Cyrus was sure the doctor was right. He couldn’t return to human society like this, no matter how much he wanted to. He had made Dr. Shen a promise. His predicament was no worse than it had been, though the circumstances had changed. He would play the doctor’s game for the time being.
“Do you have any other questions?” Shen interrupted his thoughts.
“I have no idea what else to ask. It’s a lot to take in, though I suppose I need to ask if there is anything else you need to tell me.” Cyrus gave the doctor a critical look, doubtful that he would provide any additional information.
“There is one thing, Mr. Blackthorn.”
“What’s that?” Cyrus raised an eyebrow, or tried to, both of his missing.
“As I’m sure you are aware, your genetic ‘alteration’ has caused you to undergo several aesthetic changes.”
“If you’re going to call me ugly, you can just go out and say it.”
“I wouldn’t say that, Mr. Blackthorn.” Dr. Shen almost smiled. ”All of the changes to your appearance serve a purpose. Anyway, I was trying to say that you now look so unique that you can no longer go out in public without raising concern. In order to keep your new appearance from drawing unnecessary attention, a special uniform has been made for you.”
Dr. Shen walked toward the wall in front of him and pressed a black button near the elongated one-way window. A section of the adjacent wall pushed into the surrounding surface and moved to the side to open where it became a sliding door.
The wall moved to reveal a glass-enclosed display containing a black, form-fitting set of body armor suspended within the uniquely shaped holes of a white, leather-covered foam block. The armor was complete with a helmet, fingerless gloves, and toeless shoes to accommodate Cyrus’s claws. The skin of the armor had a dull gleam to it, as though it were made of polished cast iron.
“Aww…” Cyrus unexpectedly voiced his excitement.
He had never thought much of the clothes he wore yet was enamored with the ensemble. Cyrus ambled toward the body armor, and a light appeared in his cat's eyes. As he approached, he saw that the armor was not exactly black, but rather a dark grey, composed of a multitude of snake-like scales.
“Oh, that is sick.” Cyrus touched the glass to catch his balance, failing to mask the awe in his voice. “Is that Dragon Skin?”
“I had planned to detail you on your new wardrobe. It will be discussed.”
“OK, let’s hear it.” Cyrus barely heard him as he continued to stare at the armor.
“Capstone Armors created this set. I was told it is one of the best ballistic armors available. I’m not sure exactly what they called it… Black something… Black ada… Adamant? Something like that.”
Dr. Shen put a thumb on his chin, staring off into space as he tried to remember.
“Anyway,” the doctor continued, giving up. “I was told it’s composed of a material stronger than Dragon Skin. As you can see, it was made with functionality in mind, though some liberties were taken to give it a certain intimidating quality. The helmet, gloves, and toeless shoes were altered here at CyberGen, as any collaboration with another corporation ran the risk of potentially revealing classified information. They needed to be specially designed to accommodate your needs.”
“How did you convince them that CyberGen needed a set of ballistic armor like this? Sounds suspicious to me.”
“Oh, no, that was not an issue. Our Robotics Department is currently developing several different types of battle drones for the military. We just told them we needed multiple sets of ballistic armor to test them on. We had to order a surplus so as not to raise suspicion, though, in all likelihood, you will need spares.”
“I see.”
“As I was saying,” Shen suddenly remembered something. ”This armor is made primarily of Black Adamant, which offers more protection than even Dragon Skin. The material itself is made of the strongest substances on earth, consisting of the teeth of the limpet mollusk laminated in fabric made of specially designed, synthetic spider silk. The whole set is made up of it, including the helmet, gloves, and toeless shoes. Though it is a ballistic armor, it provides ample protection from attacks by most bladed weapons.”
“Do you think it will protect me from the vampires’ claws?” Cyrus felt Dr. Shen had missed something. “That is provided they have them?”
“They do indeed have claws. And, no, the armor was not tested against any vampires. We had intended for your genetic alterations to cause the growth of a thicker, more durable dermis, which should provide additional protection should the armor be breached. So long as you are careful and don’t put your trust entirely in the armor, you should come out alright.”
