Note: This took longer to get out than I wanted, but there was actually a
lot that needed to be done here set up wise, and it was kind've hard to
write it so that it would turn out right.
Disclaimer: They're really not mine. I've been telling you this for sixteen chapters. Why won't you believe me?
Dedication: to KelleyGaither. Consider it a 'your welcome'.
As Freedman was leaving the site, he told the guard that it was now safe for the rest of the employees to enter. Sure, it was a blatant lie, but what did he care? He knew that he was in a lot of trouble, just the fact that someone had managed to infiltrate this part of the company was enough to get him killed or possibly worse. However, if he was going down, then so were a whole lot of other people. Those creations of his would stop at nothing to get their target, or at least that's what he hoped.
The truth of the matter was that Freedman wasn't really too sure of what was going to happen. Most of those things were still undergoing various treatments, and still had some free will. That could cause several potential problems, and he bet that the person who planted the virus didn't think about that little tidbit. This whole city was in a lot of trouble now. Several of the creatures would die, there was no doubt about that, and it would probably be the vast majority, but those who survived would be all the more dangerous. He couldn't help but wonder how the city would deal with this new threat. It was likely that none of these creatures were going to be all that keen on hiding their presence. But then again, many of these former humans were supremely intelligent, and could band together to form their own organization for whatever purpose they wanted. No one had enough power to stop them.
However, while Freedman still had many issues to consider, right now, he really needed to get out of that place. Before too long, those things would be running rampant with only expendable workers to stall their progress. As an estimate, he gave himself fifteen minutes to get a safe distance away. So, he started up his car, and left leaving all those people to die what could be agonizing deaths.
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Calmly, they reentered the building, grateful that it had only been a false alarm, but also annoyed by the same fact. For a lock down to occur, there had to be an extremely dangerous situation where some chemicals had been spilled or mixed incorrectly, or something else along those lines. But, false alarms were always an unwelcome disturbance that distracted from work, and caused unnecessary panic. Fortunately, this had been one of the few ones that occurred over the past several years, so all involved found that they could deal with it. Everyone went back to work like good employees, and those who worked with the tanks never noticed the warning that the tanks were about to open.
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There was still the matter of what would happen to him. He knew that if he didn't go right up and explain the situation directly to the boss, he would be hunted down, and then most likely tortured for his cowardice. So really, it was in his best interest to confess now, and bear whatever punishment would be given. Still, at any rate it was a frightening thing to think about. The boss could be sadistic at times, giving no mercy especially when really pissed off. It didn't take anyone of any significant knowledge to realize that Freedman was going to be in a lot of trouble. Phoenix Inc. worked in several branches spread out across America. The branch here was of experimental human soldiers, ways to improve the army, to make it stronger, and more formidable than it already is. It was also the branch that Freedman was in charge of, and now it had been compromised by an unknown person or persons, not to mention that all of the super soldiers were about to be released. Yeah, he was pretty screwed.
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With hardly any sound, the water began to drain from the tanks in unison leaving more and more of the creatures exposed. Their eyes opened, some slowly with an air of uncertainty, while other's snapped open leaving them completely alert. Still, no one noticed it happening, all of them too engrossed with trying to finish their work for the day. There was a muted hiss as the tank doors opened leaving the beasts able to freely roam about. All of them ripped off the wires and other devices attached to their bodies, some with an assassin's stealth, and others with a feral roar. Finally they were noticed, and all hell broke loose.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Maybe he could find a way out of it though. The chances were slim to nil, but if he could find something useful, then maybe he would earn forgiveness. However, nothing was coming to mind as of yet, and despair began to settle in as he drove down the streets heading towards the main building of Phoenix Inc. If only he could find out who did this, who it was that had broken into the building and violated his systems. Were he to accomplish this task, it might be enough to keep him safe for a while longer as it would prove that his purpose had not been fully served. Then the idea struck him. The day that those two Meta girls had been brought in was also the day that someone who had been hacking into the system was kicked out. Using that information, and hacking into his own system from his house, it was possible that he could figure out who it was, and if he figured that out, then chances were good that he also found his perpetrator.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
In one of the rooms, absolute chaos had erupted. People were screaming in terror trying their damnedest to escape, but they had beast like creatures to contend with. One by one they were ripped to shreds by those who had lost the majority of their humanity. Others of the animals simply decided that they wanted to leave, and didn't bother to deter their more feral counterparts from their rampage of death. Instead, they made their way through the building, while being joined by some of the other more human looking experiments.
