004 | Day 123 | Video

[monticora]

[ He likes the basement. It reminds him of Manticore. Everything about this place reminds him of Manticore though. The bad lighting and the stale air. This place is almost like home to Alec which is the saddest part of all this. These people seem like fish out of water being plucked from the town, but Alec finds this more up his alley. Broken down facilities mixed with whatever this was isn't that hard for him to deal with. It's a bitter pill, but he's more eager to swallow it than the crap he was in before. Plus the scenery change means he doesn't have to think about Allison going back home. He's been avoiding that for some time now. It's stupid and it makes his stomach tightening just at the thought of how childish he was being. Anita would say it was only human, but Alec doesn't want to be human. Human is less than what he is and he can't be that. He won't.

When the feed comes on he holds the phone up to get a clear shot of his face and the background behind him. He stretches out his arms and smiles. ] I gotta say I dig the new home we got. It reminds me of home. Add in some drill instructors and a lot of socially challenged young adults and you got my childhood. [ That sounds vague and he's done being vague. Balthazar had a point prior to all this crap. He's a smart dude and hiding this from people isn't going to save him any face. Things are changing and with all these new arrivals he'd rather them keep their distance. Especially when half of them would confuse him for Dean. ]

I've been pretty vague about my life since I showed up, but I guess I can fill in some holes. I'm from 2020. In my world genetic manipulation is possible. Possible times about a million. I was made for a program the government ran entitled Manticore. They wanted to make the perfect super soldier and then crank us out onto the frontlines to fight their war. They spliced our DNA with a bunch of animal DNA. The only DNA I'm sure of is feline and shark. The rest? I dunno. That info went up in flames when Manticore did. I don't know a lot, but what I do know is that I'm not Dean.

[ He clears his throat and sits forward. ] I was made to kill. I'm damn good at it. There was a time that I could look you in the eyes and put one between your eyes. I probably still could, but I'd feel a little bad about it later. I'm not homicidal, but I'll defend myself. It was how I was taught to be.

We were born for a purpose and none of that included a regular childhood. [ He shifts uncomfortably on the edge of the half empty pool. He rubs the back of his neck before settling once more. ] I lived in a facility my entire life. I don't even know my own mother. Technically I'm a clone of my original. His name was Ben. Manticore made backups when they perfected the X5 formula. I was a backup. We were raised by guards and assholes who were only interested in training us and pushing us to the limit. They got what was coming to them though. [ The way he talks about killing is probably a little off putting considering how happy-go-lucky he's been since he arrived. ] I'm a science experiment and in my world humans--they hate us. Wanna kill us. They beat a friend of mine to death because of what he was. So--you'll excuse my reluctance to share with the class sooner. This place though just--I honestly don't know. I think I feel more at home here. Manticore was hell for a little boy growing up, but as a man it was home. I guess this place reminds me of it.

But if any of you wanna step to me because of what I am then I suggest you turn yourself around. I won't hesitate to snap your neck. I'll maybe feel bad about it, but you won't be breathing. We cool?

Comments

[video | private]

[blackmagus]

Step... to you. Because of being a clone, or because of your training? [Thank goodness for context clues. Sometimes understanding people around here is a bit tough.] Why should anyone come after you because of that, darling?

[Fortescue's smile is on the distant side.]

We've all got our rough spots in the past, I'm sure, that might make others nervous.

[monticora]

When people came at us back home it was because we weren't human like them. Our DNA makes us faster, stronger and better in every single way. Plus the whole government black ops program shit spooked them. What they didn't get is that we just wanted to be normal. We spent our lives taking orders and covering ourselves in blood. We didn't wanna hurt 'em.

[ He shrugs and looks away from the camera. It's a touchy subject with him and it makes him more angry than anything else. He'd snap this phone in half if he thought he could get a new one. ] Rough spots? My whole childhood was a rough spot. We were trained to be killers from the moment we could walk.

[blackmagus]

[Black ops spooking people is exactly why Fortescue keeps her line of work, mostly, to herself.]

