Out of Time ★ [1] ✔

Project Rebirth

The training was rigorous, but necessary. Project Rebirth was no walk in the park. The right candidate was essential for the experiment to work, and that meant cleaning the herd.

However, it seemed that we were looking for a man of brawn rather than the combination of that, intelligence and heart. It disturbed me. Well, it irritated me more. What made these people think that a man of brawn could think strategically? Most couldn't because of the amount of brain cells eradicated with each head knock.

I was aware of what the outcome would be. I knew Phillips. He wasn't going to pick the right man. At least, unless, he was convinced otherwise, which wasn't working on my end. Carter and I were relying on Erskine to talk to him.

I knew the scientist would be a grounding point. He was the creator of the experiment. And after all, I was there when Doctor Erskine was building it the machine we were going to use. I agreed with him on what the candidate must possess, and Colonel Phillips didn't seem to be listening.

"Faster, ladies, come on!"

I sat on the bonnet of the car watching the men doing push ups under Carter's command. And she was brutal, showing no mercy to any man. I liked that. "My grandmother has more life in her, God rest her soul."

My ears strained to hear a nearby conversation with the Colonel and Erskine.

"You're not really thinking about picking Rogers, are you?"

At the sound of his name, I gazed at the small man struggling with his push-ups. I'd finally remembered it once the battalion returned after an officer screamed at him for lacking pace.

"I am more than just thinking about it. He is the clear choice," Erskine commented, adjusting his glasses.

"When you brought a ninety pound asthmatic onto my army base, I let it slide. I thought, 'what the hell? Maybe he'll be useful to you, like a gerbil.' I never thought you'd pick him." He glared at the little guy. "Stick a needle in that kid's arm and it's gonna go right through him." He nodded in Rogers' direction. "Look at that? He's making me cry."

"I am looking for qualities beyond the physical."

I took that as my cue to insert my input.

I leapt off the bonnet and joined the two. I saluted lazily. "Colonel. Might I be so bold?"