Battle Born

42: Released from Agony

Luka heard himself called over the coms. "Novak, report to your commanding officer's office." Sandra spoke as Luka sighed and got out of bed. He put his shirt and boots back on as he walked out of the bunk and to General Harding's office. He knocked on the door. "Enter." General Harding shouted out as Luka opened the door and looked in. "Come in, close the door and take a seat." General Harding demanded as Luka walked in and closed the door. Jensen stood off to the side of General Harding. The same smirk on his face with his dark suit and red tie. He always looked like he had something nefarious hidden up his sleeve. "Sit now." General Harding demanded as Luka sat down. He looked uncomfortable with his commanding officer and handler glaring at him.

General Harding tapped on the transceiver in front of him as flipped it around and pushed it in front of Luka as he watched his actions at Fort Detrick. "Explain it to me Novak. Explain what went on in your mind." General Harding demanded. Luka sat quietly as he fought for his world. "Answer me Novak!" General Harding shouted at him. "I don't want to do that anymore. I don't. I can't do it anymore. I just want to be treated like the other guys." Luka exclaimed as he did his best to hold in his tears. "The Higher Authority now considers you a high risk. You are too dangerous. They have released you out of Dr. Malcolmson's program." General Harding stated as Luka looked at him and smiled. "I'm free from it?" Luka asked as the two men kept their straight, angry faces.

"They feel your rash and volatile actions are a cause of program malfunction and have deemed you a failed weapon." General Harding stated as Luka's smile fell. "What does that mean?" Luka asked. "Termination is the only option." Jensen stated as Luka looked at him. His heart began to race. "I just wanted to escape it." Luka insisted. "Dr. Malcolmson has assured them that he has given you ample amount of programming and conditioning in many factions, but he feels after this last conflict that the Higher Authority has the best interest at heart." Jensen stated as Luka began to tear up. "This can't be happening?! I finally get away from him and now they're going to execute me?" Luka asked in shock. "I can't fucking believe it." Luka said as he stared down, unable to comprehend the information.

"Thankfully for you we were able to discuss our own matters with the Higher Authority. We had stated that this conflict is a perfect representation of Sector 24's abilities to destabilize and eradicate the enemy and no fear of death left you no with remorse and the full ability to handle yourself in the situation. They had highly recommended the death sentence, but we won our case as we are in control of not only a recovering black goo mercenary, a mental unstable CIA Wet Works Agent, an ex-MK Ultra, and two men who have no prior SSP constraints." General Harding stated as Luka couldn't believe his ears.

"Furthermore, as you have now officially been handed over to the complete control of Sector 24, you will be watched carefully. Control yourself, don't go against, and watch what you fucking do. They will write you up for any little thing. You are a commanding officer now. I expect you to listen to us, respect us and keep your team in line. If we want to keep Sector 24 running we have to work together. You understand me?" General Harding asked. "Yes sir." Luka said with a smile. "Dismissed." General Harding stated as Luka got up and left. He heard the door open behind him. "Novak." Jensen stated as he came out after him. Luka turned and looked at Jensen. "I'm proud of what you did. It's a big step to get higher here." Jensen stated as Luka looked at him confused. "I don't understand." Luka admitted. Jensen wasn't one to be easy on the men, but this took Luka by surprise.

"When I left my home of Venus to become part of the Venusian Element to keep my planet safe. Especially from Earth. I never thought I would end up trapped here. I remember the workings of Dr. Malcolmson very well, the team that captured me used them, so when I had to finally meet the man himself when I came to get you it was very hard not to kill him at that moment. I know what you have been going through, I know all too well. Getting rid of him here is going to make things a lot easier. I promise you that." Jensen stated as Luka looked at him. Luka didn't know what to say as he nodded his head and walked off.