A young delinquent soldier in a lonely facility ends up having a swarm of nanomachines injected into her, supposedly intent on keeping her bound to the place. When she discovers that it was actually a ploy to enable her escape, she fights through her superiors in an attempt to seize her own freedom.
This is a mirror of a pre-existing, on-going interactive comic, Last Trace.
Compared to the original posting, the Prelude has been revamped – leading to a jump in quality in comparison to Chapter 1 and Interlude 1.
Suggestions from its original run will be uploaded alongside the revamped pages of the Prelude, though due to changes made in the story revamp, suggestions may not line up with the story presented. Care has been taken to ensure that the progression of the story remains the same as the original run and it is not necessary to read every user suggestion in detail to gain an understanding of the storyline, but it has been provided so that readers can understand the context of certain choices.
As a brief warning - blood, gore, violence and harsh language are all present in this story, as is expected from the life of a super-soldier. Please take care of yourself!
You would think after the thirtieth time dragging me in here, she would know better than to try and lecture me. After this many reprimands and pointless talks, I'm surprised that this place still comforts me. The smell of sweat and fur reminds me of my first days after I was born.
"Do you know why you're here, Argine?"
Because I wasn't given the option to leave.
"What is it this time? Are you going to tell me how I'm meant to 'reform', or do you and all the others just want to keep me chained to this place forever?"
I would sucker-punch her, but knowing her reflexes, she'd just catch my arm mid-swing and break it again.
Behind those cold eyes of hers - I just know she's looking down on me. Just like everyone else.
"We've taken measures to ensure things will go smoothly. You'll find things rather self-explanatory soon enough."
A chill prickles my skin, like I'm standing on the roof of the facility at night. What the hell did she do this time? Or is this just some other bluff of hers, to trick me again?
I maintain my composure.
"What kind of measures?"
She doesn't smile. Is she even capable of smiling? It's like relaxation doesn't exist for her. Always standing, always alert.
I know it's just a flimsy shield, Judicium. You're not as stalwart as you think you are. And one day, I'll use it against you.
"A fragment from our past. Something to monitor you, to instruct you, until the time comes that you can leave; with our approval."
Lies. She's lying. I'll just find another way. They can't constantly keep track of me. I'll just break free again when they've got their guard down.
"You're doubting me, aren't you? No matter. Say hello, Argine – inside your head."
Like that's going to make a difference. What kind of experiment is it this time?
Voices. There are voices in my head. Who the hell are you people?
>Pat your head and rub your stomach. Orders from above.
Like I'll listen. I learned from that time a certain meathead told me to put a shotgun shell into a flare-gun.
A reprimand while someone digs shrapnel out of you is good at teaching lessons.
>We will be instructing you until either you are properly reformed, or for possibly the rest of your life.
The question is whether your definition of 'help' works for me. You're recording this, aren't you?
>We're here! But have no fear; just like you we like to play dirty, and we dislike authority. >We'll get along famously!
Hah. Tell that to your friends. If you can't all agree, then what's the point of trusting even a single one of you? I've got no reason to 'get along' with any of you.
>Are you actually anything worthwhile or did our ethically challenged creators just stick us in the nearest disposable mind?
I'm awesome! Badass! I've made my own damn guns, I've proven myself in combat simulations, I've developed a Parasignia, I've passed Device Training three times when they insisted I needed to do it again! But they all keep holding me back and I don't know why!
None of you sound anything like the authority figures around here. Or familiar at all. What even are you?
Judicium just stares at me, even as I'm trying to process the mess inside of my head.
It's unnerving, how she's so cold all the time, even now, when she's put something in my head that can read my mind.
"I see that you've realized the situation you're in, Argine. This way, we can make sure you won't be able to break into places where you shouldn't be."
"How... how the hell did you get something like this in me?"
"You didn't notice the subdermal injection when you sat down."
Damn it – I let my guard down!
"The 'something' in you is known as an SAI. A Splintered Artificial Intelligence that will monitor you and your actions in the facility, as well as automatically preventing access to specific facilities unless previously permitted. Consider today a bit of a test run, Argine. I don't need to say, or do anything more."
I grit my teeth. If she were smug about it, it would be better. Then at least the idea of vengeance would be sweeter. But she's cold. Nothing more than chunks of ice in her veins. Can't even get a rise out of her.
"See yourself out, Argine. There's plenty to think about. Worry not – it isn't like the SAI is mind-controlling you. You're welcome to ignore their suggestions… but there is no guarantee that things will go well."
With that, she just stands up and strolls off – that weird scarf of hers billowing behind her, animated like there's a breeze, but the air is dead.
I swear, I'll get her back for this.
Stealing that scarf would be a start.
And no, I don't care that you can hear.
It's my head, and I'm not going to take orders from you.
What I am going to do is to get more information on the likes of you. Find some way to get rid of you.
There's only two people who can help me with that - Diagram and Nanoweaver.
I've got no intention of listening to your orders. I've been smothered enough already.
If your intention is to keep me here, I'm not going to give you an easier time just because you can hear what I'm thinking.
For those of you who are with me - or are pretending to be - I've got no obligation to listen. For all I know, they could be looking for more reasons to keep me trapped here.
