CHAPTER 2
Back across the anti-grav elevator, Jerry followed Seth into the main elevator and they rose to the top floor. They stepped out on an open balcony, and they met up with a shock trooper, guarding a door.
"This lady here is Susan Blodgett." Seth explained. "She's here guarding the door to Ms. Henderson's office. As you know, the secretary and the boss both work together to manage this outpost. Jolene Henderson works to advise and brief us agents on our missions, and the secretary you met before, she has the task of filing paperwork and controlling the administrative duties. They work together, and they both require the other in order for this outpost to function. However, Chelsea often gets the impression she's much less important, since she sits alone on the bottom floor all day and never has anybody calling her 'boss'."
"Is that why she's so mean?" Jerry questioned.
"Nah," Seth said, "That's just her personality. She'd still be a bitch even if she were working on the moon base." Susan stepped aside, and Jerry and Seth were allowed to enter.
Jolene Henderson's office was immaculate, with a large, three paneled, floor to ceiling window that looked out over the front of the outpost. A vase stood next to the door, lush with blooming tulips. At the opposite end of the room stood a large, mahogany desk, stacked with papers and a stained blue mug. A computer also sat on the desk, and behind the computer sat a woman, who Jerry assumed was Jolene. She wore an emerald dress, and had long, straight red hair; similar to Jerry's in color. She looked up and smiled welcomingly as they entered.
"Hello! You must be Jerry Baker. I'm Jolene, Nice to meet you." Jerry stepped forward as Jolene offered her hand, and Jerry shook it. She turned to Seth and said, "Thanks, I'll take him from here." Seth nodded and left.
"Well, I assume he's already shown you around. I'm just gonna have you watch an orientation film. Most of it will already be familiar to you I hope. Come with me." Jerry tagged along after her, and they went back past Susan to the elevator. They stopped three floors down.
"Just so you know," Jolene stated, "there's a sealed in room on this floor. It was an architectural flaw. The builders somehow forgot to install doors into the room, and we've never needed the extra space badly enough to fix the issue." They turned down the hall and into a room that was mostly empty. It had a few tables, and Jolene pulled back a chair for him to sit behind one. An old film projector was pulled out into the middle, and the video was set in to play. Jerry watched as the video began.
A swarthy man with an eye patch stepped onto the screen and began to speak. "Welcome and congratulations! If you're watching this, than you're officially an agent of the Bureau of Modern Affairs. Your training at Area 51 on Earth is complete. Also, there's a possibility you took an extra step and also took training on the planet Bolse. But before I continue, allow me to back up and explain."
"What is the BMA? It is an organization that deals with modern affairs. It is divided into three divisions. First is Corporate, which handles things such as court trials, meetings, and all the politics and management behind the system. Corporate training takes place on Earth's moon, which is where the Corporate building is. The moon base is considered the headquarters, and the highest and most vital Bureau station."
"The Intergalactic Welfare Agency deals with alien immigration and treaties for alien technologies, culinary dishes, resources, or whatever else they might have that we might want. Alien contact, as you may or may not know, was made back in the nineteen fifties, when a government outpost in New Mexico, now known as Area 51, made alien contact. Although we've kept this fact secret to the public, it's generally believed by the consensus that aliens do exist, and although the government will continue to deny this, humanity knows better than to listen to us on the subject anymore.
Occasionally aliens criminals attack. Depending on the context of such an occasion, the Evolved Crime Task Force might get jurisdiction. That's where you come in."
"You are an agent of the ECTF. Your job is to deal with the superhuman criminals and any crime too tough for police to handle. It used to be the only time you'd meet a super villain was in a comic book. Nowadays, however, freak accidents from modern science can occasionally occur, resulting in real super villains, although we prefer to think of them as 'evolved criminals'. You have likely been recruited either by a special team of Corporate officials, known as Ragnavoks, or possibly a human liaison at your former work place. Whatever it may be, you've been recruited to the ECTF."
The man with the eyepatch began to explain about the various Internal Robotic Enhancements (or IRE's for short) and strength and stamina boosting injections used to create the ECTF 'supersoldiers'. However, Jerry's viewing was interrupted when as clear as day, a voice rang through his head. It was garbled, however, and Jerry wasn't sure what it was saying. He yelped in alarm, and Jolene, who apparently couldn't hear the voice, asked him if anything was wrong. Jerry shook his head but listened for the voice again. In a second, Jerry heard it, and this time, it was clear that it was Seth, speaking through the neurological IRE implant in his temporal lobes.
