(A/N: I received a review complaining about somethings that wish to address. The Telepathic Link: This idea didn't come out of the blue. In fact it came form a scene from Halo legends: homecoming that hinted that there's a at least a one way link between the clones and their originals. In my story the link was weak due tot he genetic damage in the flash clones, but thanks to the genetic damage being fixed and then some it was made stronger.
Program HADES (Hyper. Animosity. Detection. Estimate. System.): This is a special project still a work in progress that i will explain in more detail later in the story, but it is a program in every cyber suit that increases the combat abilities by releasing the limiters the suit for a set time generating a lot of heat(which produced a 'aura' around the user.) requiring cooling mechanisms such as vents and heat sinks and is also done by forcibly increasing and speeding up the neurotransmissions in the user's brain and stimulating the key regions of of it to increase endurance to physical trauma that no normal human or Spartan II could withstand and decrease reaction and processing time, but it has flaws such as pushing the user beyond the breaking point and causing mental instability during program activation (I.E. berserker type rage) similar to the effects of the drugs given to the Spartan IIIs. At its current state it is used only in do or situations with no other alternative.
Also it will get more Haloish soon once the assault on Eridanus began now i am just setting some things up, then the real fun begans. Thank you all for the constructive criticisms and supportive feedback.)
Chapter 4: Mutation
Year: 08/21/2525
Planet: Fairfields City, Sargasso
Location: Vanguard Pharmaceutical Clinic's recess courtyard.
It was a sunny morning on Saragossa, the temperature was pleasant, it was perfect day to train. Out in the court yard used for patients who prefer exercising outside in the back of the Vanguard Clinic. A 14 year old girl wearing a white fitness active jumpsuit with padding was sparring with a man in his mid 20s wearing a blue version of said suit. Amaranth skipped to the left dodging the man's right hook. She then ducked to avoid his round-house kick, it would take a minute for him to recover. Seeing her her chance Amaranth tackling him to the ground, then grabbed his right arm twisting it behind his back.
"Alright! Alright! I give. I give!" The man gritted in pain.
Amaranth smirked, pleased with herself. She let go of her victim's arm, then stood up with her arms folded. The man twisted his shoulder a few times trying make the pain go away.
"Sheesh, Daisy, I never imagined you be this good. I mean for a girl who never studied martial arts before, you're pretty good."
Amaranth(or as everyone believe to be, Daisy.) rubbed the back of her in embarrassment. "Oh, yous see, Nurse Ken, I may have fibbed a little. I studied some military martial arts in my spare time before I was bound to a wheelchair. It was mostly for self-defense, since my kidnapping." Truth to be told she never studied any sort of Martial arts. She told the lie to distract from the fact that she was so good in thanks to her sister Daisy mentoring her and transfering some of her memories of training and instincts to her. It also helped that they can allow the other to see through each others eyes, to Amaranth and her sister it was like watching two movies at the same-time, but they quickly to learned to multi-task.
It really sped up the training process. She pretty much knew most of the things Daisy knew including names of her fellow Spartans, how to handle weapons, etc. Though the transfers help she still needed to train her body so it can be at the same place as her mind.
Nurse Ken chuckled. "Well that would explain it, and don't get me started on your strength and speed. I mean it's crazy at how fast and strong you gotten the past week and so. You can bench press a lot more than girl your age usually can and you're faster and more reflexive than a rabbit."
It was true, Amaranth noticed that she was almost stronger than her father, she wasn't as frail looking as she used to be, she had gained a bit of muscle, not bulky, but it was visible and sort of between bulk and lean. Heck, she could carry a 100 pound create with little effort, then there her speed and reflexes. Everything to be in slow mo to her when one of the doctors dropped her pin Amaranth grabbed it before it even fell half way, and she ran almost 38 mph in short bursts.
The bottom-line was that the treatment was changing her, while Amaranth relished in the increase strength and speed Daisy wasn't so ecstatic. She was glad her sister was getting better after years of weakness and suffering, but she couldn't shake the feeling something was off. The changes were too drastic, they were very similar to the results of augmentations she and her fellow Spartans received.
Amaranth smiled. "Yeah, the treatment they put me on worked really well. It made all the injections and exams worth it." She performed a roundhouse kick making sure not to hit Ken. "I mean I wasn't able to do that before."
Ken shook his head and chuckled. He then checked his chatter and saw his lunch break was over. "Well looks like my break is over. See you later, kid." he said before walking to his station to check in.
Amaranth waved Ken goodbye as he walked off back into the clinic. Amaranth then looked around for a place to sit. The court was spacious, with a running track circling around the courtyard with a field of grass and benches in the middle. Amaranth saw an empty bench ready for the taking she went over and sat down. Amaranth took a moment took breath in the morning air basking in the sun. She loved it. Being able to do all the things she wasn't able to do before. And it was all thanks to her brother, Amaranth looked down at the grass reminded of his death.