Not a good word choice on my part. But if we all fight and quarrel, we're never getting out of here. So I'd say you're fairly safe from any 'retaliation.' [You just have to worry about people who think that anyone vaguely non-human should die, because extremists are extremists and she's a little nervous about them herself. Alec's not the only one who'd have to worry about that.] And if not, you can let the rest of us know who the twit was.

[Was, because she doesn't doubt that Alec knows what he's doing. Of course, even with enhanced DNA, there are some creatures around here who could do a number on him. Hopefully they're not feeling extreme today.]

[monticora]

[ He's really hoping that this place doesn't have any hidden non-human haters. Alec didn't choose any of this. They were the ones to splice his DNA. Humans made him what he was and they couldn't complain that he wasn't pure. He wasn't some abomination running around. ]

You gonna protect me from the big bad twits, Fort? That's decent of you. Don't manhandle me when you sweep me off after protecting me.

[blackmagus]

[Fortescue gives him a wink. Clearly humor and flirting is the best way out of this situation.]

I'll try to keep my hands off of anything untoward, love, but I'm afraid I can't make any promises.

[Video]

[animator]

You're feeling awfully share-y today.

[They've lived together long enough that she's been able to piece most of this together between what he's told her and observation. He has her sympathies. After all, she knows what it's like to be considered a freak because you were born or made different, saddled with something you didn't ask for. And she knows what it's like to kill because that's just what you do sometimes.]

Kind of hate to hear that you feel more at home here.

[monticora]

Shut it, Annie. I just felt like it was time to tell them.

[ This feels more homey than anything he's ever had. Even when he was squatting in that apartment in Seattle he never truly felt like he belonged. Living in Joshua's place wasn't any better. This structure felt more like Manticore and therefore more like home. It makes him sick to think about, but there was no escaping it. ] Why? [ He studies the screen after his question. ]

[animator]

Don't call me that.

[He knows she hates it. Of course, she's pretty damn sure that's why he does it.]

Just seems like a crummy way to grow up. Really, I could say the same for just about everything else I've heard about where you're from, too. Of course, my world isn't much better, I guess.

[monticora]

I'm gonna make a network post and tell everyone that you like being called Annie. How's that sound?

[ When Alec is able to be this obnoxious with you it just means that he likes you the most. Anita's been a decent roommate. She only pushes when he needs it. Like the conversation about Allison that made him feel teen times more awkward. ] It's a bullshit way to grow up. They called 'em classes, but really it was just brainwashing. A whole bunch of duty and honor crap being drilled into our heads.

[animator]

You're a jerk.

[But she knows he's only this much of a pain in her ass because he likes her. Alec, you have a funny way of showing your love -- but she understands. She tends to harass the people she's closest to, as well.]

I'm glad you got the hell out of there. Nobody deserves that crap.

Video

[notrosesshadow]

Well, that explains what you were trying to tell me at the clinic the other day.

And it explains why you were able to sneak up on me so effectively that first night we met.

I'd give you some information in return, but I'm just human. Sorry.

[She's not trying to make light of anything. Martha just figures he doesn't necessarily want pity. And she's still not handling her own life well. A change in scenery just means she gets to deal with that now too.]

[monticora]

Yeah. Not human. I've seen a blood transfusion from one of my own help a guy walk again. I figured it might be useful since we're all stuck in this shitty place together. Anyone gets hurt it can help speed up healing by about a hundred percent.

[ It's a big step for Alec to actually want to do good for others. He's hoping that this is growth and not just him trying to watch his own ass. If you make nice with the people you have a cushier life. ] Human isn't that bad.

[notrosesshadow]

I'll definitely keep it in mind Alec. Can you donate universally?

[She smiles when he mentions humans not being that bad.]

My friend says the same thing.

[monticora]

Yeah. My blood type works for all types. Part of the perks. They wanted us to be able to universally donate to other soldiers in the field. Can't have your toys getting busted up.

