G.E.S.S.: Genetically Engineered Super Soldier

by Frank Pisauro

  Chapter Fourteen

  The first couple of weeks went by in a rush of teaching for Tabby and killing wereboars for me. At night, to keep them ahead of the others, we worked separately with the three elves we had chosen, helping to establish them as leaders. We instructed them to bring us the first twenty elves each morning so we could teach them their language.

  Evenings were story time. The twenty-three elves we were teaching would take turns telling stories from their life with their newfound language skills. At first, it was painful to hear, with Tabby constantly helping or correcting them, but she assured me it would be beneficial. After a week or so, I started to see a real difference in the quality of the stories being told. That’s not to say the stories were good, just that Tabby didn’t need to prompt them as much. I mean, I don’t think anyone could make a story of watching a squirrel eat a nut interesting, but what do I know?

  I had kept the wereboars from being a problem while Tabby taught, there were usually only one or two, spread out days apart from one another. This left me pretty bored, which caused me to prank Tabby a few times, and that led to me getting a good right cross to the face for my troubles.

  Thankfully, the twenty elves were going to graduate today, hopefully giving me access to five warriors, five hunters, seven builders, and three crafters for the village. Once that happened, we could start building Tigris into a village that could actually survive.

  As Tabby held class, I was sitting camouflaged in a tree at the edge of the clearing, and jungle keeping an eye out for trouble, bored, but not enough to pull another stunt. Hell no, I can still feel that punch! Who knew pretending to have a personal servant would get me punched? I shrugged, knowing full well I did it to try to mess with her, totally deserving what I got.

  Kicking my legs playfully while sitting there thinking about Tabby, I spotted a young elf boy. Young to me anyway, I snorted, he couldn’t be more than twenty years old, just getting to the ageless looking part of an elf’s life cycle. The elf was collecting a basket of sticks for some reason I didn’t understand, having a hell of a time with whatever it was he was doing. He kept getting tangled in the underbrush at the edge of the village with frightening regularity. Silently laughing at the obviously foulmouthed gestures he was making at the jungle in general, I almost fell out of the tree. I was laughing so hard, I had tears in my eyes, which is why I almost missed it. A large emerald colored snake had snuck up on the ranting elf from behind, looking to make a snack out of the distracted youngster.

  Jungle Viper:

  Level 2

  Description: A reptile ambush predator. Venomous!

  I jumped from the tree, my buffs already activated, looking to stop the elf’s death, when the boy surprised me. As the snake lunged for him, he deftly turned, dodging the snake. At the same time, the elf brought a crude bone knife up under the viper’s lower jaw, piercing its brain. Killing it instantly.

  Damn, kid, impressive. I thought I was going to have to save your ass. I sent him mentally, as I landed in front of him. Instantly, he fell on his ass in shock from both the landing and the mental speech. I chuckled at that, then asked, what’s your name, buddy, and just stand-up, no kneeling or any other such nonsense. He stared open-mouthed at me for a full minute, letting me get a good look at him, and for him to reboot his brain. He had red hair, grey eyes, with the same overall facial structure that this branch of the elves shared, dirty animal hides covering his modestly muscular body. Finally coming to his senses, the young man, elf, stood and through thought sent the concept of luck to me.

  “Lucky, huh, apt name if you ask me.” I told him. Lucky took a second to taste the name, repeating it back to me better than most of his kind up to this point. “Interesting hunting technique you’ve got there, Lucky. You do that for all your prey?” I asked, making conversation to waste time while Tabby taught.

  Lucky pointed to the snake nodding his head, then pointed around the jungle, shaking his head. “Ah, just the snake, not the other animals, got you.” I said to him, turning away to put my senses back to guarding the village.

  “Just snake, got you.” Lucky stammered with a grunt at the end. My head whipped back to look at the elf. “What did you say?” I had heard just fine, and while it was barely recognizable, it was the most progress I had seen so far in a newly introduced elf.

  He looked at me, a little smile on his face, “just snake, got you.” The stammer was gone.

  “Unbelievable, you’re full of surprises, huh, Lucky.” I had to give it to him, he picked up the words like a horny man expecting company. Fast, quick, and in a hurry.

