Chapter 2: Upgrades

Shad and his team have the WolfChip surgically embedded in their necks. Em upgrades Shad’s armor. Arch warns of the impending mission in the dark forest of Romania.

Deep in an underground military base a scientist busy working at his desk murmurs to himself, “Now if I can just get this thing to move on its own, then we will be in business.”

He’s fixated on a microscope surrounded by small electronic parts and pieces of scrap of metal. A desk light dangles overhead. Painted on the wall an acronym spells out its meaning. W.O.L.F.P.A.C.K.

War

Operations

Lone

Force

Psychological

Assault

Covert

Kinetics

The name “Em” is visible on his shoulder patch which is fitted to an unusual military uniform instead of the standard white lab coat. It’s lined with uniquely crafted electronic components. On his wrists tiny robotic arms attached to wristbands.

He speaks faintly to no one in particular, once again brushing his long dark bangs out of his line of vision, “Let's see here...”

The tiny robot arms on his wristbands work in tandem with his fingers connecting two pieces of metal. He’s acutely focused on his latest work, a self-replicating nanobot. Pondering, he sighs leaning back in his chair. His thoughts race as he stares at the ceiling continuing to whisper, “I think it’s ready for a real test… Shad will push it to its limits, yes I’m sure of it. He just better not break it this time like the rest of my inventions.”

A slender toned figure concealed by the shadows leans against the doorway causing the frame to let out a subtle creaking noise. Surprised, the young scientist falls over backward in his chair.

“What was that? I thought I heard my name.” calls the man standing in the doorway. He smiles half amused having just watched Em fall over in his chair.

He approaches the jumpy inventor allowing the light to slowly move up his body revealing neatly fitted black combat boots, baggy black cargo pants neatly tucked into them, and mat black tactical pads strapped to his knees. Along with various military tactical gear, he has a black tactical belt wrapped around his waist concealing a handgun on his lower back. His two favorite customized combat knives slung to his hips on both sides.

His vest looks much like it was made of carbon fiber, but it's obvious from the shimmer there’s more than meets the eye. The vest covers a skin-tight tech-filled wetsuit, however again appearances deceive untrained eyes. His black hood attached to the vest hangs off his shoulders. It's made of the same mesh material identical to the vest. The light arrives at his face revealing a white man in his early thirties with a platinum blond shag, which reflects the light brightly. He has a blond five o'clock shadow that just never seems to grow, or be shaved for that matter. His blue eyes now fixated on the work table.

The scientist exclaims getting up and correcting his chair, “Shad! Sorry you startled me!”

“What are you up to this time Em?” questions Shad.

Em gathers his thoughts before taking a deep breath and rambling on, “Well! I’m glad you asked. I had a dream about obedience... Well, I mean, I dreamt of mind control, or something of a hive mind if you will. Each little worker independently thinking for themselves, but unable to defy orders. This would allow the individuals of the team to work together more efficiently as a unit, and less of an uncoordinated mob. Therefore this would increase teamwork efficiency, and minimize independent human errors that endanger the team during a mission. Remember operation White Out? Well this will ensure something like that does not happen again.”

Still talking rapidly Em pauses to take a few deep breaths. He looks up just for a second to think before continuing his mad ravings, “I've been working on these microchips for the last thirty eight hours straight. So! With these new microchips, you will have the ability to temporarily control any team member that refuses orders for an objective, but that’s just a byproduct. The main purpose will allow you to communicate with the team at any time, or anywhere. Light years beyond a radio. Now imagine it like being able to project your consciousness into a fellow squad member's mind, you could assume control of their body.”

Shad questions with squinting eyes, “Em! Slow down, you're not making any sense! Are you talking like a kind of possession?! Is that even possible?”

Em retorts, “Of course it's possible! Everything and anything is possible in our line of work. Well it is now anyways... Ok, so it works by implanting a tiny microchip in the brainstem for everyone involved. Essentially it synchronizes the brainwaves of those with the implants, with one advantage for you of course. You get the Alpha chip. The Alpha chip will allow you to be the leader, meaning you will have more granular permissions than the others using the Beta chips. I’m telling you, you will be the ultimate ‘WolfPack’ leader.”

Em excitedly throws his hands in the air, “That’s it! I’ll call it the WolfChip! This technology will give you the advantage to give commands and see them through to completion without hesitation. The Wolfpack will work more efficiently than ever! Of course these chips will need to be surgically implanted in the back of the neck of everyone on the team.”

