Fragment of Destiny

Demetrius sat in obsessive contemplation over what had become of Tess. She was still alive they had assured him of that, yet every time a new update came in he feared the worst. A firm hand came to rest on his right knee stopping him from bouncing his heel as he sat.

“Stop,” Admeta said through gritted teeth. This was not the first time she had told him so. The heat in her eyes made him flinch away. He knew she did not like him, Yami had confirmed that much, but now to be stuck babysitting him while everyone else was off fighting… Demetrius shook his head. He still did not believe that he could possibly be useful to these people despite what Larry had said about him.

The skimmers main terminal snapped to life, and Admeta stopped her furious pacing.

“Finally,” Admeta said throwing up her hands in frustration before accepting the link. A wizen and graying man with oversized goggles appeared on the screen, Old Sam, Admeta had called him before.

“Admeta, it’s time. We will be needing our scientist now.

I have mapped out a path for you to take to meet up with us. It should be a clean route. Gotta go,” Sam said the sound of cannon fire erupting as the link went dead.

“Damn it!” Admeta screamed slamming her fist into the view screen.

Demetrius pressed himself against his seat trying to put as much distance between himself and Admeta as he could. Hate filled eyes touched on him before she strapped into the pilot’s chair. Ever since the report of Yami’s death, Admeta’s already sour attitude toward him had become even worse. He knew she blamed him for Yami’s death just as she had for the injuries to Zeke and Max. He felt like he should say something, yet every time he tried, his tongue got all jumbled up before he could get anything out. Perhaps the silence was better after all.

The skimmer rose from its struts and Demetrius felt a jolt of acceleration as they rushed toward Central. Ahead the first traces of pre-morning light could be seen on the horizon. Demetrius found that his mouth was hanging open as they passed through narrow streets of shattered buildings. Heaps of wreckage and piles of malravian corpses seemed to clog the way forward but carefully Admeta guided them toward the city center.

In the distance, something seemed to move in the wreckage and Demetrius’ heart felt like it had climbed into his throat. Then everything was still. Several more times he thought he saw movement but couldn’t be sure. Demetrius was still looking intently on a pile of rubble that had seemed to move, then he was tossed against his restraints by a jolt of acceleration.

“Do you know how to handle a gun?” Admeta yelled as the craft lurched to one side, feeling almost as if it would roll.

“A what?” Demetrius asked

“A gun. Have you ever-” She stopped mid-sentence wrenching hard on the steering rod causing the skimmer to spin one hundred and eighty-degrees. “Can you drive?” She yelled and the skimmer came to an abrupt halt.

“I think so.”

“Good enough,” Admeta said throwing herself from the pilot’s chair toward a small weapons locker at the rear hatch.

Demetrius frantically unfastened his harness and climbed behind the controls. Of course, he could not remember ever driving, but he had found mechanical memory from years of repetition would kick in when he was presented with a task. With his foot on the floor peddle and the control stick in his hands, he paused. A sickening dread began to form in his stomach, perhaps if he tried moving the skimmer he would remember, he had to remember. Everyone in Crescent knew how to pilot a skimmer so why wouldn’t he? Looking up at the view screen he shrieked and his foot slammed on the floor peddle. The skimmers engine roared but the craft did not move.

“How do I make it go!” Demetrius yelled, hands trembling.

The rifle cracked overhead, and one of the many charging malravians burst apart in a brilliant flash of light and gore. The rifle sounded again this time the shot went wide as Demetrius slammed the steering rod forward and before he knew what had happened there was a crunching sound of several malravians colliding with them.

Demetrius jerked the stick backward foot still holding the peddle to the floor. Then they were hurtling backward away from the malravians. Something clattered on the floor behind him and he jerked his head to look. Admeta was down from the gunner’s loft, she opened her mouth to say something but the skimmer lurched and she was thrown to the floor.

Demetrius rocked in his restraints his head throbbing as he was thrashed side to side. The left side of the view screen had gone dark, a spider web of cracks streaking across it. Something sharp was digging into his leg. Demetrius moved the steering rod, the engine roared, but the skimmer did not move. Unfastening his harness Demetrius tried to stand and felt something in his leg tear followed by searing pain.

A slew of curses flowed continuously from Admeta as the skimmer rapidly began to sink into the ground. A moment later something hard grasped his shoulder. Demetrius flinched away eyes closed.

