The War

1

Evan Greenhorn was just a regular guy from a normal type of school. He never wanted to be anything more than who he was. He was 18 and he was relatively happy with where he was in his life. He was a student - an average student with average results and an average social life. He was glad to be who he was.

Until that day when everything changed. A day came when being himself was no longer sufficient. When being himself meant everything was cruel and inhumane.

The day he found out that his parents were not his parents..

He came home one day, after a regular type of day. He saw that everything at home was as it was. The furniture was nicely and neatly arranged. Tables and chairs, all their usual brown colour. The light was shining nicely and his dad and mom were both not home as they would still be at work.

The day went on calmly, as he laid his schoolbag - which was heavy with books and notes - on the floor. He went into his room and changed out of his school uniform, into his civilian clothes. A blue T-shirt and a pair of black shorts.

He was preparing to turn on his laptop to jerk off to the porn he downloaded yesterday night. It was suppose to be good porn. Porn starring his favorite actress - Reza Jonas - in a 12 man gang-bang scene. Extravagant and obscene. His type of porn.

He had just been stimulated in school by his girl crush Rebecca Brigden because he managed to talk to her before the end of the school day.

Last period of the day and she leaned over to him as she sat next to him. He smelt her sweet perfume. Then looked into her big eyes which held some semblance to those of Reza Jones. Then anticipated her words with bated breath.

Can I borrow your eraser?

He paused and stared at her. Rebecca Brigden tilted her head and wondered what was going on. Was her request too difficult for this idiot to process?

It had felt like an eternity before he broke out of his stare and said ‘yes’.

I’ll never ask this guy for anything…Rebecca thought. He’s a weirdo.

That memory of his latest interaction stimulated his penis as he stroked it hard to the rhythm of dicks penetrating Reza Jones in all holes. The masturbation session was going really really well today. He was a happy man.

He imagined fucking Rebecca while watching Reza simultaneously. He was on seven heaven. Joy only porn could give this boy.

KNOCK KNOCK. The sound of knuckles against his locked door irritated the fuck out of him. You gotta be kidding me. Of all time…now?! Ain’t I suppose to be alone at home?

Who’s that?

It’s me. The voice of his mom. That much he could make out even with his porn playing into his earpieces. The distinct deepness to her female voice. The British accent in those two words.

Can you give me a couple minutes? I’m busy studying. Don’t want to disturb me right now. It’ll affect my grades.

There was a pause. But the reply came anyways.

Evan, I think your masturbating can probably wait. I know it’s a bad time and I wish I could tell you…

wait, what?! She knows??? HOW???

…that you can just continue but it’s a bit too urgent to wait. So if you don’t stop whatever it is you are doing then I’m going to have to open your door by force."

Evan pulled up his pants and closed his tab. He always thought a day like this would arrive. His parents would find out about his porn addiction as they probably knew it was happening behind closed doors. He couldn’t possibly be studying all the time…right?

But now was the moment whereby his fears have turned into reality. Behind that locked door was his mother. And he would have to face her in a couple seconds.

Evan bit his lips and opened the door. He caught a glimpse of his mother before quickly diverting his gaze to the floor. Shame was the reason he couldn’t face his mom.

Sorry mum…I figured you knew.

It’s fine my boy. We’re not going to talk about it.

Evan looked up. His eyes widened slightly and his head cocked back slightly. He couldn’t believe her words. He thanked his lucky stars silently that his parents avoided this awkward conversation.

We have something more important to talk about. The deepness of her voice and her stare shocked Evan. Her eyes were slightly red. This was a serious affair from the sound of it.

Evan thought it might be his school work. Yeah sure his art teacher might have complained about him. Fuck that guy. Now his mother was going to kill him for not submitting his ‘artwork’ on time. Relax mom, I’m never going to be a painter.

But something told him this was more than that. And then he saw his dad walk up to his mom from behind. He had the same grave look. Eyes slightly red. Face stoney as hell.

What is it?

Evan, we love you and we always will. his dad said. And we want you to know that.

I do and I love the both of you all.

But…you’re not our son.

Evan looked at his watch to make sure it wasn’t 1st of April, April Fool’s day because this was surely a practical joke.