“Wait a second,” said Cyrus, his admiration for the armor replaced by concern. He was angry with himself for forgetting the meaning of the word ‘ballistic.’ “What’s this about being shot? I thought we were dealing with vampires?”
“Did you forget what I said?” The doctor tried not to sound critical. “You will be working closely with Legion 96 and will often be in close proximity to those with powerful projectile weapons. There is only one of you, and you will experience several situations where that added firepower will be essential to keep the enemy at bay. The armor will serve mostly to protect you from friendly fire, though you will likely have at least a few encounters with armed vampires. Some of them are sensible enough to carry weapons.”
“Yeah, I guess I can see that happening.”
“Now, on to the CyberGen alterations,” the doctor continued. “I suppose it is obvious that we removed the tips of the gloves and shoes to allow you the use of your claws.” Dr. Shen stepped forward, pressing a second button near the display, causing the glass to slide upward into the wall. He took the helmet from the display and held it out for Cyrus to see.
“The helmet is state of the art. The visor is photochromic in accordance with your light sensitivity and vision needs. You have computer interface via the visor, allowing you internet access and the ability to discern the location of yourself and others. All of that is voice-initiated, of course. It is equipped with the latest in communication technology, allowing you to speak with your handlers remotely.”
The doctor pressed a button underneath one side of the helmet, causing small windows on either side of the helmet to open. “So that your hearing is not restricted, we installed ear slits. We’re not sure as to how well your hearing compares to the decibel detecting devices in the helmet, so we’ve given you the option to switch to manual, so to speak.”
Dr. Shen cradled the helmet in the crook of his arm.
“Exactly when will I be able to interface with any of this equipment?” asked Cyrus, his enthusiasm quenched at the mention of ‘handlers.’ “If you haven’t noticed, I tend to go nuts on the hunt.”
“You will have plenty of time to interface with the equipment.” Shen blinked rapidly. “You will not be surrounded by zombies and vampires all the time. You will use the equipment in between encounters. The computer interface system is designed to shut down when your heart rate reaches a certain number of beats per minute.”
“Any other disadvantages?”
“The helmet does not offer anything in the way of mouth protection when the vent is open.” Shen hit another button, causing the mouth portion to fold open, the material seeming to melt away to accommodate Cyrus’s jaws. The doctor moved a hand through the resulting hole. “Your fangs are one of your most formidable weapons, and we would like you to be able to use them. I would advise not letting yourself be shot or stabbed in the face.”
“Always great advice.”
Dr. Shen stepped toward him, handing him the helmet.
“OK, there’s another thing,” Cyrus wished the doctor would say what he needed to the first time. “You said you only want to conceal me from people without the clearance to know I exist. Do you expect me to run around in a full suit of armor all day?”
“Of course not. I only ask that you wear the
helmet when you step outside your living quarters.”
“Oh, is that all?”
“Yes. We absolutely cannot risk you exposing yourself.”
“I suppose I can understand that.” Cyrus sighed before slipping on the helmet. It fit his head perfectly and didn’t even catch on his ears on the way down. “One heck of a helmet,” he said. He found the visor tinted like a pair of sunglasses that compensated for the brightness of the room. “Too bad I have no idea how to turn it on.”
“Just say ‘activate.’ It only recognizes your voice, so there’s no danger of someone else turning it on. If you wish to turn it off, say ‘disengage.’”
“OK, activate,” Cyrus commanded the helmet.
The visor lit up, glowing a ghostly translucent blue, the word ‘ACTIVATED’ glaring back at him. The display lasted only a moment, and the visor returned to its previous tint.
“You can now interact with the computer interface. Ask it to display your location.”
“Show me my current location.” Cyrus was reluctant, but he was relieved when the visor display showed him positioned somewhere outside St. Louis. He had returned to the same facility as promised. The helmet glowed and displayed a map of the Midwest.
“I feel like I could be Ironman.” Cyrus gave the doctor a fanged grin. “What else should I ask it to do?”