In another room, the more human like creatures were also killing mercilessly, but theirs was in a less fierce manner, and in a more secretive sort. Necks were snapped, heads were cut off, and hearts were punctured before anyone knew that anything was happening. Hands and blades were dripping with blood, but the room remained oddly clean. It was a terrible sight to behold, but those who remained seemed uncaring as they stood almost as though admiring their handy work. Not all participated though, there were others who simply left and met up with the more feral creations.
As they finally made it outside, they got a good look at their new appearance, and knew right away that they would never be accepted. Most had no recollection of any family or friends, and those who did knew that they would not be able to return to the life they were stolen from. Now, they had no idea what to do, or what they even could do. Finally, one of them spoke up. "What are we going to do?"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
After heading home and pulling out his laptop, Freedman began to enter his own system. It wasn't a hard task since he knew all of the firewalls and all the ways to get by them. His fingers pounded rapidly at the keys, never missing a beat, as he continued on his way. Soon, he had made it inside past all of the precautions that had been set up, now he was free to do what he pleased. A quick check of the system showed that all of the tanks had opened as scheduled, and that the programming had gone through for several. All it was now was a test of which were still loyal to Phoenix Inc. They would find their way to the building eventually if they were, that way they could get any equipment that they desired. Several minutes later he completed his search triumphantly. He had a name, Barbara Gordon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
All looked around for a moment, most choosing to stare at the ground, but the truth was, that none of them knew how to answer the question that had just been asked. "We can't go back. I don't even know who I am." One spoke up. Now that the situation had been put into words, they all felt about ten times worse than before.
"It's true. I may not remember a lot, but I remember enough to know that we're freaks." Yet another voiced.
"But we can't just separate ourselves from society. We need some sort of human contact."
"It's not like we have a choice. Whatever the hell we are now, would never be accepted. They'd probably try to kill us, or experiment on us."
"That still doesn't answer the question of what we're going to do. All we know right now is what we can't do, and what we shouldn't do."
Once again, all went silent as they tried to answer the question that had been proposed earlier. "We stick together." One of them had finally found the answer. "We have no one else. We can't remember our families, and we can't turn to normal people. All that's left is all of us. I say we band together."
"How will that help us? We'll still need the usual things, food, a place to stay." A feral looking one asked.
"Incase you haven't noticed, some of us have minor inconveniences to our appearances. If we cover them up, we could pass for human, and go out shopping for the basics. As for a place to stay, well, we can find an abandoned building of some sort." Her voice was so strong and sure.
"And what about money? You can't shop without money." He seemed almost smug that he was proving her idea pointless even though it was the only hope they had so far.
"Our abilities exceed that of a regular person, I suggest that we turn to robbery. Or those, whose enhancements are easier to hide, could go and get a job. Details can be worked on, but survival says that we stay together." Her words spoke to everyone, and one by one, they all agreed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Still inside, the remaining few creations had already banded together since their orders were all the same. It was agreed upon that they would split up into separate groups, one heading to Phoenix inc., and one heading for the city to scout about. All knew to keep out of sight, and so decided that it would be best to use the cars belonging to those they had just brutally murdered.
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Nervously, Freedman waited for his appointment with the boss, he figured that making you wait was a form of intimidation, and it was working. At last his time came though, and the secretary waved him through. He sat down in the chair provided, knowing that he shouldn't speak first.
"I'm sure you already know that I have a status report of what just happened in your division. Needless to say, I'm less than pleased." The voice was cool and calm displaying only a note of displeasure.
"I know, but I've done all that I can." He stammered.
"And what is that exactly?"
"Well, I gave orders to find the two girls that went missing, and I found out who compromised the building ma'am."
Her eyebrows rose in a small amount of surprise. "I'm mildly impressed Freedman. So tell me, who was it?"
"Someone named Barbara Gordon. I don't know how she managed to get in, the systems are top of the line I assure you."
