Chapter 54

“Omega Epsilon Mu”

The rainclouds have been gathering quite rapidly for the past hour as the familiar broad figure of someone bursts out of the mansion’s doors, briskly walking through the front yard and out of the front gate.

As he closes the metal gate behind him, he takes one last look at the imposing Greek letters that boasted the mansion’s heritage and scoffs at how much of a joke he now thinks of what they represent as he walks away, disappointed, as the sky begins to open with the sound of thunderclap.

‘The nerve of that traitor bitch!’ Remo shouts as some of the people in his posse assist him to get back up on his feet as he wipes out the blood from his cut lower lip. ‘Coming here to stir up this party we’ve been planning for weeks now… WEEKS!’ He continued as he pats the dust off his chest and claps his hands together to get the attention of the room.

‘Apologies fellow brothers and sisters for the earlier commotion. Let us not dwell on such preposterous and heinous accusations to our cause but instead focus on our own and celebrate this day for what it is!’

Remo stares his gaze towards the back to give the DJ a nod.

He then takes a deep breath and at the moment he raises his arms to welcome the start of celebrations:

A blast of light and sound fills the atmosphere.

‘Live! Laugh! And Party on!

Happy One Hundred Years to Omega Epsilon Mu!

And of course Happy Centurion as well to our sisters at Theta Sigma Mu! Our sisters who have always been our partners in crime, who have stuck with us, supported us alongside all of our endeavors.

Happy One Hundred Years Everyone!’

And as the music and the celebration starts, the sky starts to pour as a local thunderstorm ravages this hidden little part of the metro. Luckily no one notices, as the roaring bolts of lightning were silenced by the heavy bass drop of the DJ booth.

-75 years ago-

‘Welcome Pledges!

I must say you have enrolled at this prestigious university at the right moment! Cuz for you to join at such an opportune year, I guess your daddy timed his nut to make sure you maggots enter this sacred place at this sacred time as we - are - now at the dawn of celebrating this frat house’s Silver anniversary.

For the maggots here who have skipped their elementary lessons, Silver means the twenty fifth year of established existence.

Hear that.

Twenty Five fuckin years of being here.

Such history. Such… Legacy.

Twenty five years worth of hosting epic parties and outings and other shit is upon you to experience.

Of course not to mention academic achievements. But that matters less.

If you even dare join this place then you know that to even qualify as a pledge. You must be a frickin genius.

After All… this place was only created by a couple of geniuses who were sick and tired of their studies.

So if your purpose here is to find and network with other up and coming leaders in their field.

Then I suggest you leave.

We don’t do anything here besides drinking, fucking and puking. Rinse and repeat.

Ya got that right maggots.

We are an “INTERNATIONAL” group of people who indulge in debauchery.

A headquarters to rest that gigantic brain of yours…

And just fuck around.

So if you’re going in with the mindset of “Im GoNNa StaRT NetWOrkiNG ConTACts In THis Place.”

Or “thIS PlacE SeeMS LiKE a GOoD PlaCe To BuILD RapPoRt WitH fUtuRE COllaBoraTOrs.”

Then get the fuck out.

I’m serious that we’re not serious.

If you’re looking for that then please look for another place to experience “Greek” life.’

[A voice from the side suddenly answers back]

‘Wait what? Do you guys even know what “Greek” life is?’

‘Yes we do.

And we say Fuck all.

Omega Epsilon Mu challenges the social norm. It is the will of our forefathers.

Those who seek the “Greek” life in search of friends - that - might - be - in - high - places are frowned upon in this place.

This is not a fraternity who endorses “Nepotism”

Nor do we condone such future actions once you all have become what you seek to become.

Rise on your own strength.

That is what it means to be in Omega Epsilon Mu.’

‘What a waste of time.’

‘Hence why the initiation.

If any of you maggots disagree with this lifestyle and this is not the kind of “Greek” life you wanted.

Then you are free to leave.

Just so you know that once the blindfolds are off, you will cease to be a part of the initiation process.’

‘Cool… Fuck this then.’

