Unity by Carl Stubblefield (epub read online books TXT) 📕

began to cut into the skin on his chest, using forceps in the other hand to keep it secure as he sliced delicately, teasing the skin from the muscle underneath. For some reason, though, the pain was less intense than usual.

It was unnerving to see the swath of skin being separated from his torso with such cavalier aplomb, but Mengele had not detected this change in Gus’ perception. Gus did not understand it himself, but any absence of pain was such a foreign feeling after an eternity of torment.

“You are getting better at your control; you didn’t move much on that one. I will have to try harder.” Mengele nodded to himself as he worked. “You know, I could bend the nerves near where I work and prevent your body’s pain signals from ever reaching the brain. Nerves are funny though, sometimes they don’t like being manipulated. I’ve seen them stay numb in perpetuity, and that just won’t do. Damaging the subject beyond repair is not what a craftsman does.

“An artist knows how far he can go, how much color to add, how much marble to chip away, or how deep to cut. Every opportunity is a chance to hone the craft and skill.” Mengele leaned close, as if in a stage whisper. “And I do love my work. I have been practicing for so long now. Find something you love and you’ll never work another day, isn’t that how the phrasing goes?”

Gus wanted to respond, but his jaw felt like lead. Any attempts at speech were thwarted as his muscles refused to obey.

“I’m sure you will forgive me for not treating you like a child. My subjects learn how they are able to withstand so much more than they ever thought possible. The Nth really do offer a unique opportunity that I have found unparalleled with regs. Truly, I feel like I am getting a glimpse of the future. Of what mankind would be thousands of years in the future, after evolution has gone through countless iterations. The Nth merely accelerate this process and allow the body to reset.

“A researcher couldn’t ask for a better boon if he tried. The inherent differences in various subjects alone is enough to corrupt the data. But a single subject that can regenerate, even act as their own control, it’s more than I ever thought possible. You see, I’ve been doing this,” Mengele waved his scalpel and forceps in circles to indicate his lab, “since before the Nth ever came.”

“If you ask me, they chose me to be one of the first generation because, out of my peers, I was more developed and disciplined. Somehow they can assess that before integration. Capacity. That is the key.” He jabbed the scalpel close to Gus’ eye to emphasize his point.

“Do you know your capacity? I am having the best time exploring it with you, I must say. The time I’ve given you to assimilate all those changes has got to be part of your resilience. It’s truly fascinating. When my employer revealed to me how he had orchestrated everything, even I was impressed. It was so… elegant. It accomplished so many things with such a succinct style.

“You know, I’ve always been the smartest individual in the room for almost the entirety of my life, and it wasn’t until I met my employer that I realized that someone could surpass me.” His eyes turned steely and manic. “That won’t always be the case, mind you.” He stared at Gus, daring him to confirm that Mengele would not rise above his master. He relaxed his jittery eyes when they didn’t find the implied flaw he suspected Gus might be thinking.

“I’ve let myself get too distracted. Another of my few flaws that I need to overcome. Focus, Gus. Focus is key. You cannot overcome or accomplish anything without it. Remember that.”

Mengele chuckled and turned back to his work, and things became worse from there. Gus retreated inward to escape the pain that ensued.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Escapade

“There has to be a reason for all of this, Aurora, and I am staying right here. You can see yourself out, and if you return whatever you did to the door back to the way you found it, I would appreciate it. I don’t want to be a part of your little escapade. I already know how it will end.”

Aurora worked her jaw soundlessly, trying to come up with a response. Finally, she just put her hands up in resignation.

“Sure, Pulse. If that’s what you really want.” She looked at the other members of the group. “Anyone else? I know I can be bossy, but if anyone isn’t feeling this, don’t let me pressure you into coming along.” She looked at everyone, and only saw the other members of the Crew looking back with resolve.

Anastasia just looked pissed as she cast a scowl at Pulse. “Let’s go then,” she whispered before turning on her heel and leaving. They closed the door behind them and Aurora removed the lockbox from her storage.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this…” she muttered to herself as she reattached and engaged the lock.

“I did some digging and I know someplace we can go to make a plan to get the others. They can track us most places, if they aren’t already. Aurora, I think you can help us with that. Darik, can you make a portal for us to wastewater management?” Yuki asked.

“You want us to go to the sewers?” He scrunched up his nose.

“No, we just need to get some concrete between us and that signal tower. It has to be underground and I need to find a control room, some place I can access the network. So not inside the sewer pipes themselves. Is it harder to pass through different materials?”

“That’s not how it works, lass. But let me see. It’s much easier if it’s a shorter distance and I’ve been there before. D’you know if we can get there from the underground tunnels?”

“There are tunnels?”