Sixer

By Tyler Garver

About the Book
It is the year 2643. The earth has been decimated from hundreds of years of war. As a result, the NASS Science Division’s secret project has come to fruition, and Dr. Tristan Monterri finds himself risking his life on two criminals he has chosen to assist him in the project—a project whose goal is to turn them into super soldiers to save the planet.
Can the super soldiers fight off the insurgents and save what is left of earth?
Read Sixer, an exhilarating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure.
About the Author
Tyler Garver was born in Hawaii and grew up primarily in Washington state where he still resides. He is currently studying to become an actor and enjoys storytelling, writing, and doing research on a variety of topics that interest him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Feb 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891271999

Book preview

Prologue

4

[North America Space Station, Year 2643]

Light strips illuminate a metallic white hallway. Light reflects off the metal plating onto a young doctor’s square glasses. He is average male height with a brown combover and brown eyes. His glasses have red lenses that prevent many people from seeing his eyes up close.

Director Breckett needs results today, a female voice demands through a communication implant built into the man’s ear.

As promised, Director, the patients are ready to go. Director Breckett will have his super-soldier program, he doesn’t need to worry, the man answers.

General Guller will be attending the presentation as well. He has demanded results from at least one of the patients and he is threatening to cut our funding and ground the NASS Science Division. Your job—nay, the entire program—is in your hands, Doctor Monterri, the woman tells him. She sounds a little worried about him and their futures. It’s almost motherly, but more so endearing.

Director Fierne, you have my word that things will be in order and the past decade of our lives wasn’t a waste, Doctor Monterri assures her with the utmost confidence as he approaches a door with his name—Doctor Tristan Monterri—etched in the center.

General Guller and Director Breckett shall be the judge of that, Fierne responds with worry in her voice and a gulp at the end.

I promise. Everything will go perfectly, Monterri eases.

I’ll see you at the presentation? Fierne asks.

Yeah, Monterri nods.

Be sure to dress up, Fierne flirts.

Only if you do, Monterri chuckles.

I’ll see you, Fierne hangs up.

Monterri’s lab is an utter mess. Similar to the outside hallway, it is all-white metallic sheeting. He has four bookshelves on each wall, totaling sixteen. Each is filled with his own published works. A quick glance over the room shows he has studied a variety of subjects such as extinct species from the 21st century, fall of western civilization during the 23rd, human augmentations, history of space travel, quantum physics, and modern-day diplomacy skills, to name a few. In the corner he has his bed and a nightstand with a photo on it. The photo inside is of Monterri and a woman shorter and the same age as him with red hair and green eyes. Both of them are wearing casual clothing and are having a picnic on a hill. The sky in the background is clear blue and the couple look happy together. Their attire matches the summer scenery. There’s a large metallic gray table in the center of the room with a dome covering in the middle.

Monterri has papers scattered all over the table and floor as he steps on them, he flips open a hidden panel in the table. As he presses a button, the dome starts rising to reveal a series of six test tubes attached to metal claws that are protected by the dome. Each of them have a color associated with them: red, yellow, blue, orange, green, and purple. Monterri grabs the tube filled with red liquid.

Monterri quickly leaves his room and heads further down the hall. The room he enters is a dark room filled with eight beds, four on either side. Each bed has a headrest and straps, but only the two beds furthest from the door have patients. One adult male and female are strapped to the beds and gagged. Both patients have a label, Alpha for the male and Omega for the female. Both have brown hair and brown eyes and a rounded facial structure.

Monterri quickly walks over to Alpha and ungags him to reveal a strange red liquid coming from his mouth. Good morning, Alpha. How are you feeling today? Monterri asks as he puts on a white rubber glove.

You were right, Doc. The treatment is keeping me up all night, Alpha responds.

Monterri takes a light and shines it into his brown eyes. The human body isn’t fond of external forces such as this. However, the antibodies inside the treatment shall help your immune system accept the new foreign entity, Monterri explains as he starts checking Alpha’s heartrate.

If this is what it takes for that pardon you lab coats are promising me, then I’ll drink any liquid you ask, Alpha remarks with a slight smile.

I am here to expedite your treatment. I have the final vial that I will administer to either you or Omega. This is a test and can result in death since we don’t know the full extent of this sickness, Monterri explains as he takes out the red vial to show him. There is more concern in his voice when he says Omega’s name.

You aren’t hurting her, Doc, Alpha speaks sternly.

Then I was correct in my assumption that you wanted this treatment? Monterri asks.

Omega, worried about Alpha’s safety, starts squirming.

Don’t worry, darling. It takes more than a strange vial to kill me, Alpha reassures as he shifts his gaze to Monterri. "What happens if I don’t die?’’ Alpha asks.

The antibodies are designed to fix any broken DNA you might have from the disease. Much like a muscle, it will repair and strengthen your entire genome. And if you don’t succumb to the disease or antibodies, then you will have the privilege of accompanying me to a demonstration, Monterri explains as he opens the vial.