‘Yeah same here…’

‘Bye then…’

A rustling sound ripples around the place where one stood. As multiple bodies vacate their posts, their footsteps heavy as they mutter curses under their breaths.

‘Very well, tho I must say since this is a closed function, those who have removed themselves from the running are encouraged to stay at the back with the crowd until the initiation rites are concluded with.’

‘What? Are we trapped in here?’

‘Now… let’s proceed.

I have already talked about the deficiencies of our fraternity, thanks to our naysayers at the back so I believe it to be right that we should discuss the strengths of our house.

Firstly, You have the house’s full support with any project you choose to start in your own field.

We are all forward thinkers in this house, and therefore we expect that you freshmen are already thinking about what kind of Thesis you will do in your final year.

Provided that you successfully defend your idea to our Benevolent Council of Elders successfully, then you will be granted monetary and scholastic assistance for whichever project, startup or whatever it is that you wish to pursue.

‘Wait what?! FUCK!’

‘Fuck Indeed. No regrets now.

We here at Omega Epsilon live on the mantra of “Turning your weaknesses into Strengths and Strengths into Power” And we know that this is never achievable without having power to begin with. So you little maggots are gonna be cultivated by our house until you have successfully evolved yourselves into flies which from then on you will be left alone.

Strictly.

Like… Fuck off once you’ve graduated and shit.

Now just to be clear before any of you remaining maggots start asking the same goddamn question.

When we mean scholastic assistance….

We will give you, “legal” permission to skip your classes if you need additional time to focus on your subject. But be wary of abusing it, maggots. These chances are limited.

Second, Depending on where you stand on this next one, you can either see this as a pro or a con but…

If The Omega Epsilon’s benevolent council of elders, decides to throw a party.

Stop. Everything.

We are not giving you support just to be boring ass sourpusses who just work all day without any play.

Trust me. You have plenty of time to work yourself to death once you’ve graduated but when you are here, as an active member of this fraternity you are expected to party when we tell you to.

Even. if it is in the middle of midterms.

So go get your livers checked.

Third, This Fraternity, Omega Epsilon Mu, despite our practices, is not above the law and therefore we are expected to contribute to society in the same manner as other Fraternities do…

But only as a front.

Cuz as much as we hate to admit it we still need to keep the lights on in the house. Capiche?

So with that in mind “UNLIKE” other fraternities we do not expect you to pay an entry fee to join. However, If the “Benevolent Council of Elders” decides that there is a fundraiser that needs to be attended.

You will attend. Regardless of whether or not you are busy, family problems, girl problems, school problems and whatnot.

YOU. WILL. ATTEND.

Otherwise we have full rights to revoke your membership to this organization.

‘So basically they own our time.’

‘So with all of you here who remain.

Now that I’ve relayed our rules of this organization. I guess it’s time again for another cut off round.

Those who decide that this is not the kind of University living that they want.

You are free to remove your blindfold.’

Once again the sound of rustling cloth populates the surroundings, but this time the feeling of nervousness and indecision piles up within as the urge to fight or fly battle for supremacy.

‘Any more?’ The host asks.

‘Going once.’ The flight takes hold.

‘Going twice.’ The fight reels back.

‘Going thrice.’ The resolve was made.

‘Congratulations.’

…

Suddenly the space fills with light as the blurred sense of sight readjusts itself to function. One realizes that they are standing in the middle of the University courtyard as the night sky shines bright with the millions of stars twinkling above.

‘Out of fifteen pledges. Only one remains.

Welcome to our brotherhood.

Alexander Carbine.’

The sound of birds chirping tickles the senses as the warmth of the sun tells him that the night had passed. He tries to open his eyes but knowing it would just be another boring day of inactivity, he decides to keep them glued shut.

But then his senses can tell that for some strange reason it was brighter than usual and that his room was not as breezy as it should.

And then the sound of the waves crashed through.

‘Wait…’

Lando sits up on the soft fluffy mattress that he was just sleeping in as he looks around the white and wood interior of his room basking in the soft, bright glow of the sun from the many windows that surround him with a two hundred seventy degree vista of the beach.