“I’m afraid we have a hectic schedule, Mr. Blackthorn,” Shen killed Cyrus’s mood. ”There will be more time to experiment with the software later.”
“Understood. Disengage,” Cyrus ordered the helmet to turn off the software.
“That concludes your ‘examination,’ Mr. Blackthorn.” Shen pressed the button to the side of the body armor display and closed the open portion of the wall.
“Come with me. I have something else to show you.” He walked past Cyrus toward the door.
“It’s not another zombie, is it? You don’t want to see what happens when I get near them,” said Cyrus as Shen opened the door.
Chapter XX
A Worthy Opponent
“Here we are, the Robotics Department.” Dr. Shen stopped in front of what looked like the entrance to a high school gymnasium, the door possessing narrow, tinted windows.
“Dr. Ingram should be in.” Shen gave the door several quick knocks and turned back toward Cyrus, Viddur, and Elysia. They waited as they listened for approaching footsteps.
“Yes?” asked a woman’s voice, the door held ajar by the faceless speaker.
“Hello, Dr. Ingram.” Dr. Shen spoke through the crack in the door. “You have a robot to show us?”
“That would be correct.” Dr. Ingram pushed through the doors and stepped into the hallway. She was an African-American woman in her mid-thirties, her hair grown into an afro. She wore a welding apron in contrast to the usual lab coat.
“OK, I guess I might as well say it.” Dr. Ingram crossed her arms as the door shut behind her. “I’m not pleased about today’s set-up. The whole floor has been shut down for the remainder of the afternoon. No lab techs or assistants have been on the floor since noon. It’s cost us half a day’s worth of progress. I don't know why the higher-ups insist on such a high degree of secrecy surrounding your project.”
“Yes, it is quite bothersome at times.” Dr. Shen attempted to sound empathetic. “Though, I do understand the need for such precautions. The project is highly classified.”
Dr. Ingram glanced at Cyrus. ”Speaking of which, Daniel, don’t you think the helmet is a little unnecessary?”
“Sorry, we didn’t want to risk exposing him to anyone on the way over,” Dr. Shen explained. “His appearance can be somewhat startling if you’re not prepared for it.”
“Oh, give me a break!” said Dr. Ingram, exasperated. “He can’t be all that frightening. Besides, there’s no one on this floor but us right now.”
“Would you like me to take it off now?” Cyrus grinned, revealing his elongated canines. Both clawed hands clenched the back of his helmet as he began to remove it.
“Oh no, that’s OK.” Dr. Ingram stepped forward and held out her hand to stop him. “You can keep it on.”
“You sure?” Cyrus kept his hands in place. “I’m quite the looker anymore.”
“Yes, I’m sure you are.” Dr. Ingram put her hand down and stepped back. “I just don’t want to hurt Dan’s feelings. We can’t have you outshining him in the looks department.”
Viddur and Elysia turned toward Dr. Ingram, surprised to hear anyone talk about Dr. Shen in such a manner. Cyrus thought he might start laughing.
“Dr. Ingram, could you please show us the robot?” asked an irritated Dr. Shen. “We’re not here for a comedy routine.”
“Relax, Dan, I’m getting to it.” Dr. Ingram gave him an apologetic smile. ”Nothing wrong with some fun at work. It’s how the rest of us keep from turning into you.”
Dr. Shen looked at her expectantly.
“Come on in, and I’ll show it to you.” Ingram opened the door, holding it in place with her foot as she motioned for them to enter. The group passed through over the threshold and stepped into a wonderland of plasma computer screens and magnificent metal forms.
The vast room was less of a laboratory and more of a technological workshop. Wall-to-wall weaponized robots and drones of all varieties, some fully assembled, others in various stages of build or repair filled the area. All looked futuristic. Many were equipped with guns, though several were outfitted with bladed weapons. Near the middle of the room sat dome-covered vats, each containing a pool of metallic, gleaming goo. It was like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, except, instead of candy, it was full of highly advanced computers and deadly war machines.
“Pretty impressive, huh?” Dr. Ingram held her arms outstretched at both sides, palms up as she turned around in front of them, presenting the expansive workshop to them.
