Faded voices of the past

S̶a̶b̵i̷n̸e̸,̶ ̸l̸o̴o̸k̴ ̷a̵t̴ ̵t̴h̸e̴ ̴m̴o̶n̷s̵t̷e̶r̶s̵ ̶w̸e̸'̸v̶e̶ ̵b̶e̸c̸o̷m̶e̴.̵ ̵A̷t̵ ̷l̵e̴a̵s̵t̴ ̶y̸o̶u̵ ̸h̴a̴v̸e̵ ̸f̷l̴e̶s̸h̸ ̴t̸o̷ ̷h̷i̵d̴e̸ ̴y̵o̴u̸r̸ ̶h̷o̶r̸r̶o̵r̶.̸

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      At night the city falls asleep in peace and silence. The sky covered with non flicking stars served the inhabitants as their nigh light. The bright lights of the various houses flash in the dark. Most people at this time go to bed, because early in the morning they will have to start a new day, with the repetition of the vile routine that holds many up its sleeves.       At such a time of day the thoughts of thousands of people merge into an invisible stream of energy, leading to the waking of a strange feeling of déjà vu, as well as sadness or calm.       Sometimes on the streets you can hear the screams of the crowd of teenagers who spend their youth behind entertainment and sleepless nights, which will make them stories for many years in the future.       Among all the smaller houses and the same small multi-storey buildings is a well-designed high rise, a relatively new corporation. Not everyone knew what they were doing, but many still speculated that they would not last long. After all, on public domain sites their income seemed to be negative for a few weeks in a row.       In the walls of the building there were hidden laboratories and laboratory rooms, separated by each scientist and the category of their tasks. Most were now empty, quietly reminding possible outsiders of the time of day outside.       But one of them was full of life at the moment. The dim light from the lamps hanging from the ceiling enveloped the room, dropping shadows on the equipment placed on the various corners of the spacious room and the desk, next to which there was a corporation's scientist standing quietly. There was a stack of different papers on the edge, in the middle a strange device, in which she poured certain chemicals that were needed at the moment.       Strands of her dark hair slipped slightly down, preventing her from seeing and focusing on her work. Again and slightly irritated, she ran her hand through the top of her head, brushing her curls behind ears. Her haircut did not provide and ability to tie a ponytail unfortunately, which certainly did sometimes annoy a lot.       Most recently, a scientist was testing a machine that, right now, was quietly, even a little bit intimidatingly, with the muffled noise of working parts, standing behind. A device that was directed to work with only one type of resource. The newly discovered energy source is radianite that is way stronger than any previously known energy extraction source. After all, even by its very nature, this is already a pretty shocking revelation, and it has been kept as a strict secret. The people who "found it" very soon opened a company registered under the name "Kingdom" as soon as possible starting research into it's account. This machine was supposed to be the final step of completing the experiments, finally giving the world an opportunity to learn of its existence. The special day was coming closer and closer, reminding everyone of a soon new future.       With a heavy sigh, the young woman stripped her name tag from hanging on the neck, which, like her hair, interfered slightly as she bent down, trying to get some component for the her own experiment from the drawer below. The badge was placed on a glass table next to the main one. "Dr. S. Callas." was spelled on the front       She and her team had been working tirelessly on this one huge machine for the past few months, hoping for a successful end. And it was coming. Initially, she was given time in the form of this night to refine some aspects of the project, and then she could easily go home, but Sabine had other plans. She already ran the diagnostics and everything needed, so she wanted to spend the rest of her time experimenting. Toxins.       Unfortunately, she didn’t have the right equipment at home, and over here, all she has to do is send a request to the department and the chances of getting the right materials are in her pocket. Of course, she already had something she wanted. Some chemicals could be purchased on demand, although this required much patience. A process of delivery and verification that she's capable of handling it all took some time. A few small stations she already had were acquired long ago, when she was just graduating from university. But now living in a two-room apartment, she was sorely lacking space.       The scientist twisted the vial in her hands, looked at the paper glued on the special glass from which it was made. Making sure that everything was correct, she put it securely in one of the machines that were connected to each other.       Long-cherished dreams filled her mind. One day she will buy herself a luxury apartment, with a beautiful view of the city. Maybe she’ll finally get out of this shithole. She’ll have her own lab where she can spend her hours at work. Sabine wasn’t a pet-loving person, this wasn’t her field, but she always wanted to have a beautiful snake that would be filled with pride. Maybe a viper, maybe two. Somewhere she has heard of a green pit pecies of vipers. Ooh, she’d be lying if she said these creatures didn’t inspire her to do her current toxin experiments.       From her thoughts she was distracted by a continuous beeping noise, signaling the readiness of the mixture. After quickly blinking a few times and focusing her eyes on the small machine, the young woman got up, slowly rolling the chair aside. One day she already accidentally hit it into a closet where leading to couple of things falling on her from the top. Not a pleasant experience.       Just as she reached for the screen above the machine to confirm the completion of the process, she hesrd a quiet knock on the door. "Hmm?" Sabine mumbled interrogatively. Who would be dragged over here at this hour? Most of people have long since left the building. At least those who worked in the laboratory department had long since left the building. She was not aware of the others. She was about to come up to the door to open it, but it didn't happen. The handle was pushed won, opening the passage.       On the other side of the hall she saw just an employee dressed in a special suit, completely covering the body. Strange. Maybe the wrong door?       "Do you need something?" Sabine asked as she finally fully turned to face the worker. In response, he just pointed at the big machine without saying anything. "Were you assigned to do an additional diagnostic? No one was supposed to come in until tomorrow, but honestly, I’m already finished, so whatever."       