He gave her a warmer smile, "When we get out of here, I'll take you to my home in the mountains. I have a nice bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild, and some old records we can dance to. I even have a hot tub we can take a dip in." Ace kneeled in front of her, "We can watch the stars and moon on the back deck and listen to the river. How does that sound?"
Mina felt her lips turn up into a smile, "That sounds really nice…I've never seen the mountains before."
"I'll change that soon pretty lady now come on, keep your hopes up. We'll see another day."
The printer stopped printing and she was forced to move away from his touch, Mina reached over and pulled out the map. His touch gave her butterflies in her stomach, and she no longer ignored it. Mina looked over the map with quick eyes, memorizing it with ease. "We take the east wing and try our hardest not to get killed…we can take the elevator down most of the way, then we have to take the stairs."
"And if we have to fight?" He wondered.
She let out a light breath, "I'll take the lead. Obviously, I'm immune…if I get bit, or scratched I won't die. You will." Mina folded up the paper and gave it to him. "And if we're forced to split up, take the map. Just in case."
Ace took it without question, "There's one problem with that."
"What?"
He gave her a cheeky grin, "We won't split up because I don't plan on leaving your side. C'mon. Let’s go find your sister, and Lyle and get some answers."
There was one very important thing Mina left out from telling Ace. Her father was completely nuts, and Ace might've already been infected.
Chapter Six
She swiped her mother’s I.D card and the bright green door unlocked. Mina went through first, her gun ready. They were faced with a long hall that was surrounded with windows. She could hear fists banging against the glass somewhere further down the hall.
Giving Ace a quick glance he gave her a nod. Crouching they both walked down the hall. The florescent lights above them flickered every few seconds. The walls were painted with a semi-gloss paint and made her think of sewer water.
The lights didn't help.
Keep focused.
She paused when she saw a shadow walk by the window. It shuffled, vomited, and continued on. There were bloody handprints all over the windows, and a few of them were shattered. Glass laid on the tile floor, and Mina could feel the nervousness creep up her spine.
With Ace behind her, she found the courage to keep pushing on. The weight of the new information she acquired still threatened to bring her down. But the very thought of her sister being murdered for no reason—
"Mina…" Ace whispered.
She had gotten lost in her own thoughts again, and as she was getting ready to round a corner Ace had grabbed her shirt and forced her back. Nearly falling, she gave him a hard stare. He pointed at bloody tracks on the tile floor.
In the flashing light, she saw them.
They weren't human, nor undead.
They were much larger, tipped with sharp claws and were the size of her head. The dead that the captain was talking about, were laying on the floor with their bodies cleanly sliced in half. Her heart pounded in her ears. There was something else stalking the station, and it was huge. She swallowed hard, the thing that could've made the accident from earlier—
"We have to be careful." She whispered, "We don't know where this thing is."
He pointed to the broken window, "Only one way in, and out of this area. The door was electronically locked."
Her stomach was threatening to projectile the little bit of food she had consumed. Lord knew what kind of creature this was. She gave Ace a worried look, and he nodded. "Let’s move, it's not safe to stay in one place for too long."
She pushed on, turning around the corner keeping low. The prints continued till the last door. It was torn off its hinges. Claw marks raked across the frame. Something that looked like a body, torn in half laid in the middle of the doorway.
Ripped at the middle.
Mina stood upright and pushed forward. The body was missing a head, it's left arm and most of its torso. There were large teeth marks in its side and legs.
The officer was chewed like a stick.
"Mina…we have to move." Ace whispered.
She kept staring down at the dead body, words that came tumbling out of her mouth stunned herself. "Don't let me get like that. If I start changing, kill me." Mina could feel his eyes heavy on her back, and could tell he was contemplating on arguing with her, before he had a chance she spoke again, "I don't know what kind of 'killing' machine I am. If I become like that, do it." She stepped over the body and went into the next room.
This one was windowless and made of solid concreate. There were four doors. The one they came from, two unknown doors and an elevator. She glanced at Ace, "What should we do?"
"Let’s take the left one first." She could see the uncertainty in his eyes. "We don't know where that thing went—"
A long roar came from behind them, it was inhuman and filled with pure rage. Mina could feel her blood drain from her face and her body go cold. The whole ground rumbled underneath their feet as it walked down the long corridor to them.
"Ace—" It was breathy, and full of fear. Her stomach tightened as she glanced from the broken door to him. He gave her the same look. They raised their guns waiting—
It broke through the wall, concreate and bricks falling from the ceiling. It was taller than the ceiling. It had four arms, long and reaching to its knees. The creatures flesh reminded her of mold on bread. It had no eyes, and two holes where the nose would've been. Its large feet scraped against the concreate floor, the very sound was like nails on a chalkboard, or a knife against glass.
Mina grit her teeth as it lumbered closer to them. She was quiet, slowly walking backward to the door on the left. It was metal and could provide some protection—
They both kept staring at the lumbering monster as it came closer to them, sniffing the area where they stood. Drool the color of algae dripped from its gaping maw.