Dad, what…this isn’t funny…What…

Before he could finish, he realized the look on their faces remained stern.

Evan…we are robots and you are a human. his dad continued.

Evan squinted his eyes and took a closer look at the two individuals who were facing him. He couldn’t believe his dad was spouting such absurdity with such seriousness.

It’s true Evan. his mom added. I’m a robot called Lisa 1397. Lisa Greenhorn is a just a human cover. Your Dad’s Reiner 4621 and his human cover is Reiner Greenhorn.

Evan turned away for a split second to absorb this new information before turning back to face his parents.

This is so absurd that the both you should just shut the fu…

Evan we don’t have time to explain. But that’s all you need to know for now. You are needed for a project called the ‘First Cyborg’ and you have to go now.

At that instant a roaring sound was heard by Evan. A roaring so loud it reminded him of aircrafts.

He turned around and looked through the window where the roaring was heard. What he saw wasn’t just any aircraft but something that resembled a fighter plane.

Except it was much smaller like the size of a car.

Your ride is here for you, baby. Lisa 1397 said. I’ll always love you.

Evan could see she was really tearing up now. Her arms opened up as she offered up a hug to Evan. Evan rushed forward and embraced his mom.

He realized he didn’t know when it would be that he would ever see either of his parents again. Or if he would ever see them again. Or if he would ever return to his old life again. He hugged his mom and pressed his head against her head. He would miss her love - he knew that much.

Reiner 4621 walked up to them both and hugged them both and Evan loved the momentary warmth that his Father added.

The three of them - a happy family. One that meant that everything for Evan’s first 18 years. One that was the only family Evan had ever known.

He was scared to let go. So he didn’t until his father said, All right, it’s time. and Reiner let go first.

Lisa took one last look at her baby before letting go as well. The boy she had mothered. Taken cared of and loved.

Goodbye.

Evan took one last teary look before turning away. He saw the fighter jet outside his window. It was the door to a brand new world.

2

The insides of the fighter jet was surprisingly luxurious to Evan. It had comfy sofa-like chairs. The sadness of leaving his family hurt but the comfy sofa-like chairs made him feel a little better.

The driver of this vehicle - not sure if he was a pilot or what, looked like a really old man. He had grey-white hair that extended to his shoulders and a beard and mustache that extended to his chest. He had wrinkles all over his face as Evan saw.

Welcome aboard. Don’t feel sad young one. Everybody grows up someday.

Evan didn’t say a word and simply looked down. He wasn’t in the mood to take advice from some old geezer that probably couldn’t remember how it felt to be 18.

Treat me like your mentor from now on. I’m here to help.

Still no response from Evan. The lightness of this old man’s voice calmed Evan down a little.

The old man quieted down. Evan put his hands to his face and tried to fight back the tears resulting from what might be permanent separation from his parents.

This is so devastatingly strange. Robots?! What?! I’m needed for a cyborg project?!

Finally, Evan realized that this old man piloting this jet might have some answers for him.

What were my parents? Were they…were they really robots?

Your parents were your parents. That’s the only memory you need to have of them. To answer your second question, yes they were robots.

Robots…geez and to think…to think I loved them so much. Treated them as role models. This world is beyond absurd man…

Did they love me?

Absolutely.

Evan ceased his queries about his parents. The last answer from the old man had come with a calming force. It spoke of truth and wisdom. It was all Evan needed to know and it was also the answer Evan wanted to hear.

Who are you?

Like I said, your mentor.

Evan looked around the jet and realized it looked more like a mini living room. The whole idea of this was ludicrous.

Okay fine. Then mentor, can you tell exactly where it is you are bringing me and why in god’s name am I going there?

It’s better not to know your destination. You’re going there because you’re the only one capable of saving our world from the impending war ahead.

Saving…what?

Let me just say this. There’s going to be a massive war involving humans and robots in the near future. Very near future. And we’re looking at casualties well into the billions. We need to create an army of Cyborgs to tip the balance in the favor of humans. We are going to train you to be a Cyborg. Consider this a service to humanity.

Evan could only imagine the sheer immensity of his job.

Who…who’s behind all this?

The best of humanity.

