A decade has passed since Operation Strix began. The once volatile tensions between the East and West have calmed, thanks in part to Loid Forger's relentless efforts. However, rumors of a new program designed to reignite the hostilities have started...
Ania... just as I thought, she was part of Project Eclipse. She told me very little about the experiments done on her, I didn't want to pry in her private life, but knowing my body rejected the serum, and instead Anya took my place. I felt absolutely worthless, no wonder my father was right... I am a disappointment.
"I was a fool, how could I have let a four year old wander the streets alone, I should've done more." Dr. Wetson choked out.
"Dr. Wetson, Anya is alive," I reply. He turned to look at me, his face a mix of disbelief and hope. The lines on his face seemed to soften, if only for a moment, as he processed my words.
"Alive? How do you know this, Damian?" Dr. Wetson asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of emotion.
"Because she's my girlfriend, her name is Anya Forger now, she's been adopted by a very nice family and has lived with them for over a decade. She attends Eden Academy, she has many close friends. She's hates studying," I said chucking, "but she makes up for it through her baking, she really is one of a kind doctor. Not because of her abilities, but because of her own person."
Standing up I turned to face Dr. Wetson, "You risked your entire career, no, your entire life for her. My father did some horrible deeds, not only to innocent children, but also to you. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you did to save Anya..." I said bowing down to him. "Though the name means absolutely nothing to me, please accept my sincere apology for the pain you've been inflicted with, I am so sorry,"
Dr. Wetson stood there, silent for a moment, before gently placing a hand on my shoulder, urging me to rise. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mixture of relief and gratitude.
"Damian, you have no reason to apologize. You were just a child, caught in the midst of something far beyond your control," he said softly. "Knowing that Anya is alive and well, living a normal life... that is more than I could have ever hoped for."
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He took a deep breath, his shoulders straightening as if a heavy burden had been lifted. "Your father... he was a man driven by ambition, blinded by his pursuit of perfection. But you, Damian, you are different. You have a heart, and that makes you stronger than he could ever be."
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his words, a flicker of hope igniting within me. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn't the disappointment I had always believed myself to be.
"Thank you, Dr. Wetson," I said, my voice steady. "For everything. I won't let your efforts be in vain. I will protect Anya, no matter what. I will do everything I can to change this corrupt country,"
He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I believe you will, Damian. And remember, you are not alone in this. There are others who care about Anya, and about you. Lean on them when you need to."
