# Task Force - Operation Terminated

Author: SrA havenofimage
Tags: Bear, Falcon, Fox, Military, Mink, Snow Leopard, Spec Ops, marten

#18 of Task Force

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&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;That's it Doctor, you have to terminate the project.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What?&nbsp; It's just coming into fruition."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We have two rouge Task Force operatives.&nbsp; These are things we can't afford right now."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Look, let me bring them and I can work with them.&nbsp; We'll get everything cleared up and then have them back to you.&nbsp; This all happened because your splitting them up.&nbsp; Unlike most of your special forces, these soldiers have always trained group operations.&nbsp; That was the point of them, not to be one of your mavericks."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't risk this happening again.&nbsp; You get them in here, but once you do, the project is over.&nbsp; Your experiment has failed Doctor."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If it has failed, it is because of you.&nbsp; I have not yet seen evidence of this failure.&nbsp; They simply analyzed the situation and refigured the plan as they were trained to do in hard battle situations.&nbsp; I do not call following government training programs a failure."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "This matter is not up for debate.&nbsp; I want them decommissioned within three days.&nbsp; This was the deal we made and you know it.&nbsp; Remember, it wasn't me who sold them out, it was you.&nbsp; I just bought the contract.&nbsp; So before you go all teary eyed remember who is ultimately responsible."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You know, you really are a son of a bitch."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No doctor I'm worse, I'm a politician.&nbsp; If you care for the lives of your little... pets, I'd make sure they are taken care of in the manner we agreed."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "General!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I will not discuss this any longer.&nbsp; My decision is final.&nbsp; Either do it yourself, or I'll be up there to do it my way.&nbsp; That is all."

