Ex animo, p.36
Ex/Animo, page 36
part #1 of Ex/Animo Series
The other four furiously shook their heads.
“It was a joke, obviously!” Zeke laughed nervously.
“Obviously,” Elaine poked at her plate.
“You better pray those things would work, buddy,” Kevin patted Zeke on the back. “Or you’re gonna have to start building stuff on your own.”
“Oh man,” Zeke sighed. “Elfy.”
“Hmph!” Elaine pouted.
“What’re you guys doing after lunch?” Sherry asked.
“We were going to check out the research wing,” Zeke said. “To scavenge what’s left of the resources.”
“I got Synthea to recreate some of the lost data,” Kevin said. “It should provide us with some answers.”
“Data regeneration process, forty-five percent complete,” Synthea informed.
“What about you guys?” Aron asked.
“Pick up where we left,” Elaine said. “This place has many surprises!”
“Ah yeah, we came across a small zoo too!” Martyn said.
“Pretty sure you’re referring to a pen where they kept animals for experimentation,” Aron narrowed his eyes.
“C’mon, man!” Martyn whined. “Stop ruining the fun for us!”
“It certainly wasn’t fun for the animals,” Aron shook his head.
Martyn appeared dispirited.
“Well,” Aron shrugged. “At least you get to experience Pet Sematary in real life.”
“Aron!” Sherry glowered.
“Yes?” Aron appeared clueless.
“Someone has been a bad influence,” Elaine glared at Zeke.
“Don’t look at me,” Zeke shook his head. “He’s a natural!”
***
“So, how are you and Zeke doing?” Selena asked.
“Apart from the slight awkwardness?” Kevin smiled. “Not bad, I’d say.”
“I get that,” Martyn nodded.
The group was exploring a weaponry room.
“Damn!” Sherry exclaimed. “Just look at all of these!” her voice echoed. She gestured to the countless racks of guns.
“Enough to raise an army,” Martyn murmured.
“Why’d they just leave them here?” Sherry wondered.
“For that,” Kevin said. “We need to know why the base was abandoned. And how the zombies came to be on the base. And if there were any survivors–where they had gone.”
“Handguns, assault rifles, snipers,” Martyn said. “This is everything!”
“Hmph,” Elaine sounded grumpy. “I can build stuff that’s better than any of these flimsy things.”
“I agree with that,” Kevin nodded. “Everything she built; it was always top-notch. She never faced any competition back at the academy.”
“I’m not surprised,” Martyn shook his head. “The gear she made for us was something else!”
Sherry and Selena nodded in agreement.
“If only that idiot accepted it,” Elaine murmured.
“You said something?” Sherry asked.
“Nope,” Elaine shook her head. “Just remembered I got to do a follow-up on Aron’s arm.”
“How about we check out the pool next?” Kevin asked.
“Yes!” they agreed.
***
“Hmph,” Zeke scoffed. “Frolicking in a dangerous territory when they should be doing something productive!”
“Let them be, Doc,” Aron said. “It’s been an unforgiving week. They deserve the break.”
“What about us, Joestar?”.
“Do you want a break?” Aron raised a brow.
“No!”
“Then why are you complaining?” Aron sighed.
“Probably cos this bucket of bolts isn't giving me what I want,” Zeke slammed the desk.
“Let’s just keep looking, okay?” Aron said. “We’d across something sooner or later. They should have a backup or something. Synthea’s helping too. It should be fine.”
“Backup!” Zeke clapped. “Joestar, you’re a genius!”
“I am?” Aron frowned.
Zeke tapped away on the keyboard.
“Backup found!” Synthea informed. “Date of creation, five years ago.”
“A lot of redacted information,” Zeke murmured.
Zeke scrolled down, reading faster than Aron’s eyes could follow.
“Bingo!” Zeke muttered. “This base and the other bases were involved in the study of Human Genetics and Bio Modification.”
“Huh,” Aron peered at the screen.
