In the beginning, there were two human beings created by a higher order who deemed them fit to stay in a heavenly abode where they would not want for anything.
Then, an evil creature ventured an idea to them that by eating a fruit, both creatures would gain knowledge beyond the world they know.
After they plucked the forbidden fruit and bit into it, their creator discovered their act and sent them down to a planet called Earth.
Its surface was partially habitable, so the fable goes, as there were vast dried areas which they wandered for decades.
There, they suffered and did not enjoy the luxurious that they had in their previous home. They wandered the dry terrains where eventually they created a piece of heaven of their own. The world then flourished with their blood running through different civilisations whose dreams and aspirations overcame one after another.
Decades of war and peace sustained their existence until finally another being, the Sentinels, decided to annihilate these mere mortals and claim Earth as their own.
They first came to meet the humans as ambassadors of peace. How laughable the idea of it now, Alexis wondered. Tall as an average human height with their glistened black eyes and elongated thin hands, they telepathically interpreted their designs which they claimed was for the good of both species.
A few days later, out of nowhere, communication towers were shot down incessantly which rendered the entire human community in every corner of the world in danger. Cellphones and computers shut down immediately. There was no way to engage the aliens without knowing their strength. This was the first wave.
In response, a few pilots congregated and were sent by each of the governments heads of states to engage in the fight. For once, they decided unanimously to place their petty differences aside to assist each other in the first wave of the battle.
Lives were lost in the first decade as each strategy employed proved to be futile. The very sentiment of hope was nearing to the edge of weariness for the survivors.
Meanwhile, the Sentinels started to harvest the natural resources from their warships deployed around every corner of the world, especially reaping the sea waters from its depths.
The once clear sunny skies were filled with dread as the days went by.
Eventually, hunger and disease spread throughout the cities and rural areas. Without a victory at hand, the humans were both at the mercy of the invaders and would perish in a short time.
The second wave found most found themselves losing homes of their own, begging off the streets for crumbs or died starving during the long, harsh winter months.
The Sentinels, although gentle in their physical forms, were harsh masters on the humans.
They had long studied their biological forms before the invasion and like the lab coats, decided to eliminate them with another form of disease which proved too much for the soft flesh of these beings. This was the beginning of the third wave in the form of a biological onslaught.
Called C1 for the molecules which it represented, humans who came in contact would have similar effects likened to the flu. Babies were especially susceptible. Through unofficial channels, rumours started to spread like wildfire that most mothers were undergoing illegal abortion procedures just to not see their babies dying without an antidote in sight.
This eventually raised all the leaders worldwide united that since there was no cure for it, they came to resolution that babies infected were to be injected with a death serum and sent to the crematoriums.
But, a batch of like-minded scientists banded together and initiated an enhanced super soldier programme. Using humans DNA, they were able to manipulate it by inserting a manipulated gene into an embryo and monitored with a microchip based in their lower part of their brain, allowing them to engage the aliens in the air or on the ground with lesser human casualties.
The soldiers were enhanced in terms of strength, agility, speed and the ability to heal from their wounds rapidly on their own.
Out of the ten, two were given birth naturally which resulted in twins a boy and a girl.
The scientist eventually succeeded after two years creating a second batch of these genetically-engineered soldiers.
Worldwide political leaders and a majority of the community took umbrage that humans DNA had been tampered even when attempts to explain to them was meant for the sake of peace. Many citizens throughout from different nations took to the streets with their placards reading Stop the Test! and Its Not Gods Will! which lasted for months. Hundreds more gathered and even held candlelight vigils in parts of the city to show their solidarity against the programme.
In response, the protesters were either imprisoned or sent to the coal mines to shut them up. Censorship was imposed and all forms of communication devices were placed on the militarys surveillance list. Nothing was withheld back nor could the protesters, who were now worn down in their cells, could be reached. Mounting speculations began to arise among local folks that either loved ones were punished heinously for their crime. Close families and friends of the revolt mourned each day, imploring to the higher authorities to release them or allow for the remains, should there be any, be taken for burial.
None of these simple requests were made available.
It was not until the Sentinels begin their onslaught again. This was the beginning of the third wave.
The imprisoned protesters were finally released only to be conscripted to defend against the attacks. They were used cannon fodders meant to hold against the Sentinels temporarily.
None survived.
This incident of course did not last long to convince the leaders that as long as they kept launching one defense or attack strategy after another, more would be affected by C1 and ending the lives of the human race.
A plan then was hatched that instead of engaging hand-to-hand combat, these soldiers would viciously strike through the aliens minds. It did not take long for the Sentinels begin to pull back their reinforcements when they discovered the plan. Higher beings they were, but they were no match for the soldiers whose minds were at ease sliding either into a humans or an aliens. The Sentinels unknowingly were killing each other during combat, or had their own kin pouring powders of poison into their drinks.
Initially, they were confused with this new strategy employed and attempted in every way in multiplying the disease among the humans, especially the children and aged, attacking their red blood cells which left them rotting with each air they breathed.