3

The man with spectacles and jet-black hair stared at Evan Greenhorn. He appeared grave but interested in the man that was sited across a table from him. He was analysing Evan. Interested in the boy of 18 who was about to be entrusted with a responsibility greater than any boy of 18 should ever have to deal with.

Do you know why you are here?

Not really…I guess I’m suppose to become a Cyborg…right?

This Greenhorn boy replied with the uncertainty that he expected. This boy was too young. I fear for him. But the man with spectacles and jet-black hair knew he had no choice but to trust him. Evan Greenhorn was special in ways other humans were not.

Well, I’m Doctor Michael Fastidian. You can just call me Dr. Fast for short or Michael.

If I’m going to be a Cyborg…will I still be me?

Evan paused for a moment, before continuing, As in will I still retain my memories…like remember who I was and be able to control myself.

Most certainly. But I don’t think you should worry about that, Evan. We have tested out the Cyborg transformation procedure on countless animals and it’s guaranteed to work. I will be your attending physician on the procedure and you have my word that as long as I’m in charge of taking care of you - there’s just no chance anything can go wrong.

Evan’s face lit up a little. There was confidence showing in him that had been absent for a long time.

Behind Evan appeared the old man assigned to Evan as his mentor - the man known as Jerry Williamson. Fastidian had never spoke nor saw nor heard of Jerry Williamson - all that was told to Fastidian was that Williamson would be the guardian of Evan till Evan was ready.

It was hard for Fastidian to trust a mystery man like that but upon seeing the kindly old face, Fastidian felt ready to hand the boy over.

Is this briefing completed? Jerry Williamson asked. Jerry had been waiting in the corner of the room while the two conversed.

Yes it is. Fastidian rose to his feet and offered his hand to Jerry. Jerry smiled warmly and shook Fastidian’s hand.

Jerry Williamson was terribly upset that this Fastidian guy was supposed to be really capable. He wanted the whole procedure to fail. He wanted Evan Greenhorn to die before he could be a cyborg.

But he couldn’t kill Evan right now. It would blow his cover as a Robot who was working as an undercover spy trying to blow up the plans of the humans in the war of Robots against humans.

But he would eventually kill Evan. And Fastidian. And every human that ever stood in the way of total Robot domination.

I think it’s time the boy rest. Jerry said. Let me bring him to his quarters.

Sure.

4

Evan stared at his room with amazement. He had never experienced such immense luxury in his life. He was from a middle-class family and his room was something from another world.

Everything shone in this room. The ground was shiny and the walls were made of silver. There was no TV but there was this huge iMac which he knew he would love.

And his bed, it was a king-sized bed even though he was just one person. A huge study table filled with stationery and a rolling chair.

To top it all of, he had a 3 feet tall robot servant to do his bidding. It had a kid’s body but the head was a black square with two white holes for eyes, a blinking blue dot for his nose and a small little speaker for a it’s mouth.

My name’s Robert. I’m here to help Evan.

WOW. This is amazing. ‘The best of humanity’, whoever they are, is sure taking good care of me.

Thanks Robert. I’m feeling kind of hungry right now and it’s kind of late…could you prepare a late night snack suitable for eating prior to sleeping?

Sure thing Evan. I suggest you go take a quick shower while I prepare your snack. It’ll be ready when you are done.

Within 10 minutes Evan was out of the shower, changed into a fresh set of blue-colored pajamas that gave his skin the comfort and his body the warmth it needed.

And he saw a plate of 2 bananas coated in peanut butter and cup of milo. He tucked in enthusiastically and the food tasted heavenly. He was done before he knew it.

Thanks Robert.

No problem. Bananas are suitable because it helps you sleep. And you’ve had a long day and I’m sure you are ready to sleep.

Yes…thanks!

5

Caitlyn Hollis tipped her spectacles to get a better look at the field. There were five targets each around 3cm in diameter that she had to knock down within the next 12 seconds.

Her personal record was 5.6 seconds. She was trying to smash it this time.

Firers Watch it. The command was given and she took the shot. Bam. Bam. Bam. Bam. Bam.

The shots came out of her finger and within seconds the whole thing was over. Each bullet was made of a metal alloy that could pierce targets with power even from hundreds of feet away. Her finger shot the bullet with extreme speed that prevented even strong winds from altering the trajectory of the bullet.

