Manticore Facility, Washington (2018)

"Since Unit 4's escape, we have left the problem in Lydecker's hands because nearly every government agency across the globe has been compromised. And we know what could happen if the demons discovered the transgenics' existence." Qaniel stated, his agitation clear before he continued, "not to mention my team is having enough trouble calming any returning transgenic exposed to the supernatural."

Rehel waited for her brother to finish, seeing his annoyance that was more evident in his vessel. She straightened her frame, "Qaniel, I'm aware of the issues. However, you're aware even if we wanted to keep them on lockdown, the monkeys would object." Rehel had narrowed her gaze, but Qaniel just crossed his arms, not cowed in the least. "And the bigger issue remains. One of the escapees carries a genetic sequence crucial to the war."

Qaniel's irritation sang out as his wings flickered before he slumped in the chair, and she noted how ragged her brother's grace appeared. He cared for these transgenics far too much. "Rehel, I'm aware one of those kids is 'likely,'" he empathized that word as he looked back up to her, "carrying the cure for Croatoan. But we don't even know if the transgenics are immune to the opposition's weapon."

True enough. She had decided to test that theory since Rehel doubted her father would make the transgenics immune to every known - and unknown, for that matter - disease in existence, without giving them an insusceptibility to Croatoan as well. And with Pestilence's newest strain beginning to hit smaller areas, now was a good time to test the transgenics' ability to fight off Hell's chief weapon. Qaniel caught on to her thought process, and his agitation returned, wings shifting in anger. "You've already sent a transgenic in for testing!"

Her satisfaction became evident, even if her expression wasn't pleasant. "Brother," she stated succinctly, "I know you care about these transgenics, but they are weapons, designed for something neither of us understands, since father wasn't gracious enough to give us an explanation as to why he created them." She couldn't completely conceal her frustration with this subject and turned away from her sibling's agitation. Instead, she looked out her office window. Her gaze and grace remained pensive as she studied the surrounding forest but took none of it in. "Was it to fight Lucifer?" Rehel paused, finding herself troubled since she had begun to doubt the authenticity of that explanation.

Her father had been missing for millennia, then appeared before herself and Qaniel, requesting their assistance with his new creations. It had been an emotional moment because she'd never seen their father in person, merely heard his words and felt his presence within heaven, until he'd left them behind. He'd only reappeared before them because he'd created a more advanced ape. Rehel pushed down that bitterness because not long after creating the transgenics, he'd vanished and left their care in her hands. Though she could satisfy the monkeys while following her father's objective, the key issue remained that one of the missing transgenics carried something vital within its DNA. As well as Michael's vessels, both were a top priority for retrieval.

All the signs for the oncoming apocalypse were falling into line since Lucifer's initial release. Over the last year, war had erupted violently across Europe. It was spreading to the east, likely goaded by the Horseman. The only reason America hadn't followed was its current third-world status and careful political maneuvering. Famine would soon bring about a disruption within the Earth, much like the year 536AD. Pestilence, like War, had become very active across Europe and was beginning to increase his global influence. And Death, thankfully, was maintaining his distinct disinterest throughout everything. Still, it meant she could no longer maintain an apathetic view of the outside world since it was getting to a point where the transgenics would need to become involved.

This meant that she could no longer leave it in Deck's hands. For a talking monkey, he was capable, and his methods to locate the missing transgenics had been adequate up to this point. Nonetheless, it was no longer enough, with the transgenics' new capability to perceive that which should remain hidden, and Gabriel's still unknown manner of involvement. Because their brother may be an archangel, but he no longer followed the edicts of heaven. More importantly, without proper guidance, the transgenics would eventually catch the notice of the opposition. That was something she would not allow.

But when she turned back to face her sibling, Rehel nodded carefully. "I'm not going to hand the case over to just anyone within the Justice Department." Rehel paused, waiting for a response, and when Qaniel nodded for her to continue, she walked back to her desk and sat down. "I've been keeping an eye on a few that haven't been compromised by demonic influence." She tapped a few buttons on her keyboard, and images flashed across her screen.

