Cyberpunk: Spartan Walker

I'm going to pee! Big uncle! the little boy shouted in a childish voice, and disappeared from the door.

Does he know where the bathroom is? Carter asked.

I know, I took them there.

Carter nodded and continued to explain the plan to them, but not long after, the roar that erupted in the next room silenced them all.

Get out! Who the hell let you in?! I don't need your help, get out! Emil's roar penetrated from the next room.

Oops! George stood up first and rushed out, followed closely by Carter and No. 6. As he passed through the corridor, Carter noticed Catherine poking her head out of the control room opposite.

When they entered the next room, George and Emile were confronting each other, questioning each other. The little boy sat on the ground with a horrified look on his face, looking at the ground, arms around himself, his mouth wide open, and his whole body trembling.

No. 6 decisively squatted in front of the little boy, checked to make sure he was not injured, and then took him out.

Emil, are you crazy?! Why are you yelling at a kid? Good old George was so angry this time that even the beard on his lips was trembling when he spoke, He just wants to help you get these damn parts!

I don't need the help of these little brats! Emil was no less angry than George. He pointed at the other party, his fingers trembling slightly.

Carter stepped forward and stood between the two of them, putting his hands on their chests to prevent them from getting into a physical conflict. Emil, don't scare the children with the same tactics as dealing with the rebels. George, watch out for them and don't let this happen again. He paused and his tone became more serious. Now, you two stay away from each other and calm down. Let’s talk later.”

I really can't stand them! Emil cursed under his breath and quickly left the room.

George stared at the door and took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. Sorry, sir. After saying that, he also left here.

Carter did not follow him out, but just lowered his head and thought. Colonel Holland had previously had the idea of ​​removing Emil from the Noble Squad because his temper was too unsuitable to fight against the rebels. Excessive killing would seriously affect the image of the UNSC and deepen the separatist tendencies of some colonies. .

He thought this was a wrong idea before, but now he hesitates.

What's going on? The voice came from behind him, Carter followed it, and Catherine leaned sideways against the door frame, looking at him expressionlessly.

It's a small friction. Go and see No. 6. He's not very good at dealing with children.

Oh, what a bother Catherine muttered and walked away.

Catherine has never been as emotionally unstable as Emil, but Carter knows that every Phase III Spartan has the tendency to lose their minds and overkill - but they have not yet encountered a situation that is enough to cause them severe stress. That’s all.

This is closely related to the biomodification projects they have experienced.

Unlike the Phase II Spartan Program, the Phase III biosurgery regulations include three unusual provisions.

Carter still remembered that when the scientists were explaining the first two terms, the two constantly rotating iron ball-like molecules appeared on the huge display in front of him - the protein mixed complexing agent and the No. 4 cyclodextrin, which were included in the transformation plan. Top secret part.

In layman's terms, they are tranquilizers and two-level mixed psychoactive drugs.

The third molecule is a twisted gold and silver stain. It is a mutagen that can induce mutations in the front part of the brain, which can enhance aggression and make the animalistic part of human nature more susceptible to stress. When it breaks out, humans who have undergone this kind of mutation will have strength and endurance that ordinary people cannot match. They can continue to fight under the physical pressure and psychological blow that can kill an ordinary person in an instant.

However, this inhibitor will have a subtle negative impact on the higher-level thinking part of the brain. Tranquilizers and bipolar mixtures can weaken these adverse reactions, but one day, they, the Phase III Spartans, will have to pay the price for it.

In other words, metabolism will accelerate rapidly under extreme pressure, and the most primitive instincts of the brain will take control of everything. Phase III Spartans will fight constantly and become more difficult to be killed by the enemy. However, this is very dangerous, Spartans. They may lose their sanity as a result, although this may increase their chances of escaping the death trap.

As for whether these brain modifications, which are widely condemned by morality, will have any irreversible impact on their minds in the longer term?

No one cares, as long as they have to survive suicide mission after suicide mission.

****

0455 hours on September 23, 2552 in the military calendar

Jumping into the fault space, the location is unknown, and the captured Covenant force flagship is aboard the Justice.

The equipment inside the Long Sword interceptor that was still functioning gave off a little light, and the noise from the hangar could be heard.

John wiped away the frost that had condensed on the upper part of the freezing chamber and saw a human body wearing green armor lying inside through the plastic steel shell.

She's SPARTAN-058, Linda.

She was mortally wounded during an attack on Gamma Space Station during the fall of Reach. The Chief dragged her severely burned, lifeless body back to the Pillar of Autumn, where medical staff put her into deep cryogenic freezing moments before the jump.

They didn't take off the armor when they froze her. Considering the extent of her injuries, it was for the best. But he would rather pay any price to see her one last time without her armor.

Linda was unique among the Spartans in that she had bright red hair and deep green eyes, but it wasn't her appearance that made her special.

She is the best sniper and scout in the team. She can hit targets that others cannot. While other Spartans prefer to travel in groups, Linda prefers to work alone. She often hides a little further away from her teammates, waiting for the opportunity to fire off a crucial shot that can turn the tide of a battle.

Although the UNSC has always trained snipers to operate in pairs, with a shooter and a spotter, Linda is an exception - she has repeatedly proven that she is most effective only when acting alone. If any Spartan could be called a lone wolf, it would be Linda. She was superior to other Spartans in many ways.

Now I see her like this.

John wiped away the cold frost that had gathered on the top of her helmet. She is neither dead nor alive, but somewhere in between.

This uncertainty made John sadder than seeing her punctured and burned body on the Gamma Space Station. He felt as if a big wound had been ripped open in his chest.