Prologue Preview

 “STOP!” I demanded, watching as someone handed my baby girl to the doctor for examination, my voice dripping with brusque intensity. 

The doctor carried my baby delicately over to a steel table and prepared to withdraw blood. Her sharp cries filled the air as she took her first few breaths. Her umbilical cord was freshly cut, and vernix fluid coated her body, making her appear white and waxy. I didn’t know why I was so attached to this — ugly little creature. I knew that her birth was strategic. I knew this was all part of the plan. Carrying on the bloodline was imperative. She was to be the perfect host. Still, I couldn’t help but feel this overwhelming connection to her. 

No… I can’t feel like this, I thought to myself. You must become the weapon you were chosen to be, there is no other way.

Her cries grew louder and stronger as the doctor gently jabbed a small pediatric needle into her arm. I couldn’t bear the sight. Only a few minutes old, and already she was to bear the burden of our species on her shoulders.

 “Aww, it’s okay,” the doctor cooed. “You’re very brave…” 

The doctor paused for a moment, cradling the child in her arms. She turned to me as if knowing I possessed the answer to her coming question. 

“Have either of you thought of a name yet?”

Glancing at my partner briefly, I cleared my throat. “Marisol…” I announced with certainty. “It means sea and sun.”

“A beautiful name fit for a beautiful girl,” the doctor replied. “Lieutenant Lee, please bring in subject KM-02. I wish to see if the specimens can recognize each other at such an early stage. Symbiotic identification is imperative.”

Accepting his orders respectfully, Lieutenant Lee exited the room and returned with another child — an infant boy. He appeared to be of a similar age to Marisol, maybe a little older, with soft caramel skin and a white birthmark encircling his left eye. There was no doubt in my mind that this boy was the offspring of Xavier Morrison. The resemblance was uncanny, but there was something truly unique about him I had yet to notice.

Standing before my daughter with the sleeping child in his arms, the doctor picked up Marisol and brought her closer; her cries never ceased. Vociferous and shrill were the words that came to mind when listening to her. She was crying out for care, support and protection; something she’d grow up to never receive. Intently, I watched from the sidelines as the little Morrison infant began to stir. He opened his eyes and gazed at her with wonder, never making a sound. 

“What’s wrong with his eyes?” I asked with curiosity.

“Hmm? Oh, there's nothing wrong with them, sir. He has complete heterochromia. It’s nothing more than a genetic trait passed down through the bloodline — a mutation, to put it simply,” the doctor explained, documenting the interactions between the two infants. “The split in color between his eyes is simply a disruption in melanin, the pigmentation that determines hair, skin and eye color. The red of his iris is associated with the vitiligo gene.”

The Morrison baby seemed intrigued by Marisol and stretched out his tiny hand towards her. His little fingers latched onto hers, pacifying her cries. Opening her eyes, Marisol gazed at him with curiosity; it was as though they recognized each other. Her large, icy blue eyes stared into his as a soft glow emanated between them.

“Subject ML-01, meet KM-02,” the doctor introduced. “The bond has been made. The parasites have connected and formed the bridging link,” she observed, walking toward me and placing Marisol in my arms. “Keep it subtle, General Lopez. You must ensure that the two find each other on their own. Should they feel forced into this arrangement, it could result in host rejection.”

Gazing upon Marisol, I couldn’t help but notice how small and delicate she was, although she displayed a powerful and unique aura. What was this feeling developing inside me towards this fragile little creature? I had created you. I had engineered and designed you, but—

—you were a part of me. 

I needed to protect you…

NO! My thoughts snapped, my paternal instincts rivalling my duty to the cause. You will hate me, but you will survive. That’s all that matters. I must push my feelings down. You are not my daughter… you are a weapon.

My head was spinning as this tiny being outstretched her hand, wrapping her fingers around my thumb. She had an impressive grip for such a small baby. She was looking into my eyes as if studying my features. I could tell… she was aware. She was memorizing each line and minor imperfection on my face. Did she recognize me as her kin and blood?

So new to this world and yet, she already possessed so much power