She dropped the heart on the ground as she stood upright, she breathed hard. Her eyes going to the hidden camera, in the corner. A smile spread across her lips. "I win."
***
Emmett leaned back in the chair, his mind whirling in shock. He didn't feel fear often, but this is one of those times he knew he was above and beyond his head. There was something deep in Myrna that scared him, is it the fact she can turn feral at the very moment she is injured? Or the fact she craves flesh and blood just like…just like one of those monsters? He watched her as she mouths out the words, "I win."
Chapter Five
The door opened and she wined at the sudden brightness. Mina picked up her uncles’ gun on the way back to the door. Ace was waiting for her, and she heard his gasp when he looked at her. From head to toe she was covered in gunk and blood.
And she didn't care.
The very smell of it, was proof she had won. Deep inside she was beginning to feel her spirit fade away at the very thrill of battle and the win. But—
"Bastet."
Her word.
Mina's brain flipped a switch, and her body became weak. Her thigh throbbed in immense pain, and she nearly lost her balance. Ace grabbed her arms and helped her stand upright. "Mina?" Though he spoke her name, it sounded like she was under water, and it was almost like she was going through a tunnel.
Everything echoed.
"Mina? Are you alright? Are you back with me?"
Mina shook her head and could immediately feel the cooling blood on her flesh. The very smell of it made her stomach sick. She could even taste it on the back of her tongue—
She turned her head, and projectile vomited on the concreate floor. Her stomach heaved and it was hard to catch her breath. When she opened her eyes and saw the coffee ground like vomit on the floor, she threw up again. The burning acid touched her tongue and tears blurred her vision. She hadn't gotten sick since she was a young girl. This was something she hated. "W…what…" another hard breath. "I…I can't believe I did that."
Ace kept rubbing her back, softly speaking to her. "It's okay Mina, it's okay. You did what you had to do."
She snapped her head at him, "I ate parts of it! Its blood is coursing through my body right now! And you think that is okay?!" Mina screamed.
Ace only looked at her with saddened eyes, "Yes. I do. You didn't hurt any civilians; you took down a monster that was running around in the lower parts of our facility. What you did, was just fine." He rubbed her shoulder, "We don't have to worry about that thing down there anymore. I promise, why don't you go into the locker room, take a shower—"
"There's no time for that." Mina looked over Ace's shoulder and saw Emmett come walking down the hallway, his arms crossed and his face dark, "I saw everything…and I think it's time for you to know where you came from."
She watched Ace start to argue, "I don't think now is a good time Captain, look at her. She's a—"
"I'm fine Ace." Mina straightened herself, her stomach still rolling. "I can handle it."
Emmett's brows came together, "Are you sure? This could change your view of humanity. It could even change how you see us, the people you trust the most."
Mina took in another deep breath, "Yeah…yeah I'm sure. Let’s get this over with. I want a hot shower."
Chapter Six
Ace and Emmett were a few feet ahead of her, whispering between each other. Mina couldn't stop looking at her hands, covered in black blood. She made fists and felt the dried blood crack at the movement. I really am a monster, aren’t I? She opened her hands and looked at them again, what happened…?
"We're here." Emmett took out his own card and swiped it. The door opened, and she was overwhelmed by the smell of chemicals and the sterile smell of a room that had been over cleaned. "I want to warn you Myrna, what you're about to see isn't for the faint of heart." Emmett walked into the room, and Ace followed.
There was a sudden stillness around her that made her uncomfortable. The door stayed open waiting for her. Go in Mina. But she couldn't move, her stomach grew so tight she felt like she was going to vomit again. Her heart rate picked up, and she stared into the white room.
What do I have to lose? As she tried to calm herself by breathing evenly, her nervousness got the better of her and she took a couple steps back, she bumped into the wall, and she leaned heavily on it. I don't…I don't know if I can take the truth.
