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

Ev’s kiss or if it’s just remnants of the shock I received when Titan knocked me out. I’m upset with myself for giving him the chance to do that. I’m supposed to be sharper than that, and I can’t afford to let my guard down, ever, especially since I’m supposed to lead all the Genesys to safety. I’m glad I learned that in a simulation.

Over the next few days, I put the Genesys through various simulations. I abstain from partaking in most of them so that I can watch and assess their progress. I mix up the teams and alternate who leads. Sometimes I set up three different groups and have them go after each other. It is interesting to watch how the teams strategize against one another.

This gives me a lot of insight into managing a squad if faced with two enemies at once. Through the process, it is evident that Titan is one of the best leaders, even better than Ev. I would still trust Ev above anyone else, but Titan definitely knows how to read a situation. Hydro and Ox are also instinctive leaders.

Most nights, I head up to the roof of the library for some fresh air. Cal, Al, Hydro, and Fe have made it a habit to join me when I go up there. Most of the time, our conversations center on the simulations; the last couple of nights, though, our thoughts have been drawn to bright flashes we’ve seen beyond the wall.

CHAPTER X

When I wake up, I instantly know something is different about today. My stomach churns, and I’m barely able to keep down the protein pack I eat. I brush off the thoughts, thinking that it’s because of the simulation I plan to run today. I’ve been avoiding it since I saw it on Grant’s sheet, but I know I can’t put it off forever. Today the simulation will be dead bodies.

Quick calculations tell me that there are just over one hundred days left before the scientists set off the end of the world. The Genesys have all been around for weeks now and are pretty much caught up to Ev and me. This simulation will be challenging for them to handle if it’s anything like the first time I saw bodies.

As I head down the empty hallway to set up before the rest get down there, I see two figures standing by the elevator. I recognize Rene instantly. The second figure takes me a moment to register. I realize that it’s the woman I saw in the medical ward talking to Brianna and Hawk.

“Atom, good. I was hoping you would be by soon.” Rene puts his arm around me and squares me up to the woman. Up close, her hair seems to alternate between black and white. “This is Doctor Lila Kivuli.”

She reaches her hand out. “It’s nice to formally meet you, Atom.”

“Nice to meet you.” I shake her hand.

“Dr. Kivuli is our resident psychiatrist. She has been working with a lot of scientists here at the compound, and she insisted that she start seeing all of you.” Rene smiles.

“What for?” I speak to Rene as if Dr. Kivuli isn’t there. Something about how she looked at me back in the medical ward hasn’t sat right with me.

“I just want to give you all an outlet to vent. You must be going through a lot of stress, and I can help you talk out any issues you might be having,” Dr. Kivuli answers for Rene.

“I’m fine. I don’t need to talk things out.” I’m getting annoyed. I don’t want to be wasting my time when I should be setting up the simulation.

“You may think you are, but the rest of them might not be. Besides, Atom, this is not an option. I want each of you to see Dr. Kivuli once a week.” Rene’s words are final. He motions for Dr. Kivuli to walk before him, and he follows her as they head down the hallway.

I get into the elevator and try to brush off my annoyance. Rene is probably right. They do need someone to talk things through with, especially after today’s simulation. It probably wouldn’t be a bad thing for me, either, because I don’t really have anyone I can confide in regarding my issues with being the leader.

Telling any of the other Genesys, including Ev, that I am constantly second-guessing myself would show weakness. I need them to trust that I will always make the right decisions.

When I reach the simulation room, I decide that I will not reveal what the simulation is. No amount of warning can set them up for the shock they will feel. I open the weapons cache and remove twelve rifles, making sure each one is loaded with six bullets. They need to learn to conserve their ammunition.

The first of the Genesys pour out of the elevator and make their way toward me. Their lively conversations turn silent when they spot the rifles on the table. It’s the first time we will be using guns. They’ve all been coming down to practice, and though Titan is still the best shot, the rest have become just as accurate.

I assess the group as the last two approach the table. There is a mixture of apprehension and nerves in each of their faces, except for Titan. His smile is unnerving.

“Today, we will be using rifles. They are the most common weapons we are likely to encounter outside this compound.” I look around and spot Ev and Fe standing next to each other. Neither of them is aware of what they are about to see. I feel bad, and I want to comfort them, but I know that they will each have to come to terms with it on their own.

“What’s the simulation?” Sodi asks.

I take a deep breath. “The simulation will be revealed to you when we start. Each one of you will take a rifle that has been pre-loaded with six bullets,