[ That's curious. Her friend says human isn't that bad. That means he or she isn't human either. ] They good people?

[notrosesshadow]

Well, that's very impressive. Would you be willing to let me draw blood once I get the clinic all set up.

[If she ever got it set up.]

As good as most people. Spends his time traveling and trying to keep the world from ending.

[ video ]

[noblexcompanion]

You remind me of someone I knew. Only she popped out of a machine fully grown and ready for war...

That was a funny old day, let me tell you.

[monticora]

[ Alec has a million questions he could ask about that girl, but he chooses to avoid all the serious ones. When he gets too serious he has the tendency to back out of the situation extremely quickly. ]

Was she hot?

[noblexcompanion]

She was pretty much my best mate's daughter so uh... no comment.

[ Really, Alec? Really? ]

[monticora]

[ That is an important question, Donna. Alec has this bad habit of pulling up too hard when he feels awkward about emotions. Sometimes it's catastrophic. ] Bummer. We weren't fully grown or ready for war. They still shoved guns in our hands and yelled at us to break them down.

[noblexcompanion]

It must've been hard. I'm sorry you got shoved into a war with no choice in the matter.

[ What's that, Alec? You're not good about talking about emotions? Oops. Sorry. ]

[tryingitall]

Do try not to snap the neck of anyone I like, won't you? [Balthazar understands what it's like to be trained as a soldier and no more. There's nothing he'd like more for Alec than for him to get the chance to make up for lost time, but that's partly selfish. Balthazar's own time is running out, after all.

Being all sentimental over him isn't going to help, though.]

But truly, I don't think anyone's going to have a problem with you being what you are. [And if they do, chances are Balthazar will have words for them.]

[monticora]

I guess I can make an exception for you. Just because you asked so nicely.

[ He's comfortable with Balthazar. More comfortable with him than most of the people. Anita is probably the top spot because he spent most of his time around her. Allison was next, but she's gone now. Balthazar is probably the second most trusted person in Alec's life at this point. Which is strange. He hasn't been close to a dude since Biggs died. ]

You'd be surprised what people have problems with. Like I said before a group of humans beat my best friend to death because he was an X5. Then they strung his body up and the cops just let them leave him there--like he was nothing. That ain't gonna happen to me.

[tryingitall]

[Perhaps Balthazar's initial motivation for being friendly to Alec was awareness that sooner or later it would annoy Dean. And that's funny. He doubts Alec would mind if he made that clear, but now that he's chatted with him more, he's starting to like him on his own (somewhat dubious, but who is Balthazar to criticize?) merits.]

No one's going to do that to you here, certainly not as long as I'm in a position to stop it. [That's a promise. He's still an angel. Things happen in Kore; he can't promise miracles if he gets depowered or imprisoned, but he's not going to watch anyone be harmed for no reason, much less a friend.]

Mind you, if you do something beating-worthy, that's your problem. But you've got a decent head on your shoulders. Use it, and you'll be fine.

[monticora]

My hero.

[ Cue the obnoxious damsel in distress tone. He does appreciate the sentiment though. He's pretty sure Balthazar is juiced up, but he's never been aware of how juiced up. He's never really poked or prodded. The only thing he's been aware of is the term angel. It's kind of a broad term and he's not sure what it covers in terms of overall abilities. ]

I dunno. I have a tendency to do things beating-worthy on a regular basis. I don't play well with others at times. It's just all part of my DNA though. Much appreciated that you think I got a decent head on my shoulders. You say the nicest thing, man.

[tryingitall]

[That's more or less the reaction Balthazar expected, and he can't recall having gone over his own abilities in much detail with Alec anyway. He smirks and rolls his eyes, but doesn't withdraw the offer.] Cute.

Well, you're intelligent, anyway. I have yet to determine whether that translates into common sense, but I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt, there. In any case, you wouldn't be the only person around who's done things worthy of beating, and as far as I'm aware there's only been one fight here that ended in a death.

[And the victim of that one is back already, anyway.]