Cassian-13: Prologue

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Prologue

“Why do I sense your hesitation?”

Dr. Phillip Tenzen dabbed the sweat off his brow with the back of his right hand as he held the clipboard in his left. “Well, it’s just that he, uh, doesn’t fit the psychological profile of, uh…”

“Isn’t that what you said about Jesse-14 almost a decade ago?” the director of the Hunter program asked as he spun in his large office chair to face Tenzen.

“Yes, but…”

“Tell me, doctor, why is it always the ones that test the highest on the potential enhancement scores that fail your psychological testing?” He settled his elbows on his desk and leaned in.

Tenzen looked at his notes and said, “Historical data is what we base our tests on. We don’t think this subject will be easy to control. Nor will he have any lasting loyalties regardless the opportunity we give him.”

“All I’m hearing is the unwillingness to take a risk.” The director pushed himself up from his seat and walked around the desk and sat on its edge, which brought him closer than Tenzen preferred. “Your team has failed to provide me with a high-level hunter to replace Jesse-14, who we’re lucky is still functional. And you’re telling me you want to pass on the first potential we’ve had in years?”

“But, sir. The costs if it fails…”

“Spare me your budgetary analysis; I’ll worry about costs. What I need from you and your team is to get the job done. Once Jesse-14 is gone, you’re leaving me with mid-levels at best.” He stood, paced to his liquor cabinet, and poured himself a glass of dark brown liquid from a glass bottle. “You see, even during peaceful times, the Order needs to be kept in check. I can’t do that with a weak Hunter’s Guild.”

“Yes, sir.” He should ask for this in writing, or else he’d be the fall guy when this failed.

“Tell you what. Let’s give this man one last test. And a reason to choose freedom. Even if it’s with a chain around his neck.”

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