‘Oh right…’ He thought as he scooted over to the edge of the bed and put his feet in an equally fluffy pair of slippers.

‘Posh…’

‘Finally… you up already.’ Miles suddenly appears by the door, startling Lando as he stares back at her looking dazed and confused.

‘You see me wearing the suit?’ She asked dryly as Lando shook his head looking at her wearing what he assumes as nothing but a robe. ‘Then you just didn’t hear me knock.’

Miles briskly steps out of the room and slams the door behind her. ‘Day one of your new job! Move already!’ She shouts loudly from the hall outside.

Lando sighs as he remembered his purpose for being in this place as he slumps his way to the closet to get the clothes Mr. Asia had prepared for him the day before.

…

‘Is he awake?’

‘Yeah… but we’re waking up a night owl here so it’s gonna be a struggle.’ Miles answered as she and Mr. Asia enjoyed their coffee by the breakfast nook on the patio overlooking the beach.

‘Hey…’ Lando gloomily made his entrance.

‘Ah finally! Goodmorning Lando. Here! Have a seat and I’ll get the maids to get you a nice cup of coffee.’ Mr. Asia happily surrenders his seat to Lando as he claps his hands to signal one of the maid’s in waiting.

‘Aww leaving already?’ Miles responds looking dejected to having Lando sit beside her.

‘No I just have final matters to attend to before I take my leave. Besides, I still need to brief Lando on the specifics of what his duties are while I’m gone.’

‘Fine…’

Miles rolls her eyes as she continued to quietly sip on her coffee even after Mr. Asia had left. Intentionally making things awkward for Lando.

‘Miles… come on…’

‘What?’

‘Why are you giving me the cold shoulder? All I did was arrive here…’ Lando asked.

Miles sighed and took a deep breath before gracefully placing her coffee cup back on the side table. She looks away for a moment, as if she was carefully contemplating what she needed to say, before taking off her shades and looking Lando straight in the eye, saying:

‘You ever find yourself getting cockblocked?’

‘Oh goddammit Miles!’

Lando shouts, shaking his head after hearing the words coming from her mouth. He thought there was something serious going on inside her mind that he had to apologize for, as it always has been between them. But it turns out he had over-thought things once again.

‘What?! It’s not your fault though… It’s him.’ She responds as Lando looks back at her not knowing if he should act happy or mad at her reply.

‘Out of everyone I know and knew he’s the only person I can never read.’

‘Wow… as a detective I feel insulted.’

‘Don’t be, I'm just that good… Trust me when I say you’re not an open book at first glance.’

‘First glance?’

‘Yeah… Cuz by now I’ve already read the whole novel.’

‘Oh shut up.’ Lando scoffs as Miles gets a good laugh on his reaction, making Lando stare at her with an air of nostalgia. ‘But seriously though… So what if you can’t read him. Not everything is about gathering intel. Especially if the matter is more personal than professional.’ He states as Miles meekly smiles after hearing his words.

‘I always knew you were sweet…’ She blurts out without a second thought and sighs as she takes another sip from her coffee.

‘But?’

Miles chuckles. ‘But we can’t… I need someone who can…’

‘Keep up?’ Lando finishes her sentence.

…

‘Hey… no hard feelings here. Just…’ Lando paused, turning his solemn eyes towards Miles.

‘Just don’t disappear on me again.’

…

‘I know.’

The two of them lock eyes for a brief moment, as the memories of the past emerge from the depths of their consciousness. Neither of them knew whether the feelings they were feeling were ones who have been disposed of and buried or just plain nostalgia.

Sadly the moment only lasted enough as from the corner of their eyes a sleek looking yacht had parked itself by the beach.

‘Oh looks like one of our partners has arrived.’ Miles said.

‘There’s another one?’ Lando responds.

‘Yes. He just told me last night.’

‘Well… Typical.’ He replied as Miles chuckled.

‘You’re learning.’ She grinned as Lando shook his head.

‘Yeah yea…’ He said.

…

‘Who’s that?’ Lando asks as he spots a person walking out of the yacht who seems to be making their way directly towards them, which for some reason alarms Lando.