"I miss him too."
Amaranth looked up in surprise then smiled sadly realizing who was speaking. It was her sister.
"Oh, sis, you're back…." Amaranth stared at the clouds sadly reminiscing. "I miss him. I remember every birthday he would take me to the fountain and-"
"-you two would sit and talk, over a plate of Mom's homemade strawberry shortcake…." Daisy finished with some sadness and a little jealousy.
Amaranth felt her sister's feelings and realized her mistake. "I'm sorry, I am being insensitive. I should have known that this would -"
"No, it's alright. It just that…. It been eight years since I was taken. Eight years of training and drills, eight years of missing my family and trying hard to remember their faces. Eight years of wondering, and then the augmentations..."
"Hey, I know what they did to us and our family was wrong to put it mildly, but it wasn't all bad. I mean based on the memories you gave to me you made friends during that time." Amaranth pointed out.
Daisy mentally sighed. "You're right, through the hardships we formed a familial bond." She thought about the bond she formed with Red Team and the other teams over the eight years, especially with her teammates Ralph-303, Joseph-122, Basil-086, and Juliana-009, and those outside her team such as Naomi-010 and at one time in the beginning Kelly-087 before she gave in to the brainwashing and a distance formed between them. Who all shared her desire to somehow escape Reach and return to their parents. They stood out from the rest of the Spartan recruits in that they actively talked about their past lives even though it resulted in them receiving scorn and contempt from some the others. Which made Ralph psychological break down, and Basil's and Juliana's painful for her and Joseph. Joseph took the news of the flash clones hard, but he persevered. 'Just another reason for me to dislike Halsey' he said to her. It reminded her of the ones who didn't survive the surgeries, or 'washed out'. She could still remember clearly their deformed bodies. "They became extended family to me."
"I am sorry for what happened to your team." said Amaranth.
"Thanks,… lets talk about something else."said Daisy wanting to change the subject.
"Your training. They are pushing you and the others a lot harder than usual, and it worries you." Daisy was about to deny it, but Amaranth interrupted her. "You can't deny it, you know we can feel each other emotions."
"Alright, I have a feeling that something big is coming. Something that scared the UNSC to rush our training."
"What could scare them so much to do that? Insurrectionist?"
Before Daisy Amaranth a voice called to Amaranth, or more accurately for Daisy. "Daisy, there you are, Honey."
Amaranth looked behind her and recognized who called her. It was a woman in her early forties standing 5'6, she had long blond hair that almost shine in the sun, and deep blue eyes. She was wearing a white blouse with khaki pants and brown low heel shoes. Beside her was a man standing 6'5.5 neatly dressed wearing a brown business suit complete with tie and well brushed and trim blond hair. They both wore a happy and relieved on their faces. It was Daisy's and her sister's mother and father. Amaranth could feel her sister's heart wench as she longed reunite with her parents, though the feeling wasn't as strong when she first saw them since her kidnapping when they visited to check on Amaranth the feeling was still there.
"Mom. Dad."
"Mom. Dad." Daisy repeated sadly. She was glad that she was able to see their faces, but she longed to see them through her own eyes. She wanted to hug them taking in their scent and tell them how much she missed them.
"Sis..." Amaranth thought.
Amy Spencer ran to her daughter, then hugged her tight and kissed her on her forehead. Amaranth couldn't, but smile. And she wasn't the only one happy about the hug, Daisy was also happy. Amaranth hugged backed not only for her, but also her sister.
After a few moments they stopped hugging. Amy looked over her daughter like a worried hen. "How are you feeling, Daisy? We were told you were out here sparring. Should you really be doing that in your condition. You still recov-"
Jon stood beside Amy and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Now, Amy, the doctors said that she is recovering faster than anticipated, and that some exercise would do her a bit of good." he then looked at his daughter with a critical eye, then smiled fondly. "and by looks of it he is more than right. I haven't seen our daughter this healthy in years." he then let out a loud laugh. "In fact she reminds of me after I finished bootcamp! I was skinny as stick going in, then built like a brick house coming out!" he said tapping his bicep.
Amaranth could feel Daisy's amusement and hear her mental laughter, which caused her to laugh in response. "Well, the exercises and self defense practice are doing a bit of good for me." she said flexing her right bicep, which was noticeable.
Jon barked out laughing. "HAHAHA! You have my genes alright!"
Amy shook her head at her husbands bosterious antics, which she loved him for. But it can grate on her nerves a little. "Calm down, Jon. You are too loud." She then turned her attention back towards her daughter. "Now, Daisy, be careful. We don't want you to push yourself too hard. And take it easy on the muscle building you don't want to lose your feminine charm."
Daisy and Amaranth mentally rolled their eyes. "Alright, Mom, don't worry I will be careful. Besides it would make kidnappers think twice before trying to kidnap me."
Amy nodded her head then stepped back and looked at Amaranth from head to tow. "You know, I think you gotten taller this past week."
