I bet you everyone read the original one, which was only five pages. I changed some of those pages a bit and then wrote the other fifteen, hehe. If you're someone who keeps track of the main storyline in my network of stories, this one works as a better explanation of how it all started. Enjoy.
Alex is  thatoneguy15's. Congrats to him for making the second tech guy having a similar one for the first, making it rather interesting.
Oh, and this isn't the full story, you'll have to download the file for the end.
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Russia- The land of snow, Soviets, and (sometimes) suffering. And now, the home of insanity.
Scientists here decided to come up with a concoction, that, if injected, could merge every single cell in a persons body with the DNA of another creature, with stable results. Why? Simply, they had no laws against it. America, Canada, and the U.K. had laws against it, and the Asians sure as hell weren’t going to do anything of the sort- so the Russians did it. They tried it during the Cold War with some monkeys anyhow- didn’t work, of course. But now, some scientists developed it to work with any species, but for one use only; body modification, not much different than a tattoo, really. It’s quite expensive right now- costs as much as a new car for a simple modification like a tail or something- but its already the rage in Moscow. I was here from America to learn more, and steal their secrets. I was a corporate spy, hired by the corporate giant Xavier Biotech- an American arms dealer, really- to find what secrets I needed to find and give them to Xavier Biotech, all so that they could make money by selling the formula in other countries.
In Russia, the Smit Gena Kompanii created the formula. It’s pretty obvious what that name means. Anyhow, they were paying me enough to do whatever’s required- 4.5 million, to be exact, plus expenses and one percent of their sales of the formula. It’s worth whatever’s needed. Problem is, the formula for the gen-izmeneniya liquid was held in some of the the country’s toughest defense, a good 300 feet down, in Moscow’s largest old war shelter. One couldn’t just bypass a dozen five foot thick bulkheads, one needed firepower. My biggest weapon was a sniper rifle that could be dismantled to fit in a violin case, and it wasn’t that high of a caliber. The military sure as hell isn’t going to give me a few hundred pounds of explosives, so I had one place to go, and that was to the local mobsters.
I flipped open my old flip-phone and called a man which had connection to the underground arms trade; His name was Artyom. Well, if you could call him a man. The arms trade only recently started carrying some of the Gene-altering Formula; the GAF for sort.
‘Hey, Artyom. How are you?’ I asked as I halted in traffic. I was driving down a highway, but it was packed. The snow didn’t help either. Thankfully, Russians are good with the snow. The copious amount of tourists weren’t though. I saw a few cold looking Americans and British people on the side of the road, trying to get their busted rent-a-cars started.
‘Ah, good, comrade. Still trying to get used to this new body I was able to purchase. How far are you from Moscow, Dmitri?’ He asked me. I checked my GPS.
‘My GPS says another twenty minutes, but with this damned traffic, it’s going to take a considerably longer amount of time.’ I responded.
'It happens, my friend.’ There was a loud crash from his end.
'Artyom! You alright?!’ I shouted.
'Fine, Dmitri. I just broke a vase with this new tail of mine. Yebat! It was expensive!’ He cursed. ‘I’ll await your arrival at the safe house. Best of luck with the traffic, comrade.’ Artyom said.
‘You too- with the, er, tail.’ I said. He laughed and then disconnected. Funny person. Will the friendship last, though?
Its funny how something like this can divide the people so drastically. I used to live here, back when I was young; I knew that the Russian people would and could be quite dramatic about things.
I decided to turn my pickup truck down an early exit ramp, partially because there was a large wreck up ahead and getting to Artyom through that would be impossible. The ramp led down a road that was mounded with snow on either end and had a slight covering of snow anyways.
I tuned in a news radio station, seeing as I had nothing else to listen too.
‘...The snow will be piling up for the next several days, creating at least two feet. More at 9. But for now, what’s on everyone’s mind; the creation of the GAF.
'Thanks, Denis.’ A different voice said. ‘Moscow has become a heat of riots and fighting due to its creation, and there’s already been three killed and several dozen injured. People are saying that it’s a sin against the human form to take the GAF, or things like that. Others are saying it may come in use during times of disaster or catastrophe. I’m not sure, but I’m tempted to agree with them. The speed of a jaguar or the strength of an oxen would come in handy most days. Hell, that strength could be helpful even when moving house! But what’s got us really concerned are these riots.
'Indeed they do, Ivan. A large group of about three hundred has been rioting outside the front of the Smit Gena Kompanii for about two days now, after they started marketing the GAF. they won’t allow anyone out, and its been heard that the company may end up calling in the military to clear them a path so that their workers can go back home. These days, Denis...’
I went around a corner and down a suburban street, passing several old homes.
‘One large factor in these riots is the fact that they’re similar to racist actions during the World War Two era and similar times, showing that most people just can’t seem to cope with the species differences. So would it be called Specism?’
‘Likely. And to our listeners; treat the Altered nicely- they’re as much a person as any human, and should have some respect. Especially the ones with claws. This is Ivan and Denis on MMAN Radio.’ The radio article ended just as I parked at the safe-house. It was the burnt out wreck of an old house that burnt out several years ago, but under it was an entrance to the Moscow underground. I got out, locked my car and walked into what used to be the basement- under a few barrels and some fake floorboards was a large trap door. I opened it up and closed what cover I could as I entered.
Inside, the tunnel was lit by a few bare bulbs, and no one could be seen. I walked down the corridor for about one hundred yards until I came to a solid-looking brick wall. It was a door.
I looked around for a discolored brick that Artyom mentioned was the door switch. I eventually found a yellow brick that stood out from the other red ones, and pushed it. The seemingly solid brick wall slid up, opening to a large, bunker-like room.
The room was at least two thousand feet square and full of people from all around the world, and they were all dealing things. Illegal things. The first person I bumped into was obviously a Heroin addict due to the fact that he was smoking the shit. This safe-house was the main commerce central of the black market, and it seemed that nearly anything could be bought here. An African man was even selling a couple of air-to-air missiles in the back of the room.
I pushed forward through the crowds, looking for the entrance to the residential rooms. Anyone who lived down here didn’t exist officially, perfect for someone to blow up bulkhead. And one of these people was Artyom.
I passed some scantly-clad woman that was trying to sell me something. She looked normal until saw the large, furry tail swishing behind her. Her eyes were golden as well- an Altered. This one seemed to deal in the prostitution trade. I could see why she would be successful.
I managed to get into the residential sector after a considerable amount of shoving. It was a good deal more empty in here, apart from a drunkard passed out against a wall. I walked to the room 5-B and knocked on the door.
'Artyom?’ Its me, Dmitri.’ I said.
'Come in, Dmitri!’ He replied through the thin wooden door. I walked in to his dirty apartment.