Can you hear me?
I can now, Jerry responded through his own implant. It was a type of thought-speak, allowing for mental communication, almost a form of telepathy.
Ok, just wanted to check and see how you were doing.
Thanks.
I also had to check to make sure your implants were working. I decided to catch you when you didn't expect it. But hey, better now than when I'm trying to communicate with you in the heat of battle.
Yeah.
Alright, I'll see you later.
The conversation ended, and Jerry noticed Jolene was giving him an odd look, almost reprimanding. Jerry figured it was because of the glassy-eyed look one would get when communicating with the implant; it probably gave the impression that he wasn't paying attention. He hastened to get back in the video's rapture.
"You've had to undergo training at Area 51," The man was saying, "which houses alien prisoners as well as a training camp. Depending on your previous career, you may have been allowed to skip parts of this stage of training. Let's look at a police officer. He already knows how to shoot a gun, duck and cover, and similar aspects that are taught in training. Therefore, the cop may skip some of the courses and move right to the more advanced classes that Area 51 has to offer."
This was not how it had been for Jerry. Being a teacher previously, he had been required to take all of the classes at Area 51. However, he chose to be a Biology Specialist, as he already had a degree in Biology, being the class he had taught. This allowed him to skip the extra training on Bolse, which was meant for people such as a cop or military marine who wanted to specialize in a science, but had no knowledge of the subject. Marines or cops could do other training though without having to invest extra time at Bolse. Area 51 offered courses to specialize in things such as weapons, sabotage, poisons, terrorism, torture, vehicles, interrogation, and agents often mastered a combination. For Jerry, training had taken a total of ten years, even without training on Bolse.
However, upon graduating from the training, he was given a series of treatments before he could be allowed to work for the Bureau. One such treatment was the injection of an anti-aging serum into the blood stream, a treatment only given to the extremely wealthy, or for military or government purposes. This meant he would live almost twice the normal human lifespan, which in this day an age could easily go up to one hundred and twenty years old.
Although Jerry was really thirty-one, he had the physical appearance of a person in his late twenties, when he had received the injection. The anti-aging did not stop growth, but slowed it down and stalled it considerably. If Jerry lived long enough to be one hundred, he would have the estimated physical and mental stability of a lively sixty two year old. If he took good care of himself, he could trim that number down to fifty-seven. If he died of old age, his estimated age when he would most likely croak was two hundred and twelve. This was part of why he was considered to be "near immortal", as well as a key component to making him an ideal supersoldier that could handle the difficult job as an ECTF agent. Provided he didn't die in combat before he retired, he'd benefit from a very long and enjoyable retirement.
"You may have been handpicked to be a leader by a superior. If that is the case, an additional congratulations is necessary. You are most certainly a valuable agent, and one who possesses great skill and potential."
"All agents such as yourself must specialize in a certain study, which will be used to further the five person teams in which you will function."
The man with the eyepatch now grinned as he stepped over to a whiteboard, which had been covered in drawings detailing elaborate strategic tactics and evasive maneuvers. He began to speak once more.
"As you very well know, your team leader, who you've probably just recently met, is not just the leader, he doubles as the team's tactician and strategic specialist. This extra role is ideal for a leader, as the leader must be able to plan ahead and recognize not just all the possible moves his team can carry out in a scenario, but also their consequences. For example, let's say your team is moving through a jungle, and you encounter a powerful gun turret. You decide to hide and decide on what option to take. Do you charge forward and attack it head on? If so, a hidden sniper could pick one of your teammates off in an instant, and that's not something a leader ever wants to be responsible for. Throw an explosive at it? Maybe. But if it doesn't affect the turret, the hypothetical sniper will probably see where the explosive is thrown from, and so your location will be revealed."
"As you can see, there is no 'best' option, which is why a leader needs to think not just of the direct consequences of an action, but the resulting reactions stemming from the consequence. If you chose your second option, you would have a moment to vacate your position before the enemy could make a decision on how to deal with you."
As the man continued to speak, going on about various evasive tactics and battle plans, Jerry began to zone out. Most of this was review, he realized, so he decided he didn't need to pay too much attention. His thoughts once again preoccupied him.
A younger Jerry grinned, holding his diploma in his hand. Having graduated from college, he had come a long way. He hugged his gran, and waved to Ms. Bean, who approached from a nearby seat.