Amaranth cocked an eyebrow. "Really?" she asked. She didn't feel taller, then again she did noticed that she reach for things more easily now.
Jon nodded his head. "Yup, I think you are. Before you were eye to eye with your mother, now it seems you're eye to forehead." he nodded his head. "I think you're just hitting a growth spurt. My side of the family have some tall people. Heh, your grandpa was about my height."
Amy smiled sadly. "At this rate you could become taller than….." Amy cupped her daughters cheek as a tears came from her eyes. "Your brother."
The once happy atmosphere of the visit quickly became sad and sullen. The parents weren't visiting to check on their daughter, but to also deliver some news.
Amy took a deep breath trying to keep her emotions in check, while Jon cleared his throat trying to do the same.. The wound caused by their son's death still hurt the Spencer family like it was made yesterday. Each family member cope in a different way Amy took extra shifts at her job avoiding places that brought memories of happier times, Jon became a borderline workaholic always locked up in his office, but they always took time off to visit their daughter, and as far as they know their only child left.
For now.
Ever since her brother's death Amaranth went into a state of depression and some self loathing. She felt she stole everything from the real Daisy and her brother didn't show any resentment towards her. He treated like he treated daisy. He knew or at least suspected she wasn't Daisy, even went out of his way to find a cure her. If it wasn't for Daisy's words Amaranth would have contemplated suicide. Despite her sister's words she still felt she stole something from her.
After a few moments of silence Jon spoke.
"The funeral is this Saturday," he cleared the lump in his throat. "It will be held at the Fairfield church."
"We are having a funeral, but no body to bury." said her voice cracking.
Tears flowed from Amaranth's eye from her and sister's sorrow. So much pain and sorrow that built up from the last week burst out like a broken dam. Amaranth hugged her parents tight, never letting go sobbing in their embrace.
"Mom, Dad, I love you. We lost brother, and I don't know what I would do if something happen to you." She then continued to repeat 'I love you' over and over. The words and emotions weren't only being spoken and felt by Amaranth, but also by Daisy. It was something Daisy wanted to say for years and Amaranth ever since her brother's death.
The two parents embraced their daughter, they hugged quietly for a few minutes before Amaranth finally let go. Jon wiped the tears off his daughters, Amaranth and Daisy felt a bit better afterward.
"Better?" Jon asked.
Amaranth nodded.
Jon nodded and let a smile touch his face. He then looked at his wife as if asking a question. Amy nodded at her husband. Jon let out a sigh.
"Daisy, their some good news in all of this." he said.
Amaranth looked at her parents wondering what they were talking with Daisy sharing similar sentiments. What were their parents getting at.
Seeing their daughter's questioning look, Amy began to clear things up.
"You see, Daisy, you're the oldest now." she explained.
"What?"
"What?"
"What your mother is trying to say is that-"
"I'm pregnant. Found out the day before the accident. You're going to be a big sister, and you're going to have a little brother." Amy finished.
To say Amaranth and Daisy were shocked would be an understatement, due to a medical condition it was difficult for their mother to conceive. It was a miracle that she had David then Daisy. Before then she had two miscarriages which was why she cherished her children so much and constantly worried about them and sorta spoiled them a little. So, to find out she that she was pregnant, and that Daisy and Amaranth are going to have a little brother and in turn will soon become big sisters was mind numbing.
Amaranth just stood the shocked expression still on her face her mind going over the news trying to process it fully.
Year: 08/21/2525
Planet: Reach
Location: Reach FLEETCOM Military Complex Mess Hall
(few minutes earlier.)
Daisy was sitting at the table by herself poking at her rations, a turkey dinner with corn and gravy covered mashed potatoes laced with whatever vitamins and steroid supplement needed to promote muscle growth and other functions needed in combat, with a fudge brownie for dessert. She was waiting for Joseph who was still in line for lunch during that time she was talking to her sister through their link exchanging whats been going on in their respective days, and using it to transmit a live feed to each other. And after their parents came and told them when them about their brother's funeral their emotions synced up and Daisy felt her sister hug their parents and they 'spoke' at told the three words they wanted to say for a long while over and over. 'I love you."
Daisy was able to keep her tears in despite the strong emotions she felt. She saw and felt Amaranth let go of their parents and their father wiped the tears of her face.
"Better?" he asked.
Daisy saw and felt Amaranth nodding her head.
Daisy through her sister's eyes saw Jon nodded and let a smile touch his face. He then looked at his wife as if asking a question. Amy nodded at her husband. Jon let out a sigh.
"Daisy, their some good news in all of this." he said.
Daisy crunch her eyebrows wondering at what her parents were getting at.
"You see, Daisy, you're the second oldest now." she explained.
"What?"
"What?"
"What your mother is trying to say is that-"
"I'm pregnant. Found out the day before the accident. You're going to be a big sister, and you're going to have a little brother." Their Mother finished.