It was made of only three rooms- the living room, the kitchen, and a bedroom. The kitchen was a few feet above the living room, and accessed by a few steps. The bedroom branched off from the living room, and the toilet was in a small cubicle in the corner of the bedroom. The furnishings were simple- a TV with dish-powered network, an old rotten couch, and a few tables. The bedroom, as far as I could tell, was not much more than a single bed and another table. Artyom was in the kitchen, making something.
'Tea, comrade?’ He asked. I couldn’t see him because the refrigerator was in the way.
'Yes please, two sugars.’ I replied, siting down on his couch. He walked out, carrying the plate with the tea. As I said, he wasn’t human. He had somehow gathered enough cash for the full transformation formula which turned the person taking it into a humanoid version of said animal. He had chosen an artic fox, for some reason. He was wearing a T-shirt, but no pants.
'Wait, where are your pants?’ I asked. Thankfully, nothing showed.
'Do you realize how hard it is to get a tailor to make a tailhole for your pants?’ He asked.
'Ah...’ I responded. I took the cup and sipped it. It was very hot, but good.
'So, Dmitri, what is your take on the whole thing?’ Artyom asked.
'I try to remain neutral. I have friends in the states, and they have no access to the GAF. Of course, you’re one of my good friends as well, so I can’t really be against it either, now can I?’ I responded.
'You have a point. It is sad; if I walk out of this place, it’s likely I may be mobbed. How can people hate us so much? We are still people. Still equal.’ Artyom asked.
'Exactly how people hate other races. It’s human nature; the fear of the unknown. It’s happened ever since the human race developed two different races. Hopefully it won’t stay this bad forever.’ I replied.
'Aye.’ Artyom said. 'So, down to business. You’re asking for high-powered, portable explosives that could take down the bulkheads of the SGK. They’re expensive and we don’t have them here. You have two options. One: wait for some to come in, and that could take ages. The other one would mean raiding a different, opposing safe-house.’ He said. 'Can you fight?’
'Artyom, can I be honest with you?’ I asked.
'Of course, Comrade.’
'I’ve been hired by an American firm to steal that formula. They’re paying me 4.5 million American dollars. You help me properly, I’ll pay you one of those millions.’ I said. His fox face suddenly looked very astounded.
'What, really? Are you sure?’ He asked. I nodded. 'Thank you, Comrade. I can try to stop such racism- pardon, Specism- against the Altered like myself with that money. So, which one are we going to do?’
'Try to steal the explosives, obviously. I can hold my own in a firefight. But can you?’ I asked.
'Of course, Dmitri. I’ve been in quite a few. Come on, follow.’ He said, putting away the finished tea. The cracked set was put in a cupboard, not even washed. We exited the little living space and continued down the corridor towards a small door in the back.
'So, Dmitri, have you ever though of Alteration?’ He asked.
'Right now, not really. I’ve heard that receiving the formula when you’re badly injured can heal your body like that-’ I snapped my fingers. 'So, if I was badly injured and on the brink of death, I would take it, no questions asked.’
'But what species would it be?’ Artyom said.
'I never thought of it. Would probably be some sort of large bird; perhaps a corvid of some sort. Probably that.’ I said. I pulled an Raven’s tail feather from my coat. 'I found this feather after a serious, life-threatening job. I was running from several corporate goons, bleeding from a gunshot wound in the arm. I had gotten rid of all of them but one, and the last one had his sights aimed on me. I thought that was the end. There was no way I could have survived his shotgun. By a stroke of luck, a Raven of all things smacked into his head, knocking him down and causing him to drop his shotgun- gave me enough time to shoot the goon down. The Raven left me the feather.’ I said as we walked up the stairs past the door. We exited out a locked door in the side of an alleyway, in the commercial sector.
'So, if you were badly injured, that’s what would be used?’ Artyom said.
'Without question. Why did you choose a fox of all things?’ I asked as we stepped into his car- a rather expensive yellow sports car. I noticed it had heavily tinted windows.
'Heh, the tinting of my windows came with the augmentation- I guess it was needed. Anyhow, Did you ever complete that mission?’ He asked, not answering my question.
'Yeah, quite easily. The fact that most of their guards couldn’t follow me made it like taking candy from a baby. Now answer my previous question, Artyom.’ I said.
'Right. I’ve always enjoyed foxes, but one day, before all of the black market business, a fox much akin to the same species came up to my doorstep, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the hip. Someone had been hunting it, and it had walked to my door. I was able to nurse it back to health, and let it go free. I’ve always had a connection to this type of fox after that.’ He said. 'Honestly, your story’s better.’ He finished. I laughed.
'I guess it is.’ I replied.
CRACK!
'Holy shit! What the hell was that?!’ I shouted. The front windshield had a big crack in it now- and it was such a nice car too.
'Someone throwing rocks, I think. The asses do that.’ Artyom answered.
'What? Why?’ I asked.
'It’s because I’m Altered.’ He replied.
'Fuck that, you deserve more respect than getting rocks thrown at you! Turn the car around, I want to confront that bastard.’ Artyom spun the car around and actually drove the car onto the sidewalk, kicking up snow. The guy that was throwing rocks was on the side of the road, another large stone in his hand. I jumped out.
'Hey, you fucker! Stop throwing stones at us!’ I shouted at him.
'Freak-lover!’ He shouted back. He threw the other rock at me, which I actually caught, not even looking at it.
'People like you just can’t accept change...’ I said.
'Those mongrels are a sin against the human body!’ He shouted at me.
'And they’re hurting you how? Come on, face it! What’s so wrong with the Altered?’ I asked.
'They’ll kill all of us pure-bloods!’ The ass replied.
'Ugh, really?’ I groaned. I pulled out an old pistol of mine- a silenced, 8-shot revolver and aimed it at the guy. 'Some of the Altered have friends in high places; actually some are in high places. This was meant to just be the next tattoo or ear piercing, not this shit. Now walk away, fool.’ I said. He trembled and then ran away, shouting. I got back into the car.
'Are you sure pointing a gun at him was a good idea?’ Artyom asked.
'Hopefully.’ I said. We kept on driving.
‘I wonder how some people can be so cruel...’ I mentioned.
‘Human nature, Comrade. Sometimes, I don’t know how they can’t be cruel.’ Artyom explained.
‘They fear the unknown...’

We parked at the top of a hill overlooking a forest. Both Artyom and I were out, with sniper rifles. He pointed down towards an opening in the the pine forest which had nothing but a single cabin and a solitary hauler truck.
‘That’s the rival gang’s safe-house. They deal mostly in drugs, booze, and the like, but they do sell the occasional expensive weapon. And they have a supplier which supplies them with a crate of C4 every few days; I think that’s his truck. We wait long enough, we can kill the supplier, run down there, and steal the vehicle. Hopefully it’s still loaded.’ Artyom said.
