The Undergrad

by Mela NoLeuca

  *

  Ethan's POV

  By the time I got to the crime scene, Ares was lying unconscious on the ground, parallel to him was Robyn who recently collapsed like a rag doll.

  I quickly checked for their pulses and it was mildly beating. Back up filed from behind me and we wasted no time as we gathered them in this rattled up laboratory.

  Everything moved in a blur thereafter.

  Ares suffered a concussion, his pons was somewhat damaged but thankfully the Alpha bot was running well it did half of the reparations while he underwent went surgery to mend broken bones and such.

  Because of the great deal of drugs and upgraded Beta bots Ares injected into Robyn, she underwent shock and threatened to progress to a cardiogenic one. For a moment, I panicked because only Ares knew how to undo the process; thankfully Gibbs monitored his superior and managed to pick up a few things or two to help.

  I was currently sitting in a bench in the middle of a white hallway next to a free swinging double-door that led to the Operating Room. Jabbing my hands into my pits I tried my best to stay calm. ERA's elite biological scientists have already done their part on the external parts of their Ares and Robyn's bodies five hours ago, while Gibbs was busy running through the bots' software at the moment right after I surrendered the Robin that controlled the nanobots ERA injected into Robyn.

  All I could do now was wait.

  Patience, they say, was a virtue.

  But when it ran along the lines where it involved two important people and them being on the brink of death, it was a bigger challenge you set for yourself. I already lost so many people; I couldn't afford to lose more. Even I couldn't tell what would become of me if everyone I loved was taken away from me even more. Would you?

  "You did exceptional actions back there, soldier," said a gruff voice. The tone it had in them reminded me of Marduk that I couldn't help but cringe, but at the same time, it had a more cordial touch to it, so it didn't exactly sound edgy and harsh.

  A pair of silver gray pants stepped into my view, glancing up I saw a man in his late fifties brandishing graying hair fashioned in the typical military cut. My instincts of trying to kill this man instantly died out when I came to realize it wasn't Marduk. I need to keep myself in check. Unlike the Colonel, he had a much lively face and vivid green eyes that warmed me up from the cold empty pit forming in me.

  His presence was strong, not intimidating like the favorite uncle children looked forward to meeting at every Christmas. His voice was firm, not harsh like a father's bass voice that would lull you to sleep every night. He didn't need those two escorts behind him to tell me how high up his rank was, nor did he have to wear those badges on his chest to show me how much he has done to serve this facility and country.

  To show my respect, I stood firmly and saluted.

  "At ease, soldier," he nodded his head once, "On behalf of the Amalgamated Research Constitution, we are inviting you to take part in our facility to serve our-"

  "With all due respect sir," I came in to interrupt, his face grew stern as slight irritability grew evident in his eyes, but it also faded in a split second like it didn't matter at all, "you don't need to be so formal. I have already been serving your Firm, regardless of your permission. Should there have been any legal matters that I have deviated from, then I am apologizing-"

  "Save it my boy," he raised a hand, he was chuckling and shaking his head. "I have been looking forward to this day where you would come back to us."

  I had no idea what he was trying to say so I just smiled politely.

  "It has been such a long time since I've seen you again... you look," he sighed, "you look just like your dad. He was a very good friend-pardon my manners, I'm General Denver Portley, I looked out for your brother,"

  To be honest, I wasn't really in much of a mood to maintain small talk with this guy. It didn't matter who he was, good for him if he took care of Ares, I might consider thanking him sometime later for that--

  "I also came to visit you to discuss some important matters regarding Robyn,"

  Okay, now I'm interested.

  "We are all well aware that she is just a civilian, so by protocol, we are required to wipe her memory clean and have her enrolled briefly for memory remapping, surely enough you have something similar to this in ERA, no?"

  "No Sir, all witnesses are killed on sight," I answered flatly.

  If General Portley was even the slightest bit surprised, he didn't show it. Instead, he just nodded once and murmured, "I see. Unfortunately, because of the foreign body introduced into her system by the late institution ERA, she is now enrolled for strict monitoring and further diagnostic procedures."

  I had to admit I didn't like the way he said that. I knew what he meant, because I also witnessed what happened. While I was back in Marduk's office, I already spoke into the device, and only got as far as unlocking the system. I hurried back just in time and bumped into Gibbs as he began reprogramming Robyn before she managed to cut through Ares' neck.

  It was the closest call I've ever had.

  Until then, Robyn was just as harmless as a long forgotten minefield.

  "Based on reports that I've received, it would only seem right if you watched over her until then. She may still be human, but there is still something inside her that considers her otherwise,"

  "What do you mean?" I interjected almost immediately.

  "I'm not so sure myself at the moment, but until then, we'll quarantine her from the outside world and everyone else other than you. Meaning absolute zero contact to anyone who knows her beyond these walls."

  "You're letting her out after all this is over?" I couldn't help but smile a little.

  "Maybe not, she's an asset to the facility, we can help her and she can help us like what you and your brother does," he winked at me. I nodded in agreement, I knew it was selfish to keep her nearby, but hey working in an awesome place such as ARC has a lot of perks.

  Gibbs randomly tumbled out of the Operating Room's double doors, papers flew everywhere as he collided into me. He was pretty light, so I didn't bother. The impact was just as good as pillows being thrown at me.

  "Ah, Gibbs, any news?"

  "You bet, they're much better now!" He was laughing and crying at the same time he could pass off for a madman, "I can't believe it!"

  I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear, "Can I see her?"

  Everyone in the hall fell quiet, even Portley's soldiers who were exchanging man hugs stopped half way. Gibbs smile faltered as he pushed his oversized glasses back, "sure man, just be careful."