“You bet it is.” Cyrus made a futile attempt to disguise his awe.
“Feel free to look around, but don’t touch anything,” Dr. Ingram instructed. “Some of the bots and other devices are dangerous, obviously. We don’t want anyone losing a limb or worse.”
She turned to Viddur and glared.
“What?” asked Viddur, flabbergasted. “Like I’m any more prone to breaking things than anyone else.”
“Yeah, tell that to someone who doesn’t know you.” Elysia rolled her eyes.
“There is a reason why I specifically asked for you to be banned from this room until now.” Dr. Ingram’s voice grew intense. “I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
“Is this still about that stupid battle drone?” asked Viddur.
“Well, what else do you think it would be?” asked Elysia, shooting an irritated look in his direction.
“How was I supposed to know it was armed?”
“You shouldn’t have been anywhere near it!” Dr. Ingram was hysterical. “It shot up the whole lab, destroyed half our prototypes, and nearly killed several of the staff! You single-handedly set the Robotics Department back ten years!”
Cyrus walked around the massive workshop, ignoring the episode between Viddur and Dr. Ingram, taking stock of all the devices and robots. He approached the middle of the room, making his way toward the glass-domed vats of goo.
“What’s this?” he asked, reaching out with a clawed hand to touch the glass.
“Don’t touch that!” Dr. Ingram shouted back at him, still in the middle of her fight with Viddur. Cyrus jerked his hand away, surprised by Dr. Ingram’s reaction.
“Sorry, I had assumed ‘do not touch’ didn’t apply to glass displays,” he said.
Ingram practically sprinted toward him. Elysia, Viddur, and Dr. Shen followed her.
“‘Do not touch’ applies to everything!” Ingram scolded.
“What gives doc?” Viddur asked, saving Cyrus from Dr. Ingram’s wrath. “What’s the deal with the goo?”
“Hey, don’t call it ‘goo,’” Dr. Ingram pointed a finger at Viddur, drawing close to address him further. �
��The only reason I don’t slap you now is that I know what you say is due to ignorance.”
“What exactly is it, doctor?” asked Cyrus.
“It is a type of programmable matter,” Dr. Ingram answered, turning away from Viddur.
“What’s programmable matter? Sorry, I have a background in biology, and I really don’t know anything about robotics.”
“Well, as the name implies…” Dr. Ingram trailed off, her mind suddenly on another matter. “Excuse me. I don’t think I ever got your name. I can’t just go around calling you ‘kresnik’ forever.”
“My apologies, Dr. Ingram.” Shen moved to stand beside Cyrus. “I forgot to introduce him. This is Mr. Blackthorn.”
“Oh, come on.” Dr. Ingram glared at Shen. “Your reverence for formality is so irritating.”
“I’m Cyrus Blackthorn.” He extended a hand.
“Much better.” Dr. Ingram reluctantly reached out for Cyrus’s clawed hand. “Alexus Ingram. Well, Cyrus, as I was saying, programmable matter is a substance capable of changing its physical properties either autonomously or based on user input, hence the term ‘programmable.’”
“That’s pretty cool.” Cyrus leaned down to take a look.
“Oh, yes, it is,” said Dr. Ingram in rigorous agreement.
“What do you plan to do with it?” asked Viddur.
“We intend to do all kinds of things with it. This ‘goo,’ as you called it,” Dr. Ingram cringed as she said the word, “is made up of sub-millimeter nanobots that have the ability to communicate with each other and move around. They can connect electrostatically to change the overall shape of the substance. This particular batch acts like a shape-shifting metal alloy. We intend to use it to create shape-shifting tools and weapons.”
“Sweet,” said Viddur.
“Sorry if I got a little defensive.” Dr. Ingram looked from Viddur to Cyrus. “We’ve been working on different kinds of programmable matter in the robotics department for some time now, and I’m just a little protective. It’s like one of my children.”
Shen tapped his foot impatiently. “Would you please show us to the sparring bot now?”
Fall Prey: The Hunt Page 30