The profiles were of select individuals within the Justice Department that she'd verified were clean, all with the help of a monkey. She smiled as her mind moved to Eyes Only. An interesting human, Logan Cale, who fought against the corrupt because he believed it was the right thing to do and followed that ideal wholeheartedly. In essence, he was a Righteous Soul, though whether he carried one of those souls was hard to tell since they were rare. There were others like him strung throughout history, including Joan of Arc, Gandhi, and more. She'd never cared, since, despite their noble natures, they were only talking monkeys.

But he'd obtained the data she'd needed, and Rehel provided the promised intel, leaving off on good terms and a string to pull if she required more information. "Who are they?" Qaniel asked, his tone speculative as he studied the images, and she gestured to the screen.

"Those we can rely upon within the American government," she replied, and stood up, tapping the image of one monkey. "Victor Henriksen, part of the Criminal Investigative Division, is trustworthy."

Qaniel got up and moved closer to the TV screen, studying it carefully. "Isn't he the one that was on Sam Winchester's case during Lucifer's initial rise?"

"Yes, he was, and witnessed the final confrontation." Rehel recalled when Sam Winchester made a deal with the Morningstar that would keep him sealed for another ten years and stave off Earth's destruction. Admittedly, even she had been impressed with Sam Winchester's actions, initially expecting he'd easily fold under Lucifer's manipulations. Yet despite Sam Winchester's success, they had less than a year and a half before the Morningstar was free to continue his assault on the Earth and eventually move onto Heaven.

But that was not her concern for the moment. Keeping her father's new creations safe was her priority, which meant the escapees needed to be apprehended. "We'll have him coordinate with Deck, and I've decided to bring in one of the Units." Qaniel looked at her, eyebrow raised in surprise, since it was a measure Deck had been requesting for the last year, and one she denied to piss him off.

However, now it was needed, and Qaniel looked back to the screen and nodded. "I expect you'll be sending Unit 7?"

"Of course. They're the best, and it's their brother that was kidnapped. They'll be motivated to retrieve him," her tone was satisfied as she ignored Qaniel's reproachful look, "and the other escapees for payback if nothing else."


Lydecker said nothing, squashing his irritation with Renfro, and remained silent as she addressed the committee. "We know some issues have been occurring with the X-series while in the field." That was an understatement. His kids were seeing shit. Shit that sounded like it came directly from a horror movie or the Gospel.

He didn't like it. Suppose one or two of them had experienced these delusions, fine. They were soldiers, and every soldier needed time to reorganize themselves after so much time in combat. Even the transgenics were not immune to psychological trauma. However, it wasn't just one or two. Since the incident involving 493 and 494, reports continued to pour in from multiple X-series that unknown creatures were being identified. Things that were neither human nor transgenic.

His mind dipped to the reports he'd been studying over the last day. Creatures with fang-like protrusions coming from their mouths or glowing eyes and claws. These were the easier ones to categorize, then there were the other ones, like 583 had reported sighting. Children with hollowed-out eyes and mouths full of razor-sharp teeth. Others reported seeing creatures that weren't remotely human, some incredibly disgusting, others quite beautiful, with bloody wings.

It was a damn mess. Quinten and his team had been dealing with each kid when they returned from the field. His gaze shifted to Quinten, who looked tired. He was the only one Renfro would humor, so he requested Quinten's presence for this meeting. Though Lydecker always fought his own battles, when it concerned that prissy bitch, he'd gladly let Quinten have at her.

As these sightings were compromising his kids, new tactics would need to be instituted for their welfare. The transgenics would require something beyond a talking-to because each time his kids saw these creatures, it put them off their training, leaving them vulnerable. Sure, they could push past this vulnerability. The transgenics were conditioned to fight no matter what they saw in the field. However, seeing shit like this didn't mean it wouldn't have long-term effects, much like his brief bout with alcoholism.

He'd contemplated that time after an unassuming stranger snapped his fingers, and both 493 and 494 had vanished, an impossibility that couldn't be explained nor written off. Except even before that moment, the man's words and his kid's expressions as they gaped at him, countenances showcasing disbelief and wonder, Lydecker knew they'd seen something different, something inhuman.

After poring over every report from the last day and rewatching the video of an ordinary stranger taking his kids with a mere snap of his fingers, Lydecker concluded that what his kids were witnessing weren't mere delusions, but reality. It pushed to mind an obscure comment Sandeman had made years ago.

