Gene. Sys. by Aaron Denius (best ereader for comics txt) 📕

a break from physical strain and save the hand-to-hand combat until the end. After a quick water and bathroom break, we begin the weapons training.

Ev and I start them off small and teach them how to work with knives. We show them the proper way to hold, attack, counter, and throw.

As I might have expected from his performance in the simulation, Cal picks it up most naturally and far exceeds everyone else. Eventually, they all take to the knives, but I can tell that I will need to be patient with the weapons training.

Next, Ev and I teach them how to use the larger, handheld weapons, swords, staffs, and axes. Each Genesys has responded strongly to different weapons. Ox and the double ax are destined for each other; the staff is a perfect fit for the mocha-skinned girl, Hydro.

Finally, we move to the projectile weapons—bow and arrows, crossbows, and an assortment of guns and rifles. I can tell that people are getting tired and losing focus, but Grant would not want me to take it easy on them. As I walk around, assessing each of the Genesys, one thing stands out to me that sends chills up my spine. Titan is deadly accurate with guns and rifles. He does not stray more than a couple of centimeters from the bull’s eye.

After a little bit, when I see that all of the Genesys have at least a basic handle of the guns and rifles, I let them break for a late lunch. Everyone heads for the fridge that holds the protein pouches, and they grab a couple each.

It’s not until I see them devour their first pouches that I realize how hungry I have become. I walk over and grab a couple of pouches and turn back to the room. The Genesys have split up into three groups. Titan and Sil sit against the far wall and are joined by two girls, K and Sodi. To my left, Ev has taken a seat with Ox and Mag.

Neither of those groups come across as a place I would feel comfortable. Luckily, I see Cal and Al waving me over from the right.

I walk over, and Fe and Hydro move to allow me room to sit between them. My nerves have gotten the better of me again, and I look back to Ev’s group before sitting next to Fe. Ev glances over at me and smiles; I smile back and take a seat.

I don’t know why I feel so nervous around Fe and why I become self-conscious when both she and Ev are in the same room with me. This is definitely something I need to get over. I’m supposed to be the leader, and I don’t need to have anyone second-guessing me because of my nerves. Especially myself.

I close my eyes and let out a deep breath, pushing the nerves out. I look at the Genesys around me. “So what do you guys think so far?”

“This has been awesome!” Cal jumps in. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.

“It’s a lot tougher than I thought it would be,” Hydro adds. “But fun!”

The others agree. This makes me happy. I was worried that I wouldn’t convey all the information I wanted to, but it seems like they have all taken everything in and are enjoying themselves in the process.

“So what’s next?” Al asks.

I look over the group as if I’m about to deliver some bad news. “Hand-to-hand combat. Grant always told me that you are more likely to face a conflict where you don’t have any weapons. Similar to what Ev and I had when we faced all ten of you.”

“Why do we have to learn how to fight in the first place?” Fe asks.

My heart reaches out to her. Much like with Ev, I want to protect her. “Well, since I’ve been here, the compound has been attacked, and the outsiders are set on trying to get rid of us. Besides, I think we will be on our own after the scientists end the world.”

This is the first time this thought has even crossed my mind. We are going to be left alone. As far as I know, there are no plans for the scientists to survive. This is too much for me to handle right now, so I finish my last protein pouch and stand.

“Alright, everyone, the break is over. Use the bathroom if you have to. We start in five minutes.” I walk over to Grant’s desk as a few of the Genesys head for the bathroom. The others clean up and gather in the middle of the room.

I stare at the envelope that Grant left me, and I’m startled when Ev steps up next to me.

“Is everything okay?” She puts her hand on mine.

I don’t move mine away. I don’t think I have felt okay in a long time. “Yeah.”

“What’s in it?” She motions to the envelope.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll read it later.” I turn and head back to the center of the room. Sodi and K are the last two to return from the bathroom, and I reach the group as they do.

Ev hustles over to catch up. “Sorry.”

I look at the group, knowing that most of them are probably not ready. “Okay. For the rest of today’s training, we are going to be focusing on hand-to-hand combat. You will learn how to harness your abilities and—”

“We already know how to fight. Teach us something different.” Titan looks directly at me, challenging me.

“Believe me, you don’t.” I try to stay calm.

Titan steps forward. “I’m pretty sure—”

“Will you stop being an ass and let him teach?” Cal speaks up. It feels good to know that someone has my back.

“Don’t call me an ass!” Titan shouts. Before I can do anything, he has charged over and pushed Cal to the ground.

Cal gets back to his feet, but Al and Ox hold him back. They don’t hold back his words. “This isn’t over, you ass!”

Titan steps up to push Cal