Adrift

Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say. Perhaps the instructors were simply warning everyone, unaware of what was to come. No one would have guessed what destruction was in store after they woke them… the Augmented.

It had been an exciting day then, their hard work and trillions of dollars, coming to fruition. Project Titan was a means of survival in the new galaxies discovered, in an attempt to allow the human race to live in harsher environments.

Today was another thrilling day for the Allied Science Division Ark, they had very wealthy visitors on site. It was all, of course, for these investors that the subjects were doing a joint combat simulation. This was all for show, an example of the Director making good on her promise.

Andromeda gave this little thought as she focused on the target before her.

The holographic display of a Lesser Cherizid loomed, it’s tail lashing the air with fury. A type of humanoid lizard, these aliens came from beyond the Milky Way and craved the destruction of humans, hating them for a misunderstanding.

As the holo aimed it’s weapon at her, she ducked behind cover. When the shot hit the barrier, she launched over it. The place between her shoulder itched as she sensed eyes on her, unseen behind two-way glass.

The rest of her team had already been taken out by the holos, failing their individual tests. It all came down to her and there were at least three enemies remaining.

With ease, slashed the throat of one before rolling to cover. A soft chirp filled the room, signaling a single “death” of the opposition.

Two left…

One came around the cover, snarling with simulated bloodlust, a Lesser like the last judging from the lack of frill around their face. This was child’s play. Dancing around it, she cut the back of it’s legs, causing it to fall to it’s knees. Stepping behind it, she took the holo’s head into her hands. It was still so strange for her to feel a bit of physical resistance, but the upgraded simulator bore an ability that could create enemies with some consistency. This made their runs a bit more life-like, though it still couldn’t beat a real fight.

With a sharp twist, there was only the Greater left.

The holo she defeated dissipated, another chime sounded. Casually, as if she had all the time in the world, she went to the center of the room, where the Greater seemed to prowl. Coming into view, the Greater Cherizid roared mightily. Rolling her shoulders, she eased what tension she carried before tightening her grip on the Light Blade she bore. It was fail or win and she hated losing.

Sprinting forward, she closed what distance there was, bringing her sword down on the lizard man. A shield of luminous green halted her assault before pushing her back. While she reeled from it's counter, it surged forward, slashing with bared claws. Ducking, the sharp digits sailed past her. Awakening that power that slumbering within her, she brought up a fist encased in shifting violet, and slammed it into the alien holo’s jaw. It flew back a short distance, sprawled on it’s back. “Here I thought you brutes were ugly from far away, but up close…” She mocked with a shiver before sauntering over to the holographic beast. “I know of a way to fix that mug of your’s.” She smirked down at it.

Before it could recover, she lashed out with her sword, driving it to that sweet spot on the right side, third to fourth rib down. As it dissipated like the last two and another audible indicator rang out, she deactivated her glowing blue sword, leaving just a silver and black hilt that she slipped into the holster she had on her thigh. Waiting for the verbal lashing she normally received for using her ability, she remained in the center of the room, as was expected for the winners.

“Subject Andromeda,” A synthetic male voice called over the ship-wide comm system, “Report to Dr. Orion in Lab three.”

With an annoyed salute to the two-way mirror, she went to leave. The whispers of her "comrades" followed her. Muttering of the perfect experiment, finally in trouble or how they hoped she would be Decommissioned like any other failed Augment.

Releasing her hair from its confines, she brushed past them, not giving any of them the time of day. If they wanted recognition then they would have to work a lot harder.

The white walls outside the Combat Simulator Room, CSR for short, still irritated Andromeda as they did the day she had woken up. The absence of color hurt her eyes and something inside her missed a world she couldn’t remember. Sometimes, she would catch glimpses of blue and green.

It didn’t take long to find the lab. Already synced to her biometrics, the doors hissed open at her approach, revealing a room packed with equipment. At one of the consoles in front of the large monitor that cover nearly an entire wall, she found Dr. Mikhail Orion.

“Ah, Andromeda. Welcome.” The lone scientist greeted warmly before peeling away from his work.

He was the only person on this entire ark that she trusted, and that had been a long road for him. Her willingness to let him in as close as he was was more than likely due to the fact that he was the one scientist that treated her as a human.

“Mikhail,” she grinned, “What’s shakin’?”

Laughing, he shook his head, causing his brown, shoulder length hair to tumble from it’s loose bun. His soft brown eyes rested on her, dancing with humor, always reminding her of the chocolate he would sneak to her. A little taller than herself, the doctor was the messiest, kindest man she knew. “It’s time for you to leave the nest, little star.”