“Project?” Zeke murmured. “Looks like these are classifications of some sort.”
“Class A, Class B, Class C–Class D!” Aron exclaimed. “It’s the Zeroheads!”
“There is no mention of intelligent zombies,” Zeke glanced at the pictures. “Sherry’s grandparents...?”
“Zumans,” Aron muttered. “Perhaps the archives were incomplete.”
“You may be right,” Zeke said. “Data on the Zomlords are missing too. However–there is a class C.”
“The creepy crawlies?” Aron asked.
“The Crawlers!” Zeke frowned at him. “Don’t… ever call it that again. These files talk of their behavioral patterns. Interesting–let’s go take a look at the lab now!”
***
“Man, there’s lots to see here!” Martyn exclaimed. “An indoor garden?!”
“Careful, now,” Elaine said. “These aren’t exactly the friendly plants you see every day. Most of ‘em look poisonous.”
“What’s the point of the plants?” Sherry looked puzzled. “What they got to do with anything in here?”
“The virus could have been made using plants too, who knows?” Kevin shrugged.
“That’s a possibility,” Martyn said. “Shit, now I don’t wanna be here anymore.”
“Let’s check out that pen if you’d like to,” Sherry suggested.
“Nope!” Martyn crossed his arms. “Don’t wanna go in there after what he said.”
“Fair enough,” Kevin agreed.
“Papa, the data regeneration process has been completed,” Synthea said. “I calculate an estimate of eighty-three percent accuracy.”
“Good job, Synthea!” Kevin praised her.
“Thank you, Papa,” Synthea sounded pleased. “Shall I call Dr. Zeke and Aron over?”
“Please do,” Kevin said. “We’ll hold the meeting in the common area, at the quarters.”
***
Aron and Zeke walked in to find the others already seated.
“Finally, some answers,” Aron grabbed a chair.
“Your little expedition found fruit?” Elaine smirked.
The two joined the circle.
“Not really,” Aron shook his head. “We found some data on the Zeroheads; everything vital was pretty much wiped clean.”
“Well, this may not be one hundred percent accurate,” Kevin said. “Synthea tied some loose ends together, and the rest is just guesswork.”
“She’s a clever girl,” Aron complimented.
The holographic projector in the center of the room turned on, and Synthea appeared in front of them. She winked and smiled at Aron.
“Okay, baby girl,” Kevin said. “Let’s see what you’ve found.”
“My pleasure,” Synthea said.
An article popped up in front of their eyes. There was a picture of an old man with glasses beside the text. He looked tall and condescending.
“This facility was founded thirty years ago by Dr. Ezekiel Moore,” Synthea said. “It was found to study the boundaries of human capabilities and its latent potential. This base, along with the various other bases, was built to ensure that the research does not turn into a weapon in the wrong hands. ‘I always believed that we could be the center of the universe,’ says Dr. Moore,
“‘It is astonishing to note what we have achieved by an insignificant phase of our existence alone! But no longer shall that be the case. We will evolve past the chains of humanity through means of technology and, with it, genetic reengineering. But the questions still persist, are we going to remain what we were–will the ‘human residue’ persevere? Are we ready to move forward? And–does it really matter?
“The universe, in its grand scheme of things, does not care about us. A sacrifice is due to become what we truly can be–Dominators of our own World! And my colleagues and I had been working toward accomplishing that very goal. And the fruits of our labor will be shared with everyone around the world. After all, Mental Revolution is the first step to the next evolution.’”
Aron crossed his arms.
“Quite the idealist,”
“Ezekiel Moore,” Zeke murmured. “Did that name not strike you two as odd?” he turned toward Kevin and Elaine.
“Nope,” they shook their heads. “Never heard of him before,” Kevin said.
“Huh,” the scientist rubbed his chin.
“This base used to be known as Beacon Corporation, huh,” Sherry read out loud.
“What a letdown,” Aron smirked. “I was expecting something like– ‘Parasol Corporation.’”