The longer Em speaks the more erratic he becomes with his movements. He holds up a piece of tech close to his eye talking fast, only slowing to ask a question, “I even impress myself sometimes! They are energized by the natural electrical impulses generated by the body. I’m sure this technology has been perfected, although it hasn’t been field tested yet... No time like the present, don’t you think Shad?”

“You have to slow down Em! You’re overwhelming me! If it was anyone else I would think you’ve absolutely lost it!”

Shad walks over to Em, looks down at the microchips with skeptical eyes, then says, “I won’t try to say I understand everything you’re saying, but if these are everything that you say they are, we are going to have to take a chance. With the situation we’re facing now, we have to do anything we can. Em! It sounds like you have completely outdone yourself!”

Em interjects bordering on rude, “Get your team in here immediately. I will have them operated on as soon as they arrive. Now Shad I have to ask, are you sure you want to go through with this? Untested mad scientist tech and all?”

Shad’s head falls looking down at the table. He takes a long moment before replying, “I don't think we have a choice anymore. We are running out of options, and we need to take any advantage we can get. Even if that means I have to hear the deranged thoughts of my team members.”

Shad lets out a hearty laugh at the thought. Em cracks a half smile trying to hide his excitement for the fact that his mad, untested equipment will be put to use so soon. He puts his hand on Shad’s shoulder, “Before you leave I need you to hand over your armor. I have something, extra special.”

“Extra, special? I don’t like how that sounds.”

“Trust me you’ll like this. I want to give your combat armor an upgrade. It's my present to you, and my favorite creation thus far. It’s based on the exact same principles as the WolfChips. I devised a way that will make your armor more reactive to its surroundings. It will take it to the next level, and make you blend into your surroundings seamlessly. Pretty much, it will make your current camouflage look like a toy comparatively.”

“How is that possible?”

Em looks into the microscope, “Your current nanotech has so much potential. With the introduction of one replicating nanobot, and a few updates, not only will your armor gain the ability to blend in with its surroundings, but instead, it will integrate with it. Picture this for example. If you went to the top of a snow-covered mountain, your current armor would detect that your surrounding area is bright and reflective. It would compensate by changing its color to try and match the surroundings. After the upgrades however, it will constantly be sending probing nano ‘scouts’ out to detect a change in the environment. The scouts will analyze the snow samples and take back the information to the nanobot hive in your armor. Once the collective receives the samples of snow they would start replicating snow across the armor. This process will happen in an instant. You would literally be covered in a layer of nano generated snow.”

Shad’s left eyebrow raises in surprise. Em continues, “I’ve already heavily tested this equipment in a barrage of tests. The nanobots are exceedingly efficient with detecting and replicating the particles around it. Like I said the process affects the armor as a whole almost instantly.”

Once again Em becomes excited, “Now here’s where I’m the miracle worker. I’ve taken it even further, and specially adapted the programming to work in conjunction with your WolfChip. Meaning, the bots will be able to function under your command. What your mind and body wants to do, they will help you do. If you are injured, the nanobots will react by repairing your injury. If you want to run faster they will accelerate your legs in compensation. If you want to hide they will give you camouflage. Honestly just the thought of this has kept me up for days. I’m saying this will make you superhuman! My only wish is we had more time to outfit the rest of the team with this technology. However, I’m still a miracle worker, and I’ve been able to duplicate the older version of your armor for them.”

Shad replies, speaking extra slow as if this would slow Em down, “I’m sure you thought of everything for us Em. I leave my armor in your most capable hands.”

Shad hands over his carbon fiber like clothes before leaving the room. Em, careful as not to fall over again, leans back in his chair putting his hands behind his head and looks up at the ceiling. He thinks to himself almost with a giggle, I can't believe I get to test my creations so soon. Thanks to the end of the world nearing, I don't have to deal with any of that bureaucratic paperwork. How much will it cost? Is it legal? Is it safe? That stuff can really put a damper on a creative mind...

An hour later on the other side of the hidden military base Shad and his team prepare themselves for surgery. Eight of them lined up in their hospital gowns waiting for the doctor to call them in. Shad waves to his team before announcing in his best commander voice, “I’d like to thank you all for volunteering to do this. In drastic times, we need to take drastic measures. Now I trust Em, and if he says that we need this to succeed in our mission, well, it's a risk we need to take.”