Not long before the creator of Manticore disappeared, when operations moved from Wyoming to Washington. And Renfro was placed as the new director, while he played second fiddle to the bitch. Sandeman's words had wiped away his reservations with Renfro and misgivings about pushing the transgenics too hard because Sandeman explained that he created the transgenics to fight an enemy that could and would destroy everything.

At the time, he'd assumed it meant the enemies of the United States that had taken advantage of America after the Pulse. Now, however, he questioned that assumption, his mind drifting to these unexplained creatures. Did Sandeman mean something beyond the initial proposal of getting a leg up on America's enemies? Or something possibly worse than anarchists and outside national threats? Something inhuman that posed a threat to humanity itself?

It was a question he'd been pondering since that man took his kids and vanished into thin air. And why he remained silent as Renfro placated the committee, and he agreed with her proposal of involving select government officials outside of Manticore to assist with recapturing Unit 4 and 494. It was something they'd never considered in the past because it would bring up too many questions and possibly compromise Manticore. But now? They had no other choice.

Renfro nodded her head to the committee members before the screen went blank. Afterward she remained fixated on the screen, Lydecker got to the point, his disdain evident in his tone. "You fed them a load of horseshit. All of the X-series have been seeing things that are not human. So what is your answer to ensure the committee remains satisfied, Madame Director?" Renfro focused on him, and Lydecker was surprised when he didn't see any of the usual arrogance he'd come to associate with the prissy bitch. Impatience flashed across her features, along with something else, before she breathed through her nose and the typical haughtiness pulled at her features.

"Yes, Deck," she emphasized the nickname she'd been taunting him with since they were introduced. "I gave the committee exactly what they needed to hear, and your kids," again her tone was denigrating, "will be taken care of." She turned back and clicked on the TV. Images of unit 4 spread across its screen, with none but X5-493 was up to date. Just below the pictures was a recent photo taken of X5-494.

Renfro redirected her attention to him, her earlier agitation completely absent, "Deck, your methods to find the missing transgenics has proven less than successful." At the cough from Quinten, Lydecker noted his colleague's annoyance as he frowned at Renfro, who ignored Quinten's withering stare. However, refocusing on Renfro, Lydecker said nothing since it was the truth, and he wouldn't defend his failures, but he wouldn't give the bitch the satisfaction of seeing him squirm. Her look showed pure condescension, and she looked ready to continue but sighed when Quinten stepped forward and seemed prepared to interrupt. "Fine. It's doubly important you find the members of unit 4, along with X5-494. Outside of the support provided by the feds, I've authorized your request to bring in a unit to speed up the search and recapture of the escapees."

She nodded to the door, and Quinten stepped over to it as Lydecker frowned at the statement. He'd asked for this allowance a year ago but had been denied, even though he was convinced it would guarantee a greater chance of success. Still, why did Renfro agree to these extra measures now, even though the push to find unit 4 had not abated after their escape? Something wasn't being said, and if it affected his kids, Lydecker wouldn't stop until he discovered what Renfro was hiding.

Before he could question her further on the subject, demanding answers, Renfro's door opened, and X5-387 stepped through. Unit 7's CO. The best of the best, since unit 4's breakout. In fact, when it came to the two units, Lydecker remained uncertain which unit would have come out on top, because throughout those initial trials, both units had continued to outstrip the other during field testing, neither gaining the upper hand over the other.

However, there was no doubt now that unit 7 would annihilate unit 4. Over the last nine years, unit 7's teamwork had developed into a well-oiled machine with any deficient or personality quirk one member displayed being smoothed out to complete their objective. And this cohesive teamwork stemmed from 387's leadership. To put it bluntly, 387 was a natural leader and his best soldier. He was able to corral 283 and 372's more violent-leaning tendencies. At the same time, he kept smart mouths like 494 and 647 in line.

Lydecker said nothing as 387 gave a respectful nod to himself, then to Quinten. His gaze strayed to the images of Unit 4 and X5-494, but a brief look was all he shot the images before he set himself at the ready and waited on Renfro. For once, her features showed no disdain. Instead, she motioned towards the TV monitor, "387, you are that aware your brother went missing," she was voicing a truth that Command denied. But among the X-series units, some maintained close relationships and even thought of themselves as siblings. He'd encouraged these attachments because soldiers needed that support, and were stronger for it. Many in upper management didn't see this. Renfro, in particular, didn't approve of these relationships, pointing out (many times) that unit 4's dereliction resulted from allowing the transgenics to maintain close ties to one another. Thankfully not everyone agreed with Renfro. "I'd like you to watch the video. Afterward, I'll give you the details for your new assignment."