‘What about the car?’ I asked, nodding to his expensive and now dirty sports-car.
'I’ll drive it and meet up with you at our safe-house, but I’ll help you steal the truck.’ Artyom responded.
'Alright. Let’s hope it works.’ I said. I took a shotgun from the back of Artyom’s car and started quietly running down the hill, Artyom behind me. He was a good deal quieter- makes sense.
We stopped near a broken down wall to see the someone walking out to the truck. We quickly ducked down, but he started running. We were already spotted!
'Get the truck, I’ll stop some of them!’ Artyom shouted.
'Right!’ I said. I leapt into the driver’s seat of the truck, but didn’t notice the fact that there was someone else inside. I just barely avoided death- the bullet from his small pistol grazed my chest. I gave him a shotgun shell, which broke the door behind him and flung him out. I started up the truck and started driving it out of the field. It was accelerating too slowly...
A gangster was running alongside, carrying a large automatic rifle. Several bullets riddled the chassis and one shattered the windshield. He tried leaping onto the truck, but I shot him down before he could. I could hear gunfire behind me- Artyom was giving them a fight. I adjusted the side-view mirror to see him running back up the hill, firing behind him. I could also see a dozen mobsters jumping on motorcycles that can easily outpace the truck.
I jumped the curb and screeched onto the road, burning rubber at only about 80. Thankfully, the highway wasn’t far.
Gunfire cracked the air as the motorcycles sped after me. I started up an exit ramp, occasionally firing back a shotgun blast. I heard bullets slam into my truck, causing loud echos in the back.
My speed was well over the usual for the exit ramps, and I gained a bit of air when I hit the top. I landed with a slam, causing the things in the back to rattle about.
I heard an explosion behind me. One of the motorcycle riders shot out a civilian’s tires! The car flipped in the air and skidded across the ground.
One of the motorcyclists sped up next to me and tried to shoot me. Several of the shots slammed against the door, but one pierced it and my leg. Damn it, that hurt! I slammed the offender off the road.
I could hear Artyom’s sports car and its massive, loud engine approaching, and with a chorus of gunfire coming with it.
Suddenly, I head a loud blast. The.. tires...
Everything was a blur; a blur of colors, a blur of noise.
I suddenly found myself on the cold concrete, my blood everywhere and most of my bones broken. The truck slid sideways down the road for a short distance before exploding. I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t breathe... Is this death...?
The last thing I saw was Artyom about to pick my ragged body up.
'...Time for that Raven to save your life again...’

I woke up to see a black ceiling with some UV lights. I turned my head- some medical equipment, an erotic-looking lamp, and several glowing pictures of skeletons on the walls. I turned my head the other way- syringes on a rack on top of a black table, a coat hanger with some blankets, and a black door carved with what seemed to be a pentagram. But that pentagram was facing with one point up, the good way. I think I woke up in a converted tattoo shop.
I looked myself over- I looked normal. Not even any bandages or anything. I opened my mouth to say something and a tooth fell out, roots and all. I stared at it in wonder- it was a perfectly normal tooth. Why would it fall out?
I tried the door. Locked.
'Hello, anyone here?’ I said, speaking through the door.
'Get that door unlocked, Artyom!’ Someone said.
Several locks on the other side of the door clanked open, and Artyom’s furred face was staring at me.
'Come on, we should explain things.’
He lead me to a nearby room, where some others were waiting- more Altered. One was reptilian; lean, mean, and deadly. His teeth were quite sharp and his small, beady eyes darted left and right. I would learn his name was Alexei.
The other one was large and more bulky- but only partially altered. His eyes were golden and blood-thirsty, and his teeth were razor- sharp. He had resemblance to a hungry wolf. His name was Pavel.
'Welcome, Dmitri.’ Alexei said, gesturing me to a cushioned armchair. I noticed the room ahd windows, but they were purely ornamental. I could see dirt on the other side of them, and nothing but.
I sat down, very confused.
'I felt like I died... What the fuck happened?’ I asked finally.
'The hauler truck crashed, and the C-4 exploded. You had many broken bones and serious internal injuries- but that Raven feather you had was still intact.’ Artyom said.
'So, I’m Altered, now? Why the hell am I not in a hospital bed, but what looks like an underground tattoo parlor?’ I asked, looking at the black painted walls. Tattoo designs were on the walls, printed on laminated paper.
'Sorry about that- the hospitals knew that the only way to save you was the GAF, but no one would use it. Thankfully, some of our specialized friends here were able to help.’ Artyom replied.
'You can thank me for helping you. My name is Alexei.’ The lizard said, holding out a scaled hand. I shook it.
'What about the places that officially do the formula?’ I asked.
'Would’ve costed too much; Alexei here owed me a favor.’ Artyom replied, shrugging.
'Don’t worry, friend Dmitri, it is odd in the beginning. You’ll get used to the discrimination.’ The bulky man said. 'My name is Pavel. Drink?’ He offered me a vodka bottle that was next to his end of the sofa he was on. I refused it, so he shrugged and took a drink from it himself.
'So, you used the Raven DNA?’ I then asked.
'Because Artyom knew you’d want it. Also, it was my only viable DNA sample.’ Alexei said. 'You’ll have to prepare yourself, the change isn’t pleasant.’
'What do you mean?’ I asked.
'I see you’re already missing teeth.’ Alexei replied, nodding to the massive gap in between my two front teeth.
'Yeah, it fell out when I woke up. Should I be expecting more of that?’ I asked.
'Well, birds have beaks, not teeth. Do the math.’
'Damn, you’re right. Will I still have arms- and not wings- in the end?’
'If lucky, you should have both.’ Alexei replied.
'Lucky...?’
'Friend Alexei means that the GAF can sometimes be rather random.’ Pavel added.
'It’s true. The full change can last up to a month or more, with things happening and changing randomly as your DNA is altered. Sure, you’re not going to have two different feet at one time due to the fact that the DNA that controls foot shape controls both feet, not just one. But I can’t say what’ll change first.’
'Seems to be the beak?’ I suggested.
'It could just be preparing, not forming. Who knows, it could be the last thing and you’ll have no teeth until then.’ Alexei replied.
'Let’s hope not.’ I said.
'This same stuff happened to me, Dmitri. It’s when the most discrimination happens.’ Artyom said.
'Great, how’s my mission going to work out now?’ I said.
'Friend Artyom told us about your mission- my tip is to not let anyone try to stop you. If you get injured again during the long change then it will likely heal within a very short time.’ Pavel said.
'How short?’ I asked. Pavel, in response, drunk the rest of the Vodka, smashed the bottle on the table edge, picked up a piece of glass, and sliced a big gash along his arm. It healed within a few seconds.
'Pavel, you could’ve just said a few seconds.’ Alexei said.