Daisy dropped her fork on the tray in complete shock, she also felt her sister's shock as well. It was a miracle that she had David then Daisy. Before then she had two miscarriages which was why she cherished her children so much and constantly worried about them and sorta spoiled them a little. So, to find out she that she was pregnant, and that Daisy and Amaranth are going to have a little brother and in turn will soon become big sisters was mind numbing.
Daisy just stared at her food mulling over the news over and over. She and amaranth are going to be big sisters, they were going to take the role their brother had towards them. Well, more accurately Amaranth would be able to fill that role in the more direct sense, but just because she wouldn't be there physically didn't mean she couldn't watch out her family another way.
As a spartan she could protect her family from whatever threat that comes. She will give it her all and then some. She will fight to protect her family and innocent lives. Not for ONI, and not for the UNSC. And may God help whoever hurt her family especially if they are from ONI.
"Honey, me and your father have to go. We have-" Amy covered her mouth holding back a sob. "-To meet the funeral director to finish up some details."
"We talk more about this tomorrow."
Through her sister's eyes Daisy watched as Amaranth and their parents hugged then say their goodbyes promising to come visit again tomorrow.
"Will we be good big sisters for our little brother?" asked Amaranth, her doubt easily felt by Daisy.
Daisy lifted her fork backed up staring at it suddenly finding it the most interesting thing in the world.
"Yes, we will. I'm a Spartan now and I will protect our family. Not for ONI or the UNSC. Not because it's my 'duty'" she said the word with extreme sarcasm, this wasn't duty. It was slavery. They didn't want soldiers, they wanted machines who happily do what they are told. Then a thought occurred to Daisy what happens once they outlive their usefulness or the war with insurrectionist end. She doubted they would just let them retire or leave.
"Hey, Daisy, better start eating we have less than hour before Chief Mendez called us back to training." said a young masculine voice interrupting her private thoughts.
Daisy looked up and saw a young man her age in a blue UNSC training jumpsuit and carrying a tray with the same turkey dinner she was served. He had dark brown hair and eyes with a young yet in some ways mature face. It was Joseph, one of her closest friends and in a sense brother. When they tried to escape he was the only one caught before they escaped off planet.
Daisy smiled, focusing on him the mental pictures and sounds becoming a wall flower in her mind. "Hey, Joseph, I'm just not very hungry at the moment." She took a bite of the synthetic turkey chewing and savoring the gravy. The only downside of having memories of the last eight years of her sister's life is the fact she now know what real food taste like especially her mom's cooking. It proved one of the things all military personnel across all branches agreed on.
Military rations taste like dog shit.
Joseph down in front of her, and began picking at his food. "I'm sorry about your brother." he said apologetically.
Daisy blinked in surprise. She didn't think anyone know about her brother. Joseph chuckled in response to her confusion. "Guards have a tenancy to talk, and we are trained in info gathering."
He didn't need to explain anymore, Daisy reprimanded herself forgetting those two things especially the last one which they were trained and drilled repeatedly in, and pretty knock upside the head with how important it was. And if Joseph knows then…
"And I guess everyone else knows then." Daisy stated.
Joseph nodded, chewing on a bit of turkey. "Yup, and your little outburst towards Halsey. Which I might add was a lot more controlled than what I would have done in that situation." Joseph swallowed then looked at Daisy with a serious expression. "Was it worth it?" he asked referring to her escape attempt.
"Yes, it was." she answered honestly. "I learned a lot, my full name, what my mom and dad look like…. Then there was my clone." Daisy looked at Joseph. "How do you feel about the flash clones?"
Joseph was surprised by the question. It wasn't something he expected to be asked. "I don't know. A part feel resentment towards my clone for living my life. The life taken from me." he let out a humorless chuckle. "He was probably more me than me. But on the other hand it wasn't his fault. What ever Halsey done to make the clones believe they were us worked. They lived our lives fooling our parents oblivious to what they were and their purpose." Joseph fists clenched his eyes hardening. "They were meant to die a slow painful death. You know, Daisy, at first I hated at my clone for living my life then I thought about it. He was a victim just like me, you, and every other candidate in this program. They were people too, right?"He let out a sigh. "I wonder if he is still alive and how my parents are doing. I even wonder if we did succeed in escaping and returning to our families what would we do from there? ONI won't let us go and who knows what they would do to our parents."
Daisy in agreement, as much she didn't want to admit it, but ONI won't ever let their 'property' go. It is the same way government agencies won't let their spies simply retire.
"You know, I consider my clone my sister." she said getting a surprised look from Joseph.
"So you consider the clone your sister?"
"Yes-" Daisy looked behind Joseph and saw a member of Red team Naomi-010 coming towards them. The first to sit down was Naomi, ever since their 'conscription' into the program she was one of the few who actively talk about her life before the program, or what little she remembered of it. She got along well with Ralph, Daisy, Julianna, Joseph and Basil though she thought their escape plan was futile and that they should accept their new life, though never forget their old lives. And she has a strong dislike of Halsey.