Alpha nods and takes the vial. After drinking it, he starts to shake vigorously.

"D-Doc, is that—’’ Alpha stutters before a sharp, painful scream.

Don’t you worry, Alpha. I thought this might occur. Besides, you know you’re in safe hands, Monterri calms him.

Alpha falls unconscious as his body continues to shake violently.

4

Alpha jolts awake and starts looking around at everything.

Slowly, Alpha. Congratulations, you survived, Monterri greets, sitting in a round chair at Alpha’s bedside.

H-how long was I out? Alpha asks as he takes another, more clear, look at his new surroundings. He is in a hospital bed with a window that looks over North America and the dark abyss of space. There are starships in the distance, most likely transporting cargo between the UEA Moon base and North America capital city.

About seven hours. Monterri pauses. Alpha, the test was a success. I took the liberty of scanning your body after the shaking stopped. The treatment strengthened your neural pathways and increased your muscle and bone density. Better yet, the disease plaguing you is purged from your system. But what’s most important is how you feel. Monterri is holding a pen, paper, and metal clipboard, eagerly waiting to jot down results.

Alpha stands up, much to Monterri’s surprise.

I feel… amazing. Better than ever! We have to give this to Kaitlyn—sorry, to Omega— as soon as possible. Alpha starts pacing around the hospital room.

Monterri is writing so fast that his pen shoots out of his hand and onto the floor. Alpha very quickly snatches it midair before it can begin its descent.

"Doc, we have to give this to Omega," Alpha repeats after his show of quick reflexes.

I will administer the same treatment tonight. The demonstration will occur at eight in the morning tomorrow. I expect the two of you to be ready by then, Monterri explains as he leads Alpha outside into the hallway.

It is at this point that Alpha realizes he has gained some height. Before, he was slightly shorter than Monterri, but now he is able to see the top of his head.

You’re a tad short, ain’t you, Doc? Alpha jokes.

I am of average height, it is you who has increased in height after the treatment, Monterri explains with little hints of emotion.

Alpha smirks and then promptly starts sniffing. You smell that, Doc? Alpha asks with a delighted look on his face.

It was meant to be a surprise for you and Omega. I had the caterers cook something special. A token of appreciation for your contributions to NASS Science Division. Monterri is surprised since he can’t smell the food.

The two arrive at the room. On a new table located in the middle of the room, there’s a steak, mashed potatoes, and vegetables waiting for them; however, Omega is missing and that worries Alpha.

Where’s Omega? Alpha asks immediately.

I administered the treatment. She is on the third-floor infirmary currently recovering, Monterri explains.

Why didn’t you wait until I woke up? Alpha asks, seemingly frustrated. His frustration is fueled by the fact Monterri earlier said that he would wait.

Once you went into a brief coma, I knew you were going to live. All you required was hospital treatment. I took the liberty of curing her as well since I knew that would be a—albeit warranted and valid—request that you would make, Monterri answers.

Don’t do anything to Kaitlyn without my permission, Doctor, Alpha demands with a strict tone.

"Omega will be up shortly. I will see you in the morning. Monterri isn’t shaken at all. He walks to the door with Alpha’s gaze on him. One last thing, Alpha. If you ever tell me what to do again, you won’t be receiving that pardon. In fact, I’ll have you charged with all the crimes you committed before I picked you and Omega off the streets," Monterri threatens, looking away from Alpha.

Alpha steps back and lowers his gaze, somewhat shaken.

4

At about 7:30 in the morning, Monterri opens the door to the patient room once again. Alpha and Omega are already prepared and waiting.

Good morning, Doctor Monterri, Omega greets with glee.

The two of them clearly have some sort of history from the way she looks at him. She was much shorter than Monterri before and is now eye level with him.

Good morning, Omega. I am glad to see the procedure went well. The two of you are well, I presume? Monterri asks, fixing his glasses.

Better than okay! Alpha and I have accurately determined our abilities so we can give you a good demonstration, Omega answers with a smile.

I didn’t say that I was demonstrating your changed physiques, Monterri points out.

Well, we just figured you would. Alpha and I have both shown increased strength, enhanced senses, and increased reflexes, Omega explains in a tone of voice very similar to Monterri’s usual tone.

That would be good to note. Monterri takes a tablet out of his coat pocket and starts typing a new itinerary.

Shall we depart, then? Wouldn’t want to be late, Alpha asks as she tilts her head.

Monterri leads them outside of the room and down the hallway to an elevator. They go all the way up to a demonstration room. The elevator has windows that allow the three of them to look out onto the space station and gaze upon Earth in the distance. The station is like a cylinder with two hangar bays. One facing North America and the other facing the Moon. A single metallic black ship is flying into the Moon hangar. The front is rounded and is too dark to see through. It’s a United Earth Alliance transport shuttle, so it has anti-gravity drives built into two wings that come out from the hull of the ship. They have no weaponry, but Monterri recognizes the metallic black of the United Earth Alliance Military Corps.