"Yes, Director," 387 replied, as his gaze moved to the TV. The images disappeared, and a familiar scene played out. No visible reaction showed as 387's gaze took everything in, likely forming opinions, strategies, and countermeasures. Although 387 would focus on the entire scene and strategically formulate a plan, Lydecker was aware that his kid was focused on his brother. It was another quality that made 387 a good leader. He cared for his siblings.

When the video ended, Renfro clicked off the TV, and 387 redirected his attention to her and patiently waited for Renfro's permission to speak as she put up the images. She nodded for him to go ahead. "What occurred with 493 and 494 is an unexplained phenomenon, instigated by an anomaly. Like the others that many have been witnessing in the field."

Renfro seemed pleased with his answer and nodded. "Yes, you are going to be assisting Deck- I mean Colonel Lydecker." A purposeful jab. At a sigh from Quinten, Renfro continued. "Your top priority will be to recapture the '09 escapees and your brother. You may bring whom you wish from within your unit, but keep the number low. And 387, I expect no failure. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Director." As expected, his answer was unwavering.

"Good, Colonel?"

That subtle warning was aimed at him and just what he expected from Renfro. He ignored the bitch and focused his attention on 387 as he looked at him. "Pick out a team you trust with this soldier. We'll be leaving at 1700 tomorrow."

387 nodded. "Yes, sir."

He returned the nod. "Good man. Dismissed." 387 saluted and left. He waited until the door closed before refocusing on Renfro, desiring answers. "When I suggested using our X-series to recapture the escapees, you shot down my suggestion each time. What's changed?"

For once, neither arrogance nor irritation showed upon Renfro's features. Instead, she looked tired. Her gaze returned to the images of his missing kids.

"Everything."


Blowing Rock, North Carolina (2018)

Ben knew he was moving too fast as he outpaced Phil, showcasing his lack of humanity, but he didn't care. Alec was gone. Perhaps instinct had woken him, or because he was a light sleeper. And when he found no trace of his twin, just a wide-open door, with the iron crowbar missing, Ben panicked. It didn't take a genius to know his twin had stepped out of the salt line despite Phil's direct order to stay.

Mentally he wanted to hit himself since they should have left town last night as planned. But with salt guaranteeing protection against the specter's visits and Alec's promise to stay within it, he'd decided to get some needed rest since even their enhanced bodies required it.

He'd slept poorly in the past five days, just snatches here and there. In Seattle he'd been too busy devising and later executing Alec's abduction. Then there was the run-in with Lydecker, which ended with Loki revealing himself and dropping them in Blowing Rock. Though he'd hoped to learn more about their DNA donor or Loki, these desires were put on hold, along with sleeping, when a specter fixated on his twin.

Ben threw another prayer to the Blue Lady and Loki that he would find Alec alive but paused when he heard low, barely discernible noises, even with his enhanced hearing. It sounded like a struggle from one of the empty buildings just ahead. Phil, who'd finally caught up, was puffing and complaining about old age under his breath as Ben pointed out the building where he heard the commotion and continued running—ignoring Phil's strained questions and the car pulling up as he ran inside.

He glanced through the building when he heard Alec's wavering voice, abruptly cut off, followed by pained grunts. Ben threw his remaining restraint aside and sprinted up the stairs towards the room as Alec's distressed sounds became less distinct. Upon entering the room, he stopped upon catching sight of Alec pinned to the wall with the specter's arm buried inside his chest.

Alec's face was twisted in pain as tears ran down his cheeks, and his voice grew rougher while his eyes dimmed, becoming glassy and unfocused. The frantic beating of Alec's heartbeat had tripled to an unhealthy level, which meant that thing was crushing his brother's heart.

Ben rushed forward and swung the crowbar through its grotesque head, longing to cause a more permanent and excruciating death to this abomination instead of temporarily displacing it. The specter shrieked and vanished as before, and Alec dropped gasping to the floor, his features strained, taking in gulps of air. His heartbeat was still too fast, but Ben could see it was returning to a more normal pace as he blinked and looked up when Ben leaned down to help him. But the air was beginning to frost as their breathing came out steamy from the cold, and Alec's gaze widened, his distress evident. "Ben… lookout!" He hoarsely croaked.