‘Nervous?’ Miles smirks as she catches Lando pat around for his holster, which he didn't have with him.

‘No…’

‘Relax… Besides I’m the one who’s supposed to be nervous here, not you.’ Miles responds as the figure from afar gets closer and closer until the both of them could get a good read on the person's features.

‘Foxxy Cleopatra?’ Lando asks jokingly as he spots the mysterious woman’s choice of hairstyle.

‘Careful… pretty sure she heard that.’ Miles replied.

‘Heh… I doubt it.’ Lando boasted as he immediately saw the woman point her finger at him, gesturing with her fingers that she was watching him.

‘Told ya.’

‘But that’s at least a football field away! How the fuck did she--’

‘Shush! Just drink your coffee Lando. You already got a warning, don't push.’ Miles stops him as Lando feels the urgency in her voice, standing down as suggested.

…

The silence lasted for a good minute as the ebony skinned woman took her sweet time basking under the sun the way most people would play under the rain. The more she got closer the more Lando understood why Miles was on her feet as he starts to feel the ominous aura emanating from the woman. From anyone’s point of view it would be easy to underestimate the woman as her physical looks are that of a young college graduate but from Lando’s point of view, she looked “demonically different” as just with her eyes alone were the eyes of someone who had seen death countless number of times.

A fresh face who’s a stone cold veteran.

Lando’s mind had difficulty understanding how.

…

‘Is she your new best recruit?’ He asked.

‘Oh you have no idea.’ As she spoke, Miles had given the woman a casual salute from her chair as she smiled, taking a good look at the pair who were enjoying their morning coffee by the beach.

‘Hello Miles.’ The woman greeted her.

‘Goodmorning Tatiana… or should I say… Boss.’ Miles flatly remarked, As Lando almost spilled his drink after hearing the last line.

‘And You must be Lando Sulit.

Taitana Cinderace. Looking forward to working with you.’ She said, briefly introducing herself before giving a nod to Miles and taking her leave, presumably to let Mr. Asia knows of her arrival.

But nonetheless, The interaction had left Lando confused.

‘She your boss?’ He asked, looking bewildered as he couldn’t believe that Miles would be outranked by a fresh faced recruit.

‘Yes. Tatiana Cinderace. Otherwise known as Bioweapon number zero - zero - one.’

‘No Shit?’

‘Yup. By the way, mine’s one - three - five.’

‘How is she-- and Why are you--’

…

…

‘Lando are you saying I’m old?’

House of Theta Sigma Mu.

[Sister sorority to Omega Epsilon.]

50 Years ago.

…

‘Good evening Sir Alex.’

The large blocky figure of Alexander Carbine appears behind the door as the damp air blows in the rain from outside. He nods as one of the senior house members of the sorority bows as she greets him into the Theta Sigma household.

‘Is your President present?’ Alex inquired.

‘She is. The President is expecting you in her office.’ The young lady answered as she leads him through the hall and up the steps towards the office of the sorority President.

-knock-knock-

‘Come in.’ Alex heard the permission as he turned the handle to let himself in. What greets him as he enters is the silhouette of the newly appointed President of the sisterhood, puffing up her signature hairstyle before approaching the young prodigy who had solidified Omega Epsilon’s name around the world.

‘It’s a pleasure meeting you Mr. Carbine. Tatiana Cinderace.’ She confidently introduced herself with a firm handshake.

‘Likewise Miss Cinderace.’

‘Please. Take a seat.’

The pair took their positions inside the humble presidential office of the sisterhood. Tatiana had called for one of her newly pledged sisters to serve them some drinks but Alex politely declined, suggesting that they get straight into business.

‘Not much of a small talker I take it Mr. Carbine?’

‘Don’t be mistaken. I’d love to say and talk to get to know each other but unfortunately my schedule for the next few months won’t allow me. I hope I’m not acting smugly… I mean I try to--’ Alex answers her apologetically.

‘Oh no, not like that I’m just… I’ve been told of… stories.’

‘Ah… yes… I had a thick shell back in the days… but worry not, I am a different man from then. Truthfully it was this brotherhood that got me out of it.’ Alex explains as she sees a hint of nostalgia from his eyes before he snaps back from his daydreams and resumes his business.