"Idiot. Obviously you know nothing. Barbara Gordon could be a very large thorn in this company's side if she chose to be. Judging by the fact that she hacking into your computer mainframe, I believe that she may have decided to be that thorn. You have disappointed me just now."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know. I'll do better, I swear. I can find out where she is, and. . ." His boss had cut him off.
"Quite. Are you really that foolish?" She questioned harshly. "She was in your system, during a time when you just abducted those girls. Think about it for a moment, and tell me what you come up with."
"Well, maybe she was looking for them." His answer was almost a question as he was so afraid of being wrong.
"Correct. You told me only moments ago that you gave orders to those experiments to find those two girls. Now, if you find those girls, I'm sure that you will find Barbara Gordon as well, therefore, I see no more use for you."
"But. . .no I- I found out who. . .I ordered. . .please don't kill me. Please boss please." He begged completely dumbfounded that his plan hadn't worked.
"Hmmm, yes well. Most of that was some sort of luck. You see, your mind works too slowly, it doesn't piece together the things it should quite quickly enough. Just now I had to help you figure out how to find Barbara Gordon. And based on your overall performance, well, I see no purpose for you any longer." She pressed a button on her phone and spoke into it. "Excuse me, I have someone who needs to be taken care of. If you could send in the boys to see that Mr. Freedman here gets what's coming to him."
Moments later two large, burly men walked into the room, and dragged a kicking and screaming Freedman out of the room. All in all, it hadn't been a bad day, and she was confident that everything would work out in her favor.
Note: Okay, so no birds this chapter. I'm sorry; I'm sorry, please don't hurt me. I promise they'll be in the next chapter. I just figured that I needed to get this in here, so yeah. . . Again, this did take longer than expected, but I'm hoping my five day weekend (that's right, be jealous), will give me a leg up on the next chapter. It's getting more involved though, now I have the birds, one group of freelance freaks, one group of loyal killing machine freaks, and then a bit with the boss of Phoenix inc., not to mention Reese (for those of you who haven't realized this, I really don't like him). I'm beginning to wonder when this thing'll end too. It's officially the longest thing I've ever written. Till next time.
Disclaimer: They're really not mine. I've been telling you this for sixteen chapters. Why won't you believe me?
Dedication: to KelleyGaither. Consider it a 'your welcome'.
As Freedman was leaving the site, he told the guard that it was now safe for the rest of the employees to enter. Sure, it was a blatant lie, but what did he care? He knew that he was in a lot of trouble, just the fact that someone had managed to infiltrate this part of the company was enough to get him killed or possibly worse. However, if he was going down, then so were a whole lot of other people. Those creations of his would stop at nothing to get their target, or at least that's what he hoped.
The truth of the matter was that Freedman wasn't really too sure of what was going to happen. Most of those things were still undergoing various treatments, and still had some free will. That could cause several potential problems, and he bet that the person who planted the virus didn't think about that little tidbit. This whole city was in a lot of trouble now. Several of the creatures would die, there was no doubt about that, and it would probably be the vast majority, but those who survived would be all the more dangerous. He couldn't help but wonder how the city would deal with this new threat. It was likely that none of these creatures were going to be all that keen on hiding their presence. But then again, many of these former humans were supremely intelligent, and could band together to form their own organization for whatever purpose they wanted. No one had enough power to stop them.
