— 29th of June 2024, Godolkin University, General POV —
Today was a rather special day in Godolkin University. It was the graduation day.
Over 400 Super Abled young adults wore blue graduation cap and red capes. They were all standing behind Dean Shetty, awaiting to be called to receive their diplomas.
Dean Shetty was standing at the middle of the large stage, in front of her thousands of people. Some of them were friends, others family of the graduates and quite a few camera crews belonging to different channels were filming the event.
Eventually Dean Shetty spoke up, "I would like to welcome the graduating class of 2024 and their loved ones." Dean Shetty said with a proud smile on her face. "As is tradition in Godolkin, the highest ranked graduate will be giving speech. I want all of you to welcome Adam Aslan, or as some of you may know him… Khan!" She lifted her hand high up into the sky as a figure descended to the stage.
This was none other than Khan!
He shook the Dean's hand, she took a step back as he walked up to the microphone.
Adem looked at the crowd, he could see his parents amongst the crowd. He hasn't really talked to either of them much after learning about Compound V. But he still kept in touch and now had a cordial relationship with the duo.
Besides them there were a few people he recognized: Luke's parents, Sam, Polaris Senior, Tyler's father and his 18 year old girlfriend, Steve's mother, Jordan's parents and last but definitely not the least Cate's father.
He had shown up despite the fact she still hated him, he had tried to talk to her, but she had refused so he was forced to watch his little girl graduate by buying a two thousand dollar ticket.
Now, everyone was staring Adem.
He took a deep breath as he cleared his head and started his speech.
"It's been over 4 years, but I still remember a question on the college application: if you had the attention of a million people for 10 minutes what would you talk about? Well, there isn't a million people here nor did I end up going to that college. So anyways." That small joke got a chuckle from the crowd.
"Coming to Godolkin was a unique experience to say the least. I learned more about who I am. What I can do. But more importantly what I should do." He said as he put up a hand in the sky.
"I learned that with great power comes great responsibility. That I- we all have a responsibility to the people, to help others when they can't help themselves."
"That is what I should do with the rest of my life. That is what am planning to do for the rest of my life."
"That is why I am proud to announce to all of you, to all my friends who struggled alongside me the past 4 years… I am joining to the Seven."
As soon as he finished his speech entire crowd began to clap.
Adem could see in the faces of his graduating class, some were happy for him, but the vast majority of them were envious.
The Seven was the premier superhero team, and while the City Contracts were lucrative, only the members of the Seven could earn 9 figures.
"Thank you Khan," Dean Shetty said once the cheering slowed down. "We all feel much safer knowing that a Hero of your caliber is going to join the Seven."
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— Around the Same Time, Nebraska, Unknown CIA Underground Base —
"Deputy Director Mallory, last experiment subject was a failure." Dr. Gaylord said as he and Dr. Brown informed Grace Mallory regarding the experiment.
"Can you summarize the outcome of the program?" Malory asked as she glanced at the file in her hand.
"Out of the 75 conducted experiments we got 12 Super Soldiers. Their powers are as followed:
#1: Superhuman physical capability. Class 10 strength and bulletproof up to and including standard duty handguns.
#2- Superhuman physical capability and ability to communicate with dogs. Class 5 strength and bulletproof up to and including subcompact handguns.
#3- Superhuman physical capability and ability to communicate with cats. Class 5 strength and bulletproof up to and including subcompact handguns.
#4- Ability to turn his feet into hands.
#5- Superhuman physical capability and ice breath. Class 25 strength, bulletproof up to and including magnum rifles.
#6- Blue skin.
#7- Superhuman physical capability and hydrokinesis. Class 1 strength and bulletproof up to and including subcompact handguns.
#8- Superhuman physical capability and wind manipulation. Class 5 strength and bulletproof up to and including subcompact handguns.
#9- Speedster. Top speed 316 meter per seconds.
#10- Superhuman physical capability and Telekinesis. His exact limits are unknown, he could lift a tank using his telekinesis.
#11- Scaled body. Bulletproof up to and including subcompact handguns.
#12- Ability to control his own hair.
2 of the soldiers who survived the experiment did not display any combat capabilities." Dr Gaylord summarized.
"More than I thought less than I hoped for." She said under her breath. "What are your professional opinions?"
"Two of the Subjects- brothers- have displayed great potential. Maybe even Seven level potential. Unfortunately the sisters were not eligible for the experiment." Dr. Gaylord informed her.
One of the sisters was pregnant, which could have adverse effects not only on the child but also on the mother. The other one was 12 years old. And Malory was against allowing her to take Compound V. She reminded her of her own grandkids.
"#6 and #12 has almost no combat capability beyond a regular soldier. It's better to get rid off them." Dr. Brown said which caused Dr. Gaylord to stumble.
"You don't mean. We can't- we can't kill them. It's inhuman. It's one thing to ask soldiers to be part of a dangerous experiment, but out right killing them is just- just wrong. They are good man. I- I won't allow it." He said despite fearing retribution from the killer in front of him.
"We won't." Malory said much to his relief "But they are a potential loose end to the mission, they will go into witness protection program, given new identities, and starting this moment they will be effectively retired."
"Now that I have my Super Soldiers… it's time to make them a team."