Years of destruction ensued from sides of the divide. The relentless skirmish between them nearly broke the humans spirit which was proven when a piece of news article reported one of them committed suicide. Morale dipped for a moment but it was short-lived.
Death also proved to be both a friend and foe to the humans during this period; as the young ones met their Makers before the age of ten, the soldiers intensified their attacks and slowly, after two decades now, the Sentinels began to leave Earth in search for another planet to raze the inhabitants from their existence.
Their attempt to colonise Earth was also short-run. There were reports unknown to the public that Sentinel dreadnoughts sometimes appeared on the grid, poised for another attack. But, as always, the speculations were drowned with upbeat images on television screens of the battle between both humans and Sentinels. Victory was an ambiguous term because it was not known if humankind had won. Those who knew, especially the military, were constantly on the edge, patrolling the skies and edges of the planetary systems.
Alexis remembered this story as told by her former instructor. As she gazed into the bonfire which the survivors who were now surrounding for warmth, she wondered if the prize of the genetically-engineered soldiers freedom was worth the war with their own creator.
She had learned long ago to live without sleep; it was a luxury meant only after each mission had been completed. She could go on for weeks without it.
As she walked away from the bonfire to inspect the makeshift tents near the dome, she mentally calculated the amount of food, medical and essential supplies which the humans needed if they did not strike a peace deal quickly.
Both humans and the soldiers were fighting on two fronts the Sentinels were bound to know of this weakness and plot a way to regain their foothold on Earth.
How will they withstand another forceful storm when they themselves were in a defenseless position to help themselves
**********
Josef, who had been searching for Alexis all this while, found her alone as she sat gazing quietly into a small bonfire.
His robes were somewhat in tatters at the edge, but he still strode with relief to meet her.
Agent Maria, finally! he called out.
This complex is extremely huge to find a tiny person such as you, he chided.
Alexis showed her wrist to him. You could have reached through the intercom. Ive been helping the survivors.
Josef nodded. And so you have. Its a good thing I found you among the rubbles at the Academy with Sean.
Speaking of which, he is doing well with Natalie under the circumstances.
Alexis eyes elated. You found her too How is she she asked.
Typical survivors. She was the one who saved the last five young soldiers which you met in the ward, did you know that It was by blind luck she found them coming out of the tunnel. Once they reached her, she called out to us and we sent out a rescue team to evacuate them immediately. It wasnt hard to locate them.
For once, Alexis could feel the warmth running through her veins. She was proud of her friend.
I want to speak to you privately, Josef said as they warmed themselves. He reached into his knapsack for a few slices of air-dried smoked deer meat.
Alexis was extremely surprised when they tucked into tough texture. It still had a hint of smoking taste dipped with honey.
I made them myself if youre wondering, he said while biting it. Rations or not, I still crave them from time to time.
Ive tried to reason with President Cole earlier, he began, stretching his hands out for warmth. I thought I could reason with her again without her advisors by her side.
I was wrong.
Despite your species relentless spirit in helping our cause, she wont grant you or the others the same equal stand as the humans. Therell be no dialogue between her and your brother. We are at an impasse.
Alexis allowed the information sink into her mind. There was so much at stake. Would Frank and his band of rebels take on a fight together one last time with their creator to regain the peace that they long for
This internal war has got to stop sometime soon, Josef muttered.
Heaving her discontent away, she winked at Josef. Unless you hard-wire me to a lab and let me float into a Sentinel mind.
What he grunted. Have you gone mad, girl Thats the last thing well need for them to know that were sitting ducks in a middle of an internal war.
Then, you have failed to read in my last two missions that there were hints of them knowing there are some miscommunications between the soldiers and our president, she countered.
At that point of time, they were merely speculating among themselves during one of their war councils.
Well only know for sure of their thoughts once Ive gained access to the last two memories I have in me. Only then, we can plan to unite in the cause rather than remain divided as now, she said.
Josef now turned towards Alexis, his eyes widened at the prospect of leaving her in the minds of senseless killers.
Do you mean to abandon your brothers cause for the sake of peace between two different species despite the senseless scientific tests theyve done onto you Do you really mean to take a shorter route and allow the humans to prosper at the expense of the soldiers he asked.
Alexis remained silent and cast her eyes away.
All my life Ive known only two words war and kill. This war is necessary. Its brought the Kapitoll on their knees. They now know we mean business. That were demanding for our rights since our first breath.
However, its high time we stop this petty squabble and see that both humans and my people live together without being massacred by the alien. Surely its time for peace.
After all, isnt Earth my home too
*****************************
The laboratory was silent save for Josef who was carefully placing the padded wires at Alexis side temples.
This was another type of crche which the scientists had especially designed without the need of a soldier shaving their hair away before embarking on a mission.
Beside her was a large screen which showed one of the high-ranking Sentinels that she intended to engage with her mind with now.