Ms. Bean came up to him and shook his hand. "You've come a long way Jerry. It seems like just yesterday you were taking my Biology class. I'm glad it influenced you to be a teacher."
Gran smiled. "Well, he's always liked learning. He's a good kid, I expected nothing less."
"At the same time, I'm not used to seeing him so happy. Most of my memories of him from high school involve me having to save him from some torment inflicted upon him by another student."
"Yes, he never instigated it either." She turned to Jerry now. "It's always been one of your best qualities, almost to a fault. To choose what's right over what's easy.
Ms. Bean laughed, "Although sometimes he just doesn't know when to pick his battles".
Jerry finally spoke. "I'm just glad I'm finally here. I'm lucky to have you, Gran. And I'm lucky that I had you to help me, Ms. Bean. I just hope I can influence somebody else in the same way."
Jerry suddenly realized Jolene was glaring at him again, Jerry sheepishly turned to watch the remaining ten minutes of the video, annoyed that he had really allowed himself to space out this time.
"Thank you for watching, and good luck…you'll need it." The man with the eyepatch walked off screen and the film reel ended. Jolene pulled it back out and moved the projector back into the corner where it had come from.
"Any questions?" was what Jolene said next.
"Yeah, I have just one…Why are we using a film projector and not a hologram?"
Jolene shrugged. "Well, the projector works, doesn't it? And we rarely have to drag it out, so it's not worth investing on an upgrade."
This place could do with more fundings than, I take it?" Jerry wondered quizzically.
"Well, not really. Whenever we end up with property damage, we get funding for repairs. Usually, we have a bit left over, and we can splurge…although occasionally we save up for something big, like our VR chamber, which is rather recent. A lot of our stuff comes from overbudgeting-induced splurges. For example, our coffee machine, the radio in the tech lab, the tank of frogs, and my polished mahogany desk. I'm not sure about the weight lifting equipment in the lounge…I think Hank paid for that, actually."
"How often could property damage possibly happen?" Jerry queried skeptically.
Jolene chortled. "Well, it happens a lot more than you might think."
Jerry had thought up another question. "Who's Hank?"
"Hank Kennedy, he's another agent. You'll meet him later, but for now can I show you the barracks where agents stay overnight occasionally?"
"Sorry, all this touring has kinda worn me down," Jerry replied, "maybe later?"
"Sure, that's fine with me. But you probably at least want to put away your briefcase in the locker room?"
"Sure, I'd like that."
And so after a brief ride of the anti-grav platform, Jerry found himself in the men's locker room. The locker room was large, but it's size was hindered by rows of lockers. Another section of the locker room featured a shower area, and several urinals and stalls. A large and elegant mirror covered a section of wall across from the toilets.
Seth was outside waiting to take him back from Jolene. Seth showed Jerry to his personal locker, in which Jerry set his briefcase. He closed the locker shut, and at that very moment, another man stepped in, who nodded to Seth as he entered.
He was lean, tall and pockmarked, with pale skin and glossy black hair, which was cut short. He wore combat boots, camouflage cargo pants, and a bulletproof vest, which was barely concealed by a leather jacket, as well as a scowl, which made him seem angry and bitter. He looked at Jerry in what Jerry judged to be distaste and possibly anger, even contempt. Jerry hesitated, unsure of what to say, or if he should say anything at all.
"This," Seth said, breaking the tense moment, "is James Duncan. He will be your tutor, and you will be his pupil."
"What!?" Jerry exclaimed in a baffled outburst. How could he work with somebody who was obviously a grump? Better still, since he had graduated from the academy, why did he need a tutor at all?
Seth continued as though he had not heard the blurted out response. "You see, upon arrival, all new agents are paired with a more experienced agent. This 'tutor' of sorts, helps his student learn the ropes, and cope with the difficulties of the job. It is very beneficial to the student, and eventually the student eventually becomes equal or even superior to his mentor, and he can help the one who taught him in return. Most importantly, the tutor-pupil bond is to create a sense of belonging, a go-to when things are tough, and to have a friend who the new agent can learn to trust with his life. It is statistically proven that this whole experience is key to helping new agents learn to trust their lives in the hands of others, and so attaining this bond is of utmost priority." He paused, opened what was probably his own locker, and pulled out a bottle of water. He took a couple of long swigs, and put the bottle away. Then he spoke again.