“Demetrius get up! Come on snap out of it!” Admeta screamed giving him a violent shake.

His eyes shot open and he found Admeta looming over him, a massive metal gauntlet consuming her right arm. She cursed again as her eyes fell on his bloodied leg. Then she was gone. A minute later another section of the view screen shattered, a metal first aid kit ricocheting off it and into his lap.

“Hurry up and deal with your leg,” Admeta snapped.

With an effort, Demetrius pulled himself from the seat and onto the floor. Stopping the bleeding would be easy but there was no way he could put any weight on it. Beside him, Admeta eyed the walls with suspicion.

“How is it we haven’t been swarmed by malravians yet? What did you do?” Demetrius asked something in his gut told him to keep his voice low.

“I buried us. If we are lucky, they will find something else of interest and leave us alone.” She said in an equally hushed tone. “I was planning on tunneling our way out of here. I can tunnel faster than they can, but with your leg, I guess all we can do is hope.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault we are in this mess, and your friends... I’m sorry about them too, and Yami. You guys should have just let them kill me.” Demetrius said his voice barely a whisper, “I’m not worth anything. If I had just never looked at those files, none of this would have ever happened.”

“Shut up.” Admeta snapped through gritted teeth. “The information in those files about Corwin, about the malravian splicing project. Think about it, this would have happened eventually whether you had seen that information or not. At least now we can try to do something about it.”

“But what good is it now, there is nothing we can do trapped down here, and even so I don’t know what any of it means. It’s all there my head, but none of it makes any sense.”

Something clattered overhead and they both fell silent. Demetrius cursed himself for talking at all. Admeta reached into the nearby weapons locker and pulled out a large pistol.

“This one is simple,” Admeta whispered in his ear. “You just point it in the direction you want the bullets to go and pull the trigger.”

The gun felt heavy and it nearly slipped from his hands with how much they shook. Demetrius felt like there was a chance he would die from cardiac arrest before the malravians even found their way inside.

The interior of the skimmer rang with the sound of metal as something bashed into the roof hatch. The sound resolved into a near rhythmic pattern that shook the entire skimmer. To Demetrius’s surprise, he saw Admeta smile. Soon she blinked away tears and scrubbed at her eyes with the non-gauntleted hand. A moment later she was at the hatch tapping out a response with her metal-clad fingers. Demetrius hung his head, and let the gun clatter to the floor.

The roof hatch opened spilling dark mud across the cabin and a faceless enforcer spoke over his internal com system, but it was still loud enough to hear. “We have two civilians down here one injured… copy that command.”

“This man is a doctor and is needed at the medical ward in Sector eight,” Admeta said gesturing to Demetrius.

“No need to lie. I know who you are and Larry is expecting you. Let’s get moving.”

Demetrius was hoisted out first and nearly carried to a waiting skimmer. The inside was cramped but somehow it felt safe with three enforcers dressed in tactical armor and equipped with more weapons than Demetrius though possible.

“Lucky we found you when we did. The malravians have been falling back. Gives us a little time to breathe.” The enforcer said.

“Odd don’t you think,” Admeta said.

“Yes. They are likely rallying for a large-scale attack or digging new tunnels. Though I can’t say I am not grateful for the reprieve. It has given us valuable time to evacuate civilians.”

“Skimmer one this is overwatch. We are picking up some activity ahead. Route change to 02 alpha.” Came a blast over the internal com system.

“Understood, let’s keep our distance.”

“Be advised, multiple seismic disturbances tracking with your route, weapons ready.”

Demetrius closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, He looked up to the enforcer in the gunner’s loft and repeated to himself that they were safe now. The wine of the rotary cannon spinning up churned his stomach. Several agonizing minutes passed before the wine lessened without firing a shot. The relief in the cabin was audible as Demetrius was not the only one who let out an unsteady breath.

When they reached the medical ward, Admeta helped Demetrius hobble from the skimmer. Despite the bustle of medical staff and the hum of equipment, it seemed like a small slice of sanity amid the chaos. Outside on the surrounding airfield enforcers carted fuel and ammunition to waiting dusk blades and skimmers alike. For now, Demetrius let himself accept the illusion of safety.

