Synaptic Rank: Unbound

Chapter 9 - Integration

Arthros

Psychosomatic Output: 10,000 Bio-units

Synaptic Rank: Unbound

The laboratory was a small room, but large enough for two Hokkonians to stand comfortably. It was brightly lit, with a padded chair in the middle and a countertop that ran along the perimeter. Beneath the countertop was storage for any medical supplies and chemical compounds needed for a long journey.

On the countertop sat a large synthesizer, capable of printing physical materials, as well as any chemical compounds not already stored.

There was a single entrance, which Arthros stormed through with Jericho in his arms.

"Taking recruits against their will already proved to be ineffective."

"I didn't have a choice."

He let him drop into the chair and strapped down his legs and arms.

"Did you injure him?

He looked at the slumped human, with his mouth hanging half open and one eyelid fluttering.

"No."

Jericho groaned, and a string of drool fell from his bottom lip.

"Head trauma, maybe."

Arthros twisted the metal ring he wore on his middle finger. A holographic image of a globe appeared, like the one on his desk and the navigation console. This one was much smaller, and more personal.

"Head trauma? Did you forget that the test takes place within the brain matter?"

He ignored her. What he had to do needed to be done before Jericho regained consciousness. After a few brief manipulations of the floating globe, he found the information he was looking for. He snapped his wrist back and jerked his hand forward. Instantly, the holographic orb changed into an image of a small vial filled with smoke like vapor.

"Do we have this compound?"

"Of course we do. The ship was stocked only a cycle ago."

Arthros shot a look at Jericho, "Synthesize it for me please."

"But what about his head injury–"

"I'll take care of it. I need that tahlditi synthesized first."

"Yes Arthros."

He clacked the tips of his teeth together. He couldn't shake the nagging doubts, but it had to be done. The integrity of the test was all that mattered, and the tahlditi would have no impact on his other talents.

"Synthesized."

He stuck his hand in the compartment and pulled out the small vial. He raised it to his eyes and peered into it, giving it a small shake. The dense vapors swirled and liquified. Satisfied, he grabbed a syringe from the bottom cabinet and quickly installed it into the vial.

"How much are you giving him?"

"Enough to manipulate some recent memories."

He readied the needle at a vein in Jericho's neck.

"Which memories?"

"The ones of the female." He jabbed the syringe into the vein, and emptied the vial with a gentle push of his thumb. "Now let's fix the fracture in his skull before we lose him."

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Jericho