Emmett's body blocked out most of the florescent light, his face was soft as he approached her. There was a different side of him coming out, the edge of a battle-hardened man started to disappear. "I understand your fear Mina. You don't want to believe it; I don't want to see it."
Tears rimmed her eyes, blurring her vision as she brought her eyes up to his face. "Then why are you making me see it?"
"Because you deserve to know the truth of your birth. To understand where you came from, and why we were made. To stop this from happening again. We…" A short pause, "I need your help to stop Alfred and the Company." He came forward, taking her chin he lifted her face. "You're our trump card. The last, and only lab created being with enhanced abilities that we would kill to have. You, are our last chance."
She blinked; her tears cut creases in the blood that splattered against her face. "Please stop, you're scaring me."
"I understand, and I need you to trust me."
She watched Emmett's lips move, her own chin trembling. "Fine…show me." Moving his hand away from her chin, "Follow me."
He turned away from her and she took a final deep breath before following him into the depths of the white room. The very smell was overwhelming, it had a deep chemical smell that wafted over to her. She covered her nose and mouth as they went further into the room.
From the floor to the ceiling, was painted bright white. In the center of the room were several scientists, rows and rows of computers and machines surrounded the tube in the center of the room. Within the tube, was—what she believed—a human uterus and womb floating in a yellow like substance.
The scientists kept moving, buzzing around them. Giving a nod to Emmett as he paused in front of the tube. Mina moved closer and could feel her very soul shrink and disappear. She lowered her hand from her mouth and nearly gagged. "Is that—?"
"What you were birthed from, yes. The Company recreated a version of a female reproductive system that could hold the newly crafted DNA. We have been running tests on it since we brought it back from Crusa." Emmett half-turned, keeping his eyes on her. "Ace also didn't believe me at first. But this, this is how you were created. The Company crafted a sperm that had the new viral DNA, and an egg that could carry it. Alfred and Minerva had played God and created you. The perfect weapon. An organism that can take a bullet to the heart, and still survive."
Emmett approached Mina, and Ace stood in front of her, protecting her from the large tube. "Enough Emmett. She's had enough today. Let her go take a shower and relax. Since she destroyed that creature in the lower labs, you can move this science unit down there…with Nadine." Mina reached out and placed her hand on his back, feeling his warmth and presence. "She has been through enough, let her…let her be normal. You've put her through the ringer for the last few days. She's exhausted. She may have been made in a lab, but god damn it, she's still one of us."
Her heart pounded, and her ears started to ring. Ace was right, she was bone tired and just wanted to fall into her and Ace’s bed and sleep—
Emmett's eyes grew sad, the shadow growing over his face. "I understand. Sometimes I forget—"
"Forget that she has feelings too? That she does care? She's not a monster like Alfred? So, what if she was created in a lab, Myrna is more human then you, or me…do not make me regret my decision Emmett." He turned to Mina, gently nudging her out of the room, "Come on. I'll take you back to the locker room. You shouldn't have had to see this today."
She paused halfway out of the doorway and gave him a quick glance, "Ace, what do you mean 'regret your decision'?"
His cheeks darkened, and he gave her a light shake of his head, "Don't worry about it. It's not important. Forget I even said anything."
For the first time since Crusa, her instincts were screaming that something was off, was wrong. Through her eyelashes she looked up at him, "…why are you lying to me Ace?"
◆◆◆
Hot water ran over her head and back, washing away the blood from earlier. Her muscles ached and her head kept pounding. Why did Ace lie to me? We've been through so much together, why lie now? She leaned her head against the cool tile, her burning flesh relishing in the relief. Why…why would he do that? What has he and Emmett been talking about behind my back?
She opened her eyes and turned around pressing her back against the shower wall. The hot water running over her breasts, and stomach. The scars from Nadine still lingered on her body, and she knew it wouldn't be the last of them. They have Naddie's body here…they have where I was created at here. I know they're experimenting for the greater good…but what is the greater good anymore? Destroying one thing only for another to rise up? Why should I even do this anymore…Mina ran her hands over her face, her body thrumming in aches and pains.