\*\*\*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica and I made our way to the nearest friendly military outpost.&nbsp; The guards at the gate, an iguana and a lynx, were startled by our appearance and even more so when we presented our identification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Go right ahead Sir, Ma'am.&nbsp; The commander will be expecting you."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I guess it wasn't every day that two top security clearance special forces officers showed up at the front gate on foot with a strange assortment of equipment and weaponry.&nbsp; I slung my skis and walked onto the fort with Jessica behind me.&nbsp; It had been two days on the trail since executing The Phoenix.&nbsp; We would have contacted Dr. Hall immediately, but we had left our earpieces at the bunker to avoid being tracked.&nbsp; Now I had to get a hold of her.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As we walked through the fort, we got many curious looks from uniform clad soldiers.&nbsp; Despite our clearly visible rank, many were too busy staring at us to remember to salute.&nbsp; Soon we were at the command building.&nbsp; I walked inside and was stopped by two MPs, both bucks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sir, you are required to leave your firearms and any other weaponry with us before entering."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No problem."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I unsung my rifle and handed it to them along with my sidearm.&nbsp; Jessica handed them the assault rifle and then her SMGs here eyes saying that she would kill them if any harm came to her weapons.&nbsp; This formality complete, we were escorted into the building where we waited on a young ground squirrel desk attendant to clear our presence.&nbsp; He lead us to a second waiting room where we sat for half an hour.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are you sure about this Jess?&nbsp; We have enough training that we could just disappear from this."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Look, I know we could, but what would be the point.&nbsp; We'd have to spend our whole lives running.&nbsp; The second we settled down, someone would find us and we'd be on the move again.&nbsp; This way they can't charge us for anything more than insubordination.&nbsp; We don't have a world court and he was already a war criminal.&nbsp; We had been given tactical command over the situation, so our actions were within the bounds of our position.&nbsp; Trust me on this one Kirian."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The commander, a tall caribou, opened a large oak door and stepped out to great us.&nbsp; I snapped to attention and saluted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sir."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At ease, come in so we can talk."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We followed him into his office and he locked the door behind us.&nbsp; He walked over to his large desk and pulled out a small device which I recognized to be a signal disruptor.&nbsp; He noticed me looking at it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry for the precautions.&nbsp; A man in my position can never be to careful.&nbsp; You never know when unwanted ears are around.&nbsp; Now, what are you doing here."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We need to report in to our command.&nbsp; I'm sure they're well into searching for us by now."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'd say.&nbsp; We've had every helicopter on base commandeered to look for you two."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica spoke "Wait, you know who we are?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Not by name, but I know you are two members of an elite task force who went missing six days ago.&nbsp; I also can speculate that our albino friend here was the one who shot The Phoenix."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Quite true commander, I did."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Amazing shot.&nbsp; I would like to ask a question if I may.&nbsp; What are the two of you doing here.&nbsp; If you know people are looking for you, why would you go to a government controlled facility?&nbsp; I won't turn you in, but are you mad?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No sir, my mission was to kill The Phoenix and then return.&nbsp; Not to run."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You say My mission not my mission, as if you gave it to yourself."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I did."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I see.&nbsp; In that case, I don't know what will happen to you.&nbsp; You've made quite a few high end officials rather angry.&nbsp; I do not envy the position you're in."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We are prepared to accept the consequences of our actions."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You two have more balls than I ever could, no offence ma'am."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "None taken.&nbsp; I have more balls, as you put it, than most of the men on this base combined."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, if you won't let me talk you out of it, please, feel free to use my com and if there's anything else I can do for you, let me know."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you commander."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He left the room, ducking so his antlers would clear the door frame.&nbsp; I turned to the com and powered it on.&nbsp; We were committed now, there was no going back.&nbsp; I entered the receiver code and the clearance.&nbsp; The lights warmed and Dr. Hall's face appeared.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank the Gods I found you guys.&nbsp; There's a full blown manhunt out right now covering that entire tundra."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's good to see you ma'am."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So, what now Kirian."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "With your permit ion, we'd like to come home."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I understand.&nbsp; Look, the general is using some of his connection at the capitol and pulling some strings.&nbsp; I think he'll be able to get you guys cleared, or at least be able to keep you active.&nbsp; You may lose your commission though."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm fine with that, we never needed rank anyway."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright, I need you two here.&nbsp; I can't do anything with you out there.&nbsp; My records show the landing strip there is just long enough for The Spirit of Silence.&nbsp; Captain Tala will be there to pick you up in a few hours.&nbsp; Keep your heads down and don't do anything stupid."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Will do ma'am."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One more thing Kirian, good shooting.&nbsp; Jessica, thanks for watching his back."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No problem ma'am.&nbsp; All in a day's work.&nbsp; His back isn't an easy one to watch though.&nbsp; He likes to do too many crazy things."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I know, that's why he wins."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ahem!"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry Kirian.&nbsp; I look forward to seeing you soon."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The com clicked off. &nbsp;Well, now we wait.&nbsp; Soon we were back aboard the supersonic transport back to Center Seventeen.&nbsp; I hoped the others were there.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What do you think Kirian?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I think Dr. Hall and the general will be able to handle this just fine.&nbsp; My message got across by the sound of things."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We arrived back at the mountain to applause from the staff.&nbsp; I stepped off the plane and was immediately greeted by Hogan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hell of a shot Kirian.&nbsp; Hell of a shot!&nbsp; I knew you'd pull of something amazing like that.&nbsp; Two thousand nine hundred meters, wow.&nbsp; That is something else.&nbsp; I can't believe I was part of that one.&nbsp; You got to let me see the scope's recording of that one.&nbsp; I can't even imagine waiting over six seconds to see if the bullet I fired hit anything other than the ground."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He continued to ramble on about bullets and rifles and shooting.&nbsp; It seemed like everyone who worked at center seventeen was in the hangar to greet us, unlike the first time we had arrived and only a few technicians were walking around.&nbsp; Dr. Hall met us at the doors which lead into the main facility.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Welcome home."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good to be back."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My muscles were stiff from the flight.&nbsp; We had trained hard, but six straight days of straining my body had finally taken it's toll.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are the others here?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, they're still out.&nbsp; Captain Tala will be bringing them back first thing tomorrow when they complete their current operation.&nbsp; Why don't the two of you take it easy for the day, you won't have much time I'm afraid once we get you guys back together."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good, more work.&nbsp; I liked being on missions with the team.&nbsp; A day off would be very nice though.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you ma'am."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I walked to my quarters and took a shower.&nbsp; I had been wearing the same sweaty cloths for six days and the hot water did wonders on my matted fur and sore muscles.&nbsp; I stood there for easily half an hour, letting the water just run over my body.&nbsp; I finally stepped out and slid into my fatigues.&nbsp; When I exited from my room, I saw Jessica sitting in the lounge.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Damn Harper, were you in there long enough?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Whatever you say, 'Curry'."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She laughed and tried to trip me as I walked by.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry Kirian, it's good to be home."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I know."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She stood up and kissed me quickly on the cheek.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Come on, I don't want to sit around here."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We walked through the underground hallways to the largest training field.&nbsp; It was a 120 acre expanse that housed a series of structures for running exercises in.&nbsp; We found our way to the roof of a five story tower in the center.&nbsp; Many times during training we had been spotted and shot from this tower, no matter how well we moved through the cover and trees of the surrounding buildings.&nbsp; Now Jess and I just sat on the roof and enjoyed the view of the familiar field.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We didn't talk very much, I just sat there holding her.&nbsp; It was nice just being able to sit with her alone, in silence, and think.&nbsp; A lot had happened in the past week.&nbsp; A lot had happened in the past years. I thought over the seemingly random series of events which brought me to the point of my life I was at.&nbsp; By now I knew there were no accidents.&nbsp; Sure I had control over my destiny, but fate didn't like to be left out either.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next day brought the return of Tank, Teague, and Trestan.&nbsp; It had only been a week since they left, but it was still great to see them again.&nbsp; Apparently they had heard about my little side mission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Great going Harper.&nbsp; Way to get things back under control cause let me tell you, they were going to hell in a hand basket."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do you know what they had us doing up there?&nbsp; Absolutely nothing.&nbsp; It was all shit missions."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah, we had the same wrap.&nbsp; That's why we decided to end this bull shit once and for all."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, whatever you two did, it worked."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We laughed and joked together for a while.&nbsp; I had said it before, but we truly were a family.&nbsp; Five individuals from different walks of life thrown together on some list put together by some random secretary at the military academy.&nbsp; Dr. Hall walked in.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry to interrupt your homecoming, but the general has a mission for you now that you're all together again and the situation is back in our hands."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We followed her to the briefing room and took our custom seats.&nbsp; I shared a joke with Trestan as we waited.&nbsp; Dr. Hall came back in, she had a strange, almost sad look on her face.&nbsp; The projectors whirred on and the general's face appeared.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good day Task Force.&nbsp; I hope I find you well."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Very good sir."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's good to hear. &nbsp;Something has come up recently. &nbsp;I think I speak for both myself and Doctor Hall in saying, I'm sorry."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His face faded. &nbsp;The lights on the screen changed. &nbsp;The last thing I remember was seeing and image of Jessica before the universe went black.

\*\*\*

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Alright doctor, it's done. &nbsp;Now can we be free of this matter?"

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Yes. &nbsp;Just make sure they all are taken care of. &nbsp;I don't want this program to hurt them any more."

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"You know I will."

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"One more thing general."

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"What's that."

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Here is my code. &nbsp;I injected myself with the&nbsp;YT79114R as well. &nbsp;I don't want to remember any of this. &nbsp;I don't want to remember what I've done to these young lives"

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"I understand, the burden of decision weighs on us all. &nbsp;Good bye."

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/ve34JlQm
Part of the series Task Force
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