Split Paths

“Is that your final decision?”

Bell sits inside the main meeting room. Months have passed since their last meeting, decisions made then shaking the group.

As such, Artem, Zara, Artem, and Amélie have decided to leave. They cannot agree with the development of weapons and the testing on humans.

Despite the continued growth of the Syndicate, the group gathered in front of Bell believe there are better ways to go about using their intellect.

“It is.” Akihiko responded.

“I see, that is very disappointing. But I wish you all the best, my door will always be open to you.”

“Thank you, Bell. Despite our disagreements, we hope to one day reconnect.” Amélie said.

“In a better world.”

“Indeed.”

The group leaves. Zara and Artem keep their goals a secret but Amélie and Akihiko have promised to build a school. They still believe the future lies in the hands of the many, they wish to offer the tools to secure that future.

Of course, all offered for Bell to come with them or change his mind. But they no longer speak to the shy boy who waltzed into their classroom all those years ago. The sparkle of hope in his eyes gone, replaced by dark and serious intent as he never looks at them only towards the future he must create.

Their leave is not without consequence for the Syndicate, much of their projects slow. The base grows, but the larger projects reach plateaus.

Elizabeth watches as another exoskeleton prototype tester loses control. They flail about, tearing out their own hair, tossing whatever is near them, and yelling undecipherable words until they deal a killing blow to themselves.

Robots rush over to the body, removing the exoskeleton and handing it to nearby drones for inspection and safekeeping. The body is disposed of, Elizabeth left staring at the testing grounds. Her anger palpable, frustration of the last few months culminating into severe headaches.

Elizabeth jumps up, her energy gun pointed at Bell until she calms herself. “I’m sorry.”

“No need, I did sneak up on you.”

Bell sits next to Elizabeth. At his waist is an energy gun as well. Although not as advanced as Dante’s, they still remember some of his ideas and blueprints. Enough to create weapons for themselves, though weaker versions.

“They left, didn’t they?”

“They send well wishes.”

“Was that a good idea? Letting them go.”

“Although I prefer for them to stay with us, I cannot force them to. I can only hope that the world we create will be something that brings them back to us.”

“Yes, but this will make things more difficult. I’ve reached a block, Bell, no one can handle this level of exoskeleton.”

“Is it a mental or physical block?”

“Both. If one could compensate for the other then I’m sure it would work, but there isn’t someone capable of that here.”

“You have someone in mind?”

“Loki. He’s physically gifted.”

“I doubt we could convince him. Would training work?”

“Yes, but it would take years. We’d need to make them physically impressive while continuously improving their mental abilities to process the information.”

“We have time. We are safe with our new defenses.”

Turrets, stronger drones, weapons, the Syndicate is safer than it has ever been.

“I don’t wish to wait. With any luck Elena will find something.”

“Mr. Bell!” A guard yells. “Issac has awakened!”

Bell rushes into Issac’s room. “Issac! Thank goodness!” He stops, Issac glaring at Bell as Elena has a somber expression.

The medic inside stands and leaves with a robot carrying medicinal supplies. The room is quiet for two minutes until Issac speaks.

“Bell, how could you make these decisions?”

“You as well.” Bell sighs. “Issac, we must. Not only is this for our safety, but we must do so for our biggest advancements yet. It could be necessary to save your child.”

“I know I agreed before, but they were right. I cannot burden a poor child with blood-stained hands.” Issac coughs. “Bell, if we continue like this then we are no better than those who set the bomb off.”

“What is wrong with forcing a world of peace?”

“Peace? From my perspective it’s a cage, not a world. It’s one ruled by you.”

“Then so be it.”

“You bastard, you will not use our minds for this!”

“Calm down, Issac.” Elena said. “Bell, I’m sorry. Could you leave us for now, I’ll meet with you after in my lab.”

“Very well.”

Bell stares at Elena’s collection of papers. Many of her projects have failed, but one shows promise. Liang stands inside preparing one of their imprisoned attackers for the next experiment. So far, none of the experiments have been inhuman; simple manipulation of their cells, only to the extent where they will not notice.

“But the time has come.” Bell said.

“Unfortunately.” Liang said.

Elena arrives, she sits at her desk and rests her head in her hands. “What am I doing?”

“Elena, I understand Issac’s emotions, but you understand as well as I that we must do this.”

“Must we? We could just accept fate.”

“But you won’t, not when you have the ability to save your children.”

Elena bites her lip. “C4, show the blueprint.”

“Yes mam!” C4 jumps up before projecting a large blueprint on the wall.

It depicts the human body, notes surrounding it. Points of interest are marked, muscle, bone, their characteristics and how they can be manipulated. Next, notes of genetic modification on the bottom margin of the projection as well as beside the human body.

“Incredible. You’ve hastened injury recovery for his skin cells? What else?” Bell asked.

“We’ve found ways to increase his stamina by increasing the production from certain parts, but there are side effects. Bigger appetite, increased hormones, amongst others.”

“And your plateau?”

“We’ve made a breakthrough. A solution for the radiation affecting Matteo and Nozomi. It’s extreme genetic manipulation. It will strengthen the body to superhuman levels but the price is too high.”

“Too high?”

“A life. An entire life to save another, or to strengthen them beyond comprehension. We would add an entire bodies worth of cells and strength to another.”

“Their strength would multiply. My goodness, that would be the most incredible development we have yet.”

“We still need time think about it as well as do more research.” Liang said.

“Use them.” Bell replies. “Him there. And any other of the prisoners. You’re to dissect, kill, sacrifice as you please.”

Liang and Elena look at Bell in disbelief, he spits the thought out as if a causal stroll down the road.

“We will think about it.”

Elena and Liang take another week for consideration. The theory sound, they’ve been able to add the cells from one animal to another of the same species, resulting with an enhanced subject far stronger. Always at the cost of another life.

“I’m not sure what to do.” Elena said.

Issac joined them today, his movements painful but he wished to return to work. “We still have time, perhaps there is something else … but I must implore you both, do not reveal this to Bell.”

“He has a point, Elena. Bell has changed, I’m not sure giving this to him would be safe. They are sure to abuse it.”

Elena rests her head on Issac’s shoulder. “We have a final option.”

“And it is one we will only consider once we exhaust all other options. I… I believe it is best if we leave as well.”

“Where we will go?”

“Veronica. It will come with cost, but she’ll welcome us. We’ll have the resources we need there.”

“Fine. I think we should as well, I’m afraid of what will happen here. Or of the lives I will have to ruin to follow other theories.”

As they speak, the lights of the lab are cut off. Boots rush inside, surrounding three geniuses before the lights return. The group is surrounded by the armed guards of the Syndicate, Bell walks in last.

“How unfortunate. Take Issac away.”

“What?” Issac is dragged away by the guards.

“Issac!” Elena yells but is held back.

“Bell! What are you doing?” Liang yelled.

“Unfortunately, you two we absolutely cannot let go. You will create what we need most, superhumans. I will not harm Issac or anyone, but you are no longer allowed in the Syndicate Issac. I do hope for your family to reunite once more, but that will depend on Elena’s work.”

“You bastard.” Elena spits on Bell.

“Elena, you will run out of time soon.”

Elena clenches her teeth. Matteo’s time is limited, her choices cut short.

“Elena!” Issac yells as he is dragged away. “Please believe in me! No matter what, I will save you and Matteo!”

Elena looks at Issac. His sweet words just that, yet, even as someone who prefers fact over all else, she chooses to believe him. “Then I will wait for you.”