Larry Renkofski was waiting for them just inside the converted hanger. His hulking form all too similar to that of the malravian beasts. A smile broke across his face and he placed a massive hand on Admeta’s shoulder.

“I heard you guys ran into some trouble out there, but I am glad to see you both made it here in one piece,” Larry said sparing a glance at Demetrius’s leg.

“Tess needs your help. She has been poisoned and the doctors do not have an antidote for it. At this rate, she will die unless we do something.” Larry said, his eyes resting on Demetrius.

“I’m not a doctor. What am I supposed to do?” Demetrius said sounding more defensive than he meant to.

“If you were to splice in malravian DNA, you could save her life. Malravians are immune to poison. Not only will render the toxin inert but it will allow her to regenerate the parts of her body that have been damaged thus far. These doctors can’t save her now, but you can.”

“The thing we need to do now is get both of you down to the lab so you can do work your magic boy.” Old Sam said and Demetrius noticed him for the first time.

Sam and Larry led them to the back of the medical ward, Admeta nearly carrying him the entire way. Outside several skimmers and part of the labyrinth militia waited, unharassed by the enforcers.

Demetrius had only just taken his seat inside the lead skimmer when Larry came through the back doors carrying Tess. Carefully as with a delicate object, he placed her in the seat next to Demetrius. Larry was so large that he would not fit in one of the seats, instead, he stood in the center of the rear cabin, one massive hand pressed firmly against the roof for support.

“Larry…” Demetrius said with a noticeable pause, his eyes lingered on Tess, her eyes were closed, and her brow was beading with sweat. “Something I have been thinking about this entire time. I don’t know how much help I will actually be to her. I hardly remember anything-”

Larry waved a dismissive hand, “Don’t worry about it. You don’t think I would go through all the trouble of bringing you here if I didn’t have a plan.” His massive hand reached down into a pocket. When it surfaced, he held a small aqua shard connected to a leather cord. Larry twirled it around his finger before extending it to Demetrius.

Demetrius stared for a long moment at the crystal in Larry’s open palm hesitant to touch it.

“You may not remember, but this was once yours. Take it.” Larry said.

With great care, Demetrius reached for the shard. As he touched it, he felt a soothing warmth flow down his arm and spread through his entire body. Clutching the crystal in his fist, he basked eyes closed, in the ecstasy of it. This felt right, he felt whole. Then gradually his skull began to grow cold to the point of numbness. The numbing ice seeped down his face and neck stabbing his jaw with thousands of tiny needles. A guttural moan escaped his lips as the sensation intensified. Instead of letting go he clutched his crystal till his hand went white.

Behind his eyelid’s life raced by, image after image, moment after moment. Everything was there, it was as if he could hold all of eternity in his mind at once. Then the sensation began to fade and his mind cut off the countless images, like doors slamming shut, a thousand at a time. He gasped for air taking in ragged breaths. Tears wet his cheeks but he ignored them, mechanically he looped the leather cord over his head and placed the crystal below his shirt. So this was what it felt like to be the true Demetrius Cross. He couldn’t help but feel powerful.

Turning to Tess his face grew hard with determination. He would save her. Gently he ran his fingers across her forehead, brushing raven hair from her face. In a flash, all the formulas and equations needed to perform a human-malravian splicing shuffled through his mind like an animated flip book. This was good, in her body’s weekend state, it would not have the strength to fight the splicing process. Though now he suspected this poisoning had been intentional. Weaken her to make it easier… perhaps. Malravians killed by tearing people limb from limb, not with venom. Regardless he would know of its origin soon enough.

It was embarrassing having to be helped from the skimmer and down into the depths of the lab corps facility, but he knew it would be several days before his legs would support his weight again. If there was anything he wished he could forget, it was just how stupid he had become after the loss of his crystal.

Down in the lab, they found they were not the only ones who had taken an interest in science during the chaos. Arthur LaBou was busy performing research seemingly oblivious to the very real threat just outside these walls. The enforcers had ceded this sector. Though at present the malravian threat had not shown its self.

“Arthur, what are you doing down here? You were supposed to be evacuated to the rim with everyone else.” Demetrius said.

“Not a chance, I have far too much work to do down here. I have to come up with a way to stop all of these malravians. If we can understand them more, at a genetic level, then perhaps I can devise something that can stop them.” Arthur said. Looking up from his terminal, his eyes became shining disks at the sight of Tess’ limp form in Larry’s arms.