However, while Freedman still had many issues to consider, right now, he really needed to get out of that place. Before too long, those things would be running rampant with only expendable workers to stall their progress. As an estimate, he gave himself fifteen minutes to get a safe distance away. So, he started up his car, and left leaving all those people to die what could be agonizing deaths.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Calmly, they reentered the building, grateful that it had only been a false alarm, but also annoyed by the same fact. For a lock down to occur, there had to be an extremely dangerous situation where some chemicals had been spilled or mixed incorrectly, or something else along those lines. But, false alarms were always an unwelcome disturbance that distracted from work, and caused unnecessary panic. Fortunately, this had been one of the few ones that occurred over the past several years, so all involved found that they could deal with it. Everyone went back to work like good employees, and those who worked with the tanks never noticed the warning that the tanks were about to open.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
There was still the matter of what would happen to him. He knew that if he didn't go right up and explain the situation directly to the boss, he would be hunted down, and then most likely tortured for his cowardice. So really, it was in his best interest to confess now, and bear whatever punishment would be given. Still, at any rate it was a frightening thing to think about. The boss could be sadistic at times, giving no mercy especially when really pissed off. It didn't take anyone of any significant knowledge to realize that Freedman was going to be in a lot of trouble. Phoenix Inc. worked in several branches spread out across America. The branch here was of experimental human soldiers, ways to improve the army, to make it stronger, and more formidable than it already is. It was also the branch that Freedman was in charge of, and now it had been compromised by an unknown person or persons, not to mention that all of the super soldiers were about to be released. Yeah, he was pretty screwed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
With hardly any sound, the water began to drain from the tanks in unison leaving more and more of the creatures exposed. Their eyes opened, some slowly with an air of uncertainty, while other's snapped open leaving them completely alert. Still, no one noticed it happening, all of them too engrossed with trying to finish their work for the day. There was a muted hiss as the tank doors opened leaving the beasts able to freely roam about. All of them ripped off the wires and other devices attached to their bodies, some with an assassin's stealth, and others with a feral roar. Finally they were noticed, and all hell broke loose.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Maybe he could find a way out of it though. The chances were slim to nil, but if he could find something useful, then maybe he would earn forgiveness. However, nothing was coming to mind as of yet, and despair began to settle in as he drove down the streets heading towards the main building of Phoenix Inc. If only he could find out who did this, who it was that had broken into the building and violated his systems. Were he to accomplish this task, it might be enough to keep him safe for a while longer as it would prove that his purpose had not been fully served. Then the idea struck him. The day that those two Meta girls had been brought in was also the day that someone who had been hacking into the system was kicked out. Using that information, and hacking into his own system from his house, it was possible that he could figure out who it was, and if he figured that out, then chances were good that he also found his perpetrator.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
In one of the rooms, absolute chaos had erupted. People were screaming in terror trying their damnedest to escape, but they had beast like creatures to contend with. One by one they were ripped to shreds by those who had lost the majority of their humanity. Others of the animals simply decided that they wanted to leave, and didn't bother to deter their more feral counterparts from their rampage of death. Instead, they made their way through the building, while being joined by some of the other more human looking experiments.
In another room, the more human like creatures were also killing mercilessly, but theirs was in a less fierce manner, and in a more secretive sort. Necks were snapped, heads were cut off, and hearts were punctured before anyone knew that anything was happening. Hands and blades were dripping with blood, but the room remained oddly clean. It was a terrible sight to behold, but those who remained seemed uncaring as they stood almost as though admiring their handy work. Not all participated though, there were others who simply left and met up with the more feral creations.
As they finally made it outside, they got a good look at their new appearance, and knew right away that they would never be accepted. Most had no recollection of any family or friends, and those who did knew that they would not be able to return to the life they were stolen from. Now, they had no idea what to do, or what they even could do. Finally, one of them spoke up. "What are we going to do?"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
After heading home and pulling out his laptop, Freedman began to enter his own system. It wasn't a hard task since he knew all of the firewalls and all the ways to get by them. His fingers pounded rapidly at the keys, never missing a beat, as he continued on his way. Soon, he had made it inside past all of the precautions that had been set up, now he was free to do what he pleased. A quick check of the system showed that all of the tanks had opened as scheduled, and that the programming had gone through for several. All it was now was a test of which were still loyal to Phoenix Inc. They would find their way to the building eventually if they were, that way they could get any equipment that they desired. Several minutes later he completed his search triumphantly. He had a name, Barbara Gordon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
All looked around for a moment, most choosing to stare at the ground, but the truth was, that none of them knew how to answer the question that had just been asked. "We can't go back. I don't even know who I am." One spoke up. Now that the situation had been put into words, they all felt about ten times worse than before.
"It's true. I may not remember a lot, but I remember enough to know that we're freaks." Yet another voiced.
"But we can't just separate ourselves from society. We need some sort of human contact."
"It's not like we have a choice. Whatever the hell we are now, would never be accepted. They'd probably try to kill us, or experiment on us."
