Chapter 2
Lidia jerked as if waking from a nightmare, the kind that didn't throw you awake, but caused a moment of confusion, as the dream world and the real one slowly separated. Slowly, she sat up, swinging her legs over to perch on the edge of the Animus.
She was a spitting image of her ancestor, a thin and athletic woman, tall and with eyes the shade of faded dollar bills. Hair like fire threaded into wool hung down between her shoulder blades, slightly wavy. She shrugged her white hoody close, hugging her shoulders, shivering from more then just the air conditioning. The memory of Francesca's encounter was fresh in her mind, and she swore she could feel the warmth of Benedicts blood on her chest.
The Animus machine didn't match the room she was in. While it was sleek and white, the building was dull, dark and grey, square and almost blocky, like it came from a box and unfolded, constructed with ease. This was not just an impression. The words "Weyland-Yutani" were painted white across the grey metal wall, next to a clear observation window.
"Didja get all of that? Because I'm not f**king going back in if I don't have to..." Her course voice went quiet with the last few words and she suppressed a shudder, pushing up onto her feet and rubbing her arms. "Where's my smokes? I need a f**king smoke"
She was shaken, restless, the adrenaline and fear of Francesca bleeding over, lingering, causing her to pace and fidget. It usually took a moment or two for her to separate, but this time was worse. She could feel that monsters eyes on her, and it refused to leave for a few tense moments, in which she barked for her cigarette's again.
One of the white robed scientists came in with a metal tray, which contained a bowl of hot stew and bottled water, but she snatched up the cigarette's and Zippo from the tray, almost tearing the top off and pulling out one crumpled stick, cupping the flame as she lit it.
"Don't worry Sargent Dallas, we got everything. You should be fine to rest today" She relaxed, drawing on the cigarette and pushing back up to sit on the Animus, taking the tray and shooting the scientist an apologetic look, but there was a hint of a glare there, and he took the hint and left quickly.
"How many times we gotta do this before you start calling me Lidia?" She breathed, draining the bowel quickly, not caring for table manners. She was ravenous after her Animus sessions usually, and though her dehydration paled in comparison to her hunger, she drained the bottle just as quickly.
"So when are you guna tell me what the f**k I just saw in there? Is this what you dragged me from my Platoon for? That thing?"
The three scientists at the other end of the glass exchanged glances. "Ms Dallas, perhaps you should head to the rec room-" She slammed her tray on the Animus next to her hip, the bowl and bottle clattering to the ground loudly, silencing them.
"No, f**k you! I don't wanna watch any of your calming movies and play tennis, I want some f**king answers! What the f**k was that thing?" She seethed, and after a few moments of stunned silence, she backed down, feeling quite embarrassed.
"S-sorry... I'm a little shaky at the moment..." She rubbed her arms, the shudder returning. "We understand Ms Dallas, the effects of the Animus sessions can take some getting used to. You've seen the reports on the earlier sessions, so we want to take it slow, make sure you don't get any of those negative effects"
"It's Lidia..." She breathed, not quite a growl, but with the same irritated edge to it. "I-I need to lay down... are we done? Can I go?" She fumbled about for a new cigarette and tried to cup the flame, even though there was no breeze in this still room. It was a nervous tick of hers.
"Are we done? Can I go?" The voice echoed, distorted, repeating several times, changing it's pitch and tone. The viewing modes changed, and a targeting reticle rushed through the multitude of buildings on the secluded colony, singling out the Animus Chamber. A red figure sat on the cool blue and green of the Animus, a small prick of red in it's heart, fading as the machine powered down.
"Are we d-d-done yet... Can I go?. It's Lidia. Start calling me Lidia" The Predator perched on the top of the guard tower, arm resting on his thick knee, growling, marking the woman in his visor, and the three in the observation room. He reached up to touch under his eye, where two long self inflicted marks crossed down his temple to his chin. It was the mark of his mission, his promise...
Growling, he stood and activated his cloak, clawed fingers tapping at the device on his arm, and then all that was left of him was the lingering clicking. Lidia shuddered once more, but this time, it had nothing to do with the Animus.