Her heart fluttered in her breast. “But I’ve only been O.O.T. for a year.” she replied, “There are older and more deserving volunteers who want this-”

“That simulation wasn’t just for show, or to test who could assess the situation before adapting. No. This was also a way to see if you knew when to use your… anomalies.” he informed, “And you succeeded where the rest failed.” he beamed at her proudly, clapping a hand on her shoulder before gesturing to a side door. “I would like to introduce you to a new friend.”

Silent, she allowed him to escort her to the other room. This one differed from the lab, but not by much. No tech filled the room, save for a monitor that displayed vitals and a profile. Her profile.

Turning away from it was a man, much taller than Mikhail. His golden blonde hair flashed in the artificial light, while it leeched some color from his tan and muscled arms. Many scars flecked what skin he bore, cutting into strange tattoos. Critically, his bright green eyes surveyed her, taking in everything her skin hugging training attire displayed.

“Andromeda, this is Captain Leo Saros of the Asteria. He and his crew will be taking you in, starting right now.” Mikhail wasn’t smiling when he addressed her.

“N-Now?!” she stammered, “Is this an order from the Director?”

Any softness that had been in Mikhail’s beautiful gaze, guttered. “No. In fact, no one knows about this save for the three of-”

“Five of us, actually. My sister and First know as well, for security reasons.” The captain added.

“Why the secrecy?” Andromeda had to ask, had to know.

There was a heavy graveness that morphed her doctor’s face. “I can’t tell you here. I’ve already said too much.” Pulling something from his pocket, he pressed it into her hands. “When you are safe, that will tell you everything. Till then, trust no one. Outside of the notified crew, it would be safer for you if no one else knows you are an Augment.”

The somber mood stifled any chance for her to joke. “Copy.” she nodded, “What about you?”

“Luck willing. I’ll be right behind you.”

Her back straightened as she hardened her gaze, “If you aren’t aboard the ship by the time I set foot on it, I will come back. I refuse to leave you.”

Panic cleaved through his darker emotions as he seized her arms, “You have to get out of here! Please! Trust me!”

Her heart ached at his words and the desperation swirling in his eyes. She could tell that he had no intention of joining her. He always did think of himself as replaceable. Ignoring what rule had been ingrained into her since her awakening, she stepped forward and slipped her arms around him. “You are the only one I can trust. Without you, this world seems so lonely.” she breathed into his lab coat.

He smelled of oranges and antiseptic, something she was so used to now. She could feel the tension he carried, melting away as he relaxed in her embrace. Pulling away, Mikhail wiped a tear away before clearing his throat. “Outside of this room, are a group of investors. The Director had a call to attend to, but should be joining soon. I need you to get past them before she does. Then, head to Docking Bay Thirteen C, okay? Agree to nothing. Sign nothing they offer. Touch no one. If they stop you, tell them I sent you to bed to rest. Your vitals spiking during the deployment of your anomaly caused me great concern.”

“Roger.” she sighed, anxiety tightening her chest before her eyes went to the other man.

Captain Saros’s purely male grin gave her pause. “You’ll need this to get aboard.” He was quick to toss something her way. Deftly, she snatched it from the air. “See you there… little star.”

Before she could snap at him, he was gone, slipping away through a side door.

Squaring her shoulders and straightening her back, she followed Mikhail, stuffing her new possessions in her sports bra.

The doors hissed open, revealing the room beyond. Aimed less towards science and more towards comfort, it was filled with plush couches and seats. A long table, laden with food and drink, sat in the back, waiting for hungry mouths. A group of impeccably dressed men and women stood about, socializing with one another.

The Investors. She mentally noted, moving forward.

Not giving them the chance to talk to her, she veered for the doors that would lead to both the Dorms and her escape. When they opened for her, her heart plummeted. “Director Zavira. A pleasure.” she had no choice but to greet.

“Subject Andromeda,” Her glacial tone made Andromeda’s blood freeze in her veins. There was no way she was going to sneak away now. “Leaving so soon? We were just celebrating your success. There are some people I would like to introduce you to.”

Swallowing thickly, Andromeda did her best to look tired, drained. “Dr. Orion sent me to my quarters for some rest. He was concerned about how my vitals responded to my earlier display.”

“And quite the display that was.” Director Zavira’s face remained impassive, unimpressed despite her words. “You’ve come a long way for being out of tank for only a year. Your augmentations are incredible, far more advanced than the others.” She started, guiding Andromeda to the hallway that lead to the Dorms.

“In that year, you exceeded my expectations. Every test we threw at you, you beat. Your ability to adapt to every situation both the scientists and the AI could come up with is astounding. You are an example of what we could achieve with a little scientific intervention.”

