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

you this note knowing that what is in it you will keep to yourself. There are certain things that you need to know that are best not shared with others, including Rene.

First, let me address the hologram battles. I was working on a program that would allow you and the others to fight against holographic foes. Though there might still be a couple of glitches, it will still operate and will give you all the opportunity to work together as a team.

As you know, I was in charge of security at the compound. Most of my time was spent making sure that the drones were adequately trained and that everyone within the walls remained safe from the outsiders’ threat. We monitored everything from the surveillance room you followed me into.

I spent so much time looking outside those walls that I failed to see what was right underneath my nose. In the last couple of weeks, before I shipped out, I heard whispers of a cell of scientists who intend on sabotaging the plan. Rene was not informed of this because he would most likely try to confront the scientists, driving them deeper into the shadows. 

Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to find out who these people were. I don’t want you to search for them. What I want is for you to be prepared. You might have to fight people you have come to trust, so stay strong and remember that your and the Genesys’ survival is the top priority.

I wish I had more time to flush out the cell, but these weapons need to be activated as soon as possible. I trust that you will succeed, and I know deep down that what we are doing is in humanity’s best interests. Take care of yourself, Atom.

I’m glad to have known you.

Grant

CHAPTER IX

The next few days, I just work with the Genesys on mastering the different weapons and hand-to-hand combat. I can tell that a few of them are getting impatient, but I don’t want to move on without Titan. As much as I don’t like him, my talk with Rene has made me realize the importance of having everyone on the same page.

Sleep has pretty much left my schedule. The added responsibility and Grant’s letter have made it so that my mind won’t shut off. I head to the library roof instead of my room at night, and I welcome Cal and Al’s company.

We mostly talk about the training and the information that Ev has been teaching them. Cal attempted to talk about Titan, but I quickly steered him off subject, letting him know not to bring it up again.

Tonight, though, our conversation is about something completely different, and I’m not sure how comfortable I feel about it. My body has been put on alert because the brisk air has given me goosebumps.

“Well, Al, I think it’s pretty obvious that you and Hydro are hitting it off,” Cal says. “Don’t you agree, Atom?”

“I guess,” I mutter, trying to fake disinterest. It is true, though. Al and Hydro have been virtually inseparable since I first met them.

“Yeah. Well, what about you, Cal? Who do you have your eye on?” Al asks, not denying his interest in Hydro.

“I don’t know. I guess I think K is cute,” Cal replies as he drops his head in slight embarrassment.

“Really?” Al pries.

“Her hair is really cool,” I add.

“Yeah, but Cal knows nothing about her. I’ve never even seen him talk to her,” Al blurts out.

“So, I still think she’s cute,” Cal says as he turns to look at me. “What about you, Atom?”

I really don’t want to answer this question. Images of both Ev and Fe pop into my head. How am I supposed to decide?

“Don’t be dumb, Cal. You know that he and Ev were created to be together. Just like in that book we read,” Al declares.

“That’s just a story. Besides, I’ve seen him look at Fe.” Cal pokes me. His confession makes me turn bright red with embarrassment.

“So which one is it, buddy?” Al shifts his body around to look at me.

I look around, hoping for a way to not have to answer. I wish for a distraction, and it’s granted as a body comes through the door to the roof. Unfortunately, it only leads to further embarrassment as Hydro makes her way through, followed close behind by Fe.

I have tried really hard not to show any bias to either Ev or Fe, but without Ev around, I find myself staring.

“Hey fellas!” Hydro stands up on the roof.

“I hope you don’t mind that I invited them up here.” Al looks at me.

“It’s fine.” This place no longer feels like my sanctuary anyway.

“What’s that?” Fe points off into the distance. Without looking, I know what she is asking about.

“That’s the Great Pyramid of Giza,” I say proudly.

“The one we read about?” she asks, her eyes growing wide with wonder.

“The very same.” I smile as I recognize the same emotions I felt when I saw it within her. For a moment, it’s just the two of us on the roof. The crisp breeze has stopped as if we are standing in a cocoon of warmth. I want to reach out to her and hold her.

“So this is what you do every night?” Hydro looks around. Her question snaps me out of my trance.

“Yeah. We pretty much sit up here and talk.” Cal scoots over, having not stood up when the girls arrived. There was barely enough room when it was just the three of us, so now we scrunch together. Al and Hydro cozy up as he puts his arm around her, and Fe sits between Cal and me.

“What was the worst part about being out there, Atom?” Hydro speaks up.

Many things pop into my head at once. The filth, the hatred toward us, being shot—but one thing has always made my stomach turn. I’ve tried hard to push the images out of my head, but Grant’s simulation