A girl with tattoo letters spelling out Tank Girl on her fingers pipes up, “Volunteering?! I was told if I don't do the operation I’d be kicked off the team and thrown in prison for treason! Ya right like I'm volunteering!”

Shad quickly counters, “Come on it's just a tiny little microchip. The doctors will have no problem with this surgery… I'll tell you what, after this mission the first thing we’ll do is get these damn microchips removed.”

The group nods but still not liking the situation. One by one they go into the surgery room laying face down on what looks like a massage table. The doctors cut a small incision on the back of their necks inserting the microchip.

A while later back in Em’s laboratory, classical music plays loudly echoing off the cement walls. He’s seated at his desk aggressively typing seemingly endless lines of code into the suit’s operating system. Suddenly Shad barrels into the room still wearing the hospital gown and a bandage on the back of his neck. Em is too deep in focus to be startled this time. He slowly turns down the music, not taking his eyes off the screen.

Still dazed from his medication Shad slurs his words, “You, you didn't tell me that, aawoperation would hurtss sso damn much! I, assumed, since the chips was so small, it would feel like a bugs bite!”

Em nonchalantly looks up at him, then back down at his laptop before replying, “How did you think that? You had a microchip inserted in your brain stem. That's bound to hurt.”

Em ignores Shad’s animated angry dance. He holds his hand above the laptop with his finger pointing down at it. He pauses for just a second considering if he has to type anything else.

“Hold onto your butts.”

His finger falls fast hitting the enter key. Shad’s black armor on the table next to them activates executing test procedures. It inflates giving it the appearance that someone jumped inside. Then it starts moving its arms at the shoulders and elbows. It continues moving joints throughout the suit. As the armor finishes moving, Shad notices parts of the suit starting to dissolve into its surroundings, soon vanishing completely.

“Whoa! Where did it go!” exclaims Shad with a face similar to a little kid watching a magic trick.

Em bellows with a smirk on his face, “You like that?! Don’t worry I can bring it back. In fact, I’ll do more than that... Just, don’t freak out ok.”

Em looks down at his laptop, types a couple commands then hits enter.

Shad stares at Em confused, “I don't get it. It's not coming back into view?”

Em giggles with a crazed smile. Something touches Shad’s right arm causing him to jerk. He looks to see what’s touching him but finds nothing. Yet he definitely feels something take a hold of him. A gentle yet firm feeling slowly spreads around and up his arm. It continues up to his neck then slowly down to the rest of his body. Once the feeling reaches his feet the armor shimmers back into view. His medical gown and bandage now severed fall to the floor fully exposing the black under armor. The black mesh material gives definition to his muscles. Along with the armor a tightly fitted skull mask materializes over his face. A tingling sensation causes Shad to rub the back of his neck, “Ah what’s this strange feeling?”

“That my friend, is the armor healing the incision on your neck. You should notice you are sobering up from the medication too.”

Shad removes his new skull mask looking at his newly upgraded armor, piecing together what happened. A new male voice chimes in from the back of the room.

“Neat trick.”

Em calls out, “Hey Arch! Glad you were able to see that!”

Shad turns to see the man standing in the doorway. He’s a white man with a brown goatee standing six foot tall in the entrance of the room. He’s wearing a brown robe covering his body down to his ankles. Traces of long brown hair can be seen underneath the hood of the robe. With the hood covering his face the light of the room casts a shadow over his eyes. Shad slightly bends over trying to make eye contact.

Shad questions, “Why do you always wear a robe? It's weird.”

Arch pulls his hood back revealing his gentle face, “Well first of all, the hood helps me to drown out outside distractions allowing me to focus. Second, I am studying to be more like a monk and it just seemed right. Third, it's the most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn. No seriously, once you get past the Jesus jokes you will never go back to normal clothes!”

Arch chuckles quickly turning serious, “We’re getting off topic. Gather your team and have them meet me in the briefing room.”

“Yes sir!” says Shad, saluting.

A few moments later the last of the eight WolfPack team members stumble into the briefing room finding their seats. Each member sports a patch on their shoulder representing their code name. Shad’s patch reads Alpha. Two women have patches that read Arctic, and Tank. Then five men whose patches read Timber, Grey, Snow, Silverback, and Husky. Arch stands patiently at the podium waiting for everyone's attention.

In a sudden burst of anger Arctic punches Timber shouting, “Shut up Timber! I heard you thinking that! The only piece of ass you are going to get on this mission is the butt of my pistol when it smashes your face in!”