Still gotta think about who I want to visit first. Don't interrupt.
Option one: Diagram.
Diagram's a weird case. A friend, and part of the Research and Development team. When it comes to weird tech... I don't think there's anyone else I'd ask. Dunno why she's still hanging around here though - everyone else has left for one reason or another. But, she's still here. Guess it's better having another ally though.
Option two: Nanoweaver.
Whatever's in me right now... I don't know much about biotech, but an SAI sounds real bloody complex. If I'm going to get this thing out of me, I'm going to have to see Nanoweaver first. She's cared for me this long - even if she's one of the... leaders of this place, she wouldn't turn me down, would she? After all, I'm her creation!
...I can hear you mumbling, in the back of my skull. Even when I'm tuning you out, it's like a static fuzz in my brain.
>Diagram!
>Nanoweaver!
>Diagram!
>Go See Diagram!
>Nanoweaver's more interesting!
>Pick the one who'll be more open with you! Diagram!
Agh, fine! FINE! I'll go see Diagram, just stop talking over each other! It's so bloody loud, even if you're not making my ears ring, I can't even hear myself think!
Do you people ever shut up? Look, just... I'll respond to some of what you're saying, because if you're just going to all shout in my head, I'm never going to get anything done.
>What's this? What's that?
Considering you live in my head, you sure don't know anything about this place. Aren't you idiots meant to be lecturing me, not asking me about every bloody thing?
>How exactly did you pass Device Training? How WELL did you pass?
I don't know what kinda lies they've been feeding you, but I'm no cheater. I earned each one of my victories.
Throwing the grenade after pulling the pin's easy. Fixing dozens of gadgets in a set time limit, under pressure from enemy fire, then using them against your foes - now THAT'S the kind of genius I am.
I passed all three difficulties. Makes me one of the best.
Not that it got me any respect.
>What are Parasignias?
Here's a question for you. What was the worst moment in your life? What was the best?
A Parasignia is a badge of honor.
It's a mark on your mind, pushed into reality. Can you imagine being held back, even after one of your greatest successes? The feeling lingers in you. It crystalizes.
That's a Parasignia.
>There is a possibility you are being kept here because you show a very high level of talent, and they want to mold you into an elite soldier. One that will follow orders.
Screw that. I know I'm good, I don't need some shiny title to keep me in line. If they wanted to call me an elite, they'd just give it to me like they did for my sister.
>Polo, Charlemagne, Zack
I don't know these people, they don't sound like any of the war heroes I've ever heard of.
>How about instead of sabotaging this strange arrangement we just fulfill Judicium's demands and trust she will be true to her word?
Hah. You call that a plan? I call it being a damn tool.
It would be easier to follow instructions if she actually gave me any. I don't really know what love is, it's such a weird concept. But I don't think it involves broken limbs and lost teeth.
Either way – once I figure out more about you, I'm going to make her regret it. Even if she's listening in on this right now.
I arrive at Diagram's door and immediately, I'm given a reminder of just how weird she is.
Ba-dum thump. Ba-dum thump. Ba-dum thump.
The rhythm continues in my head, against my will. It intensifies for a moment as she creaks open the door, then fades off as she realizes who I am.
"A-Argine? You don't look too happy… you don't feel happy either."
She gives off a nervous laugh.
Unlike most of the people here, she's physically frail, has poor vision, and is about as brave as a wall-pest. But, she has psychic powers.
Imagine the sound of a marching drum in your head. That's what it feels like being around Diagram whenever she's worked up. You feel what she's feeling, against your will…and hers.
"You don't have your implant on, Diagram. Were you expecting me?"
She freezes up, like someone was pointing a gun at her.
Even though she's learned how to use a weapon - she certainly doesn't have the composure of a soldier. "I ah, just left it off. You know, it's more comfortable that way, plus I wasn't expecting anyone…"
From the way she's standing in the doorway, she's clearly trying to hide something.
She never hides things from me like this. What the hell is going on today?
I stand outside the door, glaring at her for a moment. She doesn't budge, nor does she speak up.
Screw it. I'm not in the mood for asking when I've got dozens of voices implanted into my head.
Be quiet until I figure out what the hell you things even are.
"You know what I'm here for, Diagram. I'm coming in."
"Ah, wait-!"
I push past her into her room, and park myself on the side of her bed. The whole place smells of oil, soldering and dashed expectations.
Besides what appeared to be a couple of gun parts lying around her work-bench, there doesn't seem to be anything significantly out of place. She tosses a couple of nervous glances at the desk, but quickly settles her gaze back onto me after closing the door behind her.
"Diagram. I know we've been... friends for a while now. But if you helped the Sector Bosses..."
I pause, letting my gaze strike her.
Diagram looks taken aback, but the emotions I'm sensing from her don't change. Still a generalised ball of anxiety, she is. But she didn't turn on her implant, even after I reminded her about it.
"Argine…"
She coughs.
"Yes, I did help."
I stand up, and her anxiety flares for a moment.
"BUT, but! I made it so that they don't work like the higher ups think they do!"
"Explain."