'He did demonstrate how it helps, though. Give him credit.’ I said to Alexei. He shrugged.
'I guess so. Just not very scientific that way.’ The lizard replied.
'But this does mean that any injuries you are likely to sustain won’t last long. Just don’t get a bullet stuck in your body, friend Dmitri.’ Pavel suggested.
'Why- of wait, I see why.’ I said.
'That’s got a high probability of happening with all of the Anti-Altered out there. They call themselves “The Real People”- especially the extremists.’ Alexei said.
'Isn’t that most of them?’ Artyom asked.
'Including some of the government, yes.’ Alexei responded. 'It isn’t good for us altered.’
'Why don’t the government close down the company that makes the GAF?’ I asked.
'Too much of a money maker. They impose a heavy tax on legit GAF serums, giving them several hundred dollars for even the smaller varieties.’
'So it always comes down to the money...’ Pavel muttered, his head hung low.
'Sadly, yes. Especially in Russia. We can sometimes be a great country, but many of the people are corrupt.’ Alexei said.
Another tooth fell into my lap- a molar.
'Well, that’s just annoying.’ I said, picking up the unusable tooth. It had a bit of plaque on it- I tossed it into the trash. 'Pavel, have you had the same tooth problems?’
'No, friend. Mine just became sharper somehow.’ Pavel replied.
'Reconstitution of the calcium, angling to tooth, lengthening and thinning it.’ Alexei replied.
'You really know how this shit works, don’t you?’ I said.
'Everything but the recipe for the formula. Any chance you could bring us a copy of it?’ Alexei replied. 'It would make Alteration so much cheaper.’
'I could do that, yes. but I’ll need help to get the formula.’
'Already done. I know Pavel will help, and I’ve got some friends ready and waiting. We don’t have firepower though; we will have to raid that safehouse properly this time.’ Alexia replied.
'Alright, how many people?’ Artyom asked, taking the words right from my mouth.
'About a dozen, all Altered in one way or another.’
'Great. But getting to the safehouse without loosing some will be difficult- people really hate us.’
'I’ve got just the thing.’ Alexei replied, getting up, he beckoned us through another door. We followed.
We walked down some bare concrete halls that were lit with just as bare bulbs. Alexei knew where we were going, especially after we passed half a dozen four-ways in the halls. There was the occasional door, but otherwise there didn’t seem to be anything in the halls.
'Where are we below? These tunnels seem like they were made while ago.’ I said.
'We’re under Moscow, under the sewers and the subway system. Very deep down.’ Alexei replied. ‘If you walk far enough, you’ll find the market safehouse where you and Artyom first were.’
We stopped at a wood door reinforced with metal, locked with an old mechanism. Alexei unlocked it with a rusty key. Behind it was a large room with several vehicles, ranging from vans to small tanks. Alexei lead us to a large bus with reinforced windows. It looked like it was made to survive an apocalypse.
‘Meet our transportation. It can withstand most things normal civilians would throw at us, it has specialized seat for Altered, and it even has a great sound system. Perfect for withstanding angry humans.’
‘Great, looks like we’ll be able to get somewhere with this. What about my weapons?’ I asked.
‘Already loaded on the bus, Dmitri. Same with yours too, Artyom. You best get moving; it’s night at the moment. Won’t be as many people on the streets to throw rocks.’
‘You coming with us?’ Artyom asked.
‘No thanks. I may be able to hold my own in a firefight, but I prefer to stay out of them. Pavel will help, won’t you?’ He said.
‘Yes!’ Pavel shouted.
‘And you mentioned a team?’ I said. Pavel whistled loudly, and a dozen Altered in different states came out of a different door. Each one carried an assortment of weapons and wore trench coats. Artyom cheered; we actually had backup this time.
‘Good luck.’ Alexei said, walking off.
‘So, we’re raiding an enemy safehouse?’ One of the Altered squad said.
‘Yeah. Board the bus, gents. I’ll drive.’ Artyom said. We got on.

The scary looking bus rattled loudly as it drove, making me feel like it was about to fall apart. Artyom switched on MMAN radio. It played a few commercials before coming back.
'Welcome back to MMAN radio, everyone! This is your host Dennis.’
'And this is your other host, Ivan.’
'Tonight, things are changing. The amount of people against the Altered is at a high, and there’s been many reports of Altered getting mobbed or even killed by a practical KKK of the Altered, now calling themselves the “Pure-bloods”. It’s ridiculous, I tell you.’ Dennis spoke.
'I agree, Dennis. The world is a vicious place, but another KKK is just wrong. I hope we don’t get mobbed for just saying that.’ Ivan replied to him.
'We have defenses- we should be fine; so no need for you listeners to worry! We won’t go down without a fight! The people who get Altered are the bravest of us all to get themselves changed at yet know what may just happen to them because of it. We are equal, people. You have to learn that.’
'Friend Dmitri, do you agree that those hosts are good people- they’re trying to help the oppressed.’ Pavel said to me- he was sitting just across from my seat.
'I hope nothing happens to them.’ I replied.
A rock hit the window behind me with a loud crack, almost shattering the glass. But the metal plating stopped it.
'Fuck you half-breeds!’ I heard someone shout from outside. The bus had stopped due to a mob surrounding us.
'Artyom, any ideas?’ I asked him.
'Speak to them. And if that doesn’t work, scare them away. And if that doesn’t work...’ He replied.
'Start shooting. Alright.’ I said, stepping outside. I ducked a baseball bat swung at my head.
'Please, listen!’ I shouted to the several dozen surrounding the bus. 'We mean you no harm what so ever. We are who we want to be! Can’t you accept that, for once?’
'You freaks are perverted, traitorous asses-’ One shouted.
'Traitorous to what? Huh? Human DNA?’ I replied. The crowd was silent for a second, which made me almost laugh.
'God!’ One shouted in the back, and all the rest mumbled agreements.
'Damn it, religion isn’t a part of this! It shouldn’t be a part of issues like this, at all! Religion’s caused wars, caused millions of deaths! For what? You’re all Christians, yes? You’re supposed to have some moral code, but not a single one of you uphold it! All you’ve done is burn witches and kill innocents for thousands of years! For once, accept someone different!’ I shouted back, which made a few angry.
'You mongrels aren’t what god wanted!’ Another one shouted. The others went ‘Yeah!’ all at once.
‘There’s about as much god as there was democracy in 70‘s Russia! It’s artificial evolution. We do it to flowers. We do it to dogs. Fucking hell, we do it to apples. This is no different. We’ve decided to create new species out of the old, and by what’s good in this world, we are equal! Get that straight!’ I cried out. The crowd was silent for a moment, some actually thinking it over.
'Kill the freaks!’ One shouted, and the crowd started moving with their rocks and makeshift weapons. I fired my revolver up into the air twice, which made the front rows of the crowd fall over and crawl back.