Shad calls out, “Keep your thoughts to yourselves guys! I know our new toys are fun but we need to focus on our mission!”

“Sorry boss. I don’t know how to control it yet.” says Timber while winking at Arctic.

Arch turns to the screen then clears his throat before presenting, “Everything I’m about to tell you is classified under a Q level clearance and is on a need-to-know basis. I can’t press enough how critical your mission is. We’ve invested massive amounts of money to give you this opportunity. The group you’re looking at was thought to be a new-age religious movement known as the 12 Monkeys. However, recent intel has cast a whole new light on this situation. Since then we’ve moved to a declaration of state of emergency. We have been sanctioned to raid their commune deep in the Romanian Hoia-Baciu forest, where it is believed the primary leaders are.”

Grey questions in a sassy tone, “Really? Are you serious? The 12 Monkeys is a made-up group from a movie. What the hell are you trying to pull?”

“You just made the same mistake as countless others before you. You’ve already dismissed their existence and underestimated their power. This is the type of games they like to play. This is why this group has been coined the term ‘ghosts’ in the intelligence community.”

Arch continues to flip through images on the screen, “This group was suspected of organizing chemical attacks all over eastern Asia. Additionally, there have been many strange disappearances loosely associated with them. Until now everything has been suspected, nothing confirmed. For years I made it a personal vendetta to find the heart of the 12 Monkey cultists, but somehow they always avoided capture. Fourteen hours ago we received intel from a hacker who has been working in a joint effort with Em. I don’t know how, but they were able to pull resources from every database around the world. Finally we’re able to paint a full picture of their movement. Now we understand why we were never going to figure out their plans. These cultists are not just a new-age religious movement. This group has been manipulating the world for countless generations, with rumors of conquering governments using dark magic. Tell me Shad, do you believe in ghosts, or paranormal things?”

“Of course not, that stuff doesn’t exist.”

“I’m not sure not believing will help you in this case.”

“What do you mean?”

“Where we’re sending you, is literally the world’s most haunted, and dangerous forest. It’s also known as the Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania.”

“Wait, you mean like Dracula?!” questions Shad with a hint of humor in his voice.

“Exactly. Don’t take this lightly though. The forest earned its reputation for a reason.”

Husky can’t help but send a loud telepathic thought through the WolfChip, “I ain’t scared of no haunted forest.”

The team laughs loudly leaving Arch with an awkward stare. Though the team quickly reverts back to an emotionless attention when they see the seriousness on his face.

With the silence resumed Arch flips to pictures of the forest, “In the middle of Romania it's said there is a haunted forest that is the source of many strange phenomena, even hauntings. Some believe the forest is a gateway to other dimensions. It’s avoided by the local people because once you enter you start to feel sick. There are reports of getting headaches, and even skin burns. Clearly the forest was cursed in some way, but by who, or what? We’re not exactly sure. There’s a large circle in the middle of the forest that doesn’t grow any vegetation. That’s where you’re going. We think the reason nothing grows in that area is because that’s where they stored the nuclear armaments. Although intel now leads us to believe that the warheads have already landed in countless bunkers around the world. You will be leaving tonight. Your objective is to recce the commune, assess for any anomalous activity, then secure the property. Once secured you’ll need to enter the castle and capture their leadership. We require intel on where the nuclear weapons are and how to disable them. Any persons among side are to be detained or neutralized in accordance with the rules of engagement.”

“Time to save the world again?”

“Indeed. A mission like this requires a small strike team that can move fast and with grace. We can’t afford failure at this stage. My brother and I will be personally assisting in this operation. I’ll be staying here to convey orders from HQ. WolfPack will be the primary entry team while Em and Brody will provide outer cordon, and short-range artillery from the helicopter. Air support will be on standby if needed.”

“We’ll be ready, but I have to ask. Who’s your brother?”

“You don't know who my brother is?!” says Arch with a surprised expression.

Em interjects from the back of the room, “Arch is my brother.”

Shad taken aback exclaims, “You guys are brothers?!”

“How have you worked with us for so long and never known we were brothers?!” questions Arch.

“I don't know. I guess every time you talked about your brother I figured you were talking about someone else. I mean you guys don't even look alike!”

“Well Em was adopted...”

With a serious expression Arch puts his hand on Shad’s shoulder, “Take care of my brother out there.”