"That still doesn't answer the question of what we're going to do. All we know right now is what we can't do, and what we shouldn't do."
Once again, all went silent as they tried to answer the question that had been proposed earlier. "We stick together." One of them had finally found the answer. "We have no one else. We can't remember our families, and we can't turn to normal people. All that's left is all of us. I say we band together."
"How will that help us? We'll still need the usual things, food, a place to stay." A feral looking one asked.
"Incase you haven't noticed, some of us have minor inconveniences to our appearances. If we cover them up, we could pass for human, and go out shopping for the basics. As for a place to stay, well, we can find an abandoned building of some sort." Her voice was so strong and sure.
"And what about money? You can't shop without money." He seemed almost smug that he was proving her idea pointless even though it was the only hope they had so far.
"Our abilities exceed that of a regular person, I suggest that we turn to robbery. Or those, whose enhancements are easier to hide, could go and get a job. Details can be worked on, but survival says that we stay together." Her words spoke to everyone, and one by one, they all agreed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Still inside, the remaining few creations had already banded together since their orders were all the same. It was agreed upon that they would split up into separate groups, one heading to Phoenix inc., and one heading for the city to scout about. All knew to keep out of sight, and so decided that it would be best to use the cars belonging to those they had just brutally murdered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Nervously, Freedman waited for his appointment with the boss, he figured that making you wait was a form of intimidation, and it was working. At last his time came though, and the secretary waved him through. He sat down in the chair provided, knowing that he shouldn't speak first.
"I'm sure you already know that I have a status report of what just happened in your division. Needless to say, I'm less than pleased." The voice was cool and calm displaying only a note of displeasure.
"I know, but I've done all that I can." He stammered.
"And what is that exactly?"
"Well, I gave orders to find the two girls that went missing, and I found out who compromised the building ma'am."
Her eyebrows rose in a small amount of surprise. "I'm mildly impressed Freedman. So tell me, who was it?"
"Someone named Barbara Gordon. I don't know how she managed to get in, the systems are top of the line I assure you."
"Idiot. Obviously you know nothing. Barbara Gordon could be a very large thorn in this company's side if she chose to be. Judging by the fact that she hacking into your computer mainframe, I believe that she may have decided to be that thorn. You have disappointed me just now."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know. I'll do better, I swear. I can find out where she is, and. . ." His boss had cut him off.
"Quite. Are you really that foolish?" She questioned harshly. "She was in your system, during a time when you just abducted those girls. Think about it for a moment, and tell me what you come up with."
"Well, maybe she was looking for them." His answer was almost a question as he was so afraid of being wrong.
"Correct. You told me only moments ago that you gave orders to those experiments to find those two girls. Now, if you find those girls, I'm sure that you will find Barbara Gordon as well, therefore, I see no more use for you."
"But. . .no I- I found out who. . .I ordered. . .please don't kill me. Please boss please." He begged completely dumbfounded that his plan hadn't worked.
"Hmmm, yes well. Most of that was some sort of luck. You see, your mind works too slowly, it doesn't piece together the things it should quite quickly enough. Just now I had to help you figure out how to find Barbara Gordon. And based on your overall performance, well, I see no purpose for you any longer." She pressed a button on her phone and spoke into it. "Excuse me, I have someone who needs to be taken care of. If you could send in the boys to see that Mr. Freedman here gets what's coming to him."
Moments later two large, burly men walked into the room, and dragged a kicking and screaming Freedman out of the room. All in all, it hadn't been a bad day, and she was confident that everything would work out in her favor.
Note: Okay, so no birds this chapter. I'm sorry; I'm sorry, please don't hurt me. I promise they'll be in the next chapter. I just figured that I needed to get this in here, so yeah. . . Again, this did take longer than expected, but I'm hoping my five day weekend (that's right, be jealous), will give me a leg up on the next chapter. It's getting more involved though, now I have the birds, one group of freelance freaks, one group of loyal killing machine freaks, and then a bit with the boss of Phoenix inc., not to mention Reese (for those of you who haven't realized this, I really don't like him). I'm beginning to wonder when this thing'll end too. It's officially the longest thing I've ever written. Till next time.