I suppose that’s the general, Monterri thinks with a little gulp. He looks at the two other towers on the space station, each half a mile apart, then to the big blue planet he grew up on. Almost fourteen years of my life have been spent up here. I haven’t been home in ages, not that I’d want to, and if Guller cuts the program I am done for. I can’t believe I am risking my future, Fierne’s future, and the NASS Science Division on two criminals. Monterri is quite worried but doesn’t show a hint of that in his face.

The elevator stops and announces Tower Three as the doors open.

The room is round and the only decor is a large glass dome with some risers. It has seats for everyone that is coming and then some. The seats have a very comfy red cushion on it and the metal sheets that make up the room match the aesthetic of the station. They are also bolted into the risers.

The three wait a bit before General Guller shows up. Guller is accompanied by directors Breckett and Fierne, who are behind him. Guller is an older, taller man wearing a full black suit adorned with medals along his left pectoral. He has a captain’s hat that is made of a black fabric and has a brim that is a darker shade than the rest. His hat covers most of his graying hair, but his green eyes are in clear view. Breckett is younger than Monterri with brown hair and green eyes. He’s the tallest man in the room and is wearing the same rubber lab coat as Monterri. Fierne is the shortest in the room and is wearing the same rubber lab coat. Monterri and she lock eyes—

she is the woman in the photo in his room. Fierne gives a small wave down by the side of her abdomen and smiles. Monterri smiles and waves back.

Doctor Monterri, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Guller speaks with a rash voice.

Please, the pleasure is all mine, General. Monterri quickly averts his gaze and clears his throat.

You have results? Director Breckett asks, looking at Alpha and Omega. His voice is low and somewhat raspy, yet oddly soothing those in the room.

Splendid results— Omega starts.

I was asking the doctor, Omega, Breckett interrupts.

Omega steps back a little bit, intimidated by the tall man.

Splendid results. You’ll be pleased, I’m sure, Monterri finishes Omega’s sentence for her.

Omega cracks a smile.

Guller sits down in the middle of Breckett and Fierne. Monterri stands in the center of the room with Alpha and Omega at either side. Monterri claps his hands five times and that activates projectors built into the framing of the station’s glass. They display a blue hologram of muscle and bone charts from Alpha and Omega. A before-and-after. Their bones and muscles were deteriorated from a genetic disorder, but after Monterri’s treatment their bones and muscles are thicker and denser. After looking at the charts, Breckett takes out a tablet and starts working on something else. He seems disinterested. With a gulp, Monterri points out every difference in their muscular and skeletal systems before switching to brain scans. The brain scans revealed higher functionality and neurons firing at a faster rate. Monterri points out how they each have 1.5 times the amount of neurons than the average human being.

Doctor, may we demonstrate? Alpha asks at the end of Monterri’s little slideshow.

Monterri steps out of the way to give them the stage. Omega walks over to a nearby chair and rips it out of the risers. Breckett instantly starts paying attention with a smirk on his face. Omega throws the chair at Alpha, who catches it and doesn’t move an inch. Everyone, including Monterri, has a look of shock on their face. Alpha and Omega seem rather proud of themselves.

Congratulations, Director Fierne, it appears as if you have not only secured the NASS Science Division’s worth to the UEA, but I am doubling your funding. I want six more just like them fit for combat by year’s end, Guller speaks after a moment of silence.

The two of you have earned your pardon. Thank you for assisting the NASS Science Division’s secret project. I shall make sure you are returned safely to North America by the end of the day, Breckett tells Alpha and Omega.

We’re just going to leave? What do you mean by combat ready? Wasn’t our disease rare? Omega asks, very confused. She’s tilting her head like she was earlier.

We didn’t pluck you off the streets for questions, ma’am, Breckett answers, trying to end the conversation.

Pluck us—right, that’s the story. But we have a right to ask, don’t we? Alpha defends her and steps between them.

As of this moment, you are no longer patients here. We treated your disease and gave the two of you so much more and all we ask is for you to stop asking questions, Breckett answers sternly.

You didn’t answer his question, Omega argues.

Monterri, you did a great job today. Escort them to the hangar. Breckett shifts his attention and starts walking to the elevator.

Omega is completely ignored and brushed off. Omega shakes her head, recognizing the attitude from Breckett. Alpha stops him by grabbing his coat.

Three. Breckett starts losing the soothing touch to his voice.

Get off of him, Alpha, Monterri pleads, knowing how strict of a man Breckett can be.

Two, Breckett continues, no more soothing touch in his tone.

Alpha, you don’t want him to get to zero, Monterri warns as he starts slowly getting closer.

One. Breckett is now gritting his teeth.

Let go of him, John! Omega demands, noticing Breckett’s changed demeanor. She recognizes it from previous encounters.

Alpha lets go immediately.