'See? You’re acting more like wild beasts than Altered do! It’s mob mentality. When you go up together and try to fight with all of the primal ferociousness, you loose and fall back. It makes you less than what you’re trying to prove yourself better! We are equal, why don’t you see that?’
A bullet impacted near my head, and I started firing into the crowd- just at their feet, mind.
'Get us out of here!’ I shouted, holding onto the bar near the door. Most jumped out of the way but a few got caught under the wheels of the large bus. I shot at the feet on the rioters that were away from the bus- no need to finish them off. We may be gangsters, but we have morals.
We drove out of there with a large blood splatter on our front because some idiot thought it was a great idea to jump in front of a speeding bus. We kept on speeding towards the destination.
We sped up into the highway, passing the slower moving cars. We heard sirens behind us.
'Shit, it’s the cops!’ Someone shouted. I climbed into the bus from the outer doors, avoiding the police cars speeding past.
'Stop in the name of the law, Altered outlaws! You’re charged with vehicular manslaughter and disobeying your superiors!’ One shouted through a loudspeaker.
'Superiors? You’re going to say those rioters, aren’t you!’ I shouted back through the open door.
'Well, yes!’ The loudspeaker shouted back. I groaned and shot out the police car’s tire, sending it flying over the guardrail and down a hill. The other ones opened fire.
'How many bullets can this bus withstand?’ I asked.
'A lot, friend Dmitri. It was made to survive these sort of thing. I think the tires are even armored.’ Pavel replied.
'He’s right!’ Artyom shouted, swerving out of the way of a pedestrian car.
'Get the roof, guys!’ I shouted, and several of the Altered members swung up to the exit hatches on the roof. Gunfire continued.
‘How far until the destination?’ I asked Artyom who was masterfully dodging cars.
‘Another twenty minute drive.’ Artyom replied, skidding around a corner and denting the guardrail.
‘We best loose these police.’ I said. I booted open a window and stuck my head out, then poked my gun out. A police car was alongside, and they acted quick. I got shot in the shoulder, but then I blasted the car’s tires. The car skidded away, and another police car smashed into it causing an explosion. I clutched my wound, then realizing that it had healed. Alexei wasn’t kidding, you do heal when in the process of getting Altered. I had also lost two more teeth and my fingernails seemed a bit larger and longer.
'You alright, friend Dmitri?’ Pavel asked.
'Uh... I seem to be.’ I said, staring at where the bullet passed through, somewhat confused.
Artyom rammed down another Police cruiser that was blocking our path and drove outside of the city limits. The police stopped- we were out of their range. The crew cheered as we drove into the sunset, towards the other safehouse.

This rival gang operated outside of Moscow city limits, yet most of their dealings were inside the city. They were the same guys that Artyom and I tried to raid before. But it was late- everyone needed a rest. We stopped off at a motel that actually allowed Altered. Sadly, the whole motel only had 6 beds open, and there were twelve of us- so we would have to share beds. Artyom and I decided to share a room with a queen-sized bed inside. We quickly fell asleep on opposite ends of the bed.

My dream that night were weird and feverish, possibly brought on by my recent Alteration. The first dream was me flying high over Siberia as the raven that saved me that day, and saved my life again earlier. The one that I was slowly becoming.
The snowy forests passed quickly under me, and below I could see something happening.
There was a factory out there, spewing out pollution and destruction, and nothing worthwhile was coming from it. Nothing for the raven in me, anyways. I had a sudden urge to destroy it. But how? I was a large raven, floating on the wind- nothing more.
I flapped my large, pitch black wings to gain a bit of lift and to try to avoid the plumes of smoke coming from below. Then I saw a human running out of the building, leaping over any obstructions in his way, carrying a revolver in one hand and a set of blueprints in the other. Guards crashed out of the doors behind to to the sound of alarms. The human, who I now recognized as myself back then, dashed furiously into the forest, not even stopping when a bullet went through his jacket. I swooped down to help the human- to help myself. He eliminated several guards, but when the last one caught up to him he lacked ammo in the gun, and he was trying to reload. I attacked the guard, knocking him back. But he shot me down- and that bullet felt like a cannonball. I flopped to the snowy ground, my guts all over- but my job was done, I had given the man- myself- enough time to reload and load that last guard full of bullets and make it out. He took one of my fallen tail feathers first, stroking my head.
'Thank you, my friend. I won’t forget this.’ He said as my vision faded to black.
Then I found myself in another dream.
I found myself in the raven form again, this time watching over a cityscape from on top of a large building. Some large event was taking place below me- The reveal of the GAF. Several of the company’s officials were standing on a podium, taking out a shaky new Altered. Some people cheered, some people shouted against it. I cocked my head at the altered, who’s scent was very different from anything else. It was odd- very unusual in my mind.
I took flight above the area, watching the crowd. A fight had broken out over the religious effects of this, and someone had shouted a few insults at the poor Altered. I flew away further into the city, unknowing of what would happen.
Another dream.
I found myself in a fully Altered state, in what seemed to be a wooden room made from one piece of wood. It had all the furnishings of a real room.
I realized I was in the bed, completely lacking clothes. A female Raven Altered came out from a door nearby, also lacking clothing. Nothing was showing due to feathers. She laid down next to me, her arm around me. I did the same with her, nuzzling up next to her. I had a feeling we would’ve kissed if it weren’t for beaks.
Then I woke up.

When I woke, I found Artyom’s arm over me, and I was so surprised I fell off the bed, landing with a crash. I quickly stood up- Artyom was half-way asleep.
'...Comrade, are you sure this is what we should do... We could get in trouble...’ He muttered. I was about to shake him awake, but I realized that I had changed over the night. My hands had developed dark scales with blackened claws at the ends, and the fingers were longer and thinner. The claws were hooked. Feathers were trying to sprout all up my arms, and my skin was red and raw with occasional stunted black feathers. A multitude of feathers were covering the top of my hands and my wrists. My feet were similar, but they still sort of had the normal human shape- but the toes were larger and the main body of the foot was smaller. I had a feeling that would change. The start of a toe in the back was there, and my other toes had merged into just three. My face didn’t feel right either, so I walked into the bathroom.
A beak was developing, encompassing what was my nose and lips already. It was very, very short and the skin around it was ragged, like the beak pushed its way out during the night. I also realized that all of my teeth had fallen out during the night; they were all over the bed. My eyes had changed too, golden and sharp. Raven eyes shouldn’t look like that. I wonder why mine were different...
I walked back to Artyom, but didn’t try to shake him awake- might injure him with these talons.
'Artyom, get up.’ I said next to his ear.
'...Comrade, watch where you’re putting that cattle iron...’ He mumbled incoherently.
