The Gifted Medical Warrior

*Ryder George* “Do you want her to die?. Shut up if you don't want your daughter to die” I barked, my eyes locked onto the terrified mother as I tended to Eleanor's convulsing form on the floor. The woman's panicked screams ceased, but she replaced it with a stifled sobs. I didn't blame her. The scene was gruesome for a mother to bear. Eleanor's delicate, pale skin was marred by thick, black veins visible beneath her forehead. I recognized the signs – the telltale marks of the notorious "Erebus Toxin," a poison crafted in the depths of a laboratory. Five years ago, I'd worked on the Erebus case, tracking the rogue researcher responsible for creating this deadly concoction. Dr. Elwes the founder of the deadly poison was a twisted genius. Now, it seemed, the toxin had resurfaced. But how did it get here? I swiftly scanned the room, I saw a scissors on the nearby counter. I grabbed it and made a small incision on Eleanor's neck, I did it gently so as not to exacerbate the damage. Afterwards , I retrieved a straw from the discarded Coca-Cola can and inserted it into the wound. The sound of suction filled the air as I drew out the thick, black blood. " Hold on, Eleanor," I whispered, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I've got you." The mother's anguished cry echoed through the room, but I remained focused on saving her daughter. Eleanor's convulsions slowed, her body relaxing as the toxin began to drain. ******** "Omicron-12" Prison Omicron-12, the notorious house for the deadliest criminals, was a fortress made of steel and concrete. Its gates were reinforced with layers of razor wire. The gate swung open with a mechanical groan. There were five helicopters thundered above, their rotors whipping the air into a frenzy. There were Police vehicles, it's sirens were silent and they formed a perimeter around the prison. I stepped out, I slang my bag which consists of my belongings over my shoulder. I took a deep breath of freedom. A man in his late 40s, with a 2 star on his shoulder, approached me. He wore a Stern expression. I saluted, my hand snapping up in a crisp gesture. "Director Jackson." The silence between us was heavy, until Jackson's expression cracked. "You've gone fat, Ryder," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. I chuckled, "Five years of prison cuisine will do that." We both burst into laughter. Director Jackson's gaze turned to an apology. "Ryder, I'm sorry it took me six years to get you out." I smirked, shouldering my bag. "If it weren't for you, sir, I'd still be rotting in that foreign pit. Forever grateful, Director." Jackson's expression turned somber. "You were supposed to be extracted after the Phoenix Operation, Ryder. But..." The unspoken words hung between us. The Phoenix Operation was a secret mission to locate the Erebus Toxin laboratory's headquarters. Five years ago, I'd led an elite team, handpicked by Jackson, as part of the newly formed "Valkyrie Unit" – an elite force created to combat bio-terrorism. Our mission had been compromised, leaked to the enemy. We lost Victor "Hawk" Lee, he is more than a soldier to me, he was like a brother to me and one of our strongest operatives. The memory still seared my mind. I was blinded by rage, I'd stormed the enemy base, unleashing hell. The aftermath was a blur of blood and chaos, anywhere I entered I made sure there was no survivor. The government had disavowed our mission, leaving me stranded. Jackson's influence was the only reason I wasn't left to die. "Director, you didn't fail me. I failed the team." Jackson's eyes narrowed. "You didn't fail anyone, Ryder. We'll get to the truth, together." Director Jackson's expression turned grave. "Ryder, the Dr. Elwes, is still at large. His location is unknown, but Interpol reported he was last seen entering Dubai." Jackson continued, "He went off the grid, but we've received intel suggesting he's planning to return to the country." I knew where this was heading. "Director, I appreciate the briefing, but—" Jackson cut me off. "Ryder, we need you. Your expertise, your experience with the Erebus Toxin... You're the only one who can help us track down Dr. Elwes." I shook my head. "Sir, I've done my part. I want to live a peaceful life, free from the shadows." Jackson's eyes narrowed. "You're not listening, Ryder. This isn't just about the toxin; it's about the people who'll die if we don't stop Dr. Elwes. You're the best we have." I stood firm. "I believe in the Valkyrie Unit, Director. They're capable without me. You've built a talented team." Director Jackson's expression turned somber. "Ryder, if you're not planning on staying involved, at least visit your gurus.” They said great teachers make great students. I have two important people. I can't forget Master Chen, who taught me the art of medicine, and Sensei Kaito, who schooled me in martial arts." I glanced back, a hint of nostalgia crossing my face. "I'll visit them soon, sir." Jackson tucked a folder into my hand. "One of them is critically ill, Ryder. Do you understand?" My gaze dropped to the folder, my heart sinking. I didn't open it, I didn't need to. The weight of the paper seemed to burn my palm. I nodded curtly, my voice low. "Okay." Without another word, I turned and walked away, the folder clutched tightly in my hand. I didn't look back. "Come back anytime Ryder. You are forever welcome." The director screamed into the wind. ****** ********* I stepped off the train and onto the quaint town's platform. I checked the time it was getting late,as I scanned the crowd, a flamboyant figure caught my eye. He wore a pink suit, his curly hair perfectly styled. His eyes sparkled as he rushed toward me. "Ryder, my man! Finally out!" He enveloped me in a tight hug. "Vinnie," I said, laughing, trying to extricate myself. Vinnie George is my older brother. "I told you not to come, Vinnie. I'm fine." He pulled back, grinning. "I've missed you, little bro. You're stuck with me now." Our family's past lingered in my mind. We used to be small, happy. Then I made a reckless mistake and caused a 10-million-dollar debt. The memory still haunted me. And then shortly in the same year, our parents had a car accident. Mom and Dad, burned alive inside. The authorities ruled it a suicide, but Vinnie and I knew better. That year had shattered us. Vinnie, desperate to protect me, sent me to the military. For the past year, working as a mercenary, I had reflected on myself and planned to make sure that I helped my brother in every possible way that needed to be. Vinnie's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Come on, let’s go to a bar, we need to celebrate your returns." I slid into Vinnie's sleek, black sports car, its leather interior and wood trim exuding luxury. My brother's taste had always been impeccable. As we drove, I studied Vinnie's profile. His tailored suit, designer watch, and perfectly coiffed hair screamed success. Vinnie managed to pay off the debt. He must really be doing well in life. We turned into an exclusive estate lined with grand mansions. As we stepped out, Vinnie popped the trunk and retrieved a chilled bottle of wine. "Welcome home, little bro." We entered the villa, and I was struck by its opulent interior. We suddenly saw seated in the living room was a stunning woman,with pierced green eyes. Beside her, a miniature version with identical curls and bright eyes played with a doll. Vinnie's demeanor changed in an instant. He swiftly hid the wine behind his back, his voice trembling. "Elizabeth... I thought you said you'd be away until next month?" My eyes narrowed. Who was this Elizabeth? Elizabeth's piercing gaze locked onto Vinnie, her expression a mix of shock and annoyance. "Vinnie, what's going on?" I asked, my voice low. Vinnie's cowardly tone and furtive glances revealed a web of secrets. "Uh, Ryder, this is... Elizabeth, my... wife," Vinnie stuttered. My eyes widened. Wife? Vinnie never mentioned a wife. Elizabeth's gaze never left Vinnie. "And this is our daughter, Eleanor." As I extended my hand to greet Elizabeth, her expression transformed into a fierce glare. "You're not welcome here," she spat, her voice venomous. "Get out!"