I cross my arms, glaring at her.
"Argine, the fact is that your past escape attempts haven't worked. I don't want to sound mean, but was that one idea you had where you rigged up explosives to the walls really a good plan? I mean, you just ended up blowing yourself up and back into Nanoweaver's office. Or that time you tried to use the beam modules as rocket shoes and-"
I lean forwards, waving a hand dismissively.
"I'm not looking for a lecture right now Diagram. There's hundreds of things in my head buzzing around and making a mess."
Diagram shakes her head, touching the bridge of her snout.
"Nobody's listening except for us, Argine. The higher ups can't actually watch over you using the SAI, or see your thoughts."
"What? Then what the hell was with Judicium going on about that?"
She pauses.
"Oh. I lied."
"And she believed you? She knows we're friends!"
She taps her fingers together, giving a hesitant smile.
"Well, I did convince a certain someone to lend me her support… Nana Weaver's got a soft spot for us two, it seems. She persuaded Judicium to go through with things, even in spite of the questionable legitimacy of my claims."
Soft spot for Diagram, more like. I guess she has a soft spot for me, too, considering she made me. Makes me wonder why she doesn't care more for my sister.
"I figured she'd expect me to lie, but I misled her on which part I lied about. So she thinks that I'm intentionally handicapping you with an AI that'll constantly get on your case whenever you get 'stupid ideas."
So you guys are just buzzkill after all.
"But there's something else," she says.
"What?"
"Hold still for a moment."
A brief, stinging sensation.
Did she just-
Diagram's staring at me with a quiet intensity – the kind I don't usually see from such a meek girl.
H-hey! Just because I don't like being shot as much as you do, doesn't mean I'm meek, Argine!
What?
"Why are you in my head? You don't have telepathy! I don't need more people hanging around in my skull!"
She responds mentally, like she's beaming her thoughts straight into my head. And unlike the smothering discomfort of her emotional radiation, the words are clear and crisp – ringing shots in the hail of words.
Sorry for the sudden contact, Argine! I wasn't sure if the SAI would be able to link up to me or not, but this was a little unexpected. They're just so… chatty. So, if I'm not too far away from you, I can talk to you through the SAI. It translates my thoughts into something you can hear, too.
Great, even less privacy than before.
Diagram lets go of my face, stepping back.
"I won't be able to hear your thoughts unless you specifically want me to, Argine. The SAI routes it to me, making physical contact was just to set up the first link. However, I can still send you messages if I need to... or at least, I hope so!"
She closes her eyes, concentrating. Once again, her voice pops up in my head.
The SAI aren't people, Argine. They're artificial splinters of individuals the program records, using their experiences and personality as a basis for giving strategic advice. Once, they might have been used for keeping records, but they're something more now. I simply re-activated a component that the higher-ups weren't aware of.
A small smile crosses her face, as locks eyes with me again.
"You now have much of Site 70's knowledge in you, Argine. Although they may be eccentric, with their help, you'll be able to fight better than you've ever before with their advice."
Hah. Can I really trust all of you on her word alone?
Still. What the hell was Diagram thinking? She didn't tell me any of this before!
"Why didn't you tell me about this, Diagram? Was that why you left your implant on?
"Ah… I left my suppressor off so that I could hear the SAI. I could, but you couldn't hear me until I touched you."
>What drove you to try and escape previously?
Well, let's say that forcing your way out isn't the standard. When you're left with no other option though, it kinda makes itself known as an option.
"Diagram, the SAI keep asking questions. For a creation that's meant to be like a group of strategic advisors in my head, they know nothing about this place. And if you didn't hear already, they keep calling you 'Mom'."
Diagram tilts her head. Wasn't she the one who worked with you guys in the first place?
"I'm not really your mom or creator… all I did was fix the bunch of you up so that you could all function again. But I didn't get a chance to look through your pre-existing data in-depth. Maybe the memory files from the past were corrupted due to disuse? That would be a bit of a problem…"
Great. So the strategic advisors I have in my head are dumbasses who've no idea what's going on at all.
"Doesn't that mean I'm screwed?"
Diagram shakes her head and walks off to a corner of her room, where she's got a little bookshelf. She pulls out one of the books, walking back over.
"It's kind of like what happens in one of my storybooks – a brave protagonist is led to victory by the voices of her ancestors. Even if they don't know everything, having someone by your side, giving advice... it's more likely that you'll win. You can trust their responses once you're actually up against what this facility has to offer.
I just… wasn't expecting some of their thoughts to be so brazen. You were all making so many strange assumptions about me… "
Her attention drifts and I catch a few thoughts. I'm doubtful that her mind link's going to be long lasting if at this distance, I'm already getting a spotty connection.
But it doesn't make sense for a splinter to decay while the SAI is in storage... what could have caused it?
She perks right up after the question passes.
"Either way! To answer some of you guys' questions: all of the men in the facility have long since left. We're operating on a skeleton crew right now. And just because we're spliced together doesn't mean that we don't have… normal biological needs… food, for one! Though, I'm not experienced with the underlying reasoning behind our nature as hybrids, that's Nanoweaver's domain."
Diagram clears her throat, tapping her left glasses lens.