“What happened to her?” He demanded his face losing all its color.

“She has a deadly poison in her system. We don’t know how it happened. She was injured in the fighting and was admitted to the medical ward. They have informed us that she is beyond help.” Larry said.

“No, no my Tess.” Arthur pleaded and clutched his terminal as his legs nearly gave out.

Demetrius laid a reassuring hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “Don’t worry she will be fine. Of that I am sure, but I will need your help.”

“How? Anything.”

“I need to have access to all samples you have with malravian DNA,” Demetrius said before turning to Larry. “Set her on the counter over there. I need you to ready several blood samples. I have a lot of work to do.”

Both men nodded and went to work on their respective tasks. Demetrius sat leg bouncing despite the pain as he waited for the terminal to process the samples so they could be manipulated. Despite the terminal being one of the fastest in the Imperium, it struggled under the burden of computing which Demetrius had requested.

At last, the analysis complete icon appeared on the screen. Demetrius immediately pressed it and went to work. His fingers flew across the keypad as he programmed the system to break down and reform the genetic material to his design. At intervals, Demetrius shook out his hands giving them a brief rest before beginning again. If only his fingers could keep up with his mind.

As he worked, he did not forget the poison. Isolating a sample Demetrius put the computer back to work on identifying the toxin while he finished the splicing protocol. He was still typing when the results came back. Instantly an old reference flashed in his mind, siren venom. It was no wonder the medical staff couldn’t do anything for her. Siren venom was exclusive to Ama-Rabbe. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. The poison had originated in her system from a micro-implant behind her left ear. Clearly, it had been part of Larry’s plan all along and Demetrius had a pretty good idea why. Demetrius deleted the toxin report and continued working.

At last, he had the splicing protocol complete. Ten pages of complex code and each line had to be exactly perfect or the combination would fail. Demetrius took a deep breath and reviewed his work. He read each page slowly examining every line and making sure it was flawless. Five minutes later he deemed it ready. He saved the protocol then dragged it into the execute box on the genetic combiner and hit run. With the process out of his hands for a time, Demetrius turned his attention to Larry.

“Why did you do it?” Demetrius asked half convinced he already knew what Larry would say.

Both Larry and Arthur looked confused for a moment. Then Larry smiled that disgusting smile and wiped drool from his malformed face.

“You already know the answer to that Mr. Cross.”

“All just to test your theory about those super malravians?”

“If I am right. You will not only have saved her life but also put us one step closer to reaching perfection as a species.”

“What’s going on?” Arthur demanded.

“He poisoned Tess knowing the enforcer medical staff would have no way to help her. Thereby making this procedure the only means of saving her life,” Demetrius said.

Arthur stood stunned to silence for a moment. Then without warning, he turned and lashed out at Larry catching the massive man square in the jaw. Larry worked his mouth a moment before he rose from his chair to unveil his full height. He towered over Arthur who clutched his old hand, the pain clear on his face.

“You’re lucky you did not break any fingers. I am not unsympathetic to how you must feel, but what is done, is done, have faith in your prodigy old man. He will pull this off.” Larry said and turned his attention to Demetrius.

“Now that you know I was the one who did it, I can relieve you from the burden of time. Aside from whatever may happen with the malravians potentially targeting this place, that poison would take a few more days at least to kill her. Not enough time to run to cross the great rift and find the antidoe but more than enough for this.”

Behind Demetrius, the terminal chimed signaling that the combination process was complete. As much as he resented Larry for what he had done to Tess, there was a part of him which was disgustingly fascinated by it all. Putting his offense aside Demetrius returned to the terminal. A few quick commands on the keypad, and he had the completed splicing serum sent to the mixer for the final step. A few more minutes and at last it would be done.

When the program had run its course, Demetrius loaded a syringe with the serum he had created. Now was the moment of truth. It should only take a few minutes after injection for the new code to begin replacing the old. The change would take place before their eyes. With her body’s defenses already taxed from the toxin, there would be little resistance against the serum.

Demetrius made the injection and set a timer on the terminal. He had never done this before, and he was quite curious to see how long it would take for the external effects to show. In only moments Tess writhed as she sent up ear-splitting screams.