Apoidea

Prologue

Prologue

        Six figures stood around the makeshift table in the center of the warehouse. All were well known men in the city and all were there for the same purpose. All six were also unawares of the presence in the rafters above them, the presence that was listening to every single word they were saying. Though this could have been because they were all too occupied with getting the answers they wanted.

          “ Walter, I think I speak for all of us when I say, we’re not giving you another dime until we get some answers.” The heaviest one of the group was the one that spoke and he looked directly at the person who stood at the head of the table.

          “Nathaniel, I have told you and everyone else all you need to know. The less people who know about Apoidea, the better.”

          “I agree with Nathaniel on this. I want answers and I want them now Walter.” The shortest of the six piped up.

          “Fine what do you want to know about Apoidea then?” Walter asked the assembled group.

          “What it does.” Nathaniel narrowed his eyes. “But this time we want to know what it actually does.”

          The figure in the rafters shifted, hoping to get some snapshots of the file that Walter was now pulling out of his suit jacket. The photos and everything being said were all important for the figures client. All that was left was getting the pictures of the contents of the file, and it was home free. Though things never do go according to plan.

          “Everything you need to know is in this file. If you would please pass it around the table.” Walter gave the file to the man on his right before continuing his speech.

“The Apoidea Project is the answer to our problems. The serum, when entered into the bloodstream, renders the victim into a hivemind state. Anyone injected with Apoidea, only listens to the person who’s DNA is mixed with the formula. We’ll be able to control criminals, prevent them from killing anyone, and we’ll even have our own little army should we ever need it. Surely, all of you can agree that the amount needed to produce more of this is worth the price.”

“I want proof that it works Walter. You won’t be getting another cent out of me until I see proof!” The oldest of the group spoke up.

“Proof? Why of course you can get proof, though one of you will have to volunteer to be injected.” Walter looked at all the faces and no one spoke up. “The effects can be reversed. There’s nothing for any of you to worry about.”

The figure stood carefully on the rafter. They had want they had come for and as curious as they were to know exactly what the serum did to someone, they had a deadline to meet. The figure slowly started making their way towards the window they had entered through, when the unthinkable happened. The figure stepped on a weak beam, and the beam snapped under the weight. It along with the figure fell and smashed onto the table below.

All six men jumped back in shock and tried to wave the dust out of their eyes. Once the dust had finally settled, the six men were staring down at a young woman of around 19 years of age. She had dirty blond hair that was tied back in a ponytail and was wearing all black. She groaned and blinked open her eyes, and looked up into Walter’s face.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Rowan Knight. I believe we just got our volunteer.” Walter grabbed Rowan’s arms and pulled her to her feet while pulling out a needle that contained the serum, Apoidea. “This will only hurt a bit.” Walter injected the serum into the side of Rowan’s neck and it wasn’t long before her eyes fluttered shut and Walter let her fall to the floor.

“She should wake up in a few minutes, and then gentlemen, you will get to see what Apoidea is truly capable of.”