Page 8 of Tracking the Alpha
“If you’re going to do it, at least wait until the full moon in two nights,” the doctor argued. “What you plan, combined with moonlight, will give the best shot.”
“Fine,” growled Davidson. “Two nights. If it fails to trigger, then you’ll start administering more doses.” The pissed-off general stomped out, and the doctor muttered to himself, low, but Barrett could still hear, despite the humming of machines.
“Fucking military twats who think science can be rushed. Although, he has a point. We should have seen something by now. Maybe a catalyst isn’t a bad idea.”
Barrett didn’t understand what they meant until two nights later when he woke tethered outside under a full moon. Alone. Did it mean everyone else died? Perhaps they were the lucky ones.
They’d parked the pivoting hospital bed in a different area than usual, the courtyard bound by concrete walls rather than chain-link topped with barbed wire. As usual, he’d been bound like a letter T—arms straight out and attached at the wrists. Legs together with another strap across his ankles. A final tether cinched his midsection in place. The bed had been cranked into an upright position and if he craned his head to his left, he could see the major standing guard with a rifle cradled across his chest.
The arrival of someone with ranking led to the major clacking his heels together. Barrett didn’t have to crane to see who since Davidson chose to face him, with a gun in hand.
For once, Barrett didn’t have the gag in his mouth and so could tell the fucker exactly what he thought.
“Should have known you’d be the kind of coward that shoots an unarmed man.”
Davidson arched a brow. “How little you know. I didn’t get these stars by doing nothing during my deployments.”
“Surprised your jaw recovered from all the dicksucking.” Not Barrett’s usual insult—he stole it from Phoenix—but he wanted something to make the man angry. Maybe angry enough he’d at least agree to letting Barrett fight like a man instead of shooting him.
Davidson’s lips curved. “At least you haven’t lost your spirit. Morale can be hard to maintain in these conditions.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” his sarcastic rejoinder.
“You think my methods harsh, and yet once you realize what we’re accomplishing, you’ll understand.”
“Ever think of explaining and… I don’t know… seeking actual volunteers who want to be a part of your sick experiment?”
“We tried that initially, but it turns out those who would sacrifice themselves don’t actually have the qualities we’re seeking. The power we’re talking about isn’t for the weak-minded, and most definitely not appropriate for the attention-seeking and power-hungry. Did you not wonder why your section got chosen out of all the others?”
“Because your doctors liked our test results.”
“Actually, your section didn’t have the best ones, but what you did have was unity, courage, honor. Reading over your actions during missions is what decided me on using you and those you commanded.”
“If that was supposed to be a compliment, it failed,” Barrett couldn’t help the dry retort.
“And yet you should consider it an honor. If the protocol succeeds, you will be the first. Envied by others. Your greatness coveted.”
“If this experiment is so great, then how come you aren’t volunteering?”
The general thumped his chest. “Heart wouldn’t be able to withstand it. But once the doctors better understand and tweak it for those of us with defects, I will gladly roll up a sleeve.”
“You didn’t care Gage couldn’t handle it,” he spat. “What of Freya and Slater?” They’d not looked so good last time he’d seen them.
“Given their youth, we had hoped the more drawn-out version of the procedure would reverse their condition. Alas, that didn’t work out as hoped for the male who died, but the others seem to be holding on.”
“And what of those who came before us?”
The general pursed his lips. “As with any new medical procedure, there are casualties. Not all because of the treatment. A few couldn’t handle it and committed suicide. Others reacted poorly to the injections. Convulsions that led to brain breeds. Hearts exploding. One test subject died of asphyxiation because his lungs stopped working. That one caused quite the stir, as he was extremely healthy in all respects.”
The admission stole Barrett’s voice for a moment. What an awful way to die. “Sounds as if this experiment of yours is a failure.”
“It’s not.”
“The doctor said it himself. All the other patients didn’t survive.”
“No, what he said was they were unsuccessful. Some lived. They’re just not what we aimed for. But it will be different with you.” The drooping barrel of the gun lifted and took aim at Barrett’s upper body.
“You’re so confident you’re going to shoot me?” Barrett should have felt fear in that moment, but instead, a calm fell over him.