"Argine, it's worth mentioning that there's also the possibility they'll regain knowledge as they continue to see the facility. The SAI is highly neurological in nature, so I wouldn't be surprised if they did end up recovering data later. You'll be able to learn about this place just from being with Argine, I'm sure of it. What doesn't have an answer now most likely will make itself clear as you interact with more people. "
>All the information I have was gathered since activation, and Argine is really bad at explaining. I still not sure if her graduation was delayed or if she is a prisoner.
"Don't blame me. You try telling things to voices in your head that know absolutely nothing about basic concepts. I don't even know some of the things you're asking about!"
Diagram pats my shoulder. Great, pity.
"Sometimes people don't want to tell you everything. I'm sure Argine here would be better off if the higher ups informed her of what she could be doing besides 'obeying orders', but information is power. I've done my part to try and ease things for her, when I can."
Like I haven't busted your ass out of bad situations either, Diagram!
She twirls a finger in the air, changing the topic.
"I believe in Argine's capability as an individual – she's one of the best that this place has produced, if you ask me!. But please don't be too mean to her! She's just really good at experimenting! And she was six months old when the flaregun incident happened, she can't be blamed for that one too much. It has the word "gun" in it and Argine thought that-"
I raise a hand, shushing her.
"How about we don't entertain the splinters that doubt my capability and get some further details? They're riding around in my head – give 'em the explanations."
Diagram blinks, before straightening her posture.
"Right! Because of your collective loss of knowledge, I'll provide some cursory details. Argine, feel free to chime in, because we shouldn't waste too much time. I'd recommend you go see Nanoweaver next after we're done, because she has the other part of the plan."
Ugh. More lectures. If this'll help me get out of this place, I'd listen to a hundred. Just as long as it wasn't Judicium or any of the other hags. Their lectures on 'proper strategy' and 'discipline' could go till the end of time.
>What is the purpose of this place?
"It's a facility meant to make super soldiers, at least by one sense of the term! We have the finest in military and genetic engineering technology, though we never got deployed anywhere. The higher ups said that things have changed, so gradually, people have been leaving to the wider universe to find their callings elsewhere. I hear things are quite interesting in the outside world!"
Not like I've seen any of it myself. But that's the goal.
"There's nothing to do here! Leaving would be far more interesting. We're on a goddamn island in the middle of nowhere, with absolutely nothing but ocean stretching off forever."
>How did Argine get here?
"That's an easy one. She was born here, like me!"
"Even though you're older than I am, you certainly don't act like it, Diagram."
Diagram's been around for much longer than I have. It's like everyone knows her, even though she doesn't feel any older than me.
>Why can't she leave?
I glower.
"It ain't like I can just walk out the door, as that they seem to be intent on gluing my feet to the ground as long as physically possible, just to frustrate me into submission. They demand more and more from me, and I'm tired of giving them what they want."
"My personal theory is that it's because of the circumstances of Argine's birth."
She's talkin' about how I'm a clone made by another clone, Nanoweaver. She oversaw the very last generation of clones this facility ever made.
"I don't really know all that much about it, since Nanoweaver was in charge at the time, but apparently Argine was born a little different to everyone else here. A lot of people seem to single out Argine for that fact, but I don't feel like she's all too different, outside of a tendency to try out-of-the-box strategies."
...Yeah, let's change the topic.
>What are the pros and cons of cooperating?
Diagram shrugs. "I wouldn't know – the Sector Bosses – our higher ups, have been putting Argine through a lot of different tests for six months now. While cooperating isn't necessarily harmful, the number of people left in the facility are dwindling. Personally, I think they'll let her go eventually. And that's what they've said before."
Like that'll ever happen. Imagine me getting my hopes up. That's when they'll leave me and they lock the door behind 'em on the way out.
"The question's when 'eventually' is. I'd rather make my own way out of here than follow their commands any longer. I'm already basically a prisoner, even if I'm meant to be a damn soldier!"
>She doesn't even believe in your totally feasible, completely magical-thinking-free escape plans!
I've tried a whole dozen times. But this time, I'll make sure that I won't be caged again.
The bed I'm sitting on's getting uncomfortable. It's nothing like the fancy one's they've got in the old dorms. How does Diagram sleep on this again?
"I don't know why they're so damn insistent on keeping me here, but I'm not going to sit here and find out. The outside world sounds so big, but I know so little about it because few people bother coming back!"
I cast a glance towards Diagram, who's still awkwardly standing around.
"What about you, Diagram?"
>Will you be joining us?
Diagram clasps her hands together again, pausing. She doesn't quite meet my gaze.
"I'm not sure. There's a lot of things I still want to sort out here first, and I'm on better terms with the Sector Bosses than she is."
I've asked her to come along with me before. But it's like there's something anchoring her to this place – she always gives a half-hearted answer, staring down at her shoes and waiting for the conversation to move on. If I wasn't so intent on figuring a way out, I'd pry more.
I can't wait here forever. She mentioned a plan.
"So what's the plan that you and Nanoweaver cooked up?"
Diagram grins.
"We're going to invoke tournament rules on the sector bosses."