When he twisted about, a searing cold touched his back. Letting instincts guide him, Ben rolled to the side. He straightened himself into a crouch with the crowbar at the ready like a samurai sword when the specter rushed him. Alec struggled to stand up, but before she retaliated, an invisible force slammed into him, knocking him into the wall with painful precision, leaving Ben gasping as he dropped the crowbar. He was sure nothing was broken, only because he knew what broken bones felt like. But the specter was bearing down on him, its bloody appearance horrifying in its rage as it looked ready to rip his heart out.

Alec had gotten to his feet, seemingly pushing down whatever was keeping him off balance, and grabbed the other crowbar a few feet away. He rushed towards him as the specter looked ready to plunge its hand through his chest. Except before Alec could attack, the specter turned about, and Alec stopped mid-swing, his gaze wide and filled with pain as he stared at it.

"Damnit, Alec, it's not Rachel!"

At his shout, it vanished, and Alec blinked, lowering the crowbar as he coughed and more blood came up. While Ben strained his body, attempting to free himself from the force holding him against the wall. However, the specter reappeared behind his twin, and before Alec could move it shoved its hand into his back. Alec screamed as the specter grinned in bloody pleasure and his twin's heartbeat sped up at an alarming rate while it twisted its hand and Alec paled. His skin tone nearly mirrored a corpse.

That's when Phil and another guy burst into the room. "Stand back, Sheriff!" The other guy had a slight southern accent and smelled off, but he stepped forward, shotgun raised, and fired. The specter screaming as it vanished, and Alec fell to the floor gasping while the force holding him pinned to the wall dissolved. Ben looked up, ready to thank the man but stopped, eyes widening in horror as he got a good look at their rescuer.

He was skinny and tall, like Ichabod Crane from that Disney cartoon. However, a few differences between the pair made him grab his crowbar and step in front of Alec, who was struggling due to his injuries. The man's pupils resembled a wolf's, and he had fang-like protrusions and claws. Both looked sharp and deadly, which meant he wasn't human. Could he be a nomlie?

No, Ben discounted the idea since no familiar smell identified him as transgenic. Even a failed transgenic would carry their scent. This guy smelled like a wolf, which meant he was something else. Ben subtly backed up, shielding his twin and keeping the creature in sight. The creature ignored them as he kept his shotgun up and moved while looking around the room. But when he stepped closer and sniffed the air, he looked over to them, confusion dominating his animal features, and Ben raised the crowbar. "I don't know what the hell you are, but if you come any closer, I'll take your damn head off!"

From the corner, Phil had stopped searching the room, looking between them with suspicion. While Alec staggered to his knees, using the wall for support, he focused on the creature, who seemed confused as he studied them, before he shook his head. "Listen, we can have a pow-wow later, boys. Right now-" the cold sharpened, and he focused on the specter who was screaming as it materialized until he blew it away with another blast from his shotgun. He then refocused on them, smiling, his eyebrows waggling, which looked downright disturbing with his wolf eyes and fangs. "Let's vamoose, and Garth this bad-boy." Then he seemed to reconsider, his look thoughtful. "Or would that be bad-girl?"

Phil sighed, muttering, "I'm too old for this shit." Ben knew his mouth had fallen open. Because this guy looked like a monster, but he came off like some redneck hippie, as Bruce would have described. When the cold began to gather again, Alec stood up, swaying, before he straightened and started moving towards the door. His gaze was wary as he looked at the wolf creature. However, fear and pain darted across Alec's face as he directed his gaze around the room, more afraid of the specter.

Ben shoved down his reservations with the unknown monster. After all, Loki had been inhuman when he wasn't hiding behind a human façade. He caught up to Alec and slid an arm around him. His twin tensed for a second, then relaxed. The specter reappeared, and the creature blasted it away as Phil followed them. His crowbar was ready to swing as he watched their backs.

"It's 'retired' Sheriff, Garth," Phil growled out, "and how many times do I need to tell you to call me Phil!" Not a creature. Garth seemed to remember this and smiled, except it still looked less than reassuring with his fangs. Ben ignored the two and focused on Alec, who was beginning to breathe easier and lean less on him, their natural healing kicking in. As they moved downstairs, Phil took swings when the specter got too close or Garth needed to reload, while Garth's shotgun went off at regular intervals—only pausing when he had to load fresh shotgun shells. As it continued to try and get past Garth and Phil to reach Alec.