Congratulations, Alpha. You and Omega are now criminals and will continue to live here and be test subjects for Doctor Monterri’s experiments. The outside world will believe you are dead. Your friends and family will promptly be told of your unfortunate demise. Any attempts to escape will be met with your deaths. Comply and you will be relocated to a plot of land on the Italian peninsula in approximately twenty years from tomorrow. If you are to lay your hands on Doctor Monterri or any other NASS Science Division officials, you will be executed. Do you understand? Breckett speaks firmly with utmost confidence and doesn’t face anyone or anything besides the elevator door.

There is nothing but silence in the room. Director Breckett presses the button to the elevator and it opens. He steps inside and turns around, giving everyone in the room one final look.

Six more by year’s end, Doctor, he reminds Monterri as the doors close.

Chapter Uni

4

[North America Space Station, Year 2669]

An aging doctor, about sixty-five years old, with graying brown hair and brown eyes, opens a white metallic door. His attire is a rubber white lab coat with two chest pockets and square glasses with red lenses. As the door slides open he can see into a bedroom with a window that gives him a spectacular view of Earth, more specifically North America. The bedroom is for one person. There is very little decoration, just a desk, a chair, and a fake eucalyptus tree. In one corner of the room is a red unicycle leaned up on the wall. A young man, about twenty-five, is sitting at the desk reading a book. He has a rounded facial structure along with blond hair and dark brown eyes. He’s wearing a red scarf, brown pants, and a black t-shirt. Immediately the young man looks over at the doctor.

If it ain’t the good Doctor Monterri! Welcome to my humble abode! he greets, putting his book down and marking his spot.

One, today isn’t the time for you to pretend I haven’t been here, Monterri explains with a gravelly voice.

Alright, Doc. More tests, then? One asks, rolling his eyes.

Actually, today’s dispatch, Monterri answers with a straight tone.

Woah, woah! Dispatch? Like a mission? One asks, standing up. He is over six feet tall and noticeably taller than Monterri.

You will be dispatched to General Guller’s unit in the Illinois Region. You’ll land at the spaceport located in New Chicago. You’ll meet with Guller there and he will debrief you on the mission, Monterri explains with a no-nonsense attitude.

Doctor, this is my first mission. Don’t I get any warning? I-I’ve never even been to Earth, One protests.

This was your warning. Gather your things, you have an hour to get to the North America Hangar Bay, Monterri orders.

One gives a look of confusion but complies with his orders. Monterri leaves and heads to the office of Director Fierne.

Director Fierne’s hair is a light red with some gray hairs. She has her hair in a bun and is the average height of a woman. Her eyes are emerald green and she wears a pair of round-rimmed reading glasses with a lighter red lens. Fierne has her lab coat open to reveal a green shirt that matches her eyes and a pair of blue pants. When Monterri enters, Fierne is finishing up a paper on her computer with a holographic screen and keyboard. Her desk has plenty of fake plants and there’s a window that faces deep space. Fierne has a picture of her and Monterri on a picnic date from decades in the past sitting next to her computer. Monterri can see the picture from his angle, it always puts a small smile on his face. Both of them are wearing silver wedding rings with a diamond in the center. After all, the nameplate etched into the door to her office says Fierne Monterri.

I have given One his orders and he’s going to meet me in an hour, Director Fierne, Monterri reports.

Tristan, please drop the ‘Director.’ We’ve been married for over a decade and wherever we’re alone I tell you— Fierne is interrupted.

I don’t have to call you by your title, Monterri finishes with a flirty smile and tone.

You’re a smart ass, you know that? Fierne chuckles with a smile.

Back to the matter at hand, One doesn’t seem up to the task, Monterri explains back to his no-nonsense attitude.

Of course he seems that way. He’s hardly left his room in the over two decades we’ve trained him. One doesn’t know what real combat is like, so he’s scared. Tristan, you can’t pretend that any of them are ready, Fierne concurs in an almost motherly tone.

What if he dies? Monterri asks with concern in an almost fatherly tone.

General Guller will whip him into shape and he’ll get a taste of what he’s fighting for. The UEA needs security, we lose territory to insurgents every year. So many people are dying because our forces are drawn too thin. I don’t need to remind you of any of this, but with this super-soldier program, we’ll beat the insurgents to a pulp. They’ll have to give up. If One can prove his effectiveness in combat, then Breckett will assign us more funding, Fierne reassures.

I’m aware of all of this, Fierne. But what does One want? Monterri asks in a fatherly tone.

To serve the UEA, Fierne reassures.

You didn’t answer the question, Monterri argues.

I did? Fierne looks confused.

What if he dies? Monterri repeats.

Then we have five more tests, Fierne answers softly. There’s a hint of regret in her voice.

They’re more than tests. They have lives they want to live, Monterri argues.

What does One want to do with his life if it wasn’t to serve the UEA? Be a circus clown with that unicycle? Fierne argues.

Monterri doesn’t answer.

