The Phoenix Project

Chapter One

Chapter One

March 3rd 2017 – Five years before the Fall

Samantha

            Samantha’s eyes carefully watched Smith pace, tracing his every movement with deliberate care. Her gaze occasionally flickered to the six others seated around the same table, but a majority of the time it was locked on Smith. His presence was enough to drag all eyes to him, and he exuded a sort of narcissistic confidence that one couldn’t help but respect. His grin was cocky, his movements bold. Even his subconscious ticks- adjusting the dark lensed glasses he wore to hide his eyes, his hands brushing through his short hair, a slight pause every fourth that was barely noticeable- seemed more important than they really were, as if they were all pieces in some elaborate game of chess he was playing with his audience.

            “Our project is a success.” He said, in a neutral tone, to those present. He halted his pacing to face the seven people at the table. “The Phoenix Project has officially gone public. Congratulations, everyone, we’ve shoved the world into an undying era. No more disease or contagion. All that is left is to wait for the Mist to spread as we’ve projected. Once again, congratulations. Without the seven of you- as well as your resources and intellectual contributation- none of this would be possible.”

            Smith regarded each of the seven for a moment, turning his head slightly to look at each. He began pacing again, before pulling off his glasses and letting his bright green eyes become visible. They were analytical eyes, eyes that could stare into a person’s mind and pick out their secrets.

            “Now an even more difficult challenge stands before us. I understand that not all of those present are well suited for social interaction and you are in no way required to be a part of the project’s next phase, publicly. Professor Henry has run a thousand simulations, a thousand different times, and every piece of data we’ve collected has been compiled into one program.” Smith stated, remaining neutral. “He has been working for the past year to interpret every outcome possible of this data.” He said, gesturing towards a tall, thin, man to Samantha’s right who seemed to be in a complete state of disarray. His tie was improperly tied, his shirt was wrinkled and dirty, he seemed to have forgotten to shave for quite a long time, and his eyes had a scattered look about them. “And having read his reports I believe it to be necessary for us to take a much more aggressive approach than we initially thought. A majority of the data insists that everything will proceed unhindered, that the project’s intended effects will supersede all others. However, forty percent of the data also portrays adverse long-term effects. Effects that will deteriorate the overall structure of our efforts to the point where the project could not be salvaged.”

            “I will not fail. I have dedicated my life to this project- twenty eight years of research, patience, effort, and willpower will not be wasted for a failing variable. Doctor Malcolm, keep a very close eye on your patients. Subject number zero, as this is what you wish to refer to Penelope Baxter as, especially. Should any of the deteriorative effects of the Rebirth serum become present, she is likely the first they will become apparent due to her unique situation. Professor Henry, continue to run simulations and alert me immediately should any variable previously unseen arise.” He halted his pacing, putting his glasses back on. “…You two are dismissed from this council at this time, as well. It is understood that neither of you are within the societal norms of psychosis. The rest of the third phase will continue just fine without you present.”

            Professor Henry nodded and stood up without a word, before just leaving the room as bid. Samantha, however, stood up with a small sigh. She pushed her glasses up and nodded.