Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 17: Lincoln (Past)

As if drained of life, Lincoln struggled to form words, his body weakened, and excruciating pain coursed through him. Walking amid four armed men, he felt like a mere shell, devoid of thoughts or emotions. 

The pain, akin to being stabbed by ten machine poison knives, made him question the value of the power that saved him.

Electric cuffs bound his hands, capable of delivering a staggering 500 volts if he made sudden movements. On the brink of death, he wondered about other lethal weapons concealed in the facility. 

Labored breaths escaped him as he sighed, grappling with the agony.

Following Lincoln's frenzied outburst, the soldiers engaged in a heated debate. Some argued in favor of ending his life, while others proposed subjecting him to additional experiments. Amidst the turmoil, Lincoln found himself torn. Part of him longed for the release of death, weary of the pain and looming torture he was destined to face.

Though typically a strategic thinker, Lincoln was too weak minded to form clear thoughts.

The gruesome scenes of the blood-soaked room replayed in his mind, causing his stomach to churn. The weight of the realization pressed upon him—he, who had never taken another's life before, had become a serial murderer. The violent acts he committed required thorough cleansing before meeting the boss, a daunting encounter he was about to face.

A soldier halted, indicating a turn. Lincoln realized the soldier had received a mental message through brain chips—technology afforded only to the elite. Gradually regaining strength and mental clarity, Lincoln started forming a plan, fully aware of his unique abilities.

While the scientists were unsure of Lincoln's capabilities, he understood his newfound power. Upon focusing on the scientists' skeletal systems, he saw green life energy—a common trait he found in all humans. 

Closing his eyes, he envisioned his own skeletal system, marked by four colors: red, purple, blue, and green. As he considered the significance of these energy particles, Lincoln decided to gather more information before solidifying his escape plan.

With conviction settling in, Lincoln resolved that, despite the prolonged absence that had marked many years of his life, escape was still a possible option. 

It was better late than never.

However, this time around, he harbored a more refined plan. Instead of outright defiance, he would play the long game – allowing the scientists to observe him, aiding him in self-observation, and leveraging their technology and weaponry to his advantage. 

The aim was clear: to transform their instruments of captivity into tools for his escape and, simultaneously, to become an asset to his home military.

Despite the haze of uncertainty, Lincoln clung to the hope of reuniting with Kate. The scientist's mention of his parents' cost gnawed at him, prompting questions about what exactly that cost entailed. 

Would it threaten his memories or unleash unexpected consequences? The ominous revelation lingered like a shadow, adding to the weight of his already burdened thoughts.

As he moved through the sterile corridors, his determination solidified. The desire to escape this facility and uncover the truth fueled his resolve. Lincoln knew he had to navigate this complex web of experimentation, armed guards, and elusive scientists with caution. His quest for freedom had become more than just a personal escape; it was a pursuit of answers and a chance to reclaim a life that had been hijacked by unknown forces.

As he continued to walk in the middle of the armed guards, a subtle smirk crept across Lincoln's face. The chessboard was set, and he was ready to play the game on his terms. 

Suddenly, a soldier rudely shoved Lincoln, breaking his line of thoughts as his balance teetered causing his arms to shake more than they should. The electric cuffs responded with a surge of voltage, coursing through Lincoln's frame.

However, rather than succumbing to agony, he felt an unexpected surge of strength, as if the pain itself were fueling a latent power within him. 

As the newfound strength cleared his thoughts, he quickly channeled the electric charge coursing through him. It was as if the energy, once intended to subdue him, now bowed to his command. The electrical currents transformed before his eyes, taking on a vibrant crimson hue. 

In the blink of an eye, he redirected this newfound power, aiming it like a precision strike.

The crimson energy surged forth and collided with the soldier who had initiated the confrontation. The force was formidable, propelling the soldier backward with an intensity that defied the laws of physics. The air crackled with residual energy, leaving a momentary trail as the soldier, now incapacitated, crumpled to the ground.

Amid this unexpected display of power, the remaining soldiers, momentarily frozen by the spectacle, began to regain their composure.

Lincoln swiftly dropped to the floor, pretending the electric shock had taken its toll. He played the part of vulnerability, concealing his true strength. 

He knew the element of surprise would be his ally, allowing him to defy expectations when the time was right. Every moment on the ground was a calculated move, masking the power he was ready to unleash.

The leader of the group, perhaps expecting the unpredictability of Lincoln's abilities, decisively picked him up. Despite the temptation to unleash his newfound power, Lincoln held back, keeping his focus on the unfolding plan.

Together, they marched through sterile corridors until they reached a formidable door  which led to where the orchestrator of this enigmatic operation dwelled. 

The entrance to the housing complex surpassed Lincoln's expectations in its beauty. The dark grey base color, adorned with a striking red accent, framed an exquisite, rotating ocean blue sphere at its center, emitting a pleasant sound as it turned.

Curiosity piqued, Lincoln heard the soothing murmur of a waterfall from the other side of the door, igniting his imagination about what awaited him within. The lead soldier, taking the lead, stepped forward and closed his eyes, signaling their arrival. The rotating sphere ceased its motion, and the door gracefully split, revealing a breathtaking living room that even Dexter's house couldn't rival. Lincoln marveled at the opulence that surrounded him.

Hovering slightly above the floor, the couches overlooked a stream of water beneath, shielded by sturdy glass. The stream originated from a stunning water fountain tucked in the corner of the room. Expensive LED tiles covered the floor, shifting colors every few seconds, creating a mesmerizing effect.

Robotic butterflies, painted in myriad hues, gracefully orbited around the blooming flowers, reminiscent of Naomi's house. Lincoln couldn't discern whether these blossoms were real or artificial. 

As he soaked in the lavish surroundings, his mind drifted to Naomi, and he couldn't help but wonder how she and the others were coping. The concern for their worry loomed over him, a consequence of the extended duration of his absence.

Throughout the complex, robot servants efficiently carried out their tasks, tidying up or attending to matters that required no human touch. The ceiling, adorned with lights, mimicked the starry night sky, adding a touch of celestial allure to the surroundings. Soft, melodic music provided a gentle backdrop to the scene.

Amid this luxury, Lincoln couldn't help but sigh, yearning for the comfort of such a place under different circumstances. 

But it was clear, the circumstances were only about to get worse.