‘Anywho. I expect you have read up on this institution’s history?’

‘Yes I have. Do you wish to invoke it?’ She suggests as Alex leans over on the table brandishing a sly smile.

‘I believe I have earned it.’

…

Tatiana nods and pulls out something from her side drawer. A chrome thumb drive with a red feather keychain, and hands it to him.

‘Oh… I’m sorry I believe I have not elaborated it properly.’ Alex says as he gestures to her to keep the drive within her possession. ‘What I meant was the second rule.’

‘Oh… Then what will be the request?’ She asks, feeling slightly embarrassed that she misread his intentions.

‘You.’

…

‘Excuse me?’

‘Me and my wife have been doing a certain project on the side. If you know what I mean.’ Alexander responds as Tatiana looks at him nervously, unsure of what his intentions really are.

‘I’m sorry sir but I don’t follow.’

‘We have been monitoring you, Miss Cinderace. Getting consistent Gold medals in national gymnastics competitions ever since you were thirteen, is an above average student but excels in all science related subjects through highschool, taking courses in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with top marks in the midterms and finals and last but not the least…’

He pauses briefly to let Tatiana absorb their findings before continuing on.

‘We are interested in your dissertation that you’re working on for your final year.’

‘My paper? But how?’

‘One of the benefits of becoming part of this organization's alumni is knowing the scoop on upcoming promising startups. And don’t be surprised but most of the gossip has been circulating around you and your Thesis.

“Theoretical methods of efficient Biological cellular alterations.”

You are trying to find ways to alter the human genome haven’t you?’ Alex said to a stunned Tatiana. But as soon as she regains her senses, she brandishes a smile that seems to convey the smugness in her thoughts.

‘Impressive Mr. Carbine… But not quite…’ She answered as she stood up from her desk, walking towards the mini bar to retrieve two brandy glasses and a bottle of her favorite brandy.

‘Now I am starting to understand why you didn’t want small talk.’ She said as she poured Alex a glass and handed it to him. ‘This is gonna be a long conversation… Isn’t it?’

‘Does it have to be?’

‘It doesn’t… but you made it so.’

‘How so?’ Alex asked, looking like Tatiana had peaked his curiosity. She settles herself back on her seat, taking a minute to arrange her thoughts before giving him his answer.

‘Well to start. You are wrong. I do not want to alter the human genome. To me it is already perfect. Nature had billions of years to try and create a creature that could finally unlock its secrets.

Why would I try to change it?’

…

Alex stares at her, fascinated with her thoughts. ‘Hmm… interesting. Continue.’

‘When I said the word “alter” I didn’t mean “to change.” Instead what I wanted was “to adjust” Most researchers would want to change the values of our genes by making the mortal = immortal and the frailness to sturdiness to name a vague example.

But that’s not what I’m trying to do. Instead of making the mortal to im-mortal what I want is to permanently adjust the mortal so that it stays mortal for a bit longer than usual.’

‘So extending lifespans?’

‘Not just…’

Alex smiles as he realizes what she meant. Suddenly he extends his hand towards her.

‘Your project exactly fits our requirements. If you wish to accept… We’ll give you a call.’ He said as he kept his hand open towards the President.

Tatiana contemplates her choices as she stares at the hand of opportunity floating in front of her with Alexander Carbine himself extending an Olive branch to her cause. To her, this was a one in a million chance.

‘I trust you and your judgment… Mr. Carbine.’ She said as she shook his hand.

Alex smiles and exhales in relief as he stands up from his seat, readying to take his leave.

‘Oh by the way, can I still have the thumb drive?’ He asked.

‘Yes of course.’

‘Great!’ He replies with a wide grin as he swipes the chrome drive from her fingertips.

‘We’ll need this for phase two.’

‘Fuck! How am I supposed to do all that?!’

Lando shouts as he contemplates on the tasks Miles had just enumerated for him.

‘For this purpose is why I am here. Mr. Asia has personally asked for my assistance on this matter. So that no worries should occur from the time that he leaves.’ Tatiana ensures him as Lando sighs, deflated.

