Bab 8: Scars of Progress
[ C40's POV ]
*Flashback*
I've Seen A few Freaky Alien, Creatures When I Decided to Apply for Civil protection. Those Face, fuckers They call Head crabs...and those zombies they create," he continued, voice wavering. "Those poor bastards, half-human, half-monster. The screams, the way they moved, like something out of a nightmare. I'd thought I'd Seen it All... Whoever or whatever was in charge noticed me. Maybe it was because I didn't flinch as much when a head crab latched onto a guy's face. Or perhaps it was because I managed to keep my breakfast down when we had to clean up those zombie-infested areas.
They promoted me... gave me more responsibility, privilege, and Power, They Made me who I am today, I'm better, stronger, and faster than I ever was... The Day it All Happened, I woke up lying on a cold Metal Operating table, with wires and cables running through my head Arms, and legs, In A daze looking over I Saw strange Mummy like Creatures operating machines I had no Clue the purpose of, But I didn't care, The Administrator, Came to me Personally while I was lying there, I thought I was being punished, But No he offered me A Deal, One I Couldn't refuse.
C40 thought tinged with a mix of reverence and bitterness.
'C40, you've shown exceptional resilience and adaptability in your duties. We have a special task for you, a chance to serve Humanity in a way that will make a difference
I looked over at him, my head throbbing with pain as I managed to rasp out, "What if... I refuse?"
The Administrator's expression didn't change, but there was a subtle tightening around his eyes.
'You Could Accept this offer, or not, I Have the grand Privilege of being Humanity's, representative, you'd be wise to accept my offer."
' And besides...Refusal isn't an option, C40. You've been chosen because I have seen potential in you. Embrace this opportunity, and you'll find yourself on a path few can imagine.'
"Consider yourself very, lucky C40, to be given such an opportunity only a handful of others have."
'Better Living arrangements, extra food, water, I can even grant you an Instant promotion to Earth's stabilization Delegates, Overwatch, this can give you greater Authority and Status among your Peers, as well as personal power, the Combine provide with their miraculous technology. All of these and more I Can provide.'
'And Should You prove yourself Worthy of the privilege, You May even be Chosen to be Part of the Earth's Elite, the best of the Best A Position that Only those who have seen Approval by the Advisers, themselves.'
"...I. Accept..." the Words left my mouth, in a wisp.
The Administrator nodded; his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
'Start the process, but make sure to keep his faculties.'
".wait..."
'...Hm?'
"...I have a request to make..."
After I told him, he said he'd get it Done, and with that, he left me at the mercy of the machine.
The machines began to operate on me, tearing me open, implanting strange technology into me, replacing my Organs, heart Lungs, and Digestive System... All were replaced with Synthetic inhuman-looking Parts, they Scooped out part of my brain and instead stranger tech.
they began to Shove Information Inside my brain, making me Less And less Human by the second, it Hurt like hell, so much in fact that I couldn't take it anymore and passed out.
After regained consciousness, the faint hum of machinery still echoed in my mind. I awoke in my bed, feeling an unfamiliar weight. The room was quiet, save for the city outside my window. hearing the groaning sounds of towering Striders, stomping on the rooftops, and the gentle hum of city scanners passing by. Pushing myself up, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. my movements feeling a bit sour and stiff, I got up and headed to the bathroom, I Looked in the mirror, and I ran my hand down my chest, feeling the scars, reminding me of the choice I made.
I turned on the tap and splashed cold water over my face, Trying to Shake off the weird, disorientated feeling I had in my head.
After drying my face, I exited the bathroom, I heard a Knock, and when I opened, my door was surprised to see a couple of Overwatch Soldiers, they asked me to pack up my belongings. They took me outside, Where A transport vehicle was Waiting, I was Placed in the back and I was driven for a Long while when we came to a stop, I exited the vehicle, and they took me inside a less deprecated-looking apartment complex, they Gave me a key and told me my new room number After taking an elevator, I arrived at my new apartment. and took a deep breath as I opened the door
It was modest yet significantly better than the cramped quarters I had been used to.
I moved into a new place with a fully furnished separated kitchen and a spacious living room with sleek, functional furniture. The living room had a sturdy, dark wooden coffee table and a well-worn but comfortable-looking couch. A large window provided a view of the city, Looming cables of energy crackled, sending waves of energy towards the citadel. The bedroom was just off the living room, separated by an open doorway. I tossed my luggage, too tired to unpack. I walked over inspecting the kitchen, crouching down in front of the mini fridge next to the counter to grab a bottle of water. Looking out the window, I saw an apartment across, getting raided by a group of civil protection I scowled and quickly shut the blinds. As I went to sit down, Another knock at the door. I sighed heavily and went to see who was on the other side, and when I opened the door I Almost didn't recognize him, oh but he definitely recognized me... he turned pale like he had seen a ghost when he saw me, he instantly asked what had happened to me, I rolled my eyes, telling him not to worry about it.
I backed away from the door letting him inside, I walked over into the kitchen opened a random cabinet, surprised when I saw a bottle of scotch inside, I placed it on the counter and took it out with a couple of glasses.
??? " Silas... this Apartment room is Huge! How many people do you live with?"
he looked at me with Suprise, pointing at the bottle in my hand as I uncorked it
a popping sound was made as I poured a little bit into two glasses.
??? "How the hell did you get your hands on that, before somebody sees!"
He couldn't help but gasp, as a group of civil protection walking by stopped, one entered the room with a stun baton emitting sparks. and entered the room taking a look in.
"Knock Knock~."
The civil protection unit turned to him and raised the stun baton high.
"Alright get the hell on the ground, Suprise apartment Search, don't move or I'll shove this baton so far up your-"
my friend cowered and promptly got on his knees with a horrified look on his face.
the civil protection unit then turned to look at me and was about to tell me to get on the floor with him but froze in place, he looked back at the two standing by at the door,
and one of the Standby- Units spoke
"You Alrighty 88?"
he turned back at me; they lowered their baton turning it off.
I gave him a good hard stare.
"S-sorry for barging in sir, have a Nice day-."
Gideon watched in confusion as, the Civil Protection unit nodded politely and closed the door, leaving cursing under his breath, the footsteps outside hastened down towards the stairwell.
"Prick," I muttered as they left.
"What the heck are you doing Gideon, get up and let's drink."
" And to answer your question. Nobody, this is All Mine, my private little penthouse, In shit hole Vill, and I'm King."
Gideon: "H-heh...Really? So... you joined civil protection?"
"Mhm..A Month Ago actually...just a few days ago I got an A "promotion." You could say."
I put away, the bottle as I walked over handing him a drink, I Sat down on the couch, crossing my legs, and resting my knee on my other.
"You Could live like this too if you Join up. Who knows...I Might even put a good word in for you."
I said as I looked up at him and smiled.
"At least you wouldn't have to Deal with Assholes like that cunt"
Gideon sat down lifted his drink and smiled. "As long as I get to Hang out with my best friend, I'll Consider it."
"How About a toast?" he looked at me with a cheeky smile,
"A toast. really?" I sighed, shaking my head.
Gideon chuckled and nudged me with his elbow.
"Come on! Since when were you such a Grouch?"
I furrowed my brow, staring at my glass.
"Fine..." I managed to crack a smile.
Gideon raised his glass to mine.
"To Our, Friendship."
"Cheers!"
"...Cheers."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone