Chapter Text
In a room filled with test tubes, computers, and chemicals, you get to work. Racks holding vials full of different solutions, petri dishes filled with bacterial cultures, and pipettes marked with precise measurements make the large desk seem cramped. Watching as a display of genetic code flashes across the large monitor, you fill one of the pipettes.
One milliliter.
Two milliliters.
Three milliliters.
Four milliliters.
The exact right amount.
Nothing but perfection.
Various creatures in large, clear containment tanks filled with discolored fluids look on as you move to hold the pipette over one of the test tubes. They're not the audience you're worried about.
"No." Your hands freeze. "Not that one."
Your father looms over your shoulder, his figure casting a shadow over the workspace. The harsh, dramatic lighting of the lab makes it so you can only see the glint of his glasses, but his frown is practically tangible in the air. Wordlessly, he points to a different vial.
This one has a beautiful blue crystal inside. You add the red liquid to the test tube and watch as it disintegrates. The resulting solution is a brilliant light blue- you could've sworn it was glowing. Your father leans closer, watching the reaction with a proud expression.
You know he's not proud of you. The only thing that matters to him is Project Blockbuster.
Suddenly the automatic door slides open with an electronic 'whoosh,' and you nearly spill the solution as you hand it to your father.
"Doctor Desmond."
"Tell me, Guardian-" your father doesn't bother to look at the guest as he puts the test tube with the others in the freezer- "What part of 'no interruptions' did you not understand?"
A large man in a gold helmet stands before you. "A genome on sub-level 26 reports three intruders."
Your eyes fix on the small creature perched on the Guardian's shoulder. It was a sickly greyish-green, with black markings and little horns. If you didn't know what it was capable of, you'd say it's cute.
Not like that mattered to you anyway.
Having moved to a large microscope, your father lets out an annoyed sigh. "Did I miss a perimeter breach alert?"
"No."
He turns around, venom laced in his words. "Then the genome's confused. Whatever might happen to our faux lab aboveground, the real Cadmus is the most secure facility in D.C.."
"My job to keep it that way."
"Fine, take a squad." He waves him away, clearly not wanting to talk anymore.
"Might I suggest the Guardian leave his genome behind?" A tall, slender alien with blue skin appears behind the Guardian. On his head are pointed fin-like ears, large horns, and two antennas that droop down past his chin. You share a moment of eye contact before you abruptly look away. "If violence should occur..."
Guardian nods, finishing the sentence. "The little guy would be in my way-"
"No." Your father scoffs. "The advantage of instant telepathic communication outweighs other concerns."
You finally speak up. "Dubbilex is right. There's no use for that kind of genome down there." His facial expression makes you cringe. You wait for it.
"Did I ask for your opinion?" And there it is. That condescending tone of voice your father always uses.
You try to continue, but he just holds up a finger as he turns to a small genome identical to the one on the giant man's shoulder. He scratches under its chin, and in that small moment you're filled with an intense loathing. He loves his work more than you.
The creature's horns begin to glow red, and the Guardian stands perfectly straight. "I need my genome with me at all times." Completely monotone- a clear sign of mind control. He bows slightly, putting his fist to his chest, then turns around and marches out. Dubbilex wordlessly follows.
You open your mouth to protest once more, but your throat goes dry at the sight of a syringe.
"Take this down to the researchers on sub-level 52." He puts a clear cap on the needle before carefully handing it to you. "Don't waste any time."