They stopped before the doors that lead to her quarters. “That is why this is difficult for me.” she sighed as they hissed open.

A cry of alarm burst from Andromeda as she took in the scene before her. There, in the center of her quarters, was a beaten Mikhail. Bruises and cuts decorated his person as a gun was held to the back of his head.

Andromeda’s hand flew to her sword. “None of that, dear. I wouldn’t want the officer to do anything else to the dear Dr. Orion.” The Director sauntered into the room. “He is under strict orders to execute the doctor at the first sign of lethal intent before I finish. Am I clear?”

The Director’s calm tone did little for Andromeda’s fury, other than feed it. “Crystal.” she snarled, lifting both hands.

The helmeted officer nodded at the surrender, yet still remained. Andromeda’s eyes never wavered from the firearm. She had only seen a few on the ark, weapons save for Light Blades were restricted.

With the intention of getting both herself and Mikhail out alive, she remained still, focused even as red pulsed on the edges of her vision faintly.

When did they have time to do this to him? She literally had just left the lab. It had to have happened right after. Which means that they were waiting, listening for her departure.

She knew.

The Director knew of Mikhail’s plans.

Their escape was impossible now.

“So, are we going to keep staring each other down, or are you going to fill me in? I’m dying to know why you would do this to one of your employees.” Andromeda couldn’t help the sharpness to her words, hurling them like well aimed knives.

The older woman sighed, folding her boney, pale hands together. “I have recently been informed that there is a mole inside this facility. They are aligned with a rebellious group that wants nothing to do with Augmentations and the future in them. In you. It wasn’t until tonight, however, that I suspected Dr. Orion.” she frowned, her eyes shifting to the doctor in question. “He should have been more careful with whom he trusted.”

“She doesn’t know anything about them!” Mikhail shouted, eyes wild.

“About who?” Andromeda asked.

His eyes flitted to her’s, softening immensely. “I just wanted her to live her life, the way she chooses to. She’s done what we asked of her and more. This isn’t what they volunteered for.” A heavy sigh made his head hang forward. “I’m the only lead, the only spy-”

BANG!

Something hot and wet splattered on her skin as her friend fell. What warmth and light had been in his eyes, dimmed until they were void of life entirely.

She could barely remember moving, let alone the screams that tore up her throat as she charged. It was when the blade of her sword, that she had no memory of drawing, was buried in the chest of the officer that she snapped back. Violet fields danced about her as rage flooded her veins.

“Killing an officer is a punishable offense.” The Director finally smiled, chilling Andromeda to the core.

Her trembling had nothing to do with Director Zavira’s grin and everything to do with her fury. “You will die for that!” she roared, pulling her blade free.

The power around her pulsed, growing more potent with her anger. The last things she remembered was the sound of metal screeching, the bright flash of an explosion, and the fear that flashed in the Director’s eyes.

With a gasp, she sat up. The blinding lights made what pounding headache she had, much worse. Blinking, she looked about, expecting the ark’s infirmary and a multitude of guards. None were to be found, though one observation had her on high alert.

These walls weren’t white.

A nearby hiss filled the air, making her hand flash to her empty sheath. “Son of a-” A feminine voice began.

Fueled by curiosity and the need for some answers, Andromeda slid off the bed and approached the source. Through the steam that gathered thickly, she was barely able to make out a female figure, aggressively scrambling for something. “I would think it would be a bit difficult to work with all this steam in the way.”

There was a hard bark of laughter, “As if I have any other option currently.” Her words were clipped, as if she was clenching her jaw tightly. Still, her voice was pleasant to listen to.

With a sigh, Andromeda looked about, searching for where the leak originated. There, on a pipe not far from the other woman, Andromeda located it. Lifting her hand, she created an orb of shifting violet fields of gravity to seal it off. With the source plugged, the mist began to clear, revealing the other woman present. She was far more attractive than Andromeda would have confessed. This other woman’s dark red hair was shaved, save for the longer section above, very unlike Andromeda’s thick mass of curling ivory. Her icy green eyes were much brighter than Andromeda’s own nearly black ones. While she was toned, no doubt from lifting heavy parts, her body was slim when compared to Andromeda’s own curvy, yet muscled frame. She found herself appreciating the way the other woman dressed. Only a cropped top, paired with dingy overalls graced her body. Many tattoos, now covered in grease and who knows what else, littered her arms, hands, torso, and neck.

Almost effortlessly, her gaze ensnared Andromeda immediately. “So,” She pulled a stained rag from her pocket, taking the time to wipe her hands. “It seems like our Sleeping Beauty finally woke up.” A lazy smile spread across her lips. “Did someone come to kiss you while I wasn’t looking?”

