Chapter Three

Jason looked confused at the question for a moment. "Yessir, I am somewhat familiar with the term X factor. What does it have to do with the project?"

"It has to do with you, son.", the Corporal replied slowly.

"Me?!? A mutant?!? That can't be! I can't read minds, or anything!"

"Now hold on, son. Not every X factor is the same; not all mutants are mind readers. When you enlisted, you had a standard physical. As part of that physical, we do some blood work. Every private is tested for the X factor gene. Some mutations come in handy in combat situations, and some mutations would disqualify you from serving. In your case, it was determined that your mutation would do neither."

"What do you mean?" Jason exclaimed. "I am not following you ... Am I a mutant or not?"

"You do carry the X factor chromosome. Your mutation, however, is very mild, and would not be normally noticed. It appears that the sole purpose of your mutation is that the DNA strands in your cells are very resilient. Our first assumption was that your mutation would prevent most forms of cancer from attacking your cells, but new information that has recently come to light may allow your mutation to be of greater importance."

At this point, the civilian stepped forward. "With a new form of gene therapy designed to create a more 'productive' soldier, it may be possible to restore motor function to your body. You could walk again."

At this statement, the features on Jason's face changed. No longer did he wear a perplexed frown, instead, he now looked like someone has slapped his mother. The look of shock was evident to all in the room, and the plain-clothes man had the look as if he had said too much.

"Now we don't want to get your hopes up here. The technology we are talking about has not been tested. You will be a guinea pig of sorts, and we are not sure what will happen after the procedures are done."

"What is this procedure, and how does the fact that I am a mutant help?"

"We will be making some changes to the DNA in your body, and your mutation will better assist the assimilation of the changes into your physiology."

"What kind of changes are we talking about here, sir?"

The Sergeant laughed. "We will make you better, stronger, faster. However, this project is definitely going to run us more than six million dollars."

Jason grinned for the first time since the accident. "You know, my dad used to love that show."

The Corporal smiled down at Jason, and then his face grew serious again. "I do want to remind you that all that we are telling you is classified. It goes without saying that from this point on you will be kept on a need to know basis. All we can tell you about the procedure is that it will be intensive, painful, and it may or may not work. The end result we cannot discuss either, however, I will tell you that you would be no good to us if you could not walk ..."

The implication was not lost on Jason. To walk again seemed impossible just moments before. Now here was the chance being presented to him. Nothing could be as painful as what he had just endured.

"Count me in, Sir."