Once they were back outside, Garth spoke up. "Phil, you found anything that could attach her to his plane?"

Phil was already moving. "Yes, it's in my office. You said we needed to burn her corpse?" Garth nodded as the ghost reappeared behind them. Her rage had grown, and the air around them seemed to vibrate with it. Garth blasted her again and quickly reloaded his shotgun.

"Alright, go grab it. Me and the cat-boys will head to the grave site and dig her up."

Wait, cat-boys? Phil looked them over, eyebrow raised in speculation at Garth's words before exasperation surfaced, and he shook his head, muttering, "I'm too old for this shit" again before starting for his office, cursing the entire way. The grin Garth sent their way wasn't comforting, but he nodded. "Come on, boys, we need to salt and burn Charlotte's body to let her rest properly."

When the specter came back, lights that weren't already broken exploded. He and Alec dodged to the side as Garth shot her. Garth pointed his shotgun towards the cemetery, his gaze speculative and intrigued. "We can discuss your ability to see what I am, since that's pretty rare even amongst psychics, while you two give me a hand digging her up."

Alec had stiffened as the air cooled again before nodding. "Lead the way."


Manticore Facility, Washington (2018)

Upon entering the conference room adjacent to unit 7's barracks, 387 looked over the waiting faces. 283 was throwing a knife up and down, the motion automatic, since he was watching 513 and 319 discuss a software program. 536 had looked up when he entered and was studying him quietly. Her dark features showed little, but 536 was perceptive. She'd always been good at reading a room and using the atmosphere to her advantage. Drumming his fingers on the tabletop, 510 was bored and likely tired due to returning hours earlier from another assignment.

He'd chosen these five for good reasons, not the least of which were their exceptional skills and the ways in which they worked as a team. Beyond this, each of them had seen what Psy-Ops deemed the anomalies. Creatures that were neither human nor transgenic. It wasn't lost on 387 that Command dubbed these unknown creatures anomalies—an offshoot name given to the defective x-series' hidden deep within Manticore's basements. And a threat held against them for disobedience. Turn on Manticore, and you'll be shoved downstairs with the nomalies, never to see the light of the day again.Very likely where 494 would be sent when Psy-Ops was finished with him.

Ignoring his feelings concerning their brother, 387 coughed. "We've been given a long-term assignment." He moved over to the TV monitor on the wall and slipped in the tape. "Watch the video. Then I'll explain our assignment."

Turning about, 387 sat down and watched the reactions of his siblings as they took in the video. 283 didn't react, but his gaze, which previously held indifference, had shifted to cold calculation as he watched 493. 319's concern showed on her face. He imagined that, carefully hidden from view, her hands would be clenched in agitation. 510 was frowning as he watched the scene play out, doing little to hide his unease. 513 showed little beyond a slight dip at the corner of his mouth. However, 387 was aware that his brother would be analyzing the entire scene. When he looked at 536, he noted she was watching the video play out, her gaze moving to all details, like 513. She would focus on the bigger picture instead of just 494.

When 493 shoved his gun against his twin's skull, 387's gaze shifted around the room to see everyone drop their neutral masks. They all looked angry when 493 threatened to shoot 494 rather than return to Manticore. And 387 didn't doubt 493's sincerity in carrying out the threat since even in the video, you could see how unstable he appeared.

But the video continued, and all of them watched the conclusion as their brother and 493 stared dumbfounded at the individual that walked past Lydecker's men with no issues. Lydecker didn't notice the man until he snapped his fingers, and vanished, along with the twins. The blind wonder on 493's and 494's faces before they disappeared hinted to 387 that he was one of the anomalies. That he could teleport at will meant he was a threat and likely beyond their capabilities.

When the video clicked off, 387 got straight to the point. "We've been tasked with recapturing unit 4 and our brother." He emphasized the last part as he looked at each individual in the room. "We all know 494 wasn't handling his latest assignment well, which affected his rationale, and is likely how 493 got the drop on him." 283 scoffed. He looked over to his brother and found a grimace pulling at his features as he twirled his knife, but he remained silent.

