Leonard Wakeham – the mad scientist

"Ahem… I am Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Goldstein. First and foremost, I must inform you that communication devices are not permitted, and divulging top-secret information will lead to court-martial, might even be branded for treason… so if anyone wants to withdraw from this operation, do so now…. I promise you there will be no repercussions."

All the soldiers in the conference room were highly trained combat and reconnaissance specialists with many years of experience. Participating in top-secret missions was like a testament to their abilities. Each successful mission garnered massive boosts to their careers; thus, they remained seated without hesitations.

Nodding in approval, Jonathan continued, "It is an S&D mission. Our primary target is Leonard Wakeham, the infamous mad scientist" – he connected his metallic badge on the 3D emulator as it projected a three-dimensional, body-length holographic image of a middle-aged man – "the last update to his whereabouts were found on planet Caerus in the constellation of Centaurus. We believe his primary lab is situated there but no information is found about the exact location."

The holograph changed to show Caerus's continental map with massive information about each region.

Colonel Jonathan continued, "45% of the terrain on that planet is mountainous with extreme environmental conditions thus we were unable to collect satellite scans for those regions. There will be help from the local government but remember that you guys will mostly be on your own as we do not have any stellar planetary space station on that planet… Captain Mathew will lead the mission and you guys are expected to leave at 0300 tomorrow. That is going to be all."

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan was infamous for his erratic behavior with extreme anger management issues, given the nickname 'Booger'. Authoritarian with superpowers that left only ashes behind, everyone was delighted to find him leaving the meeting room.

"Finally! The dictator is gone. How great of him to forget mentioning the extended duration this bloody mission will take, huh…" some chuckled, others became worried. Captain Mathew continued, "Shall we continue with the briefing…"

According to the extensive investigation: Leonard Wakeham was the youngest genetic scientist who discovered a promoter that enabled the activation and up-gradation of gene splices responsible for superpowers, better known as mutagens, in unintelligent creatures. It was a revolutionary discovery in the genetical research field as it dismissed the preconception that only intelligent species had the necessary evolutional factors for harnessing powers.

Thinking that his promoter was also effective to create artificial superpowers in humans, he secretly began human trials which were considered unethical and illegal. It was unknown why he became obsessed even though he only managed to create unnatural abominations…

"As you guys know that it is impossible to create artificial powers in intelligent species and that it can only happen naturally or through selective breeding… but it was proven wrong, that bastard Leonard was partially successful." Captain Mathew sighed.

One of the soldiers asked in confusion, "Captain, if he was successful, then why was he ostracized for being a mad scientist? Shouldn't he be heralded the greatest pioneer for human evolution?"

"Yeah, he should have been if he was truly successful, as I have mentioned it was partial success… our emotions are closely connected with our powers" – everyone nodded as it was basic knowledge – "and we can only develop our powers through intense physical and mental training because of the inhibitors."

"Yeah, our inhibitors are the only thing that stops our cells to produce mutagens more than our body can handle and stops us from destroying ourselves, we all know that. So please, can you hurry it up Captain, the suspense is killing me," a female soldier with reddish-brown hair spoke out impatiently.

"Stop your horses, Cathy. Let me finish… there is more to that: like cell's capacity and so forth… umm, as I was saying, so what if there is no inhibitor that stops infinite growth of those mutagens?" everyone was shocked after hearing Mathew and clearly understood the reasoning for calling Leonard the 'Mad Scientist'.

"That bloody fucker did not stop; he knew the danger of his experiment, but he continued. You guys must know the destruction of the capital city on the planet Nibiru, it was the result of his test subject who lost control, blowing up the whole city in the process."

"It is unbelievable…" one of the soldiers gasped in surprise after hearing Captain Mathew.

"Why is it unbelievable, our dictator Colonel is only an A-class power holder, and that alien species, what was it called again… oh yes! Naga, their space station was destroyed by only two of his fire beams. Now think about, what if our beloved Colonel does not have any inhibitor?"

Horror, absolute horror – that was the expression depicted through each and everyone's expressions.

"It is not only a simple S&D mission but also to uproot anything and everything which came in contact with that bastard," the playful demeanor of Captain Mathew slowly regressed to show his rare murderous glare as he continued. "Even if it means to kill the poor victims; it must be done… because each person who was experimented on is a potential future disaster…."

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AAAAHH!

Tormented screams reverberated from the underground basement of Leonard's dilapidated house as he viscously gauged out the eyes of his so-called lab rat. Audie unbothered by the goriness, helped him to store the eyes acting like a perfect assistant.

A couple of months passed as Audie grew accustomed to his new lifestyle, and the pain and agony of the prisoners became less significant. The initial doubts of Leonard being a fraud or maybe delusional diminished as he encountered some of his bizarre creations; not to mention the multiple powers that Leonard harnessed… his suspicions converted to interest.

"Boy, I am finding you more and more pleasing to the eyes…" Leonard sarcastically remarked.

Dim lights on the ceiling created an eerie atmosphere. Haphazard markings of blood splatters on the thick walls portrayed the scenery of a butcher's workshop rather than a lab. Organs and different body parts were neatly arranged on the shelves suspended in interstitial fluids containing nutrients and solutes to keep them fresh. A shackled, emaciated man on the operating table surrounded by gadgets and surgical equipment was like the main attraction occupying the center, and the screams were like the symphony that altered the basement to be a perfect replica of hell's chorus.

"You motherfuckers! I will kill all! I will tear you guys apart and bathe in your blood!" bounded by the limbs with blood gushing out from the hollowed eye sockets – only the animalistic growling could be heard from the sufferer.

Without even giving a single glance Leonard used his telekinesis to crush the man's throat, suffocating him enough to let him die a slow painful death.

Audie was troubled by the unnecessary brutality but unfortunately, he was not repulsed by it. Mortality constantly loomed over him; he was no stranger to death... Getting three meals a day and a safe place to sleep without anyone bothering was all he wished and needed but life did not provide those without any harsh payments.

His father's disappearance, his mother's abandonment, and the physical and mental torture with utter humiliation were the payments that he settled throughout his adolescence. Now, his new goals were revenge – to trample anyone who belittles him, do whatever makes him happy, and live life on his terms. It was like the forbidden door that opened itself when he accepted Leonard's proposal and for that he was utterly grateful.

"Audie, are you not disgusted by the things that I do?"

"You must have your reasons… besides, you are nothing but good to me."

There was an awkward silence between the two as both started to mind finishing the task on hand. Leonard took one of the freshly extracted eyeballs and began to dissect it from the middle. He took different tissue samples, trying to distinguish and isolate the cells responsible for harnessing the energy-blast power. The cell composition and the neurological pathways all needed to be documented as they would give valuable insight for replication.

Audie beside him was like an attentive student. He concentrated on taking notes and asked for explanations. When he did not understand any complicated procedures or missed critical concepts, Leonard happily obliged to give proper and detailed descriptions. That was their pattern of communication and unbeknown to them, they were becoming closer as time went on.

"By the way, none of these bastards you are experimenting on deserves any sympathy…"

"How did you –" Leonard was genuinely surprised by Audie's sudden statement.

"Have you forgotten that you have given me free access to your library?"

HAHAHA!!

"You are worth spending my time on," Leonard's face lit up with delight as his laugh echoed. "Boy, do you want to officially become my student? I will teach and train you to the best of my abilities, what say….?"

"Was it not the deal to make me the strongest weapon?" Audie asked in confusion.

"That is of course… but remember boy, power without prowess and knowledge is just a burden" – Leonard's expression instantly became gloomy – "I don't want you to become another puppet…"