Oh.
Oh that is absolutely perfect!
"You brilliant, brilliant blue bastard! Did you and Nanoweaver seriously get Judicium and the rest of the higher ups to agree to a tournament setup?"
I remember my previous tournament fondly – I didn't even have my Parasignia at the time, and I still kicked ass! Beat some people who had 'em. Even if I'm going to be facing the sector bosses in one-on-one combat, this is so much better than day after day, week after week of being 'obedient'.
...Plenty of memories, that tournament. Good and bad.
Hah. You guys are missing out. You ever see the pinnacle of genetic engineering, two soldiers who're at the top of their field, fighting it out in the arena to prove who's the best of the best?
Because that's what a tournament is. Everyone here bloody loves it. I don't think I've felt as alive as I have been, fighting it out. And those arrogant bitches on the council of twigs? They were never going to turn down an opportunity to 'show me who's boss'. I've always wondered who would win in a fight - but I could never persuade them to join something like this!
"We did… but, it's against all of the sector bosses. All of them. And your sister. Are you sure you'll-"
"Yes!", I snap. "Of course I'll be fine. I have a Parasignia now. It doesn't matter what she has, I'll be able to come out on top this time!"
Plus, I've got you splinters hanging around in my head.
Diagram looks worried.
"Argine... the others all have Parasignias too, wouldn't they? Abilities that won't be easily dealt with."
Pssh. I'll figure a way out. I'm riding high right now! A tournament... damn, a tournament! One held for me, basically. And it's one I'm going to win.
"You said that Nanoweaver's got further details?"
She nods. "I was mostly in charge of getting the SAI ready, Argine. But, if everything works out, you should be ready by tonight."
"Then, I'm gonna go ask her."
Diagram nods as I stand up and leave.
I close the door behind me, a spring in my step.
You know, at first, I wasn't sure that things were going to work out. For the first damn time in months, it feels like I'm actually going to get out of here! As for the tournament rules… just gotta beat up each of them in turn, right? Simple. It's simple.
And I've got the drive to see it through.
Walking through the hallways of the facility leaves me feeling different, knowing that now – more than ever, I have a very real chance of succeeding. If all goes well - this'll be the LAST I ever have to see of these walls.
I make my way over to Nanoweaver's, but as I approach, I hear a clamour going on inside.
"…supporting her? ….unnecessary risk…"
Someone's shouting, and it isn't Nanoweaver. The metal sliding door muffles the sound, but as I slide up to it, I can make it out clearer.
"Would you rather that she actually blow herself up in another escape attempt? I'd be tired too if I had to listen to orders all day and all night without so much as a justification."
Ah, Nanoweaver. Always the voice of reason.
The other person in the room scoffs.
"I could only hope so. Saves us all the effort of trying! I don't know why you and the others think treating her as anything more than the waste of genetic material she is will result in anything besides disaster. Her sister has everything worthwhile that could have resulted from that batch anyway."
Ugh. I step away from the door, grinding my teeth. Not sure if I can tolerate listening to more praise of 'sister dearest'.
Feh. It's not exactly like barging into a friend's room this time. I could waltz in without a care in the world to show how little I care about that opinion. Or, I could hide somewhere nearby if I don't want whoever's in there to see me. There's also just waiting politely at the door, like a chump. Of course, I could just keep listening to see what the other person says and risk looking a fool when the door opens.
>Could you describe what your sister looks like? In detail please.
She's the worst. One could say that we're similar, but they'd be too busy overlooking how great I am in comparison to her. Just because she's bigger than me and actually listens to orders. The Sector Bosses love her. I can't stand being around her. You can easily tell we're from the same gene set, as she's got all the same traits as me… just bigger. And probably still wearing her prize from the previous tournament, like an ass.
>What make you guys better than cloned Tozols?
Never heard of 'em. You getting Sarasols mixed up? I guess you've got some knowledge of this place, even if it's a little corrupted.
Compared to one of the normal people, the ones who are only one of the five species - well, we've got much faster natural healing, sturdiness, stamina... really, we're all doing pretty great. Unless you're one of the freaks from the middle generations when they were playing god and smushing our genes together with animals.
I continue to listen in on the conversation. Thank Nanoweaver that I ended up with four ears.
"But you know what she's like! A problem! A tournament setup is tantamount to just letting her go free!"
Someone's afraid, heh.
"Rare for you to doubt your own capability, Ozone. I'd thought that you of all people would be sure that you'd be able to defeat someone you have such a low opinion on?"
There's a brief pause, and a sigh.
"It's not that. I'm sure that under normal circumstances, any of us could beat that brat, but this is different. Things have changed – we've only had one tournament since that day, and those two performed far, far better than they should have. And don't make me remind you of the outcome of that tournament."
...
Nanoweaver speaks something in reply – but it's faint. I can't make anything out-
There's a crash. A fist slamming against a tabletop?
"You'll regret enabling her soon, Nanoweaver. Just watch as she destroys everything that we care about."
I hear footsteps approach and I step back, pretending like I've just arrived.
Out steps someone familiar – Commander Ozone, Sector Boss of the Armoured Cavalry Division of the facility. Compared to Judicium, she doesn't bother concealing any contempt for me, and vice versa.