"Hey, Daisy, how are you feeling? I heard what happened."
Daisy gave Naomi a smile. Despite not being on board with their escape plan she didn't rat them out and even hoped she prove her assumptions wrong. She was a good friend and squad mate.
"Thanks, that means a lot."
Naomi smiled blowing a blond bang out of her eye. "We're pretty much family, and we take care of each other."
Daisy nodded in agreement, one of the few good things that came out the project were friends/family she made in the project. "So, I was wondering how are the others reacting to the news of my little outburst."
Daisy shivered slightly suddenly feeling cold. "That's weird." she thought.
Naomi and Joseph look at each other telling Daisy that it wasn't very good.
"Well, it is kinda mix. Some understand why you exploded on Halsey with your brother's death and your views on her and the program," Joseph explained.
"And?" Daisy asked.
"And some believe you're not fit to be a Spartan due to you not embracing your 'duty'." Naomi explained air quoting the word duty.
Daisy scoffed, if she could leave the program and go back to her family without consequence she would. She shivered some more. It was strange it wasn't that cold, yet she feels like Mendez dropped her back onto Reach's snowy mountains.
"Hey, Daisy, are you alright? You're shaking like you been left out in the cold." asked Joseph noticing she was shaking violently.
Daisy didn't feel good. Her breathing became ragged and shallow, her body felt cold and numb, and her teeth chattered together. Her vision began to blur and her mind began to become hazy.
"I ….. feel….cold." Daisy said between ragged breaths before she suddenly lost consciousness, her head hitting face first into her turkey and gravy.
Joseph stretched across the table and lifted Daisy's head off the tray wiping her face clear of food. She was out cold.
"Daisy! Daisy!" Joseph shook her then opened one of her eyes only to see a blank pupil.
"Alright! Out of the way!" yelled a stern voice.
Joseph turned around towards the source of the voice and saw Naomi by one of the guards, and the other Spartans either watching form their tables or gathering around him and Daisy. Joseph obediently stepped aside allowing the guard to examine daisy. He lifted her up and opened one of her eyes seeing it was glazed over.
"YOU TWO TAKE HER TO THE INFIRMARY QUICKLY!" he ordered pointing at two guards behind him. They each gave a salute immediately before quickly grabbing a stretcher, placing Daisy on it then taking her to the infirmary.
The guard left behind turned towards Joseph, who due to years of drilling and training instinctively saluted, then stood at attention.
"At ease, Spartan-122," Joseph placed his hands behind his back and spread his legs slightly relaxing his body slightly. "Now explain to me what happened!"
"Sir, Me, 034 and 010 were eating our rations when 034 suddenly showed signs of cold exposure and then passed out."
The guard nodded satisfied, it matched with what Naomi-010 told him. "Alright, everybody back to eating your rations. You have 20 minutes then it's back to training." he said to all the recruits standing around them. They all disperse going back to their tables or continued eating. The guard looked back at Naomi then Joseph. "Don't worry, cadets. I am sure she will be fine. Just focus on your training, you two will receive news if anything happens." he said before leaving to report to his superiors about the incident.
Naomi looked at Joseph with a worried look. "Think she will be okay? Why did she shivered so much?" she asked.
Joseph shook his head. "I don't know, Naomi. If anything changes I am sure we will know about it." Joseph placed a hand on Naomi's shoulder. "Come on, we can't do anything now. Lets finish eating before we get back to training drills. We will need the energy."
Naomi nodded and along with Joseph went back to their table, but they both couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the incident than meets the eye.
(Meanwhile...)
Year: 08/21/2525
Planet: Fairfields City, Sargasso
Location: Vanguard Pharmaceutical Clinic's recess courtyard.
Amaranth listened to the conversation between Daisy and her teammates. Feeling that she shouldn't intrude she removed herself from the conversation and let Daisy have some time with her team, but not before getting a quick glimpse of Daisy's teammate Joseph. Amaranth blushed slightly, she had a crush on Daisy's brown haired teammate, though she made sure her sister didn't know about it. She know that her sister wasn't the teasing type(much), but it would make things awkward.
Amaranth shook her head of such thoughts, and decided that she had enough fresh air. She headed back inside the clinic towards the elevator. She was nearing when she saw Dr. Kirk Simmons one of the head doctors waiting with a cargo cart with a metal box on top. What seemed strange to Amaranth was that Simmons wasn't acting like his usual self. Usually he was more calm and upbeat, but that wasn't the man Amaranth saw. Instead he looked like a nervous wreck. Beads of sweat was pouring down his face and based on the sweat spots on his coat everywhere else on his body.
Amaranth walked towards the elevator then stood beside the nervous doctor. She smiled at him.