  “Full surprises, got you,” He said to me, confusing got you for ‘yes’, with a smile and body posture that just screamed about him being proud of himself. I laughed.

  “You mean yes, not got you. Got you is, well… it’s not important at the moment,” I said lamely, mainly because I didn’t have the teaching skills, rather than Lucky’s inability to understand the concepts involved.

  “Yes, you say, Unbelievable,” I got his meaning, but frowned at him, not liking where that was going.

  “No. It would be ‘yes, as you say,’ and my name is Rho. As for this ‘Unbelievable’ nonsense, we’ll get into that later, but for now.” I sighed, not believing I had to say this, “you may, and I ask,” here I put the emphasis on ask, “you call me by my name.”

  Lucky lowered his head to me in submission. “Yes, Rho,” he replied, looking back at me and smiling.

  Morale: Good

  That pop-up was what I had been waiting for, as it meant Tabby was finished, and the first batch of elves had been introduced into the system. At least, according to what Tabby had said about the morale boost. “Hey, Lucky,” I said nodding to him. “Want to do something fun?”

  ***

  Elves were screaming along the pathways, as Tabby came running, cursing my name, trying to calm everyone down. I had the good grace to look chagrined but was smiling with my eyes and knew she could see it.

  Lucky and I had come out of the jungle like the queen—may that bitch burn for eternity—herself was chasing us, jumping while running at top speed, both of us buffed by my spells. Of course, we were only racing to see who could get to Tabby first, but with me carrying a dead snake in my hands, along with Lucky going from screams of joy one second to ones of terror the next, well, it scared the absolute shit out of the elves. I can’t believe that elf shit himself. I couldn’t help but laugh, earning me a look that let me know I was close to being punched again. Uh-oh, I better do something nice for her tonight, or she’s going to be hell to be around.

  Tabby finally calmed the elves down, walking over to the central fire pit where Lucky, and I were sitting. “I didn’t mean to cause a ruckus, Tabby. I swear, Lucky and me were just rushing back to congratulate you on your first batch of inductees.” I told her, batting my eyes, trying to look as cute as possible. I might have used my shapeshifting just a little to make my eyes bigger, but I can’t say for sure. Bullshit, I coughed mentally.

  “Ugh, sure you were, and stop with the eyes!” I toned it down just a little, but knew it was working as her façade of anger broke down. “Did that one guy shit himself,” she giggled, shaking her head as she asked, not really expecting an answer. “So, this is Lucky, I take it.” She pointed to my new elven buddy.

  “Yes, I figured it was time I went to work on that quest you gave me. The reward is treasure without compare, you know.” I said with a saucy wink.

  “Nice try, asshole, after all that.” She pointed around her. “Wait, you’re serious.” She remarked, seeing the look in my eye. “Okay, but you better stop being a dick then.” This time, it was her turn to give a saucy wink. I may have blushed, just a little.

  “Well, I don’t think getting rid of that will be a promising development for said reward, but as you wish.” I said, earning me a blush with a slap on the shoulder in return. Ha, I think I won that round.

  “So, how did you pick Lucky?” At this, Daw
n walked up to Tabby, waiting to get her attention.

  Dawn

  Level: 1

  Sun Elf

  “Congratulations, Dawn!” I told her, seeing her system information pop-up.

  “Thank you, great one.” The annoyingly voiced woman said to me. I shuddered, noticing Tabby and Lucky doing the same. Wow, poor girl. Tabby turned to Dawn to deal with whatever needed attending to, leaving me to discuss what I had planned for Lucky.

  “Okay, Lucky, I have a proposal for you.” I turned to look at him standing stock still, mouth hanging open, totally entranced by Dawn. “Oh, he-he,” I sniggered mischievously. Guess the voice isn’t that big a deal for him. He snapped out of it, embarrassment coloring his face. “So, lover boy, how would you like to be my student and become a combat sorcerer.” His eyes lit up, but I cautioned him. “Be warned, Lucky, I won’t be easy on you, this training will be very demanding. Plus, I get hangry so...” I added lightheartedly while looking at Tabby. She stopped talking to Dawn to glare at me before returning to their conversation. I giggled, works every time, “so what do you say, pal, you in?”