This is what we’ve spent over four decades of our lives on. Today we get to know if it worked out or not, Fierne reassures.

Monterri nods his head.

You’ve done wonderfully, my dear. The NASS Science Division owes everything to you. Remember, if it wasn’t for you, General Guller would’ve cut our funding decades ago, Fierne recalls as Monterri starts calming down.

You’re right. We’ve worked too hard to go back now. I’ll see you tonight, my dear. Monterri stands up and heads toward the hangar bay.

4

The hangar bay is filled with transport class shuttles. Each with a rounded metallic white cockpit that flows into a rectangular hull. There are engines on the back and a wing on either side of the hull. The landing gear elevates the shuttle and has a landing strip lowered for people to load and unload. This strip comes from the hull. Two pilots are doing preflight checks in the cockpit as Monterri stood at the bottom of the landing strip, waiting for One.

Holding his unicycle in hand, One approaches the doctor.

What… is that? Monterri asks, frustrated.

It’s a unicycle. I am an expert at using one, One brags.

I know that’s your prototype unicycle that I gave you. I mean, what are you going to do with that in a combat situation? Monterri asks, pinching his eyes.

One shrugs. I’ll improvise.

Monterri doesn’t approve of that answer, but he knows he can’t argue with One.

Shall we get going, then? One asks somewhat eagerly.

You’ve changed your tone, Monterri notices.

I thought about it, Doctor. I think I am ready. After all, I’m an enhanced super soldier. The UEA needs me and my enhancements, so if I chicken out then who’s going to kick insurgent butt? One explains, doing a childlike punch.

Glad you came to your senses, Monterri congratulates as they board the shuttle.

[New Chicago, Illinois Region]

The shuttle takes an hour to reach New Chicago from the North American Space Station Science Division. The buildings of the city are all made of a beautiful metallic white and stand two to three hundred feet tall. The city is walled off completely with factories built into the walls. Smokestacks rise every one to four hundred feet to signify a new factory. The land around the city is hazed. Dead grass, trees, and ruined buildings from the 21st, 23rd, and 25th centuries. The New Chicago spaceport is located on the southern end of the city. The transport shuttles here are all metallic black instead of white to indicate they are owned by the UEA Military Corps instead of UEA science.

Monterri leads One onto the landing pad.

It’s not what I expected, One observes as he overlooks the destroyed landscape at the edge of the pad.

It’s what happened before the UEA. Insurgents are threatening to do that to whatever is left. Your job is to stop it, Monterri explains as he extends his arm.

One leaves the edge as Monterri moves him along with his arm. They head down a flight of stairs into the wall. Two guards, dressed fully head to toe in black armor, are stationed at the entrance. They wear a helmet with a one-way black glass visor, allowing them to see people and cover their face. They wear a black undersuit that is adorned with black armor plating everywhere except a person’s joints, which allows the soldiers to have mobility. Neither one is carrying a weapon.

Halt, identification is required past this point, a soldier demands.

Monterri pulls up his sleeve to reveal a tablet-like device strapped to his wrist. This device is known as a holopad and was invented by Director Breckett. He taps a few buttons and a projector displays his credentials via hologram. The soldier apologizes and opens the door.

Monterri leads One all the way to the bottom floor. There’s a vehicle bay filled with black metallic jeeps. The jeeps all have laser-mounted gatling guns on the back except for two, which have RPG batteries. Each jeep has the insignia of UEA, a sword stabbed into planet Earth, with the text United Earth Alliance written next to them. More soldiers are down here running vehicle diagnostics. All have similar wrist devices that are projecting holographic specs of the vehicles and scanning them.

What’s that? One asks as he pointed to the jeeps.

Remember the driving simulations? Monterri asks.

Yes, sir! One announces eagerly.

Then you know how to drive it, Monterri answers.

"But what is it?" One repeats.

It’s a military jeep. General Guller’s most commonly used vehicle for both transport and combat. He specializes in hit-and-run tactics. These jeeps are useful for that, Monterri elaborates.

Cool, One responds.

Monterri opens a sliding door that leads to a briefing room. There’s a holographic war map in the center and a very old man standing over it. Behind him are three boards that display two statistics and a map. Enemy units: 129, Friendly units: 24, and a map of Old Chicago. The old man is wearing the black UEA armor without his helmet. Unlike most soldiers, he has holographic medals appearing over his left pectoral and a nametag that reads Guller. Guller is bald with wrinkly skin and green eyes.

How was your flight, Doctor Monterri? Guller greets with a smile.

Too long. Monterri eases One forward. This is One. As per your request, the NASS Science Division shall dispatch him. However, he is still under Director Breckett’s jurisdiction. You best make sure One makes it home safely, Monterri requests.

Didn’t know you cared, Doctor, One jokes.