"Hello, Dr. Simmons. How are you today,"
Dr. Simmons so deep in his thoughts didn't notice Amaranth next to him. He stammered for a few seconds before regaining his composure, straightening his tie and his black hair before wiping the sweat off his brow.
"Ah, hello, Daisy, I am doing fine. Just a little stressed. There were some shipping errors this morning. Really big shipping errors." he thought the last part.
Amaranth looked at the metal container taking in details that she hadn't noticed before. There were warning and caution signs all over the container, but what caught Amaranth's eye was a warning sign with a snowflake picture in the middle, and a symbol under it a delta symbol with sword running through it vertically. Not only that she also noticed it got nippy suddenly. She could feel the cold chill coming from the case.
A chimed was heard signaling that the elevator has arrived. The elevator doors opened, Dr. Simmons allowed Amaranth in first. She stepped in then stepped close to the left side allowing Dr. Simmons to push the cart in.
"Second floor, please." he said.
Amaranth nodded and pressed the 2nd floor button on the elevator's control panel. The hum of the motors pulling the elevator up filled the space. Simmons turned towards Amaranth deciding to start a conversation.
"So, how are you doing Amaranth?"
Amaranth smiled. "I am doing great. It feels great to be able to walk again, and the self defense training with Ken helped build my strength back."
Simmons couldn't help, but chuckle. He remembers the sickly and for lack of a better term dying girl that came through the clinics doors a little over a week ago, now that same girl was probably the healthiest and strongest than she ever been. The difference was pretty much night and day. At first he felt a little wary of the experimental treatment they received from Vanguard's Pharmaceutical R&D. Mostly due to the fact they were using nanomachines to fix someone's genetic structure, but their head director said it was proven safe during animal testing. He was glad that it worked, after the death of one child he doubted the family could handle another.
"Well, I am glad to hear that." said Simmons kindly.
Amaranth nodded, then looked at the container on the cart. "So, what is that?" she asked pointing at the container. "I can feel a cold chill coming from it."
Simmons chuckled nervously, and smiled uneasily. "Well there was a shipping error, and we received this contender along with our normal shipment of medical supplies. Its a bit delicate, so I was told to take it to the laboratory and keep it secure."
"So what is it, and where was it supposed to go." she prodded gently.
Simmons looked up in thought. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you. You see it some prototype of some new cryogenics device. It was supposed to go to the Black Vanguards R&D branch. That's all I can tell you."
Amaranth nodded, though curiosity nagged at her. "Wait, aren't the Black Vanguards the PMC owned by the Vanguard corporation?" she asked.
Simmons nodded. "Yes, which we must send this back them. The stuff from there R&D branch is not cheap."
Amaranth looked at the container. Something didn't feel right to her. She was curious what was inside in the container despite the rational part of her mind saying to let be, but her curiosity override it. She had a feeling there was more to this device, and She will find out about it.
Amaranth was taken out of her thoughts when the elevator chimed alerting them that they reached the second floor. The elevator's doors opened.
"Well, Daisy, looks like this where we part ways. I have have to deliver this as soon as possible, Plus I don't like being so close to it. See you in the morning."
"See you later, Dr. Simmons." said Amaranth.
Simmons stepped out of the elevator turning right heading to the laboratory with the cart. Amaranth stepped out of the elevator and headed the opposite direction towards her room, but she looked behind her and made sure Simmons was far enough away and wasn't looking. Once she made sure of that she started to follow him. She hid behind beds, hospital equipment, trashcans, etc. Thanks to the training and knowledge she received she remained undetected by Dr. Simmons, and since it was lunch hour most of the staff were on break either in the cafeteria or in town getting lunch. She followed for almost 30 minutes making many turns and having a few close calls when he stopped in front a door with 2 heavy locks and a key card reader on its handle. He took out a key card and swiped it. A loud buzz sound was heard, the locks on the door clicked. Simmons opened the door and pushed the cart inside.
Amaranth narrowed her eye she needed to get in, but without that key-card she can't. That's when she saw something fall out of Simmons lab coat as enter the lab. Once the door closed behind Simmons Amaranth walked quickly to the spot smirking at her bout of good luck.
Simmons dropped his key-card.
"Now I can get in." she said smirking.
Amaranth was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the click of the door unlocking, she quickly hid behind a nearby trashcan, and watched came out the door looking tired with relief. Once he was far enough away Amaranth swiped the Key-card through the card reader. Once the door unlocked Amaranth open the door and went inside closing the door behind her. Once inside she took a look around the lab.
It was fortunately the lab was empty devoid of any personnel. The lab was a stark white with 4 lab tables. Amaranth saw different lab equipment some she can recognize such as beakers, needles, test tube holders, etc. But there was some she didn't have the slightest clue what they were. She continue to scope out the lab until she saw the container at the far end of the lab. She walked towards the case, as got closer she could feel the air around her chill. Ignoring the increasingly chilling air she got closer and closer until she was mere centimeters from the case. She noticed that light frost was beginning to from around it.
