Cassian-13: Chapters 2 & 3

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Chapter 2

High Dominion Calendar date: day 201 of the year 226

Consciousness returned, but he dared not open his eyes. The sounds which had become familiar during the past days persisted, as did the crushing pain through every inch of his body. He couldn’t quite remember what they claimed this enhancement procedure was for, but they mentioned this would probably be the last surgery. Did it even matter at this point?

“Thirteen,” a deep voice stated as a matter of fact. “That is very satisfactory. Are you sure that’s all he’s got?”

“We risk losing everything if we push any further,” a meeker voice replied.

“Good work, doctor. So, Cassian-13 will be his official callsign?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent.”

Fuck these assholes. Consciousness faded as he welcomed back the silent darkness.

Chapter 3

High Dominion Calendar date: day 217 of the year 226

Click. Clack.

Smash.

“Fuck.” Every other enhancement worked intuitively, yet he just couldn’t figure out the most delicate one; his mechanical right hand. No structural components of that hand made it out of his post-fight surgeries. Tendons, veins and nerves still intertwined with metals to provide him with precise control and increased power. And while it was the hardest to control, it remained the only enhancement that didn’t cause him constant pain.

“Patience,” Rick said. “Let’s give it a break. How’s your Hunter-Eye?”

“It’s fine,” Cassian-13 replied. He understood the young tech’s attempt at redirection, but he’d already learned his patterns and how he worked. Rick was a smart kid. Michael might have turned out like him if…

The fleeting images burned in his heart. Without notice, his inner gears spun hot, and a hint of metal reached his tongue.

“Whoa!” Rick exclaimed. “You need to calm down.” The noise from the machinery that inhabited his body died down to a steady hum. “Damn, Cass-13, whatever’s pissing you off better be put out of your mind. And forget about it until you’ve learned to control your enhancements. Otherwise, you’ll burn out before your first hunt.”

“I’m sorry, I…”

“Don’t be. Just remember that your parts have an expiry date, so be careful.”

“Let’s go again.”

“Sure,” Rick said, placing a new glass bottle on the stool.