The Eden Projects (FINAL EDITING)

Chapter 64. Rubies.

- Ark -

"Control." Maliver said in a voice as confident as a politicians.

"What does everyone desire at their core..." Maliver strode across the lab floor. The remainder of his scientific division stood silently. Listening. "Control. It offers a sense of security, a predictability of outcomes... Precision. But control requires sacrifice, and humanity doesn't tend to like that word do we." He set down the file he held tenderly and picked up his badge. "Take away humanity, and anything is permissible. Anything is possible." He paused. "We do tend to get in our own way don't we..." He lingered. "I value every one of you more than you could ever know. Each of you has brought an irreplaceable skill, an unwavering commitment to this company. For six years you devoted your lives to one goal, to bring back society- stronger, healthier, and better controlled. While everything fell to Anarchy, you prevailed."

Maliver swiped his badge over a metal cabinet. "Today we unveil our final step. Finished by my hand, created in yours, backed by the world, and built in the hope of creating a future worth living. Your names will go down in history as the men and women who renewed humanities lease on life." When the cabinet opened it hissed as the door popped free of its hydraulic restraints. "Legion." He pulled out a single vial. "First, you develop the Ark-light. The weapon of that priceless future... Now this."

He looked up at those gathered. "The answer to control. Targeted control. Activated obedience." He smiled, holding it up to the light. "This win is yours. Congratulations." He spun the vial between his fingers, watching the murky substance ebb. "Because of your hard work and dedication, our future is secured. Now we move towards it." He placed it delicately on a foam compact and removed an additional six from the cabinet before closing it. "Today we test their effectiveness in their final conjunction... Shall we begin?"

- The Safe House -

The pines whistled when the wind blew through their needles and everything swayed. High grown grasses twisted and squirmed with each rush. Nothing had changed in the house, except for the calming presence of more dust and the web of a gifted spider that clung to the mirror near the bed. It's ornately printed body striping at its legs in vibrant shades of yellow. No one had been there since them. So they had no reason to fear house guests.

"That's it, watch his legs-" Zak hoisted Kasper up the final turn of stairs as Ace brought his legs around. They carried him into the first room and slid him onto the bed. The four had spent the evening on the first floor, now they had begun to venture out. Patrolling, and swapping ideas on who to shoot first. Maliver was the target if he was seen, everyone else was a bonus.

"You were right, this place ain't half bad." Ace dropped the packs he'd carried in. "I'm amazed you dragged him as far as you did."

"Adrenaline." Zak said, and slid the final layer of covers over Kasper's body. Watching them soak up the blood a moment before removing the blankets all together with a curse.

Ace lowered, adjusting the straps at his ankles.

"Did you finish?" Zak felt at his pocket.

Ace nodded. "Should we keep them all together?" He waggled his letter in the open air.

"I wanna keep mine on me." Zak stretched, flapping once and knocking over the contents of a vanity that sat nearest the headboard.

"Just let me know which pocket it's in."

They left Kasper there.

He had survived the night one breath at a time and they were sure even though it looked awful and sounded worse yet, he might not be dying. At least for now.