the blue line act up, both moving in the same way for some time. The Professor returned her laptop's screen towards her after that was finished.
"What is the meaning of this, Professor? Why are you showing this intel to me?" She ruffled her hair briefly before looking back at me.
"So, what did you think of these images?"
"…I don't know what to think. How could I know what those graphs are meant to represent? I am but a soldier." She smiled briefly as she leaned back into her seat.
"They're your and your partner's brainwaves."
"…Brainwaves? I see, you must somehow track them with the sensors to allow the projection to be easier on the ESPer."
"Yes, that's one reason. The other is to forcefully shut down the projection if either one cannot endure it. However, this is also something that has never happened before. Two people having the same patters for such a long period of time…"
"Isn't that something that usually happens when engaging a projection?"
"Well, it is, but never in such a similar manner. You said this projection didn't hurt as it usually did, correct?"
"Yes, Professor."
"…And you said you heard her voice as if it was a whisper, did you not?"
"Indeed, that I did."
"…Well, care to guess when your brainwaves started to align with hers?"
"When I started to perform those inhuman movements?" She smiles as she nods.
"Precisely. Those maneuvers start when both brainwaves start moving in synchrony. Considering what you told me, of how this felt different… I believe we might have stumbled upon a new ability of our ESPers."
"A… new ability you say?"
"I believe it's clear from the intel we have in our hands. It seems you and your partner… are the first users of the Synchrony ability." She said as she cracked a smile as hard as my bones cracked after basic.
"…What do you mean? I didn't knew the ESPers had such an ability." She leans forward, extending a finger upwards.
"Well, your brainwaves were moving in almost identical patterns. Your senses were heightened to levels no normal human should possess, and your partner could use her powers without receiving the usual recoil. I believe you two… performed some sort of psychic link due to the strain of the battle."
She takes a small second to gaze at her laptop, grasping her chin.
"I think she might have focused onto your mind in a different way during the escape. Could you tell me of your interactions during that?" I delay my answer by a moment as her tearing words return to me. "…So how exactly did you reassure her, Sandek?"
"I tried to calm her down by telling her we were in it together, that I wasn't going to drug her. That she should trust in us making it out alive. Do you think that affected her powers, somehow?"
"Of course, an ESPer's state of mind is directly related to her performance. Well, perhaps she could feel your honesty and… tried to cling to you in her desperation. This, coupled with your own emotions, made this happen. Instead of just projecting something into you, she… felt drawn in by your thoughts. Then, this phenomenon happened. Can you tell me about that part of your fight again?" I nod and retell the events once more. "Hmm… So you felt calm during it too…"
"So, can we surmise that me not treating her like a tool is what made this happen, Professor?"
"I suppose so. She was feeling desperate at the time, receiving a painful recoil from her powers. You spared her some kindness and she could feel you were being honest, how much you meant your words. This is what I'm going to refer as the trigger from now on." I nod, she continues. "You continued fighting, and when faced with impossible odds you did not give up. She, feeling your desires, suggested to use the projection at the time. She must have wanted to aid you in such a dangerous situation, so this made her focus on your mind more strongly than usual. I do not know why this didn't hurt her as it should have, but her feelings and focus might have been the reason. Sensing your desire to keep fighting to protect her, this triggered the link as she focused on you."
"You mean that because she wasn't forcing herself as usual and instead had a clear goal, the pain was easier to manage?"
"Yes and no. On her side, what you said is mostly correct, but as I said before this was a psychic link done by both of you. Normally, your mind would naturally reject her intrusion, and that makes you feel pain. However, this time it seemed you also desired her help so you didn't put up resistance, you instead welcomed her thoughts into your mind. She was probably expecting some interference as usual but then you allowed her to flow into your mind with ease. Add the fact that you were connected to the sensory equipment while piloting using indirect thought control, and she had barely no resistance to her powers, nothing between you two. So, once she tried to project herself into you, your desire to keep her safe made it easier for you two to connect to each other, which made you not feel any pain or tiredness during the duration of this phenomenon. Since this time her projection went unimpeded without any interference or resistance, coupled with how the trigger must have affected her mind as well during that situation, this instead formed the psychic link. Then as you fought, you also shouldered part of the burden and it's why you felt a strong dizziness when the link ended. Of course, she took the biggest burden in the end and fainted because of it."
"Professor… You sound as if you were expecting this to happen." Was she… waiting for something like that to happen? Waiting for the day one ESPer was put on such a situation… For what? She leans back on her seat even more, ruffling her hair.
"I was. This is a theoretical power the ESPers should have, but for the longest time I couldn't manage to make it happen. This is a sign I've been waiting for a long time. And, most importantly, is that it happened without relying on the drug." She smiled again, making me get lost once more. If she didn't want to rely on the drug… then I made the right choice, but why does she not try to stop it's usage?
"…So no one could ever do this theoretical psychic link? What was needed for this to work? Why were we able to do this without knowing of it?" Were we subject to some sort of post-hypnotic suggestion? Mind control? Did they manipulate our emotions somehow?
The Professor rests her face on a hand, an elbow on one of the armrests. She stays looking at me for a moment, an unwavering face showing no hints or cracks.
"Well… Someone who doesn't see the ESPers as tools, for starters."
"So you say someone who sees them as humans is needed for the psychic link to work?"
"Yes. If an ESPer can trust in someone, they would develop a healthier link with that person. Emotion has a great effect on someone's day to day performance and they are no different. Their hearts are all the more sensitive due to their heightened perception of the emotions of those around them, of how they see them. Having two minds working in unison, but more importantly, having the ESPer not feel as secluded as she would feel with our… other comrades would make it easier to maintain the link. They would need an emotional trigger first, but I believe that we have enough proof thanks to you. This is possible to achieve, we just need to find the right people and way to make our ESPers perform psychic links. In which case…"
"Me and Doyarka will be the pioneers of this phenomenon, I assume?"
"Exactly. That is why I needed to make sure you truly were someone worth my trust. Well, tell me of your relation with your partner. How was she when you met her for the first time? How do you act when you're together?" She again took out her notepad, ready to take her notes.
"Well, we met the day I was assigned to the STF. We were called to the hall when-"