Surprisingly, she was not informed, although this has happened before, when the department above assigned them new tasks without prior notice. Not that she enjoyed it or at least liked it, but there was nothing she could do.       The scientist was very grateful that the man did not even try to talk to her. She had already attempted to communicate with others while wearing such suit before. The thought she tried to explain had to be basically conveyed through hand gestures. Won't wish such hell to anyone.       "Right, well." The scientist reached out to the stack of papers she hoped she’d never touch again today. The fingertips have skillfully gone through the leaflets looking for the right ones. "Here’s a recent report, which should include additional instructions."       Sabine held them in the hands of the worker, who nodded as he took them, carefully closing the door behind. The HQ of their department always sent third-party, but time-tested workers to the project. But lately, they’ve been sending more and more. It was clear that everyone wanted to finish the first stage and finally open radianite as a source of energy to the whole world.       Turning back to the table, she continued to do what she was doing earlier, before she was interrupted. Putting her hand in the pocket of her white lab coat, the scientist took out a pair of long black gloves that were extending until elbows, and carefully puting them on, stuffing the lab coat sleeves under them. Being all honest, she should have worn them right from the start of the experiments until the very end.       The man now noticed the big machine behind her as he put the said important papers aside. All three of its sides were made of metal unfamiliar to him, however, it was clear that the metal was really strong. He carefully touched the glass on the front, he allowed himself to take a glimpse inside. This device was twice his size, why would a corporation have a machine this huge? What for? He was convinced that Kingdom were very serious about it's plans. He took a look at the Sabine.       Trying to focus again, the young woman checked the sensors on the display, making sure that everything was going well. There was a faint, barely audible hiss heard. And not she was holding either a vial or a tub of strange coal shape in her hands. It was filled to the brom with green fluid, which had slightly visible air bubbles floating in it. In theory, everything worked perfectly.       These toxins could be called a simple hobby that was sitting deeply in her head. Although many would not consider it "simple" or even a hobby, the scientist didn't give a damn about other's opinions in the slightest. Her hand rose a little higher, directing the result of a personal experiment closer to the already dim light. She really should request a lamp.       But something was wrong, something felt not right. She wasn’t sure if there had been a formula error or if her intuition rang the false alarm again. In fact, she really should ask the recently arrived examiner how long he’s planning on spending in here. An idea of someone else’s company behind your back didn’t give her much pleasure.       Turning around and already prepared to ask question, time before my eyes suddenly slowed down. The eyelids opened in silent shock. In front of her stood the same man, but with a butterfly knife that he held above his head, ready to inflict a fatal blow. The glint of the blade reflected in her eyes.       She put her arm forward as quickly as she could, trying to push away the attacker by foot to prevent him from possibly hitting vital organs. She fell on the table, hitting her back and throwing away a newly created chemical. Papers from the table surface flew to the floor.       The sound of breaking glass was heard. Quickly rising to her feet, Sabina saw how her throw hit the man’s mask. Glass and acid instantly went through it, penetrating the skin. There was a muffled cry full of pain. The attacker grabbed his face, feeling a terrible burning sensation. Stepping back, he leaned on his side against the wall of the large machine behind him. It would not be possible to remove the top; the suit was fully connected and had no separate parts.       Something inside of her broke, because she recognized the fucking voice and seemed to recognize the damn man behind the mask. She was filled with hatred and disappointment.       There was no time to wait, right now was urgent to do something. Looking back, the scientist rushed to the machine, which the mab was supposed to "check" earlier. On the way towards it, she grabbed her mask; it was lying on the glass table. She slightly modified a simple gas mask, turning it into a prototype of the future and hopefully final product. These toxins in no case should be inhaled, they could easily give the victim a quick, but painful death or just bring them near such state.       Literally hitting the switch button, the door behind the man opened, causing him to fall inside. There was another low groan of pain mixed with a painful wheezing. The chemical leaked into his right eye. Without any hesitation, Sabine again struck the button to close the door, cutting him off from the outside world.       The intruder was in awful pain, but still stood up, hitting the glass hard as he could with his fist. The first blow, the second, came immediately. There were cracks in the glass. He could get out, he could get out and finish what he started. The young woman's body slightly trembled.       She looked at the station control panel. There was no choice. The hand fell on the cumbersome lever and with a little force, it was lowered down, turning on the machine. The room lit up red, signaling the start of the process.       Within seconds, a powerful radiant energy passed inside the walls, directly hitting the body of the "victim" trapped inside. There was a painful and loud scream.       She saw pure energy pierce through the impostor’s body. The way his suit tore appart , opening the skin to the radiant's effect, filling new cuts and wounds with its bright blue glow. How the before barely visible veins now bursted oprn, the skin and meat on the bones of the skeleton were slowly melting and with a disgusting popping sound fall to the floor, while turning into black smoke and fog, being trapped in a cube shaped capsule.       Sabine's face reflected strong cold and disgust as she slowly adjusted the mask. Her hands still trembled, she must calm down immediately. She knows that at some point others may come here. There were cameras in the room. She didn’t know if others were watching, or if they were just constantly recording, sending the Broadway to the server floor in the building.       With trembling hands, Sabine frantically reached into the pocket to grab her phone. Hastily searching for the very important number in the contact book of the device. She had no other choice anymore.

