A rare smile crossed Vlad's features. "The true test will be how you employ it in the days to come." He turned to Jason. "I've identified another potential recruit—one whose situation might particularly resonate with your family history."
Jason raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Proceed."
"Joaquin Mill, former Elite Guardian in Alpha's military forces. He was among their most decorated soldiers before age forced his retirement. Now seventy-five, his body failing while his mind remains sharp and his appetite for combat undiminished." Vlad activated a holographic display showing an elderly man with the unmistakable bearing of a lifelong warrior. "He's been increasingly vocal about Alpha's 'waste of veteran talent' since being relegated to an administrative position."
"Perfect," Jason nodded. "What enhancement have you prepared?"
"A comprehensive combat system," Vlad replied, retrieving a metallic sphere from a secured containment field. "Full-body integration that will not merely restore his youthful capabilities but exponentially enhance them. Reinforced skeletal structure, accelerated neural processing, impact-adaptive dermal layers—essentially, a complete reinvention of his physical form."
"I'll depart immediately," Jason decided, securing the orb in his briefcase. "Beatrice, familiarize yourself with the facility. Vlad will explain our operations and begin your training."
***
Joaquin Mill's residence reflected the spartan discipline of his military career—functional furnishings arranged with geometric precision, walls adorned only with commendations and weapons displayed as both art and practical emergency measures. The man himself sat in a reinforced chair by the window, his posture military-straight despite the visible stiffness in his movements as he observed the city beyond.
When the apartment's security system announced a visitor, Joaquin activated a concealed control panel rather than rising—a concession to aging joints that clearly frustrated him. "Enter," he called, his voice still carrying the commanding resonance of decades in authority.
Jason stepped into the apartment, immediately noting the strategic positioning of furniture that would allow the elderly veteran multiple defensive options despite his limited mobility.
"Joaquin Mill," Jason greeted him with formal respect. "My name is Jason Burns. I believe we share a common dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Land Etherna."
The older man's eyes narrowed, decades of military training allowing him to immediately identify Jason's enhancements. "Burns," he repeated thoughtfully. "Any relation to the historical figure?"
"Direct descendant," Jason confirmed, impressed by the man's knowledge. "My great-grandfather's vision remains unfulfilled. I've come to offer you an opportunity to help change that—and to reclaim abilities that Alpha's policies have denied you."
Joaquin's expression remained carefully neutral, but a spark of interest flickered in his eyes. "Bold claims require substantial evidence."
"Indeed." Jason placed his briefcase on the table between them and opened it to reveal the pulsing metallic orb. "This is a combat-integrated biotech enhancement system, specifically designed for an individual with your unique history and physiological profile. It will not merely restore your physical capabilities but elevate them beyond what you experienced even at the peak of your service."
The veteran studied the device with professional assessment. "Alpha has banned comprehensive biotech integration for civilian use. The penalties are severe."
"Alpha has banned many things that would threaten their control," Jason countered smoothly. "Including the continued service of warriors whose experience might lead them to question orders."
A subtle smile crossed Joaquin's weathered features. "You've done your research, Burns. What exactly are you proposing?"
"A restoration of purpose," Jason replied. "And the chance to participate in the most significant conflict our continent has witnessed in two centuries." He gestured to the orb. "This enhancement requires direct contact with your central mass. The integration process is intense but brief."
Without hesitation, Joaquin unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a torso marked with the scars of countless battles. "I've endured worse for less worthy causes."
Jason lifted the orb and placed it against the center of the man's chest. Immediately, the device activated, liquefying and expanding across Joaquin's torso in a network of metallic tendrils that rapidly enveloped his entire body. The veteran's muscles tensed, his jaw clenching against the pain as the biotech established connections with his nervous system, restructured aging tissue, and reinforced deteriorating bone.
The process lasted approximately five minutes, during which Joaquin remained conscious but rigid with pain. When the transformation completed, the metallic substance had been fully absorbed, leaving his skin with a subtle sheen that would be imperceptible to normal vision.
Joaquin rose from his chair with fluid grace that would have been impossible moments before. He examined his transformed hands, flexing fingers that now moved with perfect precision. "Extraordinary," he murmured, his voice deeper and more resonant than before. He executed a series of complex combat maneuvers with increasing speed, his body responding with the instinctual precision of decades of training now enhanced by superior physical capability.
"How do you feel?" Jason inquired, observing the successful integration with satisfaction.
Joaquin laughed—a sound of pure exhilaration. "Reborn," he declared. "Whatever your cause, Burns, you've earned my loyalty with this gift alone."
"There's more to show you," Jason replied, extending his hand. "If you're prepared to see beyond Alpha's carefully constructed reality."
Without hesitation, the enhanced veteran clasped Jason's offered hand. Blue energy enveloped them as Jason transported them into his void dimension.
Joaquin absorbed the impossible surroundings with remarkable composure, his military training allowing him to adapt quickly to the extraordinary. "A dimensional pocket," he observed clinically. "Rumors of such capabilities circulated among Alpha's highest security echelons, but I never expected to witness it firsthand."
"This is merely one facet of what we're developing," Jason explained before shifting them back to normal space—specifically, the central chamber of his headquarters.
As they materialized, Joaquin immediately assessed the facility with a professional eye, noting defensive systems, equipment functionality, and strategic layout. "Impressive operation," he commented. "Far more sophisticated than typical resistance cells."
"Because we are not merely resisting," Jason replied. "We are preparing to fundamentally transform Land Etherna into something greater—Neon Etherna, where technology serves humanity"
Joaquin smiled, the expression transforming his weathered features with renewed purpose. "A worthy objective, Burns. Consider me enlisted in your revolution."