“Human evolution research,” Martyn muttered. “They really had paranoia to build research facilities in the middle of nowhere.”
“They called it a weapon as well,” Sherry shrugged. “Does that make them the culprit behind all of this?”
“What else do we have?” Kevin asked.
“I’ve got some information regarding the sister bases,” Synthea said.
“Names?” Aron nodded. “Locations?”
“As a matter of fact,” Synthea said. “Yes.”
A map was projected, and several marked locations popped up surrounding the Area V3 base.
“I recognize some of these,” Martyn said.
“The USB Berserker gave us,” Aron nodded.
“How about we check this place out first?” Zeke pointed at one of the red spots far from their base.
“Synthea?” Kevin called.
Synthea pulled up the details and coordinates on the hologram. The base appeared a lot smaller compared to their own. The name simply read ‘Observatory.’
“An observatory in the middle of nowhere?” Aron murmured.
“Alright, correct me if I got it wrong!” Martyn scratched his head. “How’s getting zombie-fied a human evolution?! What was this Moore guy blabbering about in that article?! Were all of them who worked on it–psychopaths?!”
“They declared a revolution on humanity,” Zeke muttered.
“And so, what–you create a zombie?!” Sherry frowned.
“We’re gonna need more data,” Zeke read the details off the hologram. “And guess what? This observatory was once used for isolating and studying live specimens. There’s a good chance we’d come across something left untouched.”
“It’s settled then,” Aron nodded. “Let’s hit the place first thing in the morning.”
“Yeah, about that!” Elaine crossed her arms. “I don’t think the truck is of any use without fuel.”
“This is an abandoned base. We can always borrow one of their many rides,” Aron shrugged. “Kevin?”
“They’ve got all kinds,” Kevin nodded. “A Humvee will do fine.”
“No, no, no,” Zeke shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere without my truck.”
“How do you plan to get it running?” Martyn asked.
“A giant glowing rock is powering the entire base,” Zeke rolled his eyes. “I’ll figure something out.”
“Fine,” Aron sighed. “We’ll roll your way. Let’s hit that place when the truck’s ready to go.”
They had dinner and retired to their rooms.
“It has been some journey, huh?” Martyn threw a tennis ball against the wall. “I never imagined we’d get this far.”
“The apocalypse makes you do things,” Aron stared up at the ceiling.
“That’s your reason?” Martyn stared at him, wide-eyed. “Sometimes, I wonder whether you really were the kid I grew up with.”
“You think about the folks back home?” Aron asked.
“Every single day,” Martyn caught the ball. “Not only them–Sam, Charla… Irene…”
Martyn grew silent.
“Welp,” Aron smiled. “There’s your reason.”
Martyn nodded.
“What about you?” he asked. “You don’t miss anyone?”
“Miss-” Aron paused for a moment. “Well, I miss my old folks, but they’ve always been away, you know that. And yes, Charla and Irene too… and the guys at CRISP.”
“That’s all?” Martyn tossed the ball into a corner.
“Uh, yeah,” Aron turned to face him.
“Huh–well, goodnight,” Martyn switched off the lights.
“Yep…” Aron faced away as he lay down. “G’night.”
***
OCTOBER 5, 2:00 PM
“I thought you were never gonna show up,”
“Really?” Jack took his seat.
“At least you seem dressed for the occasion,” Melody grinned. “Does it mean you are taking this seriously?”
“Not really,” Jack shrugged. “I just happen to dress well.”
“Oh really?” Melody narrowed her eyes.
“You don’t look half bad yourself,”
“If that’s your style of complimenting,” Melody smirked. “I’ll take it.”
Jack picked up the menu on the table.
“Nah, uh, uh!” Melody shook her finger. “I ordered a pizza.”
“A pizza?” Jack scoffed.
He checked the menu and found the pizzas expensive.
“A pizza…” Jack nodded slowly.