She settled down into crche feeling at peace. Feeling a small prick into her arm as the amber liquid was injected to allow access into the aliens mind, her eyelids eventually closed as she went into deep sleep.
Josef monitored her heart beat. A few beads of sweat started to form on his forehead.
Dont worry. Ill be back before youll even know it, Alexis murmured drowsily.
He nodded quietly and continued to observe another screen which showed her movements with the Sentinels.
Using her past mission timeline, he managed to locate the reference point where Alexis intercepted a conversation among the high-ranking Sentinels in their war room.
Come back safely, he whispered when another screen indicated a strong neuron handshake between the two beings.
The Sentinels chief was extremely tall and menace-looking. His fierce red eyes could instill a certain fear into his subordinates. Surrounding him was 12 other officials in the room.
Although they did not speak the same language, but once both the agents and aliens minds converged, she could understand every single thought and feel his emotions.
He was an infuriated creature today.
He wanted to know the delay in regaining Earth to harvest as part of a bigger industry.
The others muttered something incomprehensible until one voiced her concerns about the ongoing mind melting programme which the humans still continued until today.
She added that they have finally obtained prove that the soldiers and their human creators were in the midst of an internal breakdown.
She placed her hand out which beamed a hologram image showing the Academys downfall while the rebels in their jets flying showering the building with short-range missiles as a form of defiance. Most of the lab coats could also be seen running for their lives from the complex.
The recording was enough proof to show to President Cole that the Sentinels knew of the current weakness and the preparation needed for an eventual attack.
Josef, upon realising this new piece of information, gave Alexis another shot of serum into her neck which led her back to the wormhole.
She felt as if a sudden tug was being pulled in her stream of subconsciousness. The journey back was rough as this particular Sentinel seemed to sense another form in the room, or rather in itself, which resulted in a complication for her as her nose started to bleed blood in the crche.
Her heartbeat was also racing high and her body was shaking with led to one of the straps suddenly snapped open.
Alexis, try to calm your mind. Dont let him trap you, Josef whispered, injecting now a blue serum into her other arm.
At that instant critical moment, her breathing returned to normal. Her mind wandered started to transfer easily through the wormhole.
When she regained consciousness, there were bloodshot eyes while she gazed her surroundings, only to find her guardian gripping her hand.
Its too tight. Youre holding on too tight, she whispered hoarsely as she attempted to clear her throat from the phlegm.
There were stains of blood oozing from her nose. Lifting her chin up, she clotted it with pieces of gauze handed by Josef.
They hugged each other, relieved that she had returned with the much-needed information in hand.
***************************************
Youve not only disobeyed every single regulation engaging with the Sentinels but youve also done it on your own volition!
President Coles screaming match with Josef could be heard even as they spoke in the war room.
Alexis calmly sat down outside, listening to the heated exchange between the two.
After awhile though the voices soon subdued to whispers which lasted for two hours. When the meeting eventually ended, Josef opened the heavy door and escorted his prodigy to the mess hall.
Carrying their tray which was filled with fish steaks and stir-fried cabbages placed aside with piece of cake, both scouted for a table to have their dinner in silence.
Even in a time of crisis, fresh vegetables were still in abundant supply as the scientists used aeroculture a method used to grow plants without soil by suspending them abovesprays which constantly moistens the roots with water and nutrients.
The meat, meanwhile, were synthetically cultured in the laboratory by using the extraction of stem cells from a biopsy of cows.
Tried as they might, both guardian and soldier continued to munch their meal only to taste sawdust in their mouths.
After their meal, they headed back to one of the camp fires to lighten their mood. The air was cool to the touch. Josef, opening his small casket of the pink elixir, which was the same drink that Sean drank, fixated his mind towards the Northern Star and the dark figures beyond the skies.
He passed the liquid to Alexis after downing a few sips. Youve earned your right to drink this, he said.
Saluting the casket to him, she took a sip of the liquid which somewhat tasted sweet in its texture. Her entire mind, body and soul felt as if it united into one phase, away from the calamity which beseeched them one after another like prime time news slots.
Well, that went down well, Josef said. The Madam President finally came to her senses.
His vision now turned towards the soldier sitting beside him.
You and Ill have been tasked to meet Frank tomorrow. No, wait, hear me out because I know that only both of you have the ability to speak to each other telepathically. Dont even think of hinting to him that were coming to see him because therell be consequences which could end badly for everyone.
Both of us are to escort President Cole to meet Frank at first light. Well drive out south where his new base camp has been erected upon which theyll negotiate for a temporary ceasefire to see the end of the Sentinels.
Once in their compound, were to leave our weapons in the vehicle. We wont engage with them, merely act as observers to the negotiation process, do you understand
Alexis snorted. Frank Negotiating with the president
It was your idea anyway, said Josef. Its the best solution so far Ive heard after all this insanity surrounding us.
Its worth a shot, like you told me, even though itll only be temporary.
Now, rest, soldier, weve got a long schedule ahead of us tomorrow.