'Wake up, damn it!’ I shouted. I noticed my voice had a ring to it that was like a Raven’s call. Especially when I shout.
Artyom woke up so suddenly that his head smacked against mine, and we both were groaning in pain.
'Sorry, Dmitri.’ He said.
'And a good morning to you too.’ I replied.
'I see you’ve changed. Odd dreams, by any chance?’ Artyom asked.
'Yes, why?’
'An effect of being Altered is that you retain some of the characteristics of the specific creature you took the DNA from. Memories too. And if that creature had offspring, then you’re basically their uncle.’
'I have no clue if that raven did have offspring, but I did have to take a bullet in a dream, which felt like a cannonball.’ I replied.
'Ah yes, you did mention that raven was shot.’ Artyom said, walking into the bathroom with some clothing for himself. I had gone to bed in yesterday’s clothing- T-shirt under a thick canvas jacket with jeans- just without shoes or socks. good thing too.
'Thing is, I also had a dream of basically falling in love with another Altered Raven. Our arms were over each other, and then I woke up. I found that the reason I could actually feel her arm over me was because it was your damned furry arm.’ I said through the bathroom door.
'Sorry, Comrade.’ Artyom replied.
We were silent for a second.
'Do dreams like mine happen often?’ I asked.
'Yeah, especially when going through the Alteration. I remember mine- I had the same few dreams for the whole month.’
'Oh? What were those?’ I asked. Artyom walked out of the bathroom, wearing a pair of khaki pants with a tailored tail-hole, finally. He also had a leather bomber-style coat on.
‘Not fun. Belive me, you don’t want to get hunted by humans in jeeps every night after you go to bed. Total fear, that’s all it is.’ Artyom replied. I tried to get my shoes on, and was somewhat successful. ‘Let’s move, we can discuss our plan for the raid on the safehouse over breakfast.’

The whole gang was around the largest table in the cafe. It was surprisingly easy to get these seats; I think the cafe staff were too scared.
'So, does anyone know the layout of the safehouse, how many people are in it, that sort of thing?’ I asked the table.
'I know there’s about half a dozen guards on the entrance.’ One of the team members said.
'That’s helpful. Very helpful. Anybody else?’ I asked. Everyone shook their heads. 'So, the only info that was know is how many people are outside of it. We don’t know what to expect inside, where the explosives we’re looking for are, or even if they have them.’
'Seems like it, friend Dmitri.’ Pavel said.
'Perhaps a scout? Send out one of our team to go in, pretend to be a buyer, and get the info we need.’ Artyom suggested
'That won’t work. They have a strict No-Altered rule.’ The team member who spoke before said.
'So we’ll have to storm the castle, then.’ I said.
'Looks like it.’ Pavel commented. I finished eating up my breakfast.
'Alright, let’s move out!’ I said, and we all got up and ran out.

The bus was already crashing through the forest within an hour, heading towards the safehouse. We stopped at the top of the same hill and sniped down the half a dozen outer guards.
We got down to the front doors, only missing the two who were defending the bus. The front door was solid metal, but a button to the side opened it.
'You guys ready?’ I asked.
'As ready as I’ll ever be.’ Artyom said. Everyone else nodded, and then I slammed the button in. the door groaned open, and we ran in. A drunkard tried to offer us resistance, but he was dispatched quickly. The hallway we entered was a long metal hall leading to the main black market room- but a guard saw us and raised an alarm. We shot him down and then entered the main room.
The chamber was large, with people fleeing. Many of them had contra-brand drugs or fake foodstuffs, but others had different weapons and other items. Some were stolen historical artifacts- totally priceless.
I shot into the air, making the fleeing crowds stop.
'Listen to me! Stop right there!’ I shouted. 'We are looking for one thing and one thing only- explosives. 300 pounds of C-4 would be preferred. Where can we find that?’
Some of the crowd hesitantly pointed to a man protecting some crates in the back. He was trying to protect those crates marked C-4 with his life.
'No! You mutant bastards won’t have my explosions! No!’ He cackled, seemingly mad. He was a thin, bony man who was balding. He wore a dirty T-shirt and ripped jeans.
'Yes we will. Step away from the explosives, we’ll even pay you the full price.’ I said.
'No! I don’t sell to you half-breeds! Nonononono!’ He cried. 'You shoot me, you’ll blow us all up!’
He was right- if you shot him through the chest, the bullet would go through his torso and detonate the crate of C-4 he was hanging onto. I crouched down to his level.
'Just because we’re not human doesn’t mean you can’t sell to us. Last chance, bucko.’ I said.
'Nonononono! You won’t have my explosions!’ He screamed. I put my revolver to his chin facing up and pulled the trigger, blowing his brains up into the air like a geyser.
‘We’re just as dangerous as humanity as well.’ I said, loading another bullet into my revolver. ‘Grab the crates, take them away.’ I said to my team, who went to picking up the C4.
‘Does anyone else want to stop us from going through the same ways you do? If we had been allowed in, we would’ve just bought the damn C4. But no, we had to shoot through almost a dozen guards and then kill this man because he wouldn’t sell to someone not of his own species. Remember that! We don’t mean harm, but it just comes to it! Give us equal rights, otherwise this shit happens! We have no other way.’
‘Why didn’t you go to a different place, where they’d actually sell you the goods?’ A hustler-like African man said.
‘Would you drive more than a 1000 miles to get it and then another 1000 to get back?’ I replied.
'You have a good point there, my man. Don’t mind me, I’m going to go back to cowering.’ The hustler replied.
'Yeah, go on.’ I said as I walked out.
'What was that all about?’ Artyom asked while we walked out.
'He obviously had an explosive personality.’ I said. I noticed a man selling some of the Alteration serum in the back, which I grabbed what he had to possibly get more recruits. I left him with one remaining. Those may be of use later.

The bus was rolling again. Thankfully without perusers because no one would call the police about stolen illegal C4.
We tuned MMAN radio back in, glad to have some success.
'...Been reports of a group of Altered laying down uncalled for fire upon a group of innocent civilians. Please viewers, call in to the station if you know anything about this.’ One of the hosts said. He gave a phone number.
'Someone give me a phone!’ I shouted, and someone tossed me a nice touch-screen one. The phone had already rung in their studio.
'Caller, you’re live on MMAN radio. Let’s hear what you have to say.’ The host Ivan said.
'Hello. My name’s Isaac.Yes, I saw the massacre at 23rd street with my own eyes. Everyone knows its a busy street, and at any one point there could be several dozen people on the sidewalk. I walk that way every day to and from work. Yesterday, I was coming home and a large, armored, and obviously stolen bus stopped alongside the road. There wasn’t a bus stop there at all, and no normal bus should have plate metal all over its lower sides and metal bars covering the windows. We knew something was up.’
