Specimen

“We’re going to run you through a scenario in the VR grid,” Riley says, “and Captain Mills will monitor your progress. This one will be a little more challenging than the others have been. You’ll have to rely on more than just your strength and speed. We want to show her how well the tactical programming of your implants works.”

“What’s the scenario?”

“Infiltrate and capture,” she says. “You’re going to have to use your stealth to avoid detection.”

Captain Mills nods to me and leaves the room, heading to the monitoring station. Through the glass, I can see her sit down and activate the monitors that will show her what I see when I’m in the virtual environment.

“Do me proud,” Riley whispers with a smile.

“I will.” The words I utter are more than a promise. They feel like a solemn oath.

I enter the virtual center and climb into the device. I hook myself up to the sensors. I’ve done this so many times now, I don’t even have to look at the connections as I plug myself in and grasp the handles. Riley places the interface behind my ear. The scenario activates, and I look out across dry, cracked ground. There are buildings in the distance.

I look down to my hands at the long rifle, but I don’t need it right now. I strap it to my back and make my way toward the closest building. I need cover before I can get a better look at my surroundings.

Riley’s voice echoes through my head, providing me with both information and encouragement. The assignment is difficult—I have to rely on instincts I don’t understand to keep myself from being seen. I’m actually surprised as I grab the briefcase I was sent to retrieve and make my way out undetected.

The grey fog fills the area as I succeed. Riley removes the interface, and I look to her smiling face.

“One of your best times,” she says.

“All part of the service,” I reply with a grin.

“Get yourself unhooked,” she says. “We’ll head back to the lab shortly. Captain Mills will probably want to talk to you.”

I nod and Riley joins Captain Mills on the other side of the glass. As I remove the sensors, I watch them talk together.

“The increased dose had a major impact on him this morning. I was afraid it was too much, but I think his performance shows it was worth the risk.”

“How did he react after the new injections?”

“He became comatose for a few minutes. Once I brought him out of it, his stress levels were still very high. I honestly thought he was going to force himself on me for a moment.”

It takes me a moment before I realize I can’t hear them speak. I’m a little startled to realize I’m actually reading their lips. I don’t know where the skill came from, but I focus on their mouths as they continue their dialogue.

“I saw the requisition for a prostitute.”

“I didn’t see another option.”

“There is one, you know.”

“I realize, but I’m still not sure how I feel about that. It seems…unfair.”

“Fair is irrelevant, Dr. Grace. You’re here for a reason. You’ve got the best specimen in the whole group. Think about how far he could go if you added that little bonus and strengthened the bond to the maximum.”

They stand and move out of the windowed room, out of my view. It’s several minutes before they come back into the training area, both smiling.

“How do you feel?” Captain Mills asks.

“Good,” I tell her. “Ready for more.”

“Excellent.” She turns to Riley and motions toward the door. I follow them both back to the lab where I sit on the edge of the bed, and they both stand before me.

“I have some questions for you,” Captain Mills says. She pulls out a small, hand-held computer and glances at the screen. “Can you tell me why you’re here?”

I glance at Riley, but she gives me no clue as to how I should answer.

“I’m a volunteer,” I say.