  Lucky stood, eyeing Dawn surreptitiously but had the presence of mind to say, “yes, Lucky combat sorcerer.” He looked me full on and had a determined expression on his face.

  “Alright, Lucky, from here on out you’re my squire.” I announced, standing heroically, as he puffed out his chest proudly.

  “Squire?” Lucky asked.

  At the same time, Tabby quipped. “You look ridiculous... Again.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning, Tabby and I went about our business.

  Lucas

  Level: 1

  Sun Elf

  “Congratulations, Lucas, how are you liking the system?” I addressed my assistant as I was headed toward the central fire to start the newly-minted system users on some village building tasks. Until now, Lucas hadn’t really been able to do what I needed, nonetheless, he was outside our yurt as usual this morning. So, I had him follow me to help with the tasks I had in mind.

  “Thank you. It is exciting, Great Rho! I look forward to being of use to you, great one.” He said, falling in behind me as we walked along the pathways between the yurts on our way to the fire.

  “That’s great, Lucas. Hope you added points to your Int stat, ’cause today’s going to be busy. You’re going to have a lot to remember. Oh, before I forget, do you want to learn magic?”

  “My Int score is sixteen, great one, so I do not see it being an issue. Yes, Great Rho, I would be honored to learn magic.” He confirmed, moving right along with me at a good speed toward the fire.

  “Alright then,” I said, ignoring the fact that he took my comment about his Int score literally. “You and Lucky are going to meet me at my yurt after story time, which you will now be heading.” I stopped to point at him as I said it. “Alright, so the big news, what classes are we working with?” Referring to the now system-inducted elves.

  “Great one, it is told,” he cleared his throat. “Excuse me. It is as told by the great lady. We have seven with building classes. Four are construction workers, I believe these are what you referred to as general labor. One architect who…”

  “Yes, Lucas, I know what an architect is.”

  “Great one,” he bowed his head to me. “One construction foreman to lead the workers. One civil engineer,” he paused, continuing as I nodded my head to indicate that I knew what a civil engineer was. “Trained by the lady Tabby herself. We believe this crew will do good work.” The statement was meant to convey more meaning, but the elf was still working on his language, so I left it alone, moving on.

  “Sounds good. I need you to gather them, along with all the others who are finished with Tabby’s classes. Have everyone meet me at the fire.” I halted, turning to look at him and give my instructions. “Before you go, any surprises in the first batch. Oh, make sure Lucky is with them.” I told him, sending him scurrying off to complete the task when he replied in the negative to my question.

  I froze, I wonder. Hey, Tabby. I called, as I resumed my walk.

  Yes. Rho, is everything okay? Came the hurried reply.

  Yeah, Tabs, everything’s fine, just had a thought about my assistant. I sent back, trying to calm her down.

  Well, I’m about to start class, so make it quick please. I could almost hear the mental sigh going through her head.

  Deal. Can I give Lucas quests? I’m kind of concerned about his progress. I asked her. I didn’t get a reply for a minute or so, giving me time to reach the fire. As I started to direct the elves Lucas was sending to me to one side of the fire, Tabby responded.

  At the level you’re at, you can’t give out quests. However, seeing as I share your concerns, I had a quest made for him. It rewards him for doing his job as your assistant. Anything else? ...No, good. See you tonight. I could have sent her something back or bugged her with an asinine comment but decided to be the bigger man for once. Whatever. I just “heard” that you know, ignoring her, I carried on.