‘Great…’ He sobs thinking that Mr. Asia had judged him correctly which is both a blessing and an insult at the same time.

‘You just need to act the part and I’ll handle the rest.’ Tatiana continued ‘And don’t worry about trying to act exactly like him cuz…’

She paused as she tried to find the right words to say.

‘That man has a tendency to swing “moods” if you catch my drift?’

‘Huh?’

…

While Lando was trying to understand the ropes of his task, Miles stepped out of the office as her communicator detects an incoming call.

‘Simon?’

‘Hello Owner Client it is me. Do you have a spare minute?’

Miles narrows her eyes, intrigued that Simon, who should have no problems integrating with his new task at the Loran household, had suddenly called her. ‘What’s the matter Simon? Anything to report?’

‘Nothing madam everything has been “uneventful” but there is a request that I think is beyond my capabilities.’

‘Request?’ Miles contorts her face as she thinks of the Lorans asking something unreasonable of her to accomplish. ‘Don’t tell me Dante’s asking me to intervene with his politicking again?’

‘No nothing of the sort madam. The request had been made in regards to the youngest daughter?’

‘What does she want?’

‘A discreet security detail. Someone to keep an eye on people looking to harass her friends.’

Miles sighs as she quickly understands what the case meant. ‘Omega Epsilon?’

‘Quite possibly… although I cannot confirm it yet if they are the sole cause.’

She crossed her arms deep in thought of what can be done. She knew that the new generation management of the fraternity had gone astray but she knew very well she had no authority to fix such an issue as she turned her gaze towards Tatiana. Pondering carefully on her next move.

‘Perhaps madam we could ask for assistance from the B-side protocol?’

‘Huh?’

‘The B-side protocol madam… The group of--’

‘Yes yes yes I know!’ Miles cuts him off feeling annoyed that she was powerless on the issue, but the longer Simon's suggestion simmers within her mind the more it makes sense as it could also give her an insight into what was happening within the fraternity.

‘Alright. I think I can make something happen.’ She replies as she ends the call with Simon, entering back into the office to check on the two.

‘Tatiana… a moment please…’ She asks, looking straight into her eyes as Tatiana felt the urgency from her words, with both asking Lando to step out of the room and to close the door behind him.

‘Wednesday. Activate Noise Canceling.’ Miles commands as a robotic feminine voice answers back: “Affirmative” and a sphere of light expands from the office's center console and envelops the room and dissipates as if nothing had changed.

‘I need to use the B-side protocol… Anyone on the roster?’ Miles asked.

‘Oho! How curious. Miles Kadena needs help. What is this for?’ Tatiana curiously inquires as Miles visibly winces hearing Tatiana teasing her about help.

‘I had a request for a security detail for a young V.I.P that I can’t attend to. I figured a single B-side agent would suffice.’

‘Oho… So it seems that there is a job “too small” for the Great Miles Kadena?’ Tatiana teases her mockingly.

‘Well I’d deal with the problem myself but… It’s an O-E-M problem… So I have no business interfering.’ Miles smirks as Tatiana’s face turns sour after hearing her reasons.

‘I always wondered why you didn’t take the full “Hiatus” procedure. Now I’m starting to see why… I really hate it when old people talk high and mighty in front of me.’

‘Old? Wanna compare birth certificates?’

‘I would but yours is fake, remember?’

‘The paper maybe… But the info is accurate. So… is there or isn’t there a roster?’

Tatiana heavily sighed, rolling her eyes as she checked the database on Mr. Asia’s computer.

‘Here… see for yourself.’

Miles makes a subtle smile as she hunches down to scroll through the candidates on the list. She exhausts a few pages of names before she spots a compatible candidate for the job, noting the stats and capabilities on the list as a good match for what kind of mission she had in mind.

‘Hmm… number fifteen zero eight. I’ve met her before. I don’t think she suits the job though.’ Tatiana comments as Miles transfers the candidates data file to her own archive, looking back at Tatiana with a grin on her face.

‘She’s perfect.’