"What kind of device could do this." she mused.
Amaranth wiped the frost of from the top of the container revealing the different warning symbols and the lock with the 'unlock' glowing on it in bright green letters. Amaranth was confused. Why would something like this be left unlocked?
"Probably was damaged during transit." she figured.
She lock's latched and with a hiss it opened up letting out a cloud of white chilling air. Amaranth covered her eyes as the air flowed around her. Once everything was cleared she opened her eyes and saw what was inside. Inside the container was some sort of armor, specifically a pair of gauntlets, a chest piece and a helmet. They were all a snowy white, the helmet had some sort of filter with tubes hanging form the side leading to some sort of compartment on the back of the chest piece, the chest piece wasn't really anything spectacular looking. It just look like ordinary armor, the gauntlets on the other hand were the ones that stood out the most. They had reinforced arm guards and knuckles.
Amaranth couldn't help, but pick up the gauntlets then slipped them on. It felt good on her, she decided to try them out. She did some punches and moves she learned form her sister. She did this for a few minutes until she jabbed accidentally flicking her right wrist. Suddenly two blades one on each side of the gauntlet swished out forming a blade in front of Amaranth fist.
"WOAH!" she yelled as she stabbed through a table with ease.
Amaranth easily pulled the blade and studied it in shock. She could hear the slow humming of blade arcing with electricity. She barely was putting any real force behind her, yet the blade went through the metal table like a hot knife through butter.
"I need to turn this thing off before I destroy something else. Think how did activate this thing. I was punching when I flicked my-" A idea struck her. Amaranth flicked her wrist again, and just as she thought the blade deactivated and retracted back into the gauntlet.
Amaranth quickly took of the gaunlets and gently placed them back into the case.
"Well, that was unexpected." she said letting out a sigh in relief.
Once she calmed down her eyes landed upon the chest piece. She could a cold aura radiating of the armor piece. She deduced that the armor was the main source of the chill around her. So against her better she decided to satisfy her curiosity and picked up the chest armor. It was cool tot he touch giving Amaranth goosebumps. It felt pleasant to her. She examined studying it all over. It looked like any piece of armor except it some sort of backpack.
She continue to study the armor, when suddenly it shocked her.
"OW!" she dropped the armor. IT landed on the floor with a 'THUD'! Sparks of electricity continue to arc around it. The temperature in the air suddenly dropped to freezing levels. Amaranth slowly stepped back shivering violently with cold and fear as the armor continue crackle with energy.
Seeing something was about to happen Amaranth ran towards the door but it was too late. She only made it half-way when the chest piece exploded releasing a shock-wave of freezing cold air freezing everything in its path.
Amaranth was struck by the shock-wave knocking her to ground, she could feel the freezing cold consuming her body. It felt like she was being stabbed by ice cold needles all over body before her body went numb.
"I am going to…." she lost consciousness before she could finish the thought.
Amaranth was laying on the ground her body shivering, covered in frost almost looking like a living ice sculpture. Normally she would dying from cold exposure, but something else was happening. The microscopic nano-machines in her system programmed to repair genetic damage and save the life of their host were hard at work. Sensing their charge on the verge of death they began to attempt to save her the only way they know how. Like a virus they spread to every cell in her body rewriting her genetic code to withstand the freezing temperatures….
And more. She wanted to be strong, and she gained that. Now, she will gain so much more.
(A few moments before….)
Simmons was walking the down hall radiating with relief. He was glad to be rid of his cargo, he didn't be near it more than he have to. It wasn't just the chilling air it projected, but the fact it experimental and he knew that usually spell dangerous in all caps in his book.
"Now, I can hurry to the cafeteria. I wonder if their anymore curry chicken left." he mused.
He made to the elevator when suddenly he heard a loud explosion and felt the floor shake knocking him down. He lifted himself up and shook his head.
"What the hell..." he said then stopped when he realized the sound came from the direction towards the lab.
He ran towards the full of anxiety and fear. What happen? Did this have something to do with the device? He didn't know, he needed to find out, and make sure no one was hurt. He made it to the lab and saw security and a some doctors nurses around where the door used before it was blown off forced to hang of its edges. Frost and a bit of ice covered the edges of the way the door way and the door itself. Simmons ran towards one of the security guards talking to one of the nurses.
"What happened?" he asked.
The security guard stopped what he was doing and turned towards Simmons. "Dr. Simmons, Sir. There was an explosion. We were alerted and came here to investigate. According to eye witnesses it just happen suddenly. A couple of guard went in to investigate."
"SIR!" yelled a young voice.
Simmons and the guard turned towards the source and saw a young guard carrying a body shape bundle in his arms. Simmons's blood froze as he saw the face. It was Daisy.
"That's Daisy Spencer. How did she get in their!" he almost yelled.