"Hear something interesting, trash?"
Of course, the fact that she's shorter than I am makes it much harder to take her seriously.
"I just arrived, Commander. Don't you have some duties to attend to? I'm sure that someone of your stature has plenty to look over. Or under."
She spits, close to my boots.
"Tch. I don't have more time to waste on you."
She turns and leaves, letting me enter Nanoweaver's office freely.
I'm surrounded by the smell of antiseptic as I enter the medic's office. It might as well be my home away from home, with how many times I ended up here in my younger months.
Nanoweaver's where she usually is – preparing bandages next to the sink, the sound of running water a background ambience to her calm voice.
"Oh! Argine, good to see you! You're looking well – I was afraid you had gotten yourself injured again."
Her voice is… soothing to me. She was the person who created me, and I feel I owe her a lot for that.
"Yeah… good to see you too, Doc-"
I stop.
Someone's on the medical bed.
"Hello, Argine," she says with that flutey voice of hers. "Are you prolonging your own demise too?"
"What're you doing here, Nickel?"
Nickel. Sector Boss of the Covert Ops Division. She got her name from shooting through a coin on the other side of the firing range. An utter wildcard, and a little too pre-occupied with the concept of death. Not exactly one who's with the rest of the Bosses in goals, but...
She waves a bandaged arm around without so much as a wince.
"Hurt myself sparring."
That is not what I'd call a sparring injury. But given her fighting partner of choice, it's not unexpected.
With her here, there's a problem. Nickel's a bit of a mystery. She's a firm believer to her own cause, but that 'cause' doesn't necessarily align with the rest of the sector bosses.
I could just discuss the plan with Nanoweaver and ignore her, but I'm not sure what weirdoes like her would do. She wouldn't really sell us out – if Ozone knows about the tournament, everyone would. And given the state she's in – while our regeneration works fast, it's not instant. If she broke an arm, she'll be in here a while. I could just go and come back later, as I have a rough idea of what needs to be done before things start officially. But I'd be doing one of the objectives without Nanoweaver's advice, or warnings.
>Hug Nickel into submission
You trying to get me killed? She's absurdly fast with a knife. She'd jam a concealed blade between my eyes in a moment. Besides, I don't need to give a hug of death to someone with a broken arm.
>Does nickel have multiple bodies or just one? Asking because she heavily resembles a species that is known to have 1 mind but dozens and and some cases hundreds of bodies.
What are you going on about? I guess some soldiers specialise in drones and machinery, but Nickel's not really that kind of person. The idea of machines being as strong as we are is a little laughable though.
>...Could we get even the barest of specifics for what 'Cause' means? Same with 'fighting partner of choice'. Look Argine, you're our eyes and ears out here, if there's context that's needed you need to supply it.
Alright, fine.
It's hard explaining what goes through her tiny head – she's basically a zealot, fighting for some kind of ideal that she doesn't really elaborate on to anyone except her partner. She's got a fascination with death even though I've never seen anyone die when I was around, not recently. I've been shot multiple times and I got by just fine with some medical attention and bed-rest.
Nanoweaver told me that wasn't the case a long time ago, but never really elaborated on why. Maybe Nickel just finds the concept interesting.
Her partner's a freak. Astrolysis, the only person in the facility who'd bring her fists to a gunfight. There's a common joke that Nickel took all of her eyes. The two of them ended up as partners because Nickel won in a knife duel against her.
But I'm sure she's having fun terrorizing people smaller than her right now, whoever's left.
>Is that a fucking Scut??? Or like... a Scut Hybrid? Where's the rest of her?
I actually have no clue what species Nickel inherited her traits from at all. You guys are talking like there's hundreds of Nickel, but, all her generation's long gone. And they're all technically individuals, even if they stick in pairs normally.
She and Astrolysis are from the same batch, so they're both massive weirdoes, but Astrolysis is a different flavour.
When they're not behind a scope, Nickel's tri-eyes really stare daggers into you. I don't like making eye contact with her for long, so I shuffle over to Nanoweaver.
"Nanoweaver, Diagram told me that you had some info to tell me. About the tournament…? And the other thing, the SAI. Was there any errands you need me to run for that?"
Nickel's eyes narrow at the mention of the SAI. Nanoweaver quickly flicks her gaze towards her, then back towards me. Probably not the best to discuss anything sensitive when there's competition in the area.
She places a box of bandages next to the sink, passing me a folded piece of paper fished up from her uniform's front pouch. The backside of the paper seems to be covered in writing.
"Actually, I do have some errands for you. I've marked them here on the map, but feel free to come back once you have some of what I need. Do be careful, Argine."
"I'm not a child. You don't need to remind me."
Nanoweaver chuckled, a sound that's muffled by her mask.
"Alright, alright. We'll reminisce once you're back."
She shoos me out, and I'm left to my own devices. I unfurl the paper – revealing a map.
Crafty. Nanoweaver already prepared a list of information in such a short amount of time?
It's a map of the facility, with instructions pertaining to the locations of specific items. Though, it's an outdated copy – only showing where the sectors are roughly situated. The actual floorplans aren't distributed around often, for confidentiality reasons.