She let out the lightest of breaths, and the monster snapped it's headed her way. She watched it open its mouth, take a deep breath in, and belted out a roar that made her ears ring. Ace grabbed her arm and pulled. They were sprinting to the metal door.
The creature was running after them. It's one step was three of theirs. Ace pulled the handle down, and nearly tossed her into the black room. She fell on the concreate floor, her gun flying out of her hand and skidding across the floor.
She heard him slam the door shut and bring down the metal bar, slamming it in place, Ace started to back up. Mina got to her feet and watched as Ace's flashlight came on. His light panned across the room and found her face. She nearly flinched at the LED light, but kept her cool.
A long roar came from the other side of the metal door. They both looked at each other, she could see the pure animalistic fear in Ace's eyes, and she could see it reflected in her own. Her breathing came out in rushed gasps.
Sharp nails dragged across the metal, and she flinched.
"Are you okay? Did it hurt you?" Ace spoke through heavy breathing.
She shook her head, "I'm fine. Are you?"
Ace patted himself down, "I'm alright. No damage here." He kept panning the light around, finding a single cot, her gun a few feet from her and the rest of the room covered top to bottom with shelves filled with large files.
Mina bent over and picked up her gun, holstering it at her thigh.
The creature roared on the other side of the door again, banging at the metal. The sound of its nails scratching against it made her shiver. But she took a better look at it, and relaxed. "This door is made from a special alloy, the only way for it to be broken is by a diamond cutter. We should be alright…" She looked at her watch, it was a little after one. "We only have a few more hours till dawn—"
"We have to stay here Mina, till that thing leaves. If we leave now were monster chow." His voice was moving further aw
ay from her, she turned to look, and he was near the back of the room, looking at the files. She went to the cot and flopped down. Her body begging for the moment of relief. She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the tight muscles. "Hey…Mina?" He called from the furthest part of the room.
"Yeah?" She sighed.
He came forward, a yellow file in his hand. He sat down next to her on the cot and handed it to her. She saw written in black ink on the front, was her name.
◆◆◆
Myrna Janine Locklear
Project: Yellow Cat
◆◆◆
She could feel her body grow cold. Giving Ace a warning look, he just gave her a slight nod. "Are you sure?" She breathed.
"Yeah…It'll give you answers right?" He scooted close enough for her to smell him. He smelled like fire, rain, and underneath all of that she could still slightly smell his aftershave. It was nice, and she leaned a little more into him. He looked from the file to her, and she was entrapped by his eyes.
Her heart skipped, Mina looked away from him and to the file in her hands. The monster outside the door screeched again. She closed her eyes and grit her teeth harder. The very sound of that thing could cause anyone to go mad. She tried her hardest to ignore it, she opened her eyes and turned to the first page of the file.
◆◆◆
From the Files of Charles Murray; Head of Bioweapons research
◆◆◆
First tests are confirmed, the egg was implanted with the man-made sperm. Gestation days: 120 lefts.
◆◆◆
Alfred and Minerva agreed to be the foster parent to project Yellow Cat. Their specialty in virology is impressive. Yellow Cat will be watched carefully. Gestation days left: 110
◆◆◆
First signs of life from Yellow Cat, it is growing much quicker than anticipated. We are aiming for a female; they are quicker on their feet. Able to seduce if needed. Would be a perfect candidate for the next phase of the Strength Serum. Days left: 100
◆◆◆
Today we saw the gender, it is a female. She's growing much quicker than we had originally anticipated. Alfred and Minerva had already implanted the chip into the –now—fetus. Wherever project Yellow Cat goes, will we know. We are hoping this one lives to the birthing stage.
Days left less than 50.
◆◆◆
It's happened. The fetus already opened its eyes from being moved from the tube to the imitation womb. Things are moving at such a rapid pace I have decided to keep her on a 24/7 watch. We are moving to inject the fetus with the strength serum and to see where things go from there.
Days till birth: unknown.
◆◆◆
Yellow Cat has once again surprised us, she is moving preparing for birth and we have yet to give her anymore of the serums. But she did take to the strength one perfectly. Her body responded by progressing her growth even further. She is now in the third trimester in the fake womb, we may have to inject her as she grows.
Days till birth: Soon
◆◆◆
Today was the day, Yellow Cat was born. She is perfect. Average in looks but has eyes that would cut steel. She already has intelligence in her eyes. The first shots have been done. Now we must wait till her body adjusts to the new DNA. Yellow Cat will be the best weapon will we ever have.
Let’s hope things don't go astray. Minerva is already showing signs of becoming attached to Yellow Cat. Naming the project Myrna, she will continue giving her doses of our viruses to see how her body adapts.
The perfect human, the perfect weapon is just a few years away.