I’ve waited over twenty years for this day. Did Doctor Monterri ever tell you that? I was there the day your program started. Truly started, that is. I diverted decades of military funds into Fierne and Tristan’s little project. Now I can finally see the fruits of the NASS Science Division’s labor and my money. Guller cracks a smile.

Sure thing, pops. I hope I don’t disappoint ya. One cracks a smile.

It’s ‘General,’ Guller corrects.

Use your manners, One. I know I taught you better than that, Monterri reinforces, slightly annoyed.

"Alright, General. What’s the op?" One asks eagerly as he jumps over to the war table.

A large group of insurgents has gathered in the ruins of Old Chicago. Every time I send a detachment of soldiers, they get ambushed. Thanks to the multiple failures of my troops, they’re equipped with military-grade weaponry. I need you to sneak into that derelict city of theirs and hit them hard. As many people as you can take out. Once we send you in, I will have my jeeps on standby. Upon engaging with the enemy, I want you to transmit your coordinates via your holopad’s built-in communication device and I will send in my backup, Guller debriefs with a very serious tone.

Sounds easy enough. So the twenty-three of us against all 129 of them, yeah? One asks nonchalantly.

We wipe them out here and now before they can gain a larger foothold, Guller adds.

Awesome. When do I leave? One asks.

Once you get yourself a weapon, head up to the landing pad you came in on. My transport shuttles are equipped with stealth drives and will camouflage. Once you’re over the ruins, you’ll jump out. Don’t worry, there’s a parachute, Guller answers.

I got my unicycle, I’m good, One declines with a smirk on his face.

W-what? Guller deadpan stares at the cycle.

This unicycle is outfitted with experimental holoweaponry. I got everything I need right here. One smiles.

Guller gives a look to Monterri, who returns a dissatisfied nod.

I try to get the kid to use actual weaponry, but he insists, Monterri explains.

Guller returns a scoff.

Shall we depart then, General? One asks.

4

Guller’s transport shuttle takes less than five minutes to reach the ruins. Monterri is kind enough to follow One this far. Courtesy of Doctor Monterri, One is now wearing an undersuit similar to the suits the average soldier wears. The only difference is that this suit is white instead of black. It also sports a UEA symbol on the back, unlike its average counterpart. The ship’s bay doors open up to give him a chance to jump out. One stands at the edge of the strip as Monterri stops him.

You’re sure you don’t want anything else? Monterri asks loudly to counteract the noise from the outside wind.

The holoweaponry might be a prototype, but I got this! One announces as he jumps.

That kid is going to get me killed, Monterri exclaims to himself with a smirk.

As he falls through the sky, he rolls up a sleeve and presses a button on his holopad. His unicycle starts displaying a hardlight glider that slows One’s descent. It’s at this point One makes eye contact with a white drone with a single red eyeball.

Heya, Doctor! You spying on me? One asks sarcastically.

Monterri, who’s on the other side, gives an audible sigh. With a chuckle, One taps his holopad again. A pair of hardlight binoculars appears over his eyes. As he’s slowly descending, he scans the old city and finds multiple heat signatures.

One course corrects and lands not far off from the largest gathering of insurgents. He moves his wrist close to his mouth and announces, Monarch Ace is in the city. Moving toward the enemy.

On the other side, Monterri and Guller sigh in their respective locations. No one agreed on codenames.

The city is old and decrepit. One is standing on broken concrete with plants growing through it. Nature had reclaimed the asphalt streets and all markings of what this place could’ve been are long gone. Metal and glass skyscrapers were toppled over and nearly leveled, but there was enough left over of smaller buildings to provide a good sense of cover. Each remaining building wasn’t just damaged from age, but also past wars. One doesn’t know what had happened here hundreds of years ago. It worries him enough to think about, but not enough to stall in his mission.

One quickly moves through the city, scanning for structural weak points and following the heat signals he saw during his descent. He quickly runs into an insurgent patrol just outside a campsite. There’s seven insurgents all wearing ragged clothing. All of them have armor plating that they’ve looted from dead UEA soldiers. None have a full set and their undersuit is just the rags. The armor is all in various positions on their bodies. Each of them is holding a UEA standard-issue laser rifle. They’re large hunks of metal with red lights on the barrel and scope. There’s no clip, only a battery located inside the stock that will shoot out once it is depleted, allowing for the user to insert another battery.

The insurgents immediately aim their guns at One, who holds his hands up.

Drop the… unicycle?! an insurgent orders, loudly but riddled.

It ain’t a weapon. You guys are rather hostile, don’t you think? One asks jokingly.

You’re wearing a United Earth Alliance undersuit. We’re not particularly fond of them, the insurgent continues.

You’re right. After all, I am their super soldier, One announces as he lowers his arms.

Put those back up or we will open fire! the insurgent orders.

Should’ve started with that, One smirks, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance, okay?