"It was more than that." His gaze slid to 319 when she spoke up. She looked down, worrying at her lip. But she would know if there was more than what 494 let show, since they were close and shared everything, always had, since unit 7 was formed.

"He was getting too close to his target, right, 319?" 510 asked. Though it was voiced as a question, 387 expected it to confirm what they all anticipated, since 494's behavior had been off for the last few weeks. 319 sighed and nodded.

"494 told me the target's daughter, Rachel Berrisford, had said she loved him." No one looked surprised at the statement. After all, they were designed to attract and compel any target with their looks alone.

"But?" 510 pushed. His gaze showed dawning understanding.

"494 said that he might feel the same way. He wasn't certain because we've never been exposed to those emotional responses before." She bit her lip again, a tell his sister would demonstrate when she was agitated. "He was confused."

283 rolled his eyes and called 494 a dumbass, while both 513 and 536 focused on him. Neither looked happy but were waiting, while 510 was staring at the wall. His expression was tight and closed off. Because all of them were aware upon returning to Manticore, 494 would be shoved back into Psy-Ops, and not even being kidnapped would cancel out a stay in Manticore's reeducation division.

387 waved a hand to get their attention. "Regardless of how we feel, finding and recapturing unit 4 and 494 will not be easy. Especially with - " he rewound the video to the point the anomaly snapped his fingers - "something like him involved." He then looked around the room, letting his true feelings show. "However, despite the unknown and greater danger, we'll be returning the traitors to Manticore." His tone expressed his pleasure with that sentiment. All of them were aware that what awaited the traitors upon return would not be pretty. Psy-Ops would break them as they'd nearly done with 494. And 387 expected what had been done to 494 would seem like a day in the field compared to what Psy-Ops had planned for the escapees.

When his words sank in, 283 smirked. 510's blank expression had likewise shifted to satisfaction. And 536 showed little, but he could see a pleased gleam enter her dark eyes. 513, like 510, was overall delighted and didn't hide his reaction. Lastly, 319 nodded her head but showed nothing. "Gather any equipment you require. We'll be meeting Colonel Lydecker's team at 1700."

It was a dismissal, and everyone left, except for 536. She remained quiet and waited on him to speak. So he gave in, recognizing how stubborn his sister could be, and confessed what had been eating at him. "494 will have to face time in Psy-Ops again. If that thing hasn't killed him."

Voicing a truth that remained unspoken in his briefing didn't make him feel better. It only made him wish he'd pulled 494 from his assignment when he'd noted his inconsistent behavior. He wasn't certain what that man? Creature? What that thing wanted with his brother or with 493. He doubted it involved death. His words in the video had implied otherwise. Beyond that concern, 387 didn't want to see what Psy-Ops would do to their brother once he was returned to Manticore. The last time hadn't been pretty and left 494 off. This time it could break 494. 536 said nothing before she sighed and moved close, pulling him into a hug, her arms curling around his midsection as her head rested against his shoulder. "I know, but we'll find him, and once Psy-Ops releases him, it will just take time." Her tone was soft, comforting.

She was right, of course, and 387 knew it was pointless to dwell on the matter, so he relaxed into her embrace, his head sliding onto hers. "You're right." Besides, they had more important things to consider.

"With everything that's happened, 494, the anomalies, Command's willingness to involve outside agencies..." 387 paused. His grip around 536 tightened, reassuring himself that she was still there. "I'm afraid this could go beyond our capabilities to handle because I think- No, I'm certain, that we know nothing about these anomalies or their abilities." His gaze drifted to the anomaly displayed on the TV monitor, who was smirking.

Nothing indeed.


Blowing Rock, South Carolina (2018)

Ignoring the sharp pain each time he moved and his broken ribs that made breathing difficult, 494 kept digging. He focused on one fact: Charlotte, who'd attempted to crush his heart twice, and broke his ribs, would (According to Garth) be destroyed when they salted and burned her bones. But as the minutes slipped past, 494 fought to ignore the hate-filled words that came from the same voice which had earnestly declared her love. Reminding himself that it wasn't Rachel, he pushed himself to dig faster.

