Beginnings Have An End
Chapter Five: Above All Others
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The next six months would prove to be challenging for the Cybers. They were finally allowed into the back of the mansion, where an entire fitness and training room had waiting for them. They had gaped at the pool, the running track, and the mats. This is so cool! A schedule was posted on the inside of each dormitory door. The children were to check their assignments just before bed each night, and be ready in the morning for training.
Today, Six's group (Cybers 1 though 10) had been sent to the track, where they were to run various lengths and record their times. Just across the way, Cyber 29 was doing laps across the pool. Six was reassured, and took her mark at the beginning of the track. Cybers 7 through 10 took their positions beside her, and they waited for the whistle that signified the start of a run.
Phweet! Battered sneakers slapped the pavement, all five Cybers desperately trying to pull ahead of the others. Six tried to control her breathing, stretching her steps out to the very limit. Her toes dug into the pavement, propelling her forward. She wanted to be the very best. If I can just prove to Father and Momma...then I won't be left behind! I'll be right at the top, just like I want. She drew in a sharp breath as she crossed the finish line, tying with Cyber 10 for first. Oooh, not HIM!
Six wiped sweat from her forehead, catching 10's eyes.
He smirked. You're still not tough enough to beat me.
I will be!
Go on.
Someday, I'll beat you, Ten!
Such strong words.
Shut up!
Make me!
I'll make you!
Well, come on then, or are you a namby pamby wuss?
I'll show you who's the namby pamby wuss! Six lunged at him, tackling him to the ground. Ten angrily rolled her over, but she wouldn't give up so easily. She threw a punch into his face, aiming blindly. He flew off of her, sliding off the track. Six leaped to her feet and made as if to dive for him again.
Cyber Four saw the commotion and ran over, grabbing Six by the arm. Leave him alone! You should know better than to pick on a younger Cyber. Shame on you, Six!
You heard what he called me! I am NOT a namby pamby wuss!
Are too, 10 muttered, wiping blood from his nose and standing up. You even fainted when you got that shot.
Four got between the two of them. You didn't look so hot yourself, Ten. Weren't you crying?
Shut up, Four. You think you're so smart-
Four grabbed Ten by the shoulders. Look. We're not here to fight. We're supposed to be getting strong for Father. I don't know why you and Six feel the need to fight, but do it somewhere else, because I can't break you up all the time.
Don't bother, glared Six, I'm not speaking with him. She turned her back and headed to the pool, where 29 had just finished a lap.
Hey Six, wait a minute! I didn't mean anything! Ten called after her. She didn't turn back, just sat down by the edge of the pool and began talking with 29. he muttered, and headed back to the starting line of the track.
Von Reichter swiveled in his chair. Eva, let them fight. It makes them stronger if they have worthy opponents.
I know, but one day they're going to hurt themselves. Her voice was pleadingly worried, even over the telephone.
Watch for the whole group. There are others besides Cyber 6.
Are you really going to use them to dominate the world?
He sighed. Eva, we've been through this. I only want to make the world BETTER.
You're selfish, Vonnie. What about the children? They might not want to help you-
Don't be ridiculous; they LIVE to please us.
You made them that way!
Let's not discuss this, not now. How are they doing?
Much better. A vial of sustenance lasts them a few weeks now. As they get older, they won't need it so often.
Good news, then.
Well. I'd better check on the other facilities. Let me know if anything traumatic happens.
I'll do that. Goodbye.
But a click signaled that she had already hung up. Von Reichter shook his head. You don't understand, Eva. You just don't understand.
Six lay awake in her bed, unable to sleep. 29 had told her not to worry about being the best. If she did what she could do, that should be good enough for anyone. But somehow, Six yearned for the approval of her She had 50 Cybers to contend with here, and surely there were more somewhere else. If they were all as strong, and as determined as her, she definitely had a lot of work to do.
She knew 29 wouldn't approve. He was too worried about her, too cautious. He seemed to think she was going to collapse at any minute if he didn't watch out for her. Well, she could handle herself. I'm strong. I'm going to beat Ten. And then I'm going to help Father, right by his side. And I'll help 29 no matter what, because we're still best friends, and he's still my brother.
she whispered in the darkness, I'm going to be better than them.