Veil of Protection 02

Chapter 02: Bearing the Weight of Change

The room felt colder than it had a month ago - as if the anticipation of the prolonged wait had seeped into the walls, making them appear even bleaker. The same round table, the same dim lighting, and the same three agents sat down, each burdened by their expectations of Project Veil.

Director Wallace clasped her fingers and placed her hands neatly on the table, her expression as calm and unwavering as ever. “Alright, let’s begin,” she stated firmly. “We’re here to evaluate the progress of our four witnesses. Let’s start with Larry Stone. Victor?”

Dr Crane tapped on his tablet, and the large wall screen flickered on, revealing an updated image of Larry Stone. The transformation was so dramatic it drew a quiet gasp from Agent Munroe. Larry's once sturdy, muscular physique had somehow, almost magically, transformed into a slimmer frame. His skin now looked smooth and hairless, giving him a softer, more youthful appearance - a complete departure from the rugged construction worker they'd observed only a month earlier.

(See image 05)

Crane leaned back, his gaunt face displaying a cautious look. "As you can see, NINA has achieved notable progress with Larry. She determined that reducing his muscle mass and removing his body hair were crucial first steps in establishing his new identity. These changes make him less recognizable and allow us to build a different profile from the ground up.”

Agent Munroe’s eyes lingered on Larry's image, narrowing as she spoke. "I get the need for a new profile, Victor, but I have to ask - what’s your machine’s end goal here? These changes are highly unusual."

Dr Crane tilted his head casually, exuding unshaken confidence. “NINA's objective is simple: to ensure the witness's survival,” he stated plainly. “But if you’re curious about the reasoning behind her choices, you can ask her directly.”

Dr Crane quickly typed something into his pad, and half of the screen shifted to display a row of pulsing squares. “Good afternoon, NINA. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Certainly, Dr Crane. I'm here to assist,” replied a robotic female voice from the TV speakers, the squares rising and falling in sync with the voice’s vibrations.

Agent Munroe looked uncertain, glancing first at the director, who returned her gaze with a shrug of her shoulders, then at Victor, who gave her an encouraging smile and nod. Taking a deep breath, Munroe faced the screen. "Um... NINA, could you explain your reasoning behind the decision to alter Larry Stone's appearance so drastically?"

After a brief pause that enveloped the room in silence as the three agents awaited a response, NINA's monotone voice finally broke the suspense. "Before successfully transitioning the subject into their new role in society, it's first crucial to alter their most recognizable features."

Leaning forward, dissatisfaction clear in her eyes, Munroe pressed on with a follow-up. "Yes, I understand the need for a disguise, but how far will these changes go? What will Larry look like at the end of this process?"

NINA's answer was a single word. "Classified."

Disgust flickered across Munroe’s face as she turned to Dr Crane. He met her look with a smug smile. “That information is beyond your clearance level, Sarah.”

Munroe turned to the director, ready to speak her mind, but was cut off before she could begin. "This new system exists to eliminate leaks," Director Wallace said firmly, her voice laced with reassurance. “Even I won’t know the specifics of the new lives we’re creating for our witnesses. Our job is to manage the initial stages and only step in if complications arise. The less we know, Agent Munroe, the safer they’ll be.”

Munroe sighed, shaking her head. "I understand the need to keep this information secure, but Eve, what if something goes wrong? What if these extreme changes end up traumatizing the witness? If they start to affect his sense of self, we’ll have a major issue. And not just for him - we still need him to testify when this is over, right? We’ll be shit out of luck if he ends up in a psych ward."

Crane straightened, a flicker of tension crossing his face. "Larry's psychological state is being closely monitored. Aside from the expected signs of adapting to a new environment, his readings are within acceptable parameters."

Munroe shook her head, her tone unwavering. "You're underestimating how people respond to trauma, Doctor, especially when everything they know is taken away." Her voice was determined as she shifted her gaze to Wallace. "Director, I'm requesting a temporary halt to this experiment until further testing can be conducted."

Crane wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. "NINA has meticulously calculated the limits of these changes to ensure we don't cross that line. Let me remind you, Sarah, that the old system failed us. That's precisely why we're here, exploring something new. Larry may look a bit different when NINA's done with him, but he’ll be alive. That’s what truly matters."