"We found this key card on her person, sir." the young guard explained pulling out a key card in his pocket.
"Wait, that's mine." Simmons checked his lab coat right pocket and found a hole in it. "She must have grabbed it when it fell out of the hole in my pocket."
Simmons shook his head, he had more pressing matters to attend to. He saw that Daisy was still breathing. Barely. "TAKE HER TO EMERGENCY CARE!"
"SIR!" said the head guard as he ordered one of the doctors to grab a stretcher.
The barley alive girl was placed on the stretcher and rolled towards the emergency wing of the clinic. Simmons gave the guards orders to seal off the lab, then walked back towards his office. He needed to call Daisy's parents and tell them what happened hoping that she would be OK.
(2 hours later.)
It has been two hours since the accident Amaranth was placed in her room hooked to an IV drip. When doctors examined they surprised to not only find her still alive, but doing okay. Her vitals were slightly erratic from time to time, but overall she was doing better than she should be. She placed back into her room under constant watch for signs of her waking up. To add to the doctors puzzlement a mutation happened that raised more questions.
Amaranth was laying in her bed her heart moniker beating systematically letting everyone know she was still alive. A nurse was changing her IV drip when suddenly she heard a moan coming from the girl. She turned her attention tot he bed ridden girl who was leaning up slowly her eye opening tiredly. She rubbed her head.
"Ah, my head. What happened."
The nurse lifted her hand stopping Amaranth. "Hey, take it easy, Mrs. Spencer. You had a nasty accident."
It finally hit Amaranth what happened. "There was an explosion..." she said.
The nurse nodded. "Yes, you were in a restricted lab. The doctors and your parents would like a word with once they are informed of your awakening."
Amaranth eyes widen fully awake. She knew she was in trouble. "My parents…."
"They came here 30 minutes after we informed them of your accident. They stayed by your side while you slept. They are downstairs in the cafeteria getting you something for when you wake up, after the doctors promised that you were alright and just needed rest."
"I am in so much trouble." Amaranth muttered.
The nurse couldn't help, but smile. "Don't worry the relief of you being OK would outweigh any anger of your foolish decision. Now I must go tell the doctors you're awake." she walked to the door and was about to walk out when she turned her head. "Oh and by the way. Something interesting happened when you were knocked out. Fair warning before you look in a mirror." she said before exiting out the room.
Amaranth was wondering she mean by that when her thoughts were interrupted by mental yelling.
"What happened? Are you OK?" a voice yelled. It was Daisy.
"Yeah, I am OK. There was an explosion and well…." Amaranth let Daisy look through her recent memories. Daisy was quiet for a few seconds before Daisy yelled again.
"What were you thinking! You could have died!" Daisy yelled scared half to death for her sister.
Amaranth felt Daisy's anger, but it wasn't anger at her it was a worry anger that a sibling would feel for another. "I know it was stupid, but something was off about that case. I mean you saw that armor and what ever device it used to create that cold air. I mean isn't strange a PMC have such a device? Shouldn't the UNSC be all over this like white on rice in a paper in the middle of a snow storm."
Daisy chuckled at her sister comparison, but she was right it was strange. "It's could possible that the parent company is contracted with ONI weapon research division, but then there should have been some file on it."
"You have access to ONI files?"
"Not exactly, I know my way with a hack tool." Daisy explained.
"We need to look into this. Somethings up wit this company."
"I agree, but be careful. Don't do anything rash. I… felt what you felt when the shockwave exploded-"
"Are you OK!" Amaranth interrupted.
"Yeah, I OK. I am in the medical wing laying in my bed. I just woke up. Halsey said she is going to perform some test to make sure everything is alright. I think she might suspect something. We can't let her know about our link."
Amaranth nodded in agreement. "Yeah, who knows what she might do."
"It's not her I am worry about."
Daisy didn't need to finish to know who her sister was referring to. If Halsey found out then there would be a high chance ONI would and take her away to do who knows what kind of things to her and her sister. Daisy wouldn't let ONI get their hands on her sister or harm her family again.
"You know, I wonder the nurse meant she left?"
"Yeah, I wonder what she meant by ''interesting' too" asked Daisy.
Amaranth decided to find out. She looked to her right and saw a mirror on the tray beside her bed. She grabbed it and looked into it. To say she and her sister were shocked at what they saw would be an understatement. She pretty much look the same except her skin was paler than it was before like she doesn't get much sun, but the biggest change was her hair what used to be a bright blond was now white as snow.
"What the hell!" she yelled and as soon as her emotion flared the mirror in her hand suddenly froze in a thin sheet of ice.
Out of shock and disbelief Amaranth dropped the mirror on to her lap staring at it then at her hands.
"What happened to me?" she asked herself.
Daisy just remained quiet from the shock wondering the same thing. Something happened to her sister ans he is going get to the bottom of it.
(Sorry it took so long, but I hope this satisfy. Please review.)