It was a normal morning when Hope walked out and discovered a tape on the ship. "This looks like one of the tapes from the trunk."
He found a note from Ian. "Hope, please play as soon as you get this. It relates to notes dug up yesterday." it read.
He put it in and saw the procedures on Zinia as she lie on a metal table.
'Zinia?" Hope asked as the screen soon changed to a man with blond hair with a scar on his cheek.
"Hello. My name is Cretaceous Flux, I am a scientist of many trades." he said. "I am recording this in order to better preserve my research into my new cybernetics because video proof will likely outlive all of us."
The scene then changed to Zinia as she sat in a chair with no limbs so far.
'Young miss, please look to the camera and introduce yourself." Cretaceous said.
"I'm Zinia. I was athletic, used to, until the Virus came." Zinia said.
"Yes. It was a rare strain that infects the limbs and works its way to the heart. Were it not for a nearby ambulance and skilled doctors, she would have died that day. But now she is left without any limbs." Cretaceous said.
"I feel...so defenseless. I need care 24/7 and its just so hard." Zinia said crying a bit.
"Don't cry, dear. I promise when things are finished, you will be able to run and walk and move around just like you used to." Cretaceous said.
"Thank you, doctor." Zinia said happily.
The scene then changed to Zinia now with her cybernetic arms and still in her chair.
"Testing Log. Observation 1. Have just installed new arms to subject. So far things are working well. Miss, how do you feel? Any problems with those new arms?" Cretaceous asked.
"None so far. WHen Will i get to test them? WHen i get my legs?" Zinia asked.
"The legs will still take time I'm afraid. But there is no use in trying out your arms." Cretaceous said as she was wheeled to a large heavy metal table with a few objects. "These are everyday objects: a pencil and paper, a glass of water, and a rubber ball. I need to make sure these arms function as your old ones used to."
Zinia used her arms to write with the pencil, drink from the glass, but when she dropped the ball, she lifted up the table with ease and grabbed it. "Got my ball." Zinia said.
"Hmm. Unexpected turn. Arms strength appear to be much higher than I first thought. Must remember to dial down strength for next model." Cretaceous said.
"What are you talking about, this is awesome! I need more juice in these arms, I could never lift a table before!" Zinia said.
"Afraid that's as high as it goes dear." Cretaceous said. "I'm lying. Input is only 30%. Higher than that could cause serious damage. Best keep that from her though."
The next scene showed Zinia with her new legs in the chair.
"Testing Log. Observation 5. Have attached new legs to subject. Hope it goes better than the arms. Zinia, dear. Now, I must ask you to get up and walk." Cretaceous said.
Zinia got up and stepped down hard with the new legs, causing a crack in the ground.
"Another overshot power up. The legs have too much power within. I'll have to lower the power output for the next model of these too." Cretaceous said.
"Looks like Im strong in Legs and Arms." Zinia said. "How high is the input set on my legs?"
"It only goes up to 50 and its already there." Cretaceous said.
"Oh, I wonder if I can still run. I wanna run in track again." Zinia said as unknown to her engines came out.
"What on earth?" Cretaceous said as Zinia zoomed out the doors. "I have to go." he said in a hurry.
The next scene showed Cretaceous in front of the camera alone.
"Data Log. Those engines inside her legs, I'm certain those were not of my own design. I asked my assistants and even some higher ups, they did not do so either. Then I talked to Zinia. She said she received them in a dream. After looking into it, I have discovered over individuals all over the world...and off world have been experiencing similar changes. I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or an omen." Cretaceous said.
"Geez." Hope said.
"Final Log. Due to Zinia's control issues and her overexcited tendencies, the higher ups have chosen to put her in cryosleep. I protest against this but was ignored. But, I will not let this get me down. Miss Zinia, the way she sees like, she's like a second daughter to me. So, since this is the last time on cybernetics, I have decided to focus on my next topic. I'll be studying these superpowered people. These...Enhanced. This is Cretaceous Flux. Video over." he said as the tape cut out.
"Man…" Hope said.
"So, Flux's dad was going...to study the Enhanced?" Titanica said having been watching from behind as she approached Hope.
"Even you, possibly. But lets go to Zinia and see what she can really do." Hope said.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Hope." Titanica said. "She with your friends team and if you try something like this after seeing this video, she and maybe Jexi's group could lose all their trust in you."
"Right. Lets keep this a secret then." Hope said.
On the star speeder…
"4,997, 4,998, 4,999...5,000!" Zinia said lifting huge weights before tossing them aside. "Whew. What a workout." she said happily before looking up at the sky. "Doc, I'm not sure where you are but I never got the chance to say...thank you for my life."