Earth Warriors (Undergoing Revision)

Chapter 129 - The Manger

"A heart defect at a young must sound unfortunate. Well, unless he found a way to be more than a rabid dog," Boris says, to which Barb scoffs in response. 

"Even the most rabid of dogs can find a way for longevity, you know," Barb says. 

"Well, it's more related to the fact that the Catch-" Erik tries to explain but Barb merely raises her hand and lifts her index finger. 

"I didn't give you the order to speak up, private. Always remember the rules or else," Barb retorts, which makes Erik tremble a bit then bows his head for a bit. Boris merely smirks in response before glancing back at Barb who frowns at this attempt. 

"Is that so?" Boris asks. 

"He'll get back on duty in one way or another, so best not to fret too much on it," Barb replies, which Boris merely nods in response. Damian has certainly seen some stranger and painful days in his life, yet this one brief altercation is one unlike any other, one that may be more than meets the eye or what Barb says. 

After a moment of silence between the two, Boris unfolds his arms and presses a button near the elevator. 

"Back to the topic, you're aware of why you came here, correct?" Boris asks. 

"Ah yes, it's about this Project Newblood that I've been told by Raven to take a look for the next phase of the plan," Barb adds while nodding for a bit. 

"Pretty much indeed, certainly one peculiar companion for Project Joshua after all. Hope you're prepared to see it," Boris says while he smirks for a bit, which makes Erik's mouth quiver over the implications of what it means. But just as he continues to speak, the elevator's door slides open, revealing a wide space that's enough for four people to enter. 

With that in mind, Boris heads in first, followed by Barb and Cynda while Erik takes some deep breaths as the possibilities race through his mind of what it can imply. Turning Humans into cyber husks o is one thing, but this one may reach beyond to what the Human body can achieve. 

Some minutes of silence pass, and Erik eventually steps inside before either Barb or Boris can order him around. With one steady nod aimed at Boris, he presses a button which leads to the "-10" floor, which is only barely the maximum amount of floors compared to the highest one being the 30th floor. Certainly, a demonstration of what the Zlocu aim for those living in this state of the US from the likes of Richard Brando and his vision. 

As the sound of machinery hums in the background as the elevator descends even further, the four stand still as much as they can yet their expressions vary the more they wait to reach the floor.  Boris and Barb keep a firm expression as expected from professional soldiers, but Erik still quivers a bit while his eyes glance in both directions as they're about to reach the designated floor where the project takes place. 

The anticipation of the three members reaches almost a fever pitch as Barb tightens her hands and clenches her fists as well,  thinking of the ways that the Zlocu seek to "perfect" Humanity from their mistakes, all while Erik's breathing goes a bit more rapid yet still trying to keep himself subdued less it means it can mean his services among the LA police to come to an end over a mere demonstration of "weakness". For Cynda and Boris, it makes no difference as they keep still by all means, both in body and face. 

Finally, after a minute or so of waiting, the elevator stops, then the door slides open. 

Stepping into the room, what they see is something beyond belief for them except for Boris. Even Cynda can't help but widen her eyes a bit, but not compared to Erik and Barb whose eyes are wide enough to show the whites, with Erik in particular trembling and fidgeting his fingers over what he is witnessing at this very moment. One that is beyond what they have expected.