  Once everyone had gathered, I began. “Lucky, come over here,” I told the elf while waving him over. Once he was in front of me, I handed him an animal skin with the elven alphabet on it, along with a short stick. It was a copy identical to the ones the elves used in their classes that Tabby and I had made. This was one I had made, which was apparently not as good as the ones Tabby had made, giving us a few spares. All made by me, picky ass Tabby, I grumbled to myself. “Okay, Lucky, from now on, you’ll follow me everywhere, with a few exceptions, of course. Try to copy my movements as you do so, as well as my speech.” I requested, watching him as he turned his attention from the animal skin to study me. “When I’m busy, you are to write those letters in the dirt until you can flawlessly copy all of them. When that is done, we’ll move on from there.” I finished vaguely, due to not knowing exactly what Tabby would have done next. “Between village tasks though, we’ll be training... other areas of my expertise, which you will both love and hate me for.” I paused, my face hardening, my body becoming tense, revealing the presence I projected in battle. Lucky gulped at the change on my face, which showed him just how serious I was. “Just know, if you don’t take this training seriously, giving it all you have and more,” I paused again, pointing at him, staring him down. “I will hurt you in ways that even Tabby can’t heal. This is your last chance to back out. So, are you staying as squire, or are you going back to being a hunter?” While Lucky and I talked, the other elves stood patiently waiting for me to get to them.

  “Sir knight,” he said, taking a knee. Tabby must have explained it to him. Dang it, Tabby. I mentally cursed.

  That will teach you, asshole. I received from nowhere. “Fuck, get up, you clown!” I said grumpily, nope, not going to let it get to me. “Sorry, Lucky, just didn’t expect that.” Quickly apologizing to the startled elf. “Now, go over by the fire and get to work. I’ll be inspecting your progress when I’m done here.” I told him, pointing to a spot by the fire well away from the rest of us.

  Turning back to the other elves, I said, “alright.” Pausing, I clapped my hands while rubbing them together, as I walked closer to the rest of the elves.

  “Now. Everyone who is part of the construction team step toward me.” Seven elves moved forward. Most had blond, or dirty blond hair, with a lone, brown-haired elf mixed in, and all but one had average elven features. The biggest surprise, and the only odd-shaped elf, was the foreman Aila. The surprise wasn’t that she was a woman, but that she was burly, with bigger muscles than most barbarians I had seen in the war. On top of that, she was stacked like a centerfold. It truly wasn’t something you saw in elves every day. Hell, it isn’t something you see on most any race of women. I mused as I read her info.

  Aila

  Level: 1

  Sun Elf

  Seeing no surprises in the bare info displayed, I continued. “Alright, Aila, you’re going to be in charge of construction.” She bowed her head to me, looking up a
gain with a joyous expression on her face as I handed out my tasks for them. “I want a working plan to build a thirty-foot-high, ten-foot-deep wall that encloses the entire village given to my aide, Lucas, by story time this evening.” I stopped to take a breath, letting the task I gave her time to settle in her mind. “I want issues you foresee, material requirements, where they would come from, and everything else needed to get the project built from start to finish. Understood?” I finished. Naming the items as I counted them off on my fingers.

  “Yes, great one,” replied Aila’s alto voice. “It will be as you say.” She turned to her crew, giving them tasks, sending them on their way while walking off herself.

  After the construction crew left, I turned my attention on the warriors and hunters. Five of each led by Canowicakte, or Tweedledum, as I called him. He still looked a little sheepish around me but held himself well among his peers. I had them go to the clearing by my yurt, telling them to clear out all the brush in a 300-yard square between our yurt and the village so we could run drills. The slope added a nice bonus for training. They looked a little confused as to what drills were, but I told them they would find out soon enough. We discussed the measurements, the elves still a little confused by conversions from the almost non-existent units they used before. Once everything was worked out, I told them I would be over there to train after I was done with the crafters, leaving me with the last four elves I needed to set to task.

  Calling them forward, I began, “okay, Dawn, you’re in charge of crafters, but there are a few areas I want you guys to focus on, if that’s okay with you, of course.” I announced to the four of them, turning to look at each as I spoke. I had asked Tabby what kind of crafters we would get when she started teaching them. She told me it didn’t work that way. According to Tabby, I had no other experience with crafting classes, but didn’t see any reason to doubt her. Crafters just got a general class at level one, simply called crafter. It was at that point that they had to pick a crafting profession. Once they had chosen their profession, the class was changed to whatever that individual had picked. Morally, it was a little murky to ask the crafters to choose things the village required, but I didn’t see a way around it. They would want to know what was needed, but with the revered way we were asking them to become a crafter, it might well be taken as an order. Still, I see no way around it, no matter what I think, our influence will taint their decision. Shaking my head, I returned to the conversation at hand.