Ring.

      Her breathing was shaky, and her chest was heavy, like it was pressed against by something really massive, to the point where she thought the tension would snap her ribs to bits, piercing through lungs and heart.

Ring.

      She abruptly turned towards her attacker, staring at the figure, which was being now torn into many pieces. The scientist hated herself for the panic she was going through.

Ring.

      "Sabine, I really don't know, if right no..."       But she didn't let her finish.

***

      Viper suddenly woke up. Her rib cage was heaving up and down quickly, her breathing was uncontrollable, and her heart was beating fast, as if it was preparing to pop out at any moment. Little tears began to appear in her eyes, which the woman hurried to wipe off with the inside of her palm, deliberately pressing on her eyes. Slack and exhausted, looking around the dark room, with a faint panic in her voice, she took a deep breath and breathed out, trying to normalize her condition.       "Another nightmare…"       Squeezing the bed sheet tight between her fingers, she finally realized where she was at. Taking a sitting position on the bed, the woman ran her hand through the hair, feeling a trickle of sweat flowing down her forehead, falling silently on the blanket.       How long this will continue for?       How long will she keep on asking endless questions about what happened?       Always.       What happened took away her quiet past forever. Dragged into the grave almost everything that was possible, leaving only echoes of what once happened on that seemingly quiet night. Only her memory serves as her partner, reminding sadly of old times.       The heartbreaking screams were still standing in her head, beating hard into the temple. She remembered everything. Every slight movement of that man, every sound and crunch of bones, every scream and groan of pain. She remembers how quickly she put on her mask to protect herself from the hissing chemical, which caused no less toxic smoke.       "Fuck…"       The room, like the streets outside, was pitch-black, except for an alarm clock that emits a faint glow and shows on it's screen 5:43 am.       Another nightmare, another sleepless night. Nothing changes.