Garth was beside him, explaining some facts on the supernatural. He stopped when Charlotte's attacks started getting worse and helped him dig as Ben took up Garth's rock-salt shotgun. Phil, who'd rejoined them, provided backup when Ben needed to reload. It was dicey, since Charlotte seemed determined to get past them, but Ben and Phil managed to keep her at bay as they dug.

And rock-salt ammunition really did a number on her, which was brilliant. Kind of like that movie he watched while on assignment, Underworld. Where they'd used ultraviolet and silver nitrate bullets to take out the vampires and werewolves, huh… he wondered if that last one would work on Garth. Who knows, he contemplated silently when his gaze shifted to the other man. Wolf? Whatever he was, digging alongside him. Still, Garth's mannerisms and bearing were far from what one would expect from a werewolf or lycan. Garth wasn't living up to Lucian's bad-ass myth from Underworld. No, Garth was about as far as one could get from Lucian, the Lycan king. Which probably meant no vampires would be smoking hot bad-asses like Selene, and that sucked because he wouldn't mind getting bit by her.

Charlotte reformed and moved towards him once again. Ben, who was checking on Phil after he'd been knocked to the ground, turned about, took aim, and shot her full of rock salt. Ra- Charlotte screamed in rage as she was dispersed again. Throughout it, her gaze never strayed from him as she kept repeating those damn words like a broken record. He dropped all thoughts on Underworld and refocused on digging.

Unfortunately, when he coughed up a bit of blood, his ribs reminded him that even transgenics didn't magically heal from injuries in seconds. No, it'd be at least a week before his ribs were healed, Manticore having thoroughly tested that healing factor. 494's mind jumped to the day their handlers broke two of his ribs, along with everyone else in his unit, to see how each of their healing factors compared to the other. Fun times that were made even better when they were forced to continue with drills. Lydecker hadn't been too sympathetic, stating that in the field there was a possibility they could face worse damage, and he expected them to push past that pain to finish their mission.

When his shovel hit something solid as another shot went off, 494 pushed aside the old memories and looked over to Garth. He bent down, a grin surfacing, "jackpot."

"You two hurry it up. Ben's nearly out of ammo!" Phil shouted, sounding put out. While the wind was kicking up, 494 backed up, and Garth fiddled with the coffin. When he yanked it open, they found a skeleton that wore the leftovers of ragged clothing with bits of decayed meat still clinging to its remains. Not something you'd want to see with any regularity. Was this what Ben had been seeing? No wonder he looked revolted each time Charlotte popped up. And yet 494 would have preferred this mess over Rachel.

"Alec, move out!" Right, Alec, and he jumped out, ignoring the flare of pain from his ribs. He focused on Charlotte, who had reformed some feet away. Except she wasn't advancing. She hovered out of range of the shotgun and watched him.

So when Garth climbed out and called for the salt canister and matches, Alec turned away from the frenzied ghost that was not Rachel. He grabbed the requested items as Garth soaked the corpse in kerosene. That's when Rach- no, Charlotte, shrieked, her arm moving, and Alec felt himself being lifted into the air as he dropped the salt and matches and was flung from his feet into a nearby headstone. When his head made contact, everything went dark for a few seconds before he managed to open his eyes. Alec blearily listened to distant shouts and the sound of a shotgun being reloaded.

But why? Oh right, he was helping Garth, a werewolf, to burn a ghost. Wasn't that a fun fact? Ghosts, tricksters, and werewolves were all real. It was funny until Rachel appeared before him. All humor and previous dizziness seemed to melt as she snarled at him in rage. Her hand came forward as Ben screamed, and Phil gasped while Garth said, "You've been Garth-ed."

Then she stopped, her entire body shaking, and 494 found himself reaching for the girl he loved as her features twitched and she screamed. Her eyes showed the same pain and betrayal when he told her the truth. Before he could move or even voice the words that he loved her, Rachel vanished, and 494 let out a ragged scream as the girl he loved was killed… again.


Here's the next chapter, big thanks to Beta Eff-Dot; I hope everyone's holidays were lovely.

Notes: The brief excerpt from Alec's unit is likely the only time you'll see their point of view. I stick to canon characters and avoid OCs, but I wanted to give their perspective since they will be included in the story throughout part one. Outside of one more chapter, what I like to call the first section of part one is completed (it became longer than I expected). The next chapter should be out soon. Thanks for viewing, and if you leave a follow, fav, or review, I appreciate it.