I can't…I can't do this anymore…sliding down the shower wall, she brought her knees to her chest. She quietly sobbed as she buried her face into her knees. This is too much. I don't know who I can trust anymore…
"Myrna?" A soft voice came from behind the curtain, "Are you okay? I heard you crying." Emmett sat down on one of the benches outside of the shower, she saw him lean forward with his hands in between his knees. He was looking directly at the shower.
"Why did you come in here?" Mina couldn't hold back the bitterness in her voice, "You…you…"
He sighed, "I understand. You have every right to be angry with me, but I needed you to see what we are fighting against. This life of ours isn't going to be easy, it's going to constantly have times where we have to make a life changing decision." His voice dropped a notch, "Ace…Ace is angry with me too, so is everyone else in the squad. I put you through too much, too quick. I thought you could handle it—"
"Because I'm a monster?!" She raised her voice again, letting the hurt consume her, "Because I'm not human, like you?!"
He was quiet, "…I'm sorry. I didn't take your emotions or thoughts into consideration. The last time I saw some…one like you, they were an emotionless killing machine and took down half of my squad. And my Aggie." She watched him lean up, his voice heavy. "There is no excuse for my behavior, don't take it out on Ace. He was the one who kept pushing me to bring you on, he wouldn't let it go…and after meeting you, I'm inclined to agree with him."
She wiped at her face, trying to hide her tears. "What do you mean? Agree with him?"
Mina heard the smile in his voice, "You're one hell of a woman who knows what she wants. You came from a life of breaking and entering, to fighting on the good side. Not by choice unfortunately, you were thrown into this world without a thought…made by people who are mad…not into a caring family."
Mina could feel herself blush, "You're just saying that to make me stop crying."
A soft chuckle, "I hate seeing a woman cry, it hurts my feelings."
"You have feelings?" She joked, "Sorry…"
"No, you're right. I come off as cold and mean. But I'm not, I just don't trust people as easy as other people, like Ace. He trusted me right away when I told him our mission. He jumped right to training, with one arm." Emmett was getting to his feet, "I should go. I don't want Ace thinking I'm sneaking to catch a look at you."
A slight chuckle, "Though you are a beautiful woman…"
She started blushing even harder, her keeping her knees close to her chest. "You don't hold anything back do you Captain?"
Before he got a chance to reply, a long wailing siren came through the walls of the training facility. She watched Emmett's legs move, as he approached the curtain. He shoved the curtain open holding out the large towel to her. "Get up and get dressed. There's been an attack."
Chapter Seven
Her palms were slick, and her heart pounded a million miles an hour. She wasn't even a week into her training, and Emmett pulled Mina right out of basic and plopped her right on the field. Her eyes looked around the debriefing room. She dug her nails into her palms trying to keep herself calm.
There were faces of men she had never even met, they were battle hardened, grim, and speaking amongst each other. They took uneasy glances her way and went back to what they were talking about. Her leg kept bouncing in anxiety. Oh Jesus Christ, this is too much…fuck…
Ace flopped downright next to her with a knowing smile, "First mission…I'm just as terrified as you are Mina." His words did little to soothe her and the ache inside. She could feel the sweat drip down her breasts, and she knew she was in deep shit. Even after Crusa…this is something completely different. A whole new place. Alfred did it again. Her knee kept bouncing as she stared at the giant table. Men were filling in the seats, taking glances at her again.
It was then, she realized she was the only woman on this team.
"Hey newbie." A man about the same age as Emmett called out to her, waving.
She waved back and went back to her rapid leg bouncing. Ace placed his hand on her knee and squeezed just hard enough for me to look at him. Blue eyes, filling with strength, he spoke in a clear, calm but low voice. "Calm down. The more your nerves are shot, the more likely our brothers’ lives would be at stake." The seriousness in his voice made her pause, "Take a deep breath Mina and let it out slowly. You'll be fine. Everyone here will keep an eye on you while we’re on the field."
