"So just what is our plan?" I asked, my voice laced with skepticism.

"First off, we need to upgrade you," Dr. Meyers replied calmly.

I folded my arms across my chest, defiant. "And what if I don’t want to be upgraded?"

Dr. Meyers sighed, clearly trying to remain patient. "Look, Alex, I understand your hesitation, but for this to work, I need your full cooperation."

"Perhaps if you gave me a clue as to what this mysterious plan of yours is, I’d be a little more receptive," I snapped, feeling cornered by all the secrets and half-truths.

"I’m trying to help you," Dr. Meyers said, his tone growing more serious. "If I hadn’t risked everything for you, you wouldn’t even be here. They would’ve disposed of you like yesterday’s garbage. I couldn’t let that happen. I’ve invested too much time and effort into reviving you."

His words hit me hard, but I wasn’t ready to back down. "I didn’t ask for any of this," I fired back.

Dr. Meyers ran a hand through his hair, looking almost as worn out as I felt. "I know. But the reality is, you're here now, and we have a chance to change everything. If we don’t take this step, there may be no other way out for either of us."

I stared at him, caught between my frustration and the small flicker of trust I still had in him. But the uncertainty of what this upgrade entailed gnawed at me. Could I really go through with this?

"Before I agree to anything, I need to know what your goal is," I said, my eyes locked on Dr. Meyers.

He clenched his jaw, his face hardening. "Ashcroft," he almost spat the name, "needs to be stopped. He plans to sell his ACE soldiers to the highest bidders around the globe."

"ACE soldiers?" I repeated, feeling a chill run down my spine.

"Yes, ACE is the name of the project I used to be a part of. It stands for Advanced Crisis Eliminator," Dr. Meyers explained through gritted teeth.

I hesitated, taking it all in. "Just how many of these ACE soldiers are there?" I asked, realizing I might not be as unique as I thought.

"At last count, there were nine of you," he said, his voice heavy. "Each scientist was tasked with developing the most advanced soldier they could. I was naïve to believe the project would be used for the advancement of the human condition. Instead, it’s just another tool for war and greed." He shook his head, turning away, clearly ashamed.

His words hung in the air, and I could sense the weight of his guilt. It wasn’t just about the project anymore. It was about stopping something much bigger than either of us. But was I ready to be part of that fight?

"So what is it you want from me?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Just days ago, you were ready to sell me to the highest bidder, and now, what? You want me to stop the other ACE soldiers and put an end to The Consortium? Why the sudden change of heart, Doc?"

I could see the sting in his eyes as my words hit him. His face tensed, but he didn’t speak right away, searching for the right response.

"I... I never wanted to sell you, Alex," Dr. Meyers said quietly, his voice almost breaking. "I was trapped, forced into this situation. The Consortium controls everything here, including me. When Ashcroft demanded results, I didn’t have a choice. But when I saw what they intended to do with you… I couldn’t let it happen."

His eyes finally met mine, filled with guilt and something else—desperation. "I’m not asking you to stop the other ACE soldiers alone. I’m asking you to help me stop weapons I helped create. I can’t undo what’s been done, but maybe we can prevent what’s coming."

His words hung in the air, and I could feel my anger mixing with uncertainty. There was truth in his voice, but trust was something I wasn't sure I could give so easily.

I softened a bit, my anger ebbing away. "So how did you get involved in all of this then?" I asked, genuine curiosity replacing my frustration.

Dr. Meyers sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was young, just out of school, and I thought I could help change the world." His voice was tinged with regret. "I earned my doctorate, specializing in biomechanical engineering. I wanted to help people live better lives through technology, to create artificial limbs that felt as real as human flesh, to give people back their freedom after an accident or illness." He shook his head slowly, lost in the memory.

"But then The Consortium found me. They had the resources, the cutting-edge labs, and the funding I could’ve only dreamed of. They pitched the ACE project as a revolutionary advancement in human potential. I believed in it—I believed I could actually make a difference." He looked away, shame clouding his features. "It wasn’t until later that I realized what they really wanted: not to help people, but to create perfect soldiers, tools of war. By the time I understood, it was too late. I was in too deep."

He turned back to me, his eyes pleading. "And now, this is the only way I can make up for what I've done. By helping you stop them."

I mulled things over for what felt like an eternity. Dr. Meyers stood there in silence, waiting for my decision. I weighed everything—his past, his regrets, the truth about Ashcroft and the other ACE soldiers. It was clear now that this wasn’t just about me. It was about stopping something far bigger than either of us.

Finally, I made up my mind.

"Let's do it," I said, standing up straight. "Let's take that bastard down."

Dr. Meyers exhaled, relief washing over his face. "I knew you'd come around," he said, a flicker of determination returning to his eyes.

"What's our first move?" I asked, the gravity of what lay ahead finally settling in.

"We upgrade you," he replied, "and then we take the fight to Ashcroft and The Consortium. One ACE soldier against the rest." He paused for a moment, his voice growing softer. "But you'll need to be stronger than ever, Alex. They won't go down easily."

I clenched my fists, a new resolve surging through me. "Then let's get started."