Lemme see here…
"Argine, the SAI's nature as splinters of recorded individuals means that they will be able to break through encryption locks together, through imitation of Sector Boss identity checks."
They had to specifically bar me from the sectors I'm not allowed in, after all. But if you guys have the ability to spoof encryptions, then... "You won't be able to get to the Weave Nexus with the SAI alone, however. The other Sector Bosses installed alarms throughout Exotic Materials Research that'll cause the SAI to give you an electrical shock, rendering you unconscious. They've also barred the other pathways that led to the Nexus, in a simulation of external attack. It was one of the caveats I had to support for the SAI idea to go through, I'm afraid."
There goes the easy way out. Getting an electric shock from INSIDE my body sounds like one of the most painful things I could imagine. I'm not risking it.
"Judicium believes that the SAI is preventing you from entering other sectors. This is only partially true – it only prevents you from leaving through Exotic Materials, I imagine she will be livid on discovering this. She expects you to be taking on the Sector Bosses with little more but standard-issue gear. Show her otherwise."
Heh. Nice.
Looks like it's planning time. My options really open up now that I know you're not just dead weight, but if I'm to win, I'm going to need to get my gear back. Nanoweaver's already provided the locations of the main objectives on the map itself.
So! How's about I actually give you a choice this time? For not being as much of a snitch as you could've been.
1. Get my handguns back.
I can't expect to fight the sector bosses without my custom gear, right? But Judicium had confiscated my guns in a previous escape attempt. Lousy tripwires… why do we even have that many nets?
They're currently locked up in the firing grounds – ironic place to hide them, but they should be somewhere near Judicium's office, close to where she shoved you guys into me. I can break into the area with your help and get my girls back.
2. Get a set of basic Devices.
Devices are my specialty, but I don't get my hands on the more exotic ones unless I'm in a training drill. They keep those under lock and key, but a basic set of gadgets can go a long way… especially considering my capabilities. More on that once I actually get the basic tri-set though – A Beam Unit, a set of Explosive Discs and a Barrier Generator. This should be located in a section of Security and Armoury – I doubt it's a good idea to try and scavenge for more, because the Sector Bosses may interpret it as me starting the tournament earlier than expected. But if I'm careful, I can retrieve the basic ones they've got lying around.
3. Acquire Gene Trace Vial
…I don't know why she wants this one. They're supposed to be useless now, outside of memorabilia. After all, when the facility made me, they obviously peaked. They just can't do any better! But I guess paying the Genetics Division a visit can be nostalgic. I was born there after all.
I'll add a couple of my own objectives that can be completed on the side. If I'm planning to leave here for real, then there are some things I should get sorted before then as well.
Bonus Objectives:
1. Steal Judicium's Scarf
As a final gun-up-the-ass for my unfortunate teacher, I'd like to steal the scarf she has on as a little memento of this awful place. Though, she'd definitely be pissed when she finds out it's missing. If I go through with this, she'll definitely change her approach once I actually fight her. Up to you guys if you want to go through that or not – I could always just steal it later after I asset my superiority over her.
2. Find a .50 calibre round as an offering for the Hall of Heroes
This is more of a personal thing, but I want to make an offering to a soldier I've always admired before I leave. If we find a decent enough bullet lying around, I can leave it as an offering, for a little blessing. Though, I'll probably only go to the Hall of Heroes once everything else is completed.
I'll go to the Genetics Division first, to retrieve the vial. It's probably a good plan to get all of the low-profile objectives done first. Having my guns on me would be nice, but they'd try and saddle me with the worst gear possible, knowing how Ozone sees me. If I go and raise an alarm early, then I won't be able to get my other tasks done.
Getting to the Genetics Division is pretty simple, given how close it is to the Med Ward. But I'll be taking the route through the main hall and not through the Firing Range.
I don't think the Sector Bosses would let me just waltz in and out of the places we'll be fighting any more, let alone with my gear on me.
All I've got now's the coat on my back - which'll stop a bullet or two, but it ain't firing any back.
With a quick push on the door, one thing's obvious: It's bloody locked. Who the hell locks the door to an unused facility? Nobody comes here unless they're reminiscing.
Bleh. Let's see if you lot can do anything about this. You can hack things, right? I'm not good with computers like this, but... maybe it's locked based off of specific Sector Bosses' authorities.
...Well, let's give this a try.
I place my hand against the electronic lock – feeling a little spark jump from my fingertips. I guess physical contact with things is still necessary, given that you're all holed up in my veins right now.
>Nanoweaver
Nope. I guess it wouldn't make sense if she locked it, given that she wanted me to get something for her. >Ozone
No good on this one either. >Judicium
None of these are working.
>Nickel or Astrolysis
Hmmm. Another fail. It wasn't any of the people you've met before…
Before I'm able to have you guys try another, something rattles from behind the door.
"I was not expecting any visitors," a voice calls out from the other side.
It doesn't sound familiar.
"I need to get something from inside. Is that alright?"
A pause.
"No rest for the wicked. You may come in."
There's a click, and the light turns green.
