#anyways...yeah

They continued to work, as number twelve was being rolled into the lab. Today was the day. all of their hard work and all of the late nights spent in the lab were for this exact moment. The doors to the lab were pushed open; number twelve, now unconscious, was carted into the center of the lab. They all looked at each other. He would be the first, and, if they were successful, the rest would find themselves facing the same fate. Genetic alteration. Abilities unlike anything ever seen before. They would be special. They would be glorious.   The procedure itself seemed simple on the surface. A formula specifically engineered for each subject would be injected into their bloodstream, and from that point on it would be a waiting game. But it was anything but simple; they knew this from their three previous attempts. the previous formulas had not taken to the internal structure of their subjects. the attempts had ended, each time, in a bloodstained laboratory and what perhaps might have been called a corpse on the table. It was their past failures that had placed them in their current difficult position with the head of their organization. This was their final opportunity to show their worth. this was their last chance; it had to work.   Ravi gave the blue liquid in the vial a final swirl before filling a syringe with its contents. He gently passed the syringe to one of the nurses who had carted number twelve in. She carefully pushed the formula into the drip. Their eyes fixed themselves on the formula as it traveled down into number twelve’s arm. They waited. Number twelve’s body began to jump. Normal. Hongbin jotted down the occurrence. Number twelve’s body stopped moving. The room remained in silence. Hyuk  looked at his watch. The next seven seconds would determine their fate. Six.   Five.   Four.   Three.   Two.   Hakyeon and Ken looked at each other. Was this going to be their success?   One.   Zero.   It seemed as if it was. Leo was going to be pleased.   Hyuk informed the nurse to return number twelve into the containment room, while Hongbin scribbled down some more information. With twelve out of the room the three scientists turned to Hakyeon and Ken who were now examining the other vials filled with the remaining eight formulas. Ken held one up to the light before gently placing it back down, and turning to face the three scientists.   ‘I’ll let him know the results,’ Hakyeon said while fixing his cuff link. He stepped up to place a heavy hand on Ravi’s shoulder.   ‘Make sure the rest turn out this way.’   Hakyeon stepped out of the room with Ken at his heels.   The days went by. Number twelve was kept contained and monitored at all times. He had survived the procedure, but had yet to show signs of development. The three scientists had no time to dwell. They moved forward with the rest of the subjects. Each procedure producing the same positive results as the first. The problem was that none of the subjects had exhibited any of the anticipated change. It made the three anxious, especially as Hakyeon no longer stopped by the lab. Instead of the sharply dressed right hand, Ken had become the regular visitor to the lab. His constant presence in the lab meant Leo was becoming impatient. He only ever sent Ken when he was getting impatient. Only ever sent him when he wanted something done. They glanced at him casually sitting on a stool and loading his magazine. Their time was running out.     They spent the next couple of days bringing in each of the subjects for tests. Putting them into situations where they might finally demonstrate signs of the desired alterations. Placing them in solitary confinement. Overloading their senses. Inducing fear. Happiness. Anger. Nothing.   Number ninety-four was seated in the lab with Hongbin taking note of his current status. Hyuk was gathering the materials for today’s test, while Ravi went over the steps for the test one last time. Ken leaned against the wall staring at number ninety-four with interest.   ’So what is this one supposed to do?’   ‘Number ninety-four,’ Ravi stated glancing up from his papers, ‘ is aerokinetic.’   Ken nodded. He pushed off the wall and moved closer to number ninety-four. Hongbin glanced up at him.   ‘Don’t get to close. We don’t know what could happen.’   ‘Isn’t that what you want? To set him off?’ Ken questioned in a matter-of- fact manner.   Hyuk narrowed his eyes at Ken.   ‘Yes, but when we do it’ll be in a controlled environment. All variables accounted for. You’re not even supposed to be here,’ Hyuk responded.   Ken gave him a languid smile.   ‘Well I am. The boss is unsatisfied with the lack of progress being made. Perhaps I should lend a hand?’ Ken said while sliding out the pistol from his holster and pointing it at number ninety-four. Ravi ran from his desk, as Hongbin and Hyuk shot up in defense.   ’Stop it!’ ‘Don’t!’ ’Stop!’   Ken chuckled and moved to push the gun against ninety-four’s forehead when the lab shook violently. The gun slipped out of his hand as Ken and the three struggled to stay upright. Just as suddenly as the shaking began, the shaking ended. Vials were broken. Liquid spread across table tops. Dripping onto the floor. Instruments scattered around the room. Papers splayed out across the floor.   ‘What the hell was that?’ Ken questioned while fixing his jacket.   The three scientists shared a look. Number twelve. The first. The geokinetic. It had worked. Their moment of pride was cut by Ken’s question. They looked around the lab. Number ninety-four was gone. The doors to the lab were shoved open by a panicked nurse.   ’T-they’ve e-escaped. All of t-them. Gone.’   The three scientists froze. All of their hard work. Gone. Leo would not be pleased.   Ken swiped his gun off the floor and removed the safety.   ‘They won’t get far.’