  I didn't stay long to listen to him finish his words, blood was pumping throughout my body so vigorously I could hear my heart beat clearly. Inside was a huge room separated by green curtains, I peeked through the first one by instinct and there she was lying flat on bed sleeping ever so peacefully, right next to her was a big monitor just like last time as it took her vital signs. Nearby was an IV pole with a direct line that connected to her left hand.

  Compared to the last time I saw her, I've never felt so relieved.

  Her hair wildly framed her face, dark circles formed under her eyes stretching out from beneath long full lashes. Her skin was dry as parts of it were peeling, just like her lips that were pale and chapped. Once again she was garbed in a patient's uniform.

  And so the nostalgia began.

  The first time I saw her in the same piece of clothing, was the very first day Ares, she and I were together. The tension was richer then, and none meant well for us. She was still that clumsy, irritating banshee who knew so little about logic and common sense. Even I couldn't believe I managed to put up with that.

  The second time she was in a patient's gown battling for her life then. Ares, Emily, Gibbs and I pushed ourselves to the limit just to save her from her destructive self. We managed to get her under control but at the expense of Emily's life. It was officially the second darkest moment in ARC's history, now a distant memory despite the event b
eing fresh just a few hours ago.

  And now here she was for the third time (and hopefully the last), free from all that changed her as the Robyn we all once knew. She wasn't that annoying banshee that didn't know any better other than sabotaging missions nor that blood-crazed weapon the enemy made.

  As she slowly took her deep breaths in, I watched her stir. I didn't know what surprised me more; how quickly she regained consciousness or how much more vibrant her blue eyes became. She wasn't in a hurry to take in her surroundings as she focused on one thing at a time: the ceiling, the curtains... and then me.

  The way she looked so intently right at me made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. My heart began a triathlon race in my chest as it rattled up my insides to flutter about in a queasy feeling. None of which I have ever experienced until now.

  "Do you remember anything?" I asked slowly. It was a standard procedure to ask any agent this question after a life threatening injury that involved the brain. I wasn't sure what was affected in her body, but that question was pretty general and harmless to ask.

  She slowly nodded.

  "Tell me," I studied her intently, "what is your name,"

  Her brows furrowed for a moment, then after a thoughtful pause, she answered: "Robyn,"

  I nodded, turning to look over my shoulder. There stood a wide-eyed Gibbs, tightly hugging the metal chart against his chest, it was only then I noticed how his afro looked ridiculously out of place that he reminded me of a clown. Right next to him was an apprehensive General whom I also noticed was too big that the way they crowded the doorway made it impossible to pass through. I gave them the thumbs up and they both sighed in relief. It was pretty awkward to see a General move so relaxed, but I guess it would take some time getting used to.

  "Actually," her voice croaked, "that really isn't my name,"

  "You don't think so?" I turned back to look at her. I was honestly wondering what was going on in her mind right now.

  She shook her head carefully, "I didn't know why, but Ares told me to just tell that to everyone."

  "I'm pretty sure he meant to do you some good-"

  "It's not that," I saw the color return to her face, was she blushing? "I want to start over, my name is Helen Van Haussen,"

  Something in my body was swelling with something that made me feel all warm and nice that I had to bite my lip to keep myself from smiling like a maniac. "That was also my mother's name"

  "Oh, were we related or something?" she asked quickly, I watched the horror glaze over her eyes. I actually laughed out loud, Jesus, she was every bit of the blonde you'd like to think.

  "Keep it down there, can't a genius get some sleep?" Ares moaned from next door, I reached over to Robyn--I meant, Helen's extra pillow and tossed it through the curtains.

  "Oof!" was the response I got, followed by a pillow that knocked me clean on the head. I laughed some more and shook my head.

  "Aight bro, at least pretend you're not awake for a sec okay?" I joked.

  "Whatever man, just keep it down,"

  "So um..." she tried breaking the silence, I didn't mind. I almost started skipping to the edge of her bed had I not kept myself in check. I cleared my throat and returned the pillow I borrowed from her.

  "Yeah?"

  "Is it over?"

  I shrugged, "for now I guess,"

  There was another pause. I let my eyes wander around for a bit more, taking in sudden interest in the monitor that read Helen's profile. Pretending that I understood the readings, I folded my arms across my chest and thoughtfully rubbed my chin.

  "Did you graduate?"

  The question caught my by surprise at first, but then I chuckled.

  Six months ago, graduating from the Academy meant so much to me; I would even put my life on the line. Ridiculous right? But what could I do, when all that ever mattered to me back then was recognition.

  Right now, that seemed like a ridiculous idea I nearly found myself laughing a bit more. It took me a while to realize this, but sometimes in life, there would always be a reason why things didn't go the way you planned it to be. You might like to think Fate was playing games on you, but don't. Sure it might suck big time at first, but just soldier on. Trust me, things would get better towards the end.

  I would know.

  "Do you know what's better than being a drop out?" I asked, turning to face her.

  "Um," she thought for a minute, "what?"

  "Getting to start over with you,"

  AUTHOR’S NOTES

  Yay!!! I've finally finished my FIRST EVAR Wattpad story.

  I would personally want to thank my sister, who took the time to read my story and share some opinions (lol, even if it was unwillingly at the time), and secondly to my awesome friend BLUEberryBIRD who was been with me through thick and thin throughout the novel.

  Finally, I would also want to dedicate this novel to everyone out there who never stopped supporting me. The journey has finally come to an end, lolXD and the ride has been worth it being with you guys:3

  You guys are the best!

  Welp, as you may see, I've been nominated for the Watty Awards 2012, I've also considered pitching my work in for the Best Cast Award! So yea, I hope you continue to support my work and even when the Watty's end for the year 2012 I hope it doesn't end hereXD Keep reading on and share the love!

  Yours truly,

  Monopanda