One taps his holopad a few times and a hardlight shield appears in his arm. The insurgents open fire, but their red laser bolts hardly do any damage. One taps a button hidden under his unicycle’s seat that coats the wheel with a super-heated plasma and uses a hardlight shield to protect the tire. One dodges a few laser bolts as he rushes in and smacks the first insurgent with his unicycle. The insurgent’s face is cut through completely, leaving a large burn. The wound is instantly cauterized to prevent blood gushing everywhere by the super-heated plasma, but that insurgent isn’t getting back up.

W-what the hell are you?! an insurgent asks in terror.

Name’s One, but you won’t remember that, One answers as he quickly grabs the fallen insurgent’s gun and shoots two more in the head.

The remaining insurgents start surrounding One and each shoot a flare into the sky.

Listen, UEA bastard, you’ll be surrounded in less than three minutes. Surrender and we’ll let you go, an insurgent demands.

One brings up the communications screen on his holopad and transmits a live feed of his coordinates.

Right back to ya, One responds.

The insurgent fires his rifle, but One ducks underneath before it lands and shoots back in return. Before any other insurgent can do anything else, One uses the remaining bolts in his clip on the remaining four insurgents. He does a little gun twirl as more insurgents are running toward him from the camp.

One feels a little cocky until he hears the sound of engines whirring. A stolen UEA floater tank rounds the corner from the camp. This tank has four anti-gravity engines that keep it floating about three feet off the ground. The main cannon has red lights to indicate it fires off a large red laser bolt. Due to the power behind this tank, One knows he can’t take more than a single shot from that thing before his shield fails. As the tank charges up, he puts his unicycle on the ground and hops on it. As insurgents aim their weapons, One starts pedaling toward the tank. He keeps the laser wheel activated and focuses his cycle’s hardlight shield to the front of the cycle. One gets closer to the tank and opens fire on every insurgent he can. One by one they are going down, but he misses some of his shots. A laser bolt lands right into One’s shoulder from behind him, causing him to wince in pain. He bites down on his suit in pain as he uses his unicycle to hop into the air. The tank fires and hits One’s shield. It goes down and every nearby insurgent opens fire. One’s unicycle lands right on the barrel of the tank, ripping the metal in two until it breaches the tank’s hull. One deactivates the laser wheel and shoots the two pilots and one gunman. The hole is about the size of One if he were lying down. With no pilots, the tank falls into the ground and the cannon turns into two insurgents, knocking them both out.

The metal of the barrel bends until half of it tears off, making the hole as big as if One is standing up. This gives insurgents a good view of One. As they open fire on the young soldier, he gets pinned down by insurgent fire, which isn’t part of his plan.

Where’s my backup?! One shouts into his communicator.

We’re enroute, super soldier. You best not die; otherwise Doctor Monterri’s going to have my ass! Guller demands.

Well, General, I won’t die if you come save me! I did my part, One retorts, somewhat upset.

Noticing a little ceasefire as the insurgents reposition, One gives off a few shots and lands clean headshots. His ammo battery shoots out and he grabs the rifle of the dead insurgent pilot.

Get the exo-suit! This guy’s tough! an insurgent shouts.

"An exo-suit and a tank?! Where the hell did you people get this gear?!" One shouts behind cover.

Your dead commanders! an insurgent answers.

One uses that insurgent’s voice to pinpoint his location and shoots him square in the jaw. Insurgents are slowly closing in on One’s position and he can hear their footsteps getting closer and closer.

A barrage of red laser bolts decimates insurgent forces as Guller arrives with his jeeps. One of the jeeps stops near One and four UEA soldiers get out to assist him. Insurgents are going down left and right, which allows for One to rejoin the fight. His shooting skills put the UEA soldiers to shame. While they miss a little under half their shots, One is able to perform lethal hits over ninety percent of the time. With the added firepower of multiple UEA squads and combat jeeps, the insurgent’s numbers are cut in two before they start a retreat. Guller orders a pursuit. As his jeep is rolling into the camp, the city’s ruined walls are burst through. A man in a metallic black exo-suit lands in front of the jeep. The exo-suit adds about three feet to the man’s height, totaling nine. His shoulders are much more broad and the additional metal legs and arms bring a serious punch. This particular exo-suit has a larger version of the standard-issue UEA rifle that will fit in the exo-suit’s hands. The insurgent is fully exposed with the exo-suit attached to all parts of his body.

Go to hell! Earth Alliance scum! the insurgent shouts as he shoots his rifle straight into the engine of Guller’s jeep.

One rushes in front and grabs the rear bumper of the jeep. He grinds his feet into the ground, stopping the jeep from flipping. However, the feet of his undersuit are grinded off and he’s now barefoot. The combination of concrete and asphalt leaves the bottoms of his feet cut and covered in blood. His fingers are in a lot of pain from the strain he put them through to keep the jeep on the ground. He steps out from behind the jeep with his unicycle in hand.

Did the little boy bring a circus toy to a warzone?! the insurgent mocks.

The little boy has a name, Tin Can, One refutes.

My name isn’t Tin Can! the insurgent shouts, aggravated.