Ivan was mumbling something in a vague agreement.
'Suddenly, several gun barrels poked out of the windows and a mostly human looking altered stood in the doorway. He shouted something unintelligible in some weird Beast Speech and then the guns started firing on us. Only a few of us made it away with our lives.’
'Fucking hell, that’s stupid! Wasn’t what happened at all!’ Artyom shouted at the radio.
'Bastards! Taking every chance to ruin our name!’ Someone else shouted.
'Beast speech? What the fuck is wrong with them? We speak Russian like the best!’ A third exclaimed.
'Quiet! I’ll ring in, set the truth straight!’ I shouted over all of the hubbub.
'You heard it, viewers. Was this really what happened? This is your host Dennis and of course Ivan reporting. We’re taking another caller now.’
I rung them up as quick as possible, getting the call in.
'Ah, we have the next caller. Caller, you’re live on MMAN radio.’ Dennis said.
'Good. My name’s Dmitri, hopefully you’ll listen to me.’ I said. 'What that guy Isaac said wasn’t the truth. Matter of fact, he was very off. I was on that bus, and I was the man who was in the doorway. We do not have that so called “Beast Speech”- I was trying to get them to think about treating us a bit better after they mobbed the damn bus in the middle of the street! We were trying to get through on other business when the crowd surrounded us. I tried to get them to disperse, trying everything. I didn’t shoot until after a long speech and after they tried to attack first. I also shot at their feet and hands, trying not to kill anyone- I think there was at the most, two or three deaths because some people got in front of our bus, trying to stop it with their bodies.’
'Wait, this isn’t good. these are two contradicting viewpoints. should we belive you or the previous caller, who’s eyewitness account went with police case files?’ Dennis said.
'Are there any Altered on the Moscow Police force?’ I replied.
'You make a solid point, caller. Are you accusing the police of discrimination?’
'More than that. They- along with many others- have discriminated against us ever since the GAF was released! How many times have you read news of dead Altered, or Altered who were bullied and mobbed, or even Altered who were run out of town with fucking pitchforks and torches?! We were protecting ourselves, and then the only reason we fought was in self defense.’
'Is that why your bus was armored?’ The host Dennis asked.
'Yes, yes it was. We were hoping to not injure anyone, but it came to that.’ I said. 'Before I go, can I ask your opinion on the subject of the Altered?’
The two hosts were silent.
'I know it’s a rough question, but I need to know. We need some more supporters.’ I continued.
'Yeah, we support you. Through and through.’ Ivan said.
'I’ve actually been wanting to get ahold of a GAF myself...’ Dennis remarked.
'I may be able to fix that. Good luck, gents- feel free to take other callers.’ I said, ending the call.
'Friend Dmitri, what did you mean by “May be able to fix that”?’ Pavel asked.
'Artyom, drop me off at MMAN broadcasting station!’ I shouted to Artyom. 'You get the C-4 back, I’ll get to the safe house when possible.’
'Alright, Dmitri. I have a feeling that they’ll need some help anyhow.’ Artyom replied. MMAN radio was still playing, and they had received another caller. It basically called them all the same names as Altered get called.
A while later, the bus stopped on the road alongside MMAN studios. There was already a crowd a distance away, weapons ready. They didn’t see us.
'Best of luck, Dmitri!’ Artyom shouted to me as I stepped out, two GAFs in my jacket pocket. The door shut behind me, and the bus sped off. I ran up the walkway to the circular-shaped building with the broadcasting tower. I knocked on the door.
‘... And I think we’ll go on break, listeners. We’ll see you back in about 20 minutes.’ I heard one of the hosts say through the door. The door opened, and a surprised-looking gray haired man with a wispy mustache and blue eyes was there. We wore khaki pants, hiking boots, and a T-shit with the MMAN logo on it.
'You’re Dmitri, yeah? Welcome, I’m Ivan.’ He said, leading me in. Another man that was obviously Dennis was sitting on a chair, headphones around his neck. He was reading over a paper. His hair was still brown, but he had a thick beard and wore a long-ish coat.
‘Ah, You must be Dmitri. Welcome to MMAN radio! This is a little thing only a few get. But now, seeing as there’s an armed mob just on our doorstep, may as well allow a few people in before we get killed.’
'I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.’ I said. I handed a GAF to each of them men.
‘How long do these things take to create the full effect? And are they the full effect?’ Ivan asked.
'Almost a month for the full effect, and yes, they are the full effect. I’m going through the changes now, myself.’ I replied.
'Uh... Alright... How do they work?’ Dennis asked.
'Insert a DNA sample from the animal you want into the syringe with the liquid, and then give it twenty minutes to dissolve, I belive. Then you inject it. Simple.’ I said.
'What if we don’t use it?’ Dennis asked.
'Then you don’t use it. But it’s likely to become free later on.’ I replied.
'Wait, why?’ Ivan asked.
'I have a plan to make it more accessible. I wouldn’t suggest ringing the police, they’re more likely to side with the mob.’ I responded.
'Then who shall we call? Ghostbusters?’ Dennis joked.
'No, I’ll call my fellows.’ I said.
'How can they help?’ Ivan asked.
'Remember the bus.’ I replied, typing in Artyom’s number in the cellphone.
'Ah, that...’ Dennis said.
'Hopefully we’re not going to have to be reporting on another riot.’ Ivan mentioned.
'We’ll take care of it.’ I said. I got Artyom on the phone.
'Yeah?’ He said.
'Artyom, it’s me, Dmitri. Looks like MMAN radio’s in trouble, we’ve got a riot on our hands. Get the bus back here, along with some crowd suppressing equipment.’ I said. I looked out the window to see the crowd slowly moving towards the station. 'And quick, they’ve got weapons and are already moving!’
'Alright, on my way now. Hang in there.’ Artyom replied, hanging up.
'Lock all the doors, you two! Close all windows, block them up with your strongest and heaviest equipment and furniture! Make sure none of those rioters can get in from any direction!’ I shouted to the two radio hosts as I went over to a couch in the corner of the room. I pushed it sideway and used it to block a window.
'Christ, really? I’ll get the doors!’ Ivan shouted, grabbing a key ring off of a desk and running to the metal front doors. Dennis slammed a button in one corner that dropped metal nets over the doors and windows.
'Those things should hold them. But still, block a few of those windows, come on!’ Dennis shouted. I shoved a massive control box to block another window.
'Let us in, you fucking mutant sympathizers!’ A rioter shouted at us form a distance, which got agreements from the other rioters. I pulled out my revolver and got ready to take aim from one of the windows that hadn’t been blocked up yet.
'Ah shit, there’s dozens of them!’ Ivan shouted.
'Artyom, get here soon...’ I muttered to myself. I shot one of the lead rioters in the foot, which was a big mistake. The others started running at us, shouting more lucrative and imaginative- but still just the same- insults.