I step inside, closing the door behind me. The whole place smells like dust, and little else. Few people are sentimental enough to bother showing up to this place. Now, it's no more than row after row of empty chambers.
The dust stirs as I walk past, dancing under the lights.
It's not as nostalgic as I would have liked, seeing this place in disuse. It's like I'm surrounded by all of the possible soldiers that could have been born, just like me.
I was the last. They said that I should be happy, because I could live any life I wanted.
Like that ever happened. Even before the Nexus was finished, it wasn't like I could say I wanted to leave. There wasn't anything else someone like me could do, and I enjoyed it; the training. But they always looked down on me, and I never understood why.
Always talked about something I didn't do. Reasons that never felt fair.
The person who locked the door is standing at the other end of the room, though it's hard to make her out in this light.
I get closer.
Mnemosyne. The first Sector Boss to ever be elected, known as the 'Greatest Soldier' in the facility. She doesn't talk much, which was why I didn't recognise her voice. She was here from the start.
Even as I approach, her head is still pointed towards the cradle. I remember admiring her when I was a cadet – and now, she's an opponent.
They talked about her disappearing every so often. She's a loner.
Kind of like me.
"How long has it been?"
I frown. "How long since what?"
She doesn't respond, instead staring into the stains trailing down the side of the glass.
"Your birth."
They had said she was one of the most inspiring soldiers when you saw her in action. But this? This feels… wrong.
"Three years, sir."
My sister was born at the same time – both of us, the final batch. Why did she receive all of the acclaim, all of the strength? There was something I didn't have, but something that people didn't explain to me. Whenever I asked, they looked away from me, said that I wouldn't get it.
Mnemosyne doesn't move from her spot, as I watch her breathe in and out.
"I see. Three years since the last Generation…"
She trails off.
Is… is she just going to continue standing there? I'm not sure I want to start looking for the vials while she's occupied. But I don't have to get myself involved when she's going to be one of my opponents. Part of me is curious, though. She's seen as a hero by most of the facility. Hell, I'm not sure how I'd stack up against her.
I could ask her something while she's still around.
>Tail sonar
Somehow, I don't feel like Sarasols have that kind of ability. I thought their tails were more like whiskers – it lets them sense things, sure. But sonar? Nobody's going to have that in their tails.
>You have to have been part of it
Well, that's the thing. None of the people in this facility have ever fought in a war. Not even Mnemosyne. It wouldn't explain why my sister gets all of the preferential treatment, either. Why put me through the training at all if I wasn't meant to be a soldier, a fighter?
I look around the Cradles, to try and find where the vials are stored. This place makes my skin crawl. Before, it was a place of warmth, birth. I can still remember floating around in my own Cradle, until I was thrust out into the cold air. Only cold shells left in this place.
"Why are you here… sir? This area usually isn't off-limits."
She turns to face me. I stop, feeling her eyes drill into me.
"I was reminiscing, privately. I had not expected someone else would need to come in. I'll take my leave – there are preparations to make."
I point to her reflection in the glass.
"Was that your Cradle?"
She presses her hand up to it.
"Yes. Which was yours?"
I pause.
"The one you're touching."
It isn't uncommon for people to be born from the same Cradle as a predecessor, but...
I wonder if Nanoweaver picked Mnemosyne's on purpose? The irony of it makes my lips curl.
My sister came from the one next to mine – the last two Trace Clones that will ever be made.
I maintain my distance. Getting close to someone like her's like putting your face into a cannon.
"Can I ask you something? Why have I been held back, over and over? I'm just as capable as many other people in this place."
Mnemosyne tenses up – her fist clenching, and unclenching. She exhales, speaking in her usual, unflinching voice.
"Confirmation. This will be the final test. You have a lot of potential, Argine. Make sure that you turn it towards the right places."
Finally, she departs, leaving me in this lonesome place. There's a faint mark on the glass, where she had placed her hand.
I'm not quite sure what to make of that, but I turn my attention to the Cradle in front of me.
>Generation gap
It's a bit on the long side – I haven't heard too much on the topic, but Nanoweaver says that me and my sister were the only soldiers made in the last three years. In the past, they would make soldiers constantly, but as supplies dwindled… well, they simply stopped.
I was born because of Nanoweaver. She had the idea of using the remainder of the Gene traces they had to make me and my sister, as a send-off to the whole cloning program that this facility started. There was a lot of pushback from the other Sector Bosses for some reason – after all, there was no war to fight. Everyone of importance had left when the Nexus first started operations.
I squat down, next to the Cradle.
Alright… here we go. I pry loose one of the panels at the base, revealing the inner workings of the machine. There are two vials this time – for both of the trace types. The Gene Trace and the 'Skill Trace', the one that grants us clones with knowledge of things like strategy and weapons handling.
Second one's got a different label though.
The Gene Trace vial pops out easy enough, but that leaves the question of what's next in my plan.
I don't think going back to Nanoweaver's this early is going to do much, so I should probably accomplish the other two objectives first.
Are you lot going to weigh in again?
...
Dumb question, I know you are.
Which one next – my guns, or the gadgets?
Let's see which of you are less stupid.
