Underground

Chilled. The air that whipped around them as they were dragged into the undercity was cold. It wasn’t unpleasant but it was enough to warrant a light jacket. Eventually, the child ran out of steam allowing Char and Destiny to catch up.
“Thanks for waiting for us.” Char squeezed out between laboured breaths.
“Its almost a shame, I was enjoying the exercise.” Destiny was beginning to study Char, attempting to emulate her breathing.
“Dad! Dad! Come out!” The child yelled into an opening in the wall. There was a grumble and a barely audible response which grew more understandable as it came closer.
“Alright darling, what is it?” They sounded as if their child was always like this. They exited the crack and stopped dead upon seeing the three newcomers. “Darling… go inside.” They gently but quickly forced their child behind them, gesturing towards the crack. “It’s been a while.” They had a face like death which quickly dropped as Lore’s did. “How are you old friend?” They smiled. Lore didn’t.
“Sorry, time travel I’m guessing. I don’t think we’ve met?” Lore looked apologetically at the middle aged figure before them.
“We met when you were younger.” They smiled. “Inquisitor Loren.”
“It’s Lore now.” Lore made eye contact. It felt weird.
“Lore then. Have you come about the thing you wanted sorting?” They nodded suggestively. Lore had no idea what they were on about but nodded back. They led the group slightly deeper into the undercity, to a service lift. They entered and began their descent. “I only had the materials and monetary resources to make four so I hope that’s enough for you. But they are some of my best works.” They smiled. Lore smiled along, looking to Char for context. She shrugged disappointedly. The lift stopped, the doors opened. “Say hello to the fifty second.” The room was surprisingly larger than expected. Gathered in the middle were four armoured figures. As the lift lights poured into the room, they stood to attention. “I know you wanted more but with the different conditions here to in my lab, these were the only survivors.”
“What is going on here?” Lore finally admitted their ignorance.
“Eight years ago you came to me asking for a squad of elite troops.” They waved at the soldiers. “These are your troops. Inline!” The troops immediately formed up shoulder to shoulder. “Roll call.”
“Commander Ace.” The first trooper stepped forward. “Leader of the unit and resident pistol expert.” They stepped back.”
“Magpie.” He stepped forward “Sniper.” He spoke in a soft and quiet tone before retreating.
“Midpoint.” He moved towards Lore. “Heavy weapons specialist. I clear the mid-grounds.” He returned to the line.
“Curves.” She removed her helmet. “Sabre rattler.” She winked at Destiny before replacing her helmet and re-joining the line.
“Some of my best work if I do say so myself.” They smiled. “Four, nearly, fully trained, genetically perfect warriors, bought and paid for.” They whispered the nearly but everyone heard it. “They’re yours when you want them.”
“I bought four soldiers?”
“No. You bought fifty two. These were the only ones who survived the move from my lab to the undercity.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t even know your name and now I’ve bought people, which is really creepy mind you.” Lore could feel their heart accelerate as their anxiety picked up.
“I’m Doctor Arnib Tolan, former head of the Science Guild’s genetic division. You hired me to set you a few police clones to the side for whatever reason.” As the doctor spoke their name, the tablet trilled. The box next to Dr Tolan’s name was ticked and a sub-label had joined it asking to check on the clones progress. Lore ticked this box leading to another appearing.
“Ask Doctor Tolan about the wings and or the satellites.” Lore showed Tolan the tablet.
“I don’t know anything about those wings. Best bet is to go into the undercity proper. The satellite may be to do with the rumours I’ve been hearing.” Lore nodded, hoping Tolan would continue. “Apparently, the Science Guild are receiving a scan from the outer rim of the UPC-052 nebula. Only problem is that the linkup buffer has been co-opted since your last visit so no new transmissions can get in or out.”
“Explains why we’re still alive.” Destiny piped up.
“And why the locals are centuries behind the times.” Char grimaced
“What do you mean?” Tolan took offence.
“Nulls? ‘Nulls’ have had the same rights in the UEP for at least ten years.” Char looked relieved to finally release some of her anger.
“Not here. Not yet.” Tolan shook their head but stopped suddenly. “I think I know what wings you’re looking for. I read something about them recently.” Tolan rushed to their desk and began shuffling through their papers.
“Destiny, could you stay here and help Tolan look through their papers while Char and I go into town chasing that hint.” Reluctantly, Destiny obliged.
“I think I know who the Doc’s talking about, I can take you if you want.” Magpie joined the group.
“Alright.” Lore nodded.
“What about the rest of us?” The three remaining soldiers stood.
“What or who has control of the satellite buffer?”
“That’ll be the remnants.” Curves placed their hilt onto her belt.
“See what you can find out about them. Don’t engage if you don’t have to.” Char watched as Lore directed their troops. A lump began to form in her throat.
“We’ll see what we can do.” Ace holstered their pistols. “Move out.”
“Follow me then.” Magpie, Lore and Char joined the soldiers in the lift. Lore waved a goodbye to Destiny.
“Look after them Mags.” Ace smacked his shoulder before leaving to lead their mission. Middlethem.