The Vatican leader let his eyes sweep across the crew, though his stare lingered on Valtor before he continued.
"You were each chosen from different regions for this purpose."
Lynx's frown deepened as he cut in. "Chosen- or forced?"
"Mr. Orion," the leader replied smoothly, "as your president, I assure you no force was involved. You were all selected willingly. We believe humanity itself holds the greatest willpower to fight this insurgency. Technology may fail, resources may dwindle, but with people like you - humans capable of abilities strong enough to shield this world, we still have a chance against those monsters."
His gaze returned to the youths, sharper this time. "That is why many of you were placed in the infiltrated zones- to test our assumptions, to prove our experiments. And the fact that you survived… is all the proof we need that we are on the right path."
To this end, the council has agreed that combat training will begin one week from now, in preparation for your missions to eradicate the monsters among us."
"What?!" Lynx shot up from his seat.
"Mr. Orion," the president said sternly, "if you have a question, you are to raise your hand."
Valtor's hand rose swiftly, catching the leader's attention. "Yes, Mr. Steel?"
"The superintendent told us we'd be allowed home, and that our memories would be restored at the appointed time."
"That is correct," the president answered, casting a brief glare toward Sp.Jeremy. "What the superintendent failed to mention is that those are rewards-earned only after the successful completion of your first mission, which begins here in Vatica."
Valtor's brows drew together. "And what if we don't want to be soldiers?"
"You do not have the right to refuse, Mr. Steel. None of you do. A contract was signed by each of you, binding you to this mission and to the genetic rewiring that gave you your powers. Superintendent Jeremy holds the document, should you need proof."
"I don't remember signing any contract," Valtor muttered.
"And I don't remember anything at all," Lynx added, his voice edged with suspicion. He leaned forward. "So if we were taken willingly… why was our memory erased?"
A female leader overseeing Cyrus rose from her seat, her tone calm but firm. "It has been proven that memory clouds human potential. Past experiences, attachments, even traumas- these would have held you back. To reach your peak, to unlock every capability within you, such burdens had to be removed. That course of action was necessary to ensure the highest chance of success in this study."
"And what if we refuse this mission?" Lynx folded his arms, his defiance clear.
The Vatican leader leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Then you will be judged under council law. Anyone who breaches their contract face the Supreme Regional Court… and punishments far harsher than what you've witnessed in the wastelands."
His voice softened, though the weight of authority remained. "But none of that is necessary- if you cooperate for the betterment of our world.
And know this,.. you and your families will be well rewarded for your sacrifice."
"Any further questions?"
Silence was their reply as the crew shifted uneasily, each lost in thought.
When the session ended, Superintendent Jeremy escorted the regional heads out of the hall. While the crew quietly withdrew to their quarters, their minds heavy with unspoken doubts.
As Valtor followed behind the others, a sudden grip seized his wrist. He jerked in alarm, only to find the suited professor standing there, his expression grave.
"Mr. Steel," the man said, his voice low and urgent, "come with me. There are pressing matters I need to discuss with you. Matters I cannot disclose in front of the others."