The Altered Path

Thirty-Nine - Kory

A young-looking African American man opened the door with his gloved hand. He was conventionally attractive, and seemed to be only in his twenties, maybe even younger. He had similar features to Konrad, which Kory couldn't question at the moment. He wore an all-black peak lapel suit. His tie was dark red, along with his gloves. The gloves looked to be made of leather. He could see the inside slightly. It looked to be made of silk on the inside. It was black, as well. His hair was shaved, the sides giving off a low fade. It looked very recent that he had gotten the haircut. The man wore thin, black rectangle-shaped glasses. His eyes were hooded, yet sharp-looking beneath the glasses. Slight stubble could be found if Kory looked long enough. He also looked to be about six feet tall. The man glared at Kory, his head ever so slightly tilting. Kory nervously stared back, the man's sudden appearance distracting him from the foul-tasting rag that was wrapped around his mouth. He could feel his tongue pressing against it, still. The man stepped forwards, his polished boots quietly thumping against the moist and moldy floor. He seemed visibly uncomfortable in being inside the warm room. He took a short glance around the room, his stare catching the rags messily stacked on top of each other in the corner. He grimaced, a huff escaping him. "What's your name?" The man said, his attention turning back to Kory, who was slowly calming down from the man's presence. The man's voice was quiet, and soft. A visible accent tainted his words. Kory felt slightly comforted that someone living was standing in front of him.

He stammered through his words. "Ko—Kory, s-sir." He breathily said, his voice now suddenly raspy. The man let out a small 'hm,' shaking his head. "Your 'experiment' name, child. I don't have interest in calling you something human-like." He speaks. Kory's brows furrowed in slight offense. He had to stop himself from saying something rude towards the man. He didn't want to cross him yet, or at all. He sighed in slight annoyance, forcing a soft nod.

"Z-718." He said through gritted teeth. He hated his 'experiment' name. It wasn't his real name. It was simply something of a name that a couple of scientists made up to conceal his real identity. He found it idiotic that they had to hide his real name. The name his birth parents gave him. He had never met his parents before. He has little to no memory of them. Maybe they still remember him. Did they care about him, still? Enough to let scientists take him to be tortured and tested on? His thoughts started to spiral, his jaw tightening in slight anger about his own thoughts. The man nodded, a fake smile on his face.

"Good job," he utters. "I wanted to meet you in-person. I hear that you are 'wanted,' is this correct?" The man stared, examining the exhausted Kory. Kory glared at him, though he forced himself to lighten up. He shouldn't show disrespect so early. He was still tied up. He could stay in the moldy room forever if he doesn't tread lightly. Kory nods softly, muttering a "yes." The man raised a brow. "Repeat that, Z-718? Speak up." He said, his tone sharper and a bit harsher. Kory flinched slightly at the harsh tone. He remembered the tone so vividly.

"Yes, sir." He rose his voice slightly, his words muffled from the rag. "I am wanted." The man smiles softly. He seemed proud of Kory's cooperation, though it looked forced.

"Good." A pause. "Where are my manners?" He softly chuckles, taking a step back. He crouches down to meet Kory's level. "My name is Jett Maverick. It's good to meet you, Z-718. A definite pleasure." He held out a gloved hand, his sharp gaze boring holes into Kory's eyes. A smug smile stained Jett's lips. Kory couldn't shake his hand, for God's sake, he was tied up! Jett seemed very well-aware of the fact. He was simply messing with him. Kory wasn't amused. Jett lowered his hand when he figured that he would not receive an answer from Kory. He nods softly. "I expect a verbal answer every time I talk to you, Z-718. Am I clear?" He tells, his sharp tone growing a bit impatient. He tried to conceal it with a soft tone. Kory continued to glare, his light-blue eyes staring back at Jett's black eyes. He gifted no response to the older man. Jett stared back, his eyes growing a form of annoyance or anger beneath his forced soft gaze. "Z-718." He repeated. "Am I clear?" He slowly said. Jett waited for Kory's response. Alas, Kory's lips were stood shut. His rebellious move did not go unnoticed by Jett. Jett stood back up, a soft, long sigh escaping his lips. His breath was fresh. It smelled of spearmint. Kory inched his head back. Jett pulled out a taser from his back-pocket, his gaze now full of hatred; anger. His patience was wearing thin. Kory's eyes widened in fear, his once tough demeanor melting away almost at once. "I didn't want to do this, Z-718." Jett mutters. "This hurts me more than it hurts you. Understand?" He forced a smile to turn his full lips. He nearly showed teeth. They were pearly-white, from what Kory could see. Kory shook his head, shaky huffs escaping his lips. Tears overflowed his eyes, his body shaking underneath the rope that restricted him from moving.