“It’s on me,” Melody smiled. “It’s only fair since I insisted on the date.”
“Um… this is nothing I can’t handle,” Jack lied.
“Oh really?” Melody narrowed her eyes. “Well, go ahead, I’m cool.”
Her green eyes searched his face. A hint of razz was present in her smile.
“Okay,” Jack gave up the façade. “You don’t have to rub it in my face.”
“You could have just admitted it,” Melody grinned. “It’s not like I was gonna judge you for it.”
“Well, college is tough,” Jack said. “And money is tight.”
“I thought you were in the middle of a break right now,” Melody pressed a finger against her cheek.
“Yeah,” Jack said. “A break that can end any time.”
“You could always do part-time jobs if you’re worried about the money,” Melody pointed out.
“I could,” Jack nodded. “It’s a matter of choice. I have enough to get by the month. It’s not like I’m gonna do this ever again.”
“You’ve never dated before?” Melody raised her brow.
“Why?” Jack looked annoyed. “Is that mandatory?”
“No,” Melody sighed. “You are one tough cookie to crack. And lazy too!”
“No, no, no,” Jack shook his head. “I prefer the term, ‘conserving.’”
“And–what exactly are you conserving?” Melody narrowed her eyes.
“The energy I’m wasting on this pointless conversation?” Jack shrugged.
Melody rolled her eyes. Their order came.
“We are getting nowhere with this,” she sighed.
“Hey, this was your idea,” Jack said. “I’d go home and watch anime the moment you say yes.”
“You could at least try talking something,”
“But that’s social interaction, and I don’t support it,”
The fountain in the middle of the restaurant hall bubbled with energy. The clatter of cutlery drowned out the classical music. People spoke in low tones. Jack looked up from his pizza to find his date smoldering.
“Okay,” Jack nodded. “I’ll talk.”
Melody leaned forward with interest.
“That is if you tell me what college you go to,” he added.
“Huh?” Melody looked confused. “Why that?”
“Is there a problem with that?” Jack asked.
“No,” she said. “It’s fine!”
The two chatted about their colleges.
“So, you’re almost never home,” Jack said. “Must be tough.”
“I’ve gotten used to it,” Melody shrugged.
“A chatterbox like you?” Jack raised his brow.
“I-I have friends there, okay?!” she stammered.
“Why did that sound like a lie?” he murmured.
“It’s your turn now!”
“Okay,” Jack nodded. “What do you wanna know?”
“Why are you far from home?” Melody asked.
“My parents’ jobs require them to travel a lot; internationally,” he said. “They never linger in one place past six months. I seldom get to see them in person. Sometimes it’s Dad, and the other times, Mom. It’s been a while. The only sign they’re still alive is the monthly allowance I get.”
Jack talked a bit about his past and life with his best friend; his date listened with the utmost interest. Her calm demeanor bothered him.
“You’re not so bad as I thought,” Melody said.
“I just want to live by–without being a bother to anyone,” Jack said.
“And you don’t care what the others think about you?” Melody grinned. “I think I like you.”
“Oh?” Jack sat back. “I might be the most boring guy you’ve ever met, and you think you like me?”
“There is a fine line between pretense and actuality,” Melody smiled. “And I figured where you belong.”
“You think I lied,” Jack smirked. “Just like you lied about your college.”
Melody picked up the tab.
“Why don’t you find out?” Melody stood up, pushing a piece of paper toward him. “Text me sometime?”
Jack stared down at the piece of paper that had a phone number. He looked up at her. She winked at him before turning around to leave.
“Hm,” Jack drank from the glass.
***
“Good morning, Aron,” Synthea greeted.
“Good morning,” Aron was brushing his teeth. “Sup?”
“I’m good!” Synthea sounded cheerful. “Thanks for asking!”
“What’s everyone up to?”
“Martyn and Sherry are having breakfast downstairs,” Synthea chuckled. “And they-”
“Spare me the juicy details, Synthea,” Aron said.