The cheeky grin on his face made her relax. "Do you know anything Ace?"
"No, I just found out after you. So far from what our recon gathered it's in another city…" His eyes moved to her face, his brows narrowing. "I really hope there's less casualty then Crusa…who knows, this could be a new strain, or it could be the same. There's really nothing I can tell you Mina. Keep your cool, Emmett will fill us in with everything our Recon experts have found. Like I said, everything will be okay. You have all of us on your side, newbie or not. You're a sister, a comrade…lover." He winked at the last bit.
Her face flushed. Though his words were strong, Mina couldn't stop the dread filling her stomach.
◆◆◆
Emmett kept pacing, he flipped through the file, unsure of how to approach his team. Eyson, one of the biggest cities, had been attacked. Triggered. Alfred had let go a new strain of the same virus that was in Crusa. Eyson had gotten hit and hit hard. He kept rubbing the back of his hand against his forehead. Sweat trickled down his face, how the hell is Myrna going to handle it? She hasn't even completed her training. He grits his teeth and stood upright.
He kept flipping through the file, photos of the people of Eyson. They were in bright color, leaving little to the imagination. If they weren't lying dead on the street with their hands in claws at their throat. There were figures walking around the streets.
The flesh of the infected turned to tight leather, looking like mummies walking around the streets, their leather like flesh the color of fog. Eyes glowing within the dark, corners of their mouth filled with gangrene.
He saw the photos, the changing…the difference in each victim.
Emmett grabbed the file, closing it before he looked through the rest of them. He paused before leaving his office, the framed photo of him and Agatha when they went to the amusement park. Her eyes glowing with joy while she smiled happily at the camera. He was behind her, holding her close to him hugging her.
She had just completed her training and was moving up in the ranks quick. He saw a lot of Agatha in Myrna, too much. Her strength, determination.
And her humanity.
But that is where the similarities ended.
The longer he spent with Myrna the more he wanted to protect her, and make sure nothing happened to her, or any harm come upon her. Myrna was a rare breed. He didn't g
ive a shit that she was made to kill, there was life in her eyes that brought something else out of him. Something…something that made him want to change.
He lowered his head and sighed. He grabbed the photo frame and took out the picture of him and his lover putting it in his combat fatigues. It was the one thing he took on missions with him. The comfort of her being there with him was enough to give him the push he needed to keep going.
Emmett took in a deep breath and pushed through his office door. His people were waiting. I can do this I've been through this well over ten times in the last fifteen years. The hallway passed him, as he took a right, the door next to the elevator was cracked open and he could hear his men talk amongst each other.
He opened the door and could feel all eyes on him. Even Myrna's. Emmett braced himself, this was going to be a long extraction and he knew it. Myrna was going to have to hold her own, even if his crew could back her up, she was going to have to go in and show her strength. The room faded as he looked at her face, there was determination within her pale eyes, he could see she was nervous, but her back was straight and shoulders squared.
Myrna put her hair up in a tight bun, there wasn't an ounce of make up on her face either. It was something his lover always did, she put make up on before a mission. She always said, 'it brought her comfort'.
His heart skipped as he saw her, he saw the worry, but her lips were pursed tight, and her back was straight. Waiting for him to give the debrief. He was going to do what he was born to do, which was lead his people and to save those who needed to be saved. He had kept his team waiting long enough.
He went to the podium in the center of the room and pressed a hidden button. A large screen came down from the ceiling, "The next city that was in the Company's hands had been triggered by Alfred. The few people we had reconning this place, have not reported back in the last three hours. There is a good chance that they didn't make it. Eyson was a known area of operation. After he triggered Crusa, Alfred scampered back to the main base." He took a remote and pushed a button. The screen came to life. "It's a new strain of the God virus, much more powerful, and from the photos that we had obtained a single scratch can spread the virus."
Myrna Page 16