Director Wallace raised her hand, silencing the room. “Sarah has a valid point regarding the extent of the physical changes, Doctor. I wasn’t even aware that such rapid weight loss was possible.”

Dr Crane swiftly tapped through his tablet to locate his notes. “The result of a precisely calculated combination: a severely restricted calorie intake, intense cardio sessions, and specific muscle-reducing supplements.”

Wallace nodded in response to his answer. “That said, Sarah, he’s right about our old system leading to too many breaches. For that reason, I’m willing to proceed - for now, at least.” She glanced at Munroe, noticing her uneasy expression, before looking back towards The Doctor. “But, Victor, I expect NINA to balance physical transformation with our witness’s mental well-being. If there are any signs that these changes are causing harm, I want to be informed immediately. Is that understood?”

Crane nodded firmly. “Absolutely, Director. Larry’s progress is being closely monitored. Any signs of psychological distress will be reported immediately.”

Munroe crossed her arms, her expression sour. “I hope your calculations are correct, Victor. These are real people, not one of your simulations."

Crane met her gaze steadily. “I assure you, Sarah, their well-being is my highest priority.”

“Very well. Let’s move on. Show me Jamal Lewis,” Director Wallace said, casting one last look at Larry’s updated profile before signalling for Crane to bring up the next witness.

Jamal Lewis’s image appeared on the screen, his previously tall, athletic frame now noticeably slimmed down. Like Larry, his body was hairless below the eyebrows.

(See image 06)

Agent Munroe leaned in, scrutinizing the image with a furrowed brow. A subtle yet unexpected change caught her attention. “Victor, his hair is much longer than it was a month ago. How could it have grown that much in such a short time?”

"I'll let NINA handle that," he replied, tapping a button before repeating the question to his creation.

“A specialized combination of supplements to accelerate hair growth, paired with a shampoo formulated specifically to stimulate the scalp,” came the cold robotic response.

Munroe looked doubtful, momentarily wondering if Larry’s hair had also grown - though it was difficult to tell, given he’d been wearing a hard hat in his original photo. “But what’s the purpose? Why is longer hair necessary?” She blurted out.

“Classified,” the monitor responded curtly.

Crane smiled, sharing his perspective. “Disguise, of course. Longer hair offers more flexibility for altering his appearance. Remember, Jamal is internationally recognized. To truly disappear, he needs a complete transformation.”

Munroe slowly nodded, though her scepticism remained. "True, but these changes are happening very quickly. Like with Larry, are we sure this isn’t affecting him psychologically?"

Crane leaned back, unbothered. “We’ve covered this, Agent Munroe. Jamal’s mental state is being monitored just as carefully as the others. Every change is precisely calibrated to maintain an efficient yet manageable pace.”

Director Wallace, having listened intently, joined the conversation. “Jamal’s case is particularly delicate, Victor. His public profile makes him highly susceptible. However, let’s not rush this transformation. He needs time to adjust mentally as well.”

Crane nodded. “NINA has implemented a phased adaptation system,” he explained. “Jamal is engaged in daily therapy sessions to support his psychological adjustment. Additionally, NINA will soon equip him with the essential skills he’ll need to seamlessly integrate into his new identity.”

Satisfied, Wallace turned to Munroe. “Sarah, any further questions or concerns regarding Jamal’s transformation?”

Munroe shook her head, though her thoughtful expression suggested lingering reservations. “Not at this time, Director.”

“Very well,” Wallace replied, giving Crane the nod to continue. “Let’s move on then.”

With a tap of Dr Crane's bony fingers, Javier Roca’s profile filled the screen. Director Wallace glanced around the table before speaking. “It seems there’s a trend emerging here, Victor. All of them are notably slimmer, and the removal of their body hair seems rather... thorough.”

(See image 07)

Crane grinned nervously. “NINA is creating a foundation to work from - to allow for more flexibility in the next stages. However, I agree, the decision to remove all body hair is... unusual. I’ll look into it.”

Agent Munroe pounced on his response, her gaze piercing. “So, you’re admitting the system might have flaws, Victor?”

