Artificial

Rejuvenated

Operator Velox

With the heavy defeated and the bulk of the infantry on the run, the Force Recon Team regroups in the courtyard, still smoldering from Phoenix's earlier barrage.
"Good work there, Apex," Evo congratulates, reloading his Omni-Rifle.
"Yeah, thanks for the bailout, bro," Riot adds, tapping his gauntlet, which projects an image of a nearly-empty battery.
"Oh yeah, no problem," Apex assures between deep breaths. "Oh, fuck, I need a breather."
"Nonsense," I reply, approaching him as I tap my gauntlet. A small syringe pokes out above my wrist.
"You just need a little boost."
Are we sure this won't have any negative effects for him?
Ronin has already given me the relevant medical data, and I have calibrated the concentration and dosage of the stimulant. Everything looks a-okay!
Alright, here goes.
"Take your helmet off. It'll act faster if I stick you in the neck."
He slides off the titanium cranium cage and tilts his head to the side.
"Make it quick."
"Of course."
I reach for his neck, but a hand materializes out of thin air to stop me.
A body comes with it, and it belongs to Wraith.
"Save that, Vel. I know what he really needs."
She suddenly turns and kisses him, almost forcefully, her body melting into his until I almost can't tell them apart. When she finally separates herself from him, Apex is frozen, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
"Close your mouth, dear," Lazarus comments, unfazed. "You'll catch flies."
He obeys, but the wild energy in his eyes does not falter.
"How do you feel, babe?" Wraith asks, not drifting far from him.
"Ready to go kick some ass!" He cheers as Wraith wraps her arms around him.