The failsafe word has been implanted in her brain. And must be activated by those she trusts, and truly cares for. If not, the word will not work. This is a project we have all been working on for years.
The future of warfare is now in our hands. Those who cannot activate Yellow Cat, it is because she does not trust you. Does not care for you, the chip that is implanted within her has been calibrated to her brain function.
It will know.
◆◆◆
They see Yellow Cat as a failure. I do not. She trusts no one and loves and cares for no one. Which is perfect in a killing machine. However, that means that handling her will be much more difficult when the time comes. The training Vinny is giving her is working well.
She is gaining strength much faster than most men on steroids. She is learning at a frightening rate. And most importantly, she doesn't trust her 'parents'. She sees them as liars. Which is perfect. That way, Minerva and Alfred won't go rogue and use Yellow Cat against the company.
◆◆◆
The Clover Project is not yet complete.
The Howling Dog—her twin weapon—is now being made. Once again, Alfred and Minerva agreed to foster these weapons. To continue dosing them until they finish puberty.
They're naming this one, Nadine.
It's a simple name, a normal name. Something these two test subjects will never have. In a way, I feel guilty of their creations. Even if they feel 'normal' they never will be.
And for those who ever encounter them, be warned, they will seduce you. Even if you don't wish it. It's part of their genetic code. They excrete a certain pheromone that makes them more attractive. It's why they will be used in most counterintelligence.
If you must control Yellow Cat, activate her, or shut her down. Her word is: Bastet
Use with caution.
◆◆◆
Mina went to the last page and saw photos of her, growing up. One after another. The very first one, was of her in a large man-made womb. Moving around, her eyes opened and looking at the people surrounding her.
The last few was of her laying on a large bed, men and women in blue surrounding her as she was in a cage. She kept staring at the last photo, the photo was completely reminiscent of her sister—
"Mina…look." At the very back, was a scrap of paper with childish handwriting on it.
◆◆◆
Dear Mina,
It's too late. Daddy says the medication I've been taking hasn't been working. That I won't get better. My new friend Lyle is scared too. He doesn't know where daddy is taking us, and he wants to find his cop friend.
Daddy has taken me all over this city, and he says he's taking me to the hospital underneath this building. We stopped in this room because I lied and said I really didn't feel good. I wanted to write to you one last time before you never see me again.
I know you hated me at first when I came home. I saw it in your face. But you gave me a chance and you helped me feel better. Like I wasn't sick anymore. Even if you did things I wasn't allowed to do. Like the waterpark, the beach and ice cream.
You learned to love me, and that was the best feeling in my life. I know mommy and daddy don't really love me. They never did. They always looked at me and their eyes were so cold. Even when they tucked me in at night and left me there in the dark.
I know you hated it when I crawled into bed with you. But you felt so warm, and you always read me a bedtime story. You let me sleep with you when I couldn't sleep on my own. You taught me that the monsters in my closet or underneath my bed weren't real. You showed me that I was strong. That I wasn't weak like those doctors kept saying.
You kept me going Mina. And I want you to keep going for me. Daddy is taking me down into the basement, to…to kill me. He said it over and over and over. He's not the same daddy as he was a few years ago. Mina he's dangerous and he's going to do something really bad.
He said something earlier today, and it made me feel different. I felt sick to my stomach, and I kept throwing up. I couldn't stop it, and daddy just looked at me like I was a waste. I kept crying out for you, and he said you were dead. But you weren't. I felt it in my heart that you weren't.
I can't stop this feeling of hate inside me Mina. I'm scared that he's going to make me do something to Lyle. I don't want to do anything to him. He's just really scared and wants to go home.
I want to go hom
e.
I want to be with you Mina.
◆◆◆
There were red drops on the paper that stained some of the other words, but she was able to make the words out as she read on.
Mina, I love you. You were the best big sister I could have ever asked for. And I wouldn't want it any other way. If I'm different when you find me…just leave. I don't want you to have to kill me.
I know it would break you.
I love you.
Chapter Seven
Mina re-read the letter, Ace rubbing her back. The scratching sound of the creature was fading, but it was still too dangerous to leave just yet. She rubbed the marker ink and hugged the paper to her chest. "I was awful to her when she first came home. I know I was…" Sighing, she closed her eyes. "Ace…my father said her code word."
His eyes darkened, he placed the flashlight down on the cement floor and gave her his full attention. "Do you know what it was?"
"Dire…" She lowered her head and felt her stomach clench up. "Like the wolf…and mine is Bastet…like the cat goddess." She swallowed hard, feeling the pressure of everything build up inside her.
"Mina…" He placed his finger underneath her chin, making her look at him. When she faced him, she lost it. Her chest heaved in hard sobs, she tried hard to keep it quiet. The sound of her sobbing echoed in the room; the scraping sounds of the creature were returning slowly. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him. She buried her face into his chest. "It’s going to be okay Mina, I'm here. I'm not going to leave you. I swear."
Myrna Page 9