Suddenly I could hear a bus motor. The bus drove on the side of the hill the station was on, tearing through the snow and grass under it, almost falling over with how quickly it stopped. There was a large device on the roof which an Altered was manning, and he was wearing a bulky helmet. I noticed the crowd collapsed.
'Are they... dead?’ Ivan asked.
'I really hope not.’ I said, deactivating the metal gates everywhere. I stepped out, and Artyom stepped out of the bus.
'Are they alright? I asked for non-lethal force!’ I shouted to him.
'It was! Alexei’s design; called the Bass Blaster. Causes so much vibrations they get knocked out.’ Artyom responded.
'Better damn well be!’ I shouted back. Ivan and Dennis stepped out behind me.
'Oh, meet the hosts of MMAN radio. I think these guys need some protection.’ I then said.
'Don’t worry, you two. We have state of the art broadcasting equipment with untraceable signals. Also, we won’t make you pay stupid amounts of money for a safe location.’ Artyom said. The two hosts talked to each other for a moment in hushed tones.
'Alright, sounds like a plan. Can we take some of our equipment, though?’ Ivan finally spoke up.
'Be quick.’ Artyom said. I walked over to him as we walked back to the bus.
'So, we have the explosives. When shall we go for the GAF formula?’ He said.
'Once I go through the full Alteration.’ I said. 'It’ll likely help me in the fight.’
'Whatever you say. Gives us more time to prepare, to find the appropriate people. Get the firepower. And to fight for rights.’
'When we’re done, the GAF will be finally accessible, and that fight should be easier.’
'Let’s hope.’

26 Days Later

I woke up, stretched, and got out of my messy bed. It had been long enough, I was totally Altered. My large wings with a 21 foot span stretched with me. My talons were now fully formed complete with black scales and vicious claws for both hands and feet. I had fully developed the long black beak that Ravens have, but I’ve figured out how to still talk. Doubt I’ll ever kiss a girl, though. Sometimes I’d have to be careful to not drag my new tail feathers on the ground.
I pushed open the doors of my room, entering the main mess hall. I sat down next to Artyom for breakfast- a simple omelet.
'So, you’ve fully changed.’ Artyom said. 'How does it feel?’
'Odd. I know how to fly due to the previous instincts of the bird I got the DNA from. I can’t eat like I used to.’ I said. I was given a small omelet, which I broke into small pieces. I swallowed one part whole. 'And if I ever do find love, no way in hell I’ll be kissing her.’
'No want for shiny things?’ Artyom joked.
'They catch my eye a lot more, now. At least I can say I can spot lost pocket change.’ I replied.
'Anything else extremely different? Apart from the feathers, better sight, and all?’ Artyom asked.
'I could quad-wield guns if I wanted to. My hands and feet are basically the same talons- they can all carry a gun if I fly.’ I said, taking another bite- well, swallow- of my breakfast.
‘I can just see you screaming over a gunfight, rattling off bullets from four machine guns. Or something.’ Artyom replied, eating some of his food.
'Haha, I doubt that. May not work very well.’ I replied, finishing off my food.
'Well, if push comes to shove...’ Artyom replied. 'So, is today the big day?’
'Yeah, it should be.’ I replied.
'Alright, we met someone who may be able to help the mission. Follow me.’ Artyom replied. I got up, and we headed down a side hall.

'We found this kid awhile back. He’s well versed in computers, hacking and general technical crap. His name’s Alex- just two letters off from our main scientist, haha. He came from what I could guess was a rich family because he owned all kinds of tech and he and his brother and sister had all used the GAF. His brother and sister chose grey wolves, he chose a raven. I think you two will work well together.’ Artyom said to me.
'What about his parents?’ I asked.
'Mother’s dead, father’s in a coma from depression and other medical things. I guess depression took him over the edge.’ Artyom replied.
'Damn. Poor kid.’ I said. 'Why is he working with us?’
'He had no where else to go. He was Altered, and the only places he would be allowed to work at were pretty shitty fast food places. He doesn’t have much of a connection with his Brother and Sister, but he still cares. We’ve got them safe in a different part of the complex.’ Artyom said. 'One of the reasons he joined us.’
We stopped at a thick metal door.
'His room?’ I asked.
'Yeah. Alexei’s in there at the moment, think they’re discussing something about an attack plan. Or an attack van, could only hear it through the door.’ Artyom responded, shrugging. 'Best of luck.’
I entered the room, seeing a Alexei and this new Alex talking to each other. Alex was a Raven like Artyom said, and he had colored some of his feathers purple in strip designs. His wings were totally purple, and he was wearing a pair of tattered jeans and a light blue flannel.
'...And we’ll make sure your family’s alright.’ I heard Alexei finish. He walked past me. 'Morning.’ He said to me as he exited.
'You’re that guy I was told about. Dmitri, yeah?’ He asked me.
'That’s me.’ I replied.
'Heh... great. I was told that you needed my skills.’ Alex said.
'You can break a security system?’ I asked.
'I don’t like to brag, but yeah, I can. The Smit Kompany?’ He responded.
'That’s them.’ I said. Alex sat down next to a large desktop computer and switched the monitor on, revealing what looked like a map of part of Moscow. He hit a few buttons, zooming it in. He hit a few more, and it zoomed in further. I could see what looked like the Kompany’s compound.
'Now, I can access anything from here, but I got Alexei to set up a van up for me with the proper technology to actually do something. We get there with that van intact, I can hack their mainframe through the wire-less systems. It’ll shut down lights, cameras, and security systems. Problem is, it also shuts off everything else.’
'So we’d have to be quick to get what we need.’ I said.
'Uh, yeah.’ Alex replied. 'Any GAFs stored there would be destroyed in I belive an hour without refrigeration.’
'But we’re getting a formula. That’d be either a piece of paper or a flash drive.’ I said.
'No, not quite. Sadly, Smit was good at defenses for their formula. They have a basic GAF, and the formula’s taken from that. Like the mold for a production line, if you will.’ Alex mentioned, pointing to a room near the center of the the complex. It was six stories down underground.
'How do you know it’s where the formula is? None of the rooms are labeled.’
Alex clicked a button that was called “Show room names”, and the names popped up. The center room was marked “Master Formula Storage”
'Oh.’
'I may be able to knock down the security systems, but their guards are biological, so they can’t be deactivated, well, because they’re humans. So it’ll still be dangerous.’
'We’ll survive. Does the Kompany have an armory?’ I asked.
'Yeah, here.’ Alex pointed at a larger room near the back of the building. ‘Be safe, man.'
'We’ll have to make a stop there. Get your equipment ready, Alex. We’re going in.’
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You'll have to download the file for the rest! Sorry, the story's too long for this spot.