Don’t mess with the general, One demands as he activates his laser wheel and throws it at Tin Can. He drops his rifle and catches the unicycle, but it severely damages the hands of the exo-suit, causing the unicycle to drop to the ground.

In the brief period the insurgent isn’t paying attention, One runs up to the exo-suit. He grabs his unicycle off the ground and uses it to slice the insurgent’s legs off. Due to their proximity, the exo-suit also loses both its legs. He topples to the ground, squirming toward his rifle.

Don’t mess with the United Earth Alliance, filthy insurgent, One says with a sinister tone as he uses his laser wheel to cut off Tin Can’s head.

[New Chicago, a few hours later]

Great work, One! Because of you, that’s a huge insurgent cell wiped off of planet Earth. The people of New Chicago can rest easy thanks to you, Guller congratulates.

Guller is now inside of the briefing room with One and Monterri, who are heading outside to Monterri’s transport shuttle.

It was nothing, General. Just a little exercise. One is wearing a cast over his shoulder to heal that injury. He’s also going to be given a UEA med-pack once he boards the shuttle.

That unicycle is a lot more impressive than I originally thought, Guller admits as the ship’s hull door opens.

Well, the doctor’s design is great. If it wasn’t for his hard work, I couldn’t do all that cool stuff, One explains with a cocky attitude.

Monterri, you did great work. You and Fierne should be proud. I’ll make sure Director Breckett knows about what happened here today, Guller says.

Monterri thanks him and they share some farewells. Once no one is looking at him, Monterri rolls his eyes at the mention of Breckett.

While flying back to the NASS, Monterri is contacted by Breckett via the shuttle’s hologram projector. The hologram is blue so Breckett’s features don’t give off any color.

It appears as One is successful. Congratulations, Doctor. After twenty-five years, you finally have made some progress, Breckett congratulates, looking at his own holopad and not glancing at One or Monterri.

Despite not looking at them, they can both see a scar over Breckett’s right eye, which has been replaced by a glass eye.

I couldn’t have done it without funding from General Guller and your company, Director. Monterri is thankful and proud of his work.

However, your results are too slow. I have sent Director Fierne a total of five other missions. I want you and her to decide on how the other five will deal with these insurgent groups. After these five missions are taken care of, I want to meet with all of our soldiers. It is my understanding that you and Director Fierne have never allowed them to meet. I know that was true a few years ago, but I bring it up to make sure it’s stayed that way. Am I correct in that assumption? Breckett continues to look at his holopad.

That is correct. One has never met his fellow super soldiers, so I believe that it is unwise for you to meet with all of them in the same room, Monterri requests.

The Supreme Ruler herself has asked me to take a more hands-on approach with this project, Breckett announces.

W-what? Monterri asks in shock.

Forty-one years have been spent developing the necessary components for soldiers like One. That’s far too long. Insurgency cells rise worldwide every day, Doctor. The Supreme Ruler has personally asked me to ensure the future of the UEA. I intend to make sure the last forty-one years haven’t been wasted. I want a team of super soldiers that work together to accomplish any mission they’re given. No insurgent cell will be able to fight the UEA thanks to this team. I want them trained and given all the experimental equipment, enhancements, and skills. You’ve shown me today, Doctor Monterri, that your work is worth something to me, to the UEA, and our glorious Supreme Ruler. You have five days to finish those missions. I will be arriving at the NASS Science Division the day after, Breckett explains. Before Monterri or One can say anything more, Breckett cuts the transmission.

[North America Space Station]

As Monterri and One exit the transport shuttle, Fierne runs into her husband’s arms.

"I am so proud of the two of you!" she exclaims with a joyous smile.

I aim to impress. One takes a bow.

Impress? You blew me away, One! Your combat proficiency was flawless, Fierne congratulates, giving the man an affectionate look.

It sounds like Fierne is a mother congratulating her child. One smiles at that, feeling a mother’s love.

I’m just glad we got home safely, Monterri says.

Honey, please live a little, Fierne requests with a smile.

Director Fierne, this is most unorthodox. We’re in the hangar bay. Monterri is blushing.

Is he always this serious with you? Fierne shifts her attention to One.

Every. Single. Day, One answers sharply, followed by a chuckle.

"Well, Doctor Monterri, if you refuse to drop the charade, how about I see you in my office for some… overtime?" Fierne requests with a flirty wink.

I will, Monterri gulps, meet with you after I debrief with One.

Fierne rolls her eyes and gives her husband a kiss on the cheek before departing.

Not to pry, Doctor, but you’re going to lose her. I mean… look at her move. She can be with anyone and yet she chose the most serious guy, One observes.

Don’t make remarks about my wife, Monterri requests with a stern tone.

I’m just looking after you the same way you have for me. You two got any kids? One asks.

Not one, Monterri answers.

One looks at Monterri with a very devious look on his face.

Hey, that’s beside the point! Monterri starts moving One along