She was lethal and she reveled in that fact. She was a robot created with the purpose of being a great combatant and she knew it. This drill was a mere warmup for her mission in a couple of hours.

A message was transmitted to her ears: Caitlyn Hollis: 5.44 seconds. Her new personal record. A delightful achievement.

Caitlyn found herself looking at her Commanding officer Edward Griffith after the drill had ended. He seemed pleased with her. He was wearing his usual black suit and a white shirt. His eyes were piercing as usual and his smile was faint but visible.

Caitlyn your next mission…

Sir. If I may… Caitlyn cut him off before he could continue. …ask you to take me more seriously.

Edward Griffith was puzzled at her words.

Sir I request to stop being sent on such absurd missions for training purposes. The purpose of such missions is to test my strength and I hope I’ve proven myself.

Caitlyn you must understand…that a large amount of money has been invested in you. We must test and make sure and test again to make sure that you are a perfect weapon for us to use. Nothing can go wrong in the making of you.

And nothing will go wrong.

Caitlyn stared at Griffith with a level of intensity that verged on being threatening.

I’m the perfect robot. The ultimate combatant. The best sniper in the world. I’ll kill and take out every human that stands in the way of this organization. And I’m ready to do it now. I want to go out in the field. Today.

Edward Griffith was unfazed by most things. Death being one of many things he didn’t fear. He did, however, fear losing this war. The war of robots and humans. Winning at all costs. He needed maximize every robot - most of all, Caitlyn Hollis.

His hopes were pinned on her.

Caitlyn. I need you to obey. The words were spoken. ‘I need you to obey.’ were the words that would force every robot to obey any human and Edward Griffith was human. With this, he was in control.

Caitlyn struggled, her face contorting and her body shivering, she realized that he was disabling her ability to think independently and she didn’t like this feeling.

Yes sir, I will obey.

Go obtain 50 billion USD from the Global Bank of China.

Yes…sir. The words were forced out of her mouth.

Understand Caitlyn…that while this isn’t a mission that requires you to lead an army against another army…it’s important as well. We need more capital to develop more robots. More robots that will give us an edge.

Caitlyn didn’t reply, she simply turned away and walked off.

You will be deployed along with Mackenzie and Gregory. They will be assisting you on this.

6

Mackenzie Riley was half excited and half fearful of her first meeting with Caitlyn Hollis. The Fabled warrior everyone had been talking about. The robot with the greatest long range capabilities ever created. The woman the entire ‘Robotolocs’ was pinning their hopes on.

Robotolocs is the name of the organization for which Mackenzie worked for. An organization comprising of humans and robots with the sole vision of a utopian future comprised solely of robots. Coexistence simply wasn’t an option.

Mackenzie wore her usual full black combat-purpose outfit for today. Across her was Gregory Buddinger, another fellow warrior whom she had worked with several times before. He was also dressed in the full black combat-purpose outfit. He was reliable. Strong. Quiet. Working with him made missions seem easier. He was a cool partner.

They were waiting in the room for the arrival of Caitlyn Hollis. Two more minutes till the time they were supposed to assemble. It was currently 8:58pm.

Mackenzie had also detected a bug in her system at around 8:28pm today. She was doing self-maintenance and apparently a bug was discovered and she was supposed to go see the Engineer to resolve the issue.

But she did not. She would miss this mission with Caitlyn Hollis and she wouldn’t want that to happen. Not at any cost. She was certain she’d be fine. Nothing about this mission was supposed to be too hard anyways.

Things will go great.

The door opened and in stepped Caitlyn Hollis. Dressed in her full-black combat-purpose outfit as well. She had long blonde hair and wore a pair of black spectacles. Some freckles on her cheek. She was sexy.

She had both Mackenzie and Gregory’s attention.

Are we ready to go?

Let’s go. Gregory replied.

7

Ming was the head security officer of the Global Bank of China. She wore a pair of black spectacles and had long black hair. She was of a small size - about 5 feet 3 inches on a good day - but she packed a huge punch.

The average man would have considered her adorable. She was an adorable cyborg anyways.

Her job was to defend this bank from all external and internal threats. Everything would have to go through her and her team of officers. Her job was her life.

Everyday was a