Crane’s expression hardened, and he shook his head. “No, Sarah. NINA has been thoroughly tested. All I meant was that I’ll review this specific decision to understand her reasoning. It’s not indicative of any error, just a detail worth noting.”

Munroe arched an eyebrow. “While you’re at it, maybe you can also look into why these witnesses seem to be in what looks like prison cells. You were the one who said they wouldn’t be treated like prisoners. Were you not?”

“These accommodations are only temporary,” Crane replied, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. “This controlled environment is crucial for the initial phase of their transformation, allowing NINA to regulate their surroundings as they adapt.”

He turned to Director Wallace, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “Unless, of course, you’d like to increase our budget, Director. Perhaps then we could set them up in penthouse suites instead?”

Director Wallace’s lips curved into an amused smile as she let out a soft hum. “I wish,” she remarked, a touch of dry humour in her tone. “But you know just as well as I do that our budgets are dictated from above. Our priority is keeping these individuals safe, not pampering them.”

She glanced again at Javier’s image, her poised expression shifting to one of contemplation. "Still, the budget does cover clothing. Why are all the witnesses barely dressed in these photos, Victor?"

"Uh... it's about adaptation," the doctor responded, sounding slightly flustered. "Their clothing and personal belongings were confiscated to aid adjustment. New attire will be provided in the next phase, but I can assure you, their quarters are fully heated. They’re not cold."

Evelyn Wallace scanned the table, observing the demeanour of her two fellow agents, and decided to proceed. “If there are no further questions, let’s move on to the final witness.”

As Michael Tanaka's image appeared, standing in his dimly lit cell, the room fell silent once again. He, too, had undergone a remarkable transformation, though, in contrast to the other witnesses, who had been notably slimmed down, Michael's physique had gone in the opposite direction. Once a man who started every morning with a 6 am gym session, he now looked like someone who had never set foot in one. The commanding businessman with a toned body they had previously observed was gone, replaced by an overweight individual, bordering on obesity.

(See image 08)

Director Wallace studied Michael's updated profile, her brow furrowed in thought. “Victor, how is Michael coping with these changes?”

Dr Crane adjusted his glasses, his voice steady. “He’s responding well. Like the others, he understands that his survival hinges on his willingness to cooperate with the process. They’re all committed to making this work.”

Director Wallace glanced at Agent Munroe, noting her crossed arms and the frustration etched on her face, before turning her attention back to Crane. “Victor, tell me - what does the next stage look like for the witnesses?”

Dr Crane glanced at his notes. “In the next few days, the witnesses will undergo minor cosmetic enhancements. The recovery time is expected to be three to four weeks."

Director Wallace glanced at Agent Munroe, anticipating a reaction, but got none. "Alright," she said, turning back to Dr Crane. "Would a month from now be a suitable time for our next meeting then?” she inquired.

“That timeline works well,” Victor confirmed as Agent Munroe gave a surly nod in agreement.

"Let me know right away if anything out of the ordinary comes up before then," the Director said, her voice both warm and commanding.

“You got it, Director,” Victor responded, giving a quick, assured nod.

As the meeting drew to a close, a thick tension lingered, pressing down on everyone in the room. Agent Munroe gathered her belongings and rose from her chair, her thoughts swirling with doubt. She couldn’t shake the nagging question: did the ends justify the means? Watching these men undergo such drastic transformations left her with ethical concerns that gnawed at her.

Dr Crane, meanwhile, carefully slid his tablet into its protective case, but even the smooth gesture couldn’t settle the flicker of uncertainty he felt. Had he truly put NINA through the thorough testing he’d assured his colleagues of? For the first time, he had his doubts.

Director Wallace left the meeting, a knot of worry tightening in her chest as she recalled the unsettling images of the witnesses. Had she truly made the right choice in approving Project Veil? Given the recent failures, drastic measures were necessary - after all, the lives of the witnesses in her care as well as her job were at stake. But was NINA the best solution?

The three agents exchanged brief glances as they exited the meeting room, each burdened with heavy thoughts. With a soft click, the door closed behind them, leaving the room vacant once more - until they would reconvene, at which point the appearance of the witnesses would be profoundly altered once more in the name of keeping them safe.