"It's very important you have somebody to guide you. I happened to be a tutor for another agent you will soon meet, Zoey Fisher. Zoey is one of my closest friends now, and she's the second in command on my team largely because of the fact that she formed an important bond with me from the very beginning. You could say I gave her the secondary team leader position because I favored her, but it's more than that. True, if she had not been assigned to me it might very well be somebody else. But at the same time, I got to know her and formed a trusting connection with her that I haven't with anybody else on the team."
Jerry listened to all this, while he thought quickly about what this might mean for him. But he stopped worrying so much about the concept of a cranky advisor when he realized that now that he had a teacher, he was most likely about to go on his first mission. However, when he voiced his thoughts, James interrupted rather rudely.
"You," He said, with his scowl spreading into a sneer, "Are a loser."
"What did he say!?" Jerry exclaimed in half anger, half disbelief.
"You heard me. As much as your naivety annoys me, I have no choice but to be your mentor. But you're not ready for a mission yet. I want to do a pre-evaluation training exercise to test whether you're capable."
"I am not a loser!" was all Jerry said in response.
"Did you pay any attention to what I just said? You're an even bigger loser than I thought. You're not ready yet…and at this rate you might not ever be."
"Seth, do I really have to work with this idiot!?"
Seth surprised him with a grin. "Jolene assigned it, not me. But regardless, you guys will learn to get along just fine. Before you know it, you two will be like brothers." He paused, lost in thought, and than repeated the last word. "Brothers…"
Seth stood by in his sandbox, petting the German shepherd and sobbing. The poor dog seemed confused, and eyed him watchfully. His parents seemed upset as well. His father looked white-faced and speechless, and his mother remained livid with rage. They stood in his front yard, while cops hurried here and there, and occasionally one would enter the Berenson home.
Seth hadn't meant to get his brother Jake in so much trouble. He wouldn't have done what he did if he knew it would cause problems for his family. Seth more than anything else, felt overwhelmed with guilt. He felt guilty because he had gotten his brother in this mess. He felt that it was his fault that his parents were angry. Seth felt particularly bad because his dad was a cop, and had high expectations. Now Seth had ruined his father's expectations of Jake, and made more problems for his father to deal with. And to top it off, now the dog looked annoyed with him, and got up and wandered off to get attention from a nearby officer instead.
More German shepherds sniffed about, looking to see if there was any other evidence other than what Seth had found. From the looks of it, there wasn't. Cops wandered around, and neighbors watched through their windows, and a few even stepped out onto their lawns to watch the scene.
Suddenly, his brother was marched out of the house by a cop. He was handcuffed, his arms behind his back. Seth tried to catch his eye, but he didn't look up from the ground. The cop roughly shoved him into a cop car, and slammed the door shut.
Seth ran up to the car, and began to snivel apologies. Jake ignored him at first, as if hoping he would go away. When Seth persisted. He looked up and glowered at him. He shouted furiously. "I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!"
Seth was brought back to the present by Jerry and James, who were bickering fiercely. James apparently had called Jerry a loser again, and now Jerry was upset. "I refuse to work with this guy! Give me someone else!"
James frowned. "You're a stupid one, aren't you? For the last time—"
"I am not stupid!!"
"For the last time, I don't want to deal with a pest like you either, but I have no choice. So let's get this over with quickly so we can both get on with the priorities in our lives."
"Seth, why do I need an evaluation anyways? I just went through the academy, didn't I?"
Seth sighed. Jerry was starting to get on his nerves. Than again, James had a way of riling up just about anybody in a way that Seth had never thought possible before meeting him. When he had first met James, James had pissed him off from the start too. He took a deep breath before speaking.
"Fine, you don't have to work with James."
James seemed shocked but relieved, and Jerry's face brightened. "Really?" he gleefully exclaimed, "than who do I work with instead? Can I work with you?"
"No, you can't work with anybody" Seth said amusedly, "You're fired."
Jerry's jaw dropped, and he looked foolish for a moment, standing there with his mouth hanging open. James looked bemused, as even he imagined this was a rather radical thing to do to the poor newbie.
"Well," Seth said slowly, "You do have one other option if you want to keep your job."
Jerry perked up again. "I'll do anything!"
Ok, this here is James Duncan, and you can choose to work with him."
James groaned. He should have known all along Seth was just pulling Jerry's leg and forcing Jerry into willingly working with him. Jerry finally took a deep breath, resigning himself to what lay ahead. "Fine, let's just get this over with."
"All right loser," James said, his scowl morphing into a grin for the first time. "It's time to whip you into shape."