Andromeda frowned in her confusion, “I don’t understand how a kiss could help anything.”

“Ah, right.” Her expression became apologetic, “I forgot that the ASD doesn’t care about entertaining their people.” Taking a step forward, the woman held out a slightly less grease coated hand. The sharp scent of metal and sweat clung to her, filling Andromeda’s senses. “I’m Vega Saros, Head Engineer of the Asteria. But please, call me V, like everyone else does.”

Andromeda was a little too eager to take V’s hand, despite the grime that clung to it stubbornly. “I’m Subject Andromeda of the ASDA. Though, judging from your earlier reaction, you already knew that.”

“One of the few aboard.” V chuckled, her eyes piercing. “Andromeda, huh? Mind if I call you Andy? As lovely as that name is, short names are easier for comms.”

“Andy.” she tasted the nickname, savoring that someone cared enough to give her one, even if it was for necessity. “I like it.”

Reclaiming her hand, Andromeda was shocked that she held on for that long. “Oh!” V’s exclamation gathered her attention immediately. “You don’t have to do that.” She then gestured to the field that Andromeda still held over the leak.

“Please, let me help. Think of it as a pre-payment.”

The other woman’s eyebrows shot up, humor dancing in her eyes. “For what?”

Andromeda did her best to appear relaxed, though she was far from it. Not that V’s presence didn’t help, because it definitely did. No. It was the strange new atmosphere that hinted that she was no longer aboard the ark. “I have a lot of questions that need answered and you seem like the woman for the job.”

V chuckled, the sound dancing along Andromeda’s bones, making her pulse stutter. “Why me? My brother would be better suited-”

“I don’t trust the captain yet. What interaction I had with him was short, but he appraised me as everyone else. You, on the other hand, have treated me differently.”

It was that roguish smile on her lips that reminded Andromeda of a pleased feline she had once seen in a vid. “Wait until my brother hears this. A woman immune to his… charm. I never thought I would see the day.” she turned her attention back to the leak.

“Is that what he normally uses? You have better luck snagging interest than he could.”

A laugh, so genuine and hearty, left the woman, causing her to stop her work. “You, I like.” she gasped, pausing to wipe a tear carefully from her eye. “Well, you’ve worked hard enough for those answers, so go ahead and ask what you need to.”

“How did I get here?”

“We picked you up.” she grunted, taking a wrench to a bolt, “Honestly, we were hoping you would fill in some blanks.” Andromeda could see the concern the other woman was hiding. It tightened her fine features. “We found you floating through space. No suit, no barrier, other than those crazy purple lights.”

“I remember…” Andromeda felt her brow scrunching as she focused, “There was a loud bang and…” Memories flashed through her mind, awakening a familiar rage that had once flooded her veins, “Bloodlust. I wanted to kill someone.”

“You act like that isn’t normal. Everyone wants someone axed.” V said matter-of-factly.

Andromeda watched her work with veiled interest, schooling her face to remain impassive. “Not me. Well, I didn’t know what it was until-” Then, it all came crashing down on her. The bang. The cold smile. Empty eyes… “Where is the ark?! I can't be here! The Director will do anything to reclaim me!”

Her perfect Augment.

The gravity field around the pipe flickered as her emotions washed over her. Clenching her eyes shut, Andromeda tried to smother those brilliant, painful feelings.

A soft “Hey.” was all the warning Andromeda had before a hand found her shoulder. Her eyes flew open to see V, so close that her breath caught. “Breathe. It’s going to be okay.” She soothed, her words kind. “You’re with us now and we look after our own.”

“Where is the ark?” Andromeda repeated, desperate for an answer.

That empathy in V’s gaze shifted to pity, making Andromeda’s stomach drop and her body turn cold. “A few minutes after my brother made it back, we heard a loud groaning and then an alarm. We left the docking bay as a precaution, not wanting to go far in case you or Dr. Orion needed us. Then, the ark shuddered before a bright wave of purple swept through it, relentlessly tearing it apart. It was in the middle of the destruction that we found you.” Her voice broke. When she spoke again, her words were softer. “You… You looked like some ancient avenging angel. You were screaming, but we couldn’t hear it, but even I could see that your world had shattered.”

Andromeda shifted her gaze to the nearby window. From there, she could only see stars and the darkness that lay between. “I wish the explosion didn’t kill her.”

“Why?”

Then, she clenched her fist, that bloodlust pounding at her like a second heartbeat. “Director Zavira deserved a death much slower and more painful than what she got away with.”