Suddenly, I felt something unexplainably familiar about that man, something that my own personal databank didn’t recognize (which meant I REALLY never saw or heard this man in my entire life, both as man and Pantheon Agent). Kurt noticed my stupefied look, feeling uncomfortable – “You said I should get treatment for my ankle, it would really help me a lot, agent Spartan.” – his voice tone no longer had the challenging connotation, he was just asking me to help him, so I just cleared my mind, focusing on getting him medicated.

“Spartan, what the hell happened to those guys?” – Roger asked me, in a mix of consternation and awe. Things were not very good up to this point – now we had two civilians inside our installations, three passed out agents with unforeseen problems and myself, completely puzzled by the latest happenings, especially because of that weird sensation I had about Kurt, who, by his turn was immediately attended by my crew once they saw the condition of his foot.

Meanwhile, Andy approached me, showing in his pretty face the look that always made me melt – “Matt, I know you’d never done anything to seriously harm them, but how come they acted like this without any explanation?”

“You got me there too, Andy” – I hoped they would wake up in a few moments, but their condition remaining the same, we’d have to keep them under restraints until we can trust them again.

“How can we restrain optimized Pantheon Agents? They’re too fucking strong, nothing we have here can hold them…” – Roger spoke alone, while he approached their apparently unconscious bodies to obtain their readings.

“Could you track the hydroplane?” – I asked while he retrieved the information.

“Yeah, but it was useless, it just disappeared in thin air, just a few minutes after taking off” – Andy completed to my own surprise, my little guy really liked to be useful around. I looked at my side to see Kurt’s foot complete immobilized.

“That’s just great! Now my research will never be concluded!” – He exploded without looking directly into my giant bulk – “What the hell were you doing here anyway? Why don’t you put those monsters under arrestment or something before they wake up?”

“They’re not waking up any soon!” – Roger barely whispered, drawing my attention to the tiny screen in his hands – “Weird… their vital stats are perfectly normal; including their mental activity, but there’s something very wrong going on with these guys! I can’t have access to their data, for some reason Polux and Castor also got the same condition from both Samson and Rhodes…”

“I believe I know which reason is this” – I said extending my huge palm into the computer screen, downloading the info I had gathered from Castor. Andy and Kurt watched in shock as the computer responded to my touch, immediately showing the scenes I had already mentally seen. Roger analyzed the video, taking care to freeze the exact scene where Rhodes hits Polux’ eyes with the tiny capsule.

“Here, analyze this remaining piece of the capsule and let’s try to find what was inside that could cause such problem to our systems…” – I handled him the plastic corpuscle, turning my attention to my unconscious partners. I really felt they were trying to tell me something, all of them, but they simply couldn’t talk to me. I had to figure it out by myself.

“What if they woke up during our flight back home?” – Andy asked showing a clever observation. I considered this for one moment – out of control optimized agents inside a flaying aircraft are not really a safe idea, we had no other resource left other than the idea Roger had already anticipated.

“Preparing for shutting down agents Samson, Polux and Castor…” – That was the extreme solution. Roger would have to block the access of the minds from controlling their own bodies in order to establish the shut down of Pantheon’s technology, this was always a very tragic alternative, because although it’s possible in theory, it has never actually been done before, the Agents’ organisms will remain in “standby” until Pantheon reactivate such capability.

“Does it mean you’re like a cyborg?” – Andy asked with a sad look in his face. I held him firmly, turning my back on Roger trying to avoid my own suffering.

“No, it’s nothing like that! A conscious agent can easily block the shutting down process, only when we are completely incapacitated they can take this proceeding to its conclusion, and it’s only a security measure to avoid any danger. Samson, Castor and Polux knew pretty well about the shut down proceeding, they acknowledged its necessity…” – I engulfed my dear Andy with my hug, his tiny heartbeat made me feel more secure about the current situation, it was my duty to protect my partners from themselves, they were a worldwide threat and they knew about the risks.

Roger went through the proceedings with extreme caution because he was doing something that had never actually be done before – Once all the security parameters were established, the system indicated the success of the operation. I approached the lying bodies of my colleagues, with tears of anger in my eyes – “Don’t worry guys, I’m gonna find out Rhodes and treat him too…”

The twins massive bodies slowly poured quarts of sweat of their skin, their immense bulks slowly entering a deflating process which was no ay nearly the fun stabilization meant, in this stage an agent is completely unconscious and his organism simply rejects all the benefits optimization brings, the result is a very strong reaction that produces loss of water as an attempt to revert into normal condition – which is still impossible, but those guys would soon be much smaller than they had been. It’s not a pleasant sight. So I just decided to let them resting in the medical area, feeling my tears rolling down my face.

Andy hugged what he could from my enormous thigh, looking up at my enormity, he just opened his arms, and I picked him easily, he carefully hold my cheeks and touched his forehead in my chin – “I love you, Matt, I love your noble soul, you’re really special, you care about everybody, me, the agents, even the other civilian…”

“Speaking of him, this so-called civilian would really love to be left in Caracas…” – Kurt was actually trying to lighten up the environment, even Andy and Roger had a smile growing in his lips. I looked down at my unexpected guest – “That can be arranged, don’t worry Kurt”. Once again there was something very familiar about this guy; I could just feel that he was actually meant to be there at this moment. The mere idea made me gasp. I tried to dismiss it, but my mind couldn’t think about anything else, that HAD to be the truth. I kneeled in front of the middle-aged man who got a bit scared with my sudden request.

“Kurt, would you mind if I took you along with us to the main base? Your presence is really important to me…” – I felt Andy’s nails unconsciously trying to pierce my flimsy skin, which was stopped by my incredible thickness, at the same time Roger almost chocked forecasting Hades’ reaction, but I was sure he would understand it once I explained.

“Me? Why me? Don’t take me wrong agent Spartan, but I’m a man who always stood up against authority, I never really felt comfortable with the mere idea of the UN having its private army, it just violates the very reason of its existence…”

“Believe me, I felt the same way when they recruited me…” – I said in a low tone, intentionally bringing up the tension. Roger came right next to me climbing on my thighs to whisper in my ears – “What are you talking about; I have no records of any prospective member…”

I grinned – “I’m sure you don’t have, but I feel he’s an overlooked.” – my words caused Roger to almost fall in the ground – “No one can be possibly sure of that, only the test will indicate the DF+ condition…”

“I know this, but I just feel that’s he’s an overlooked.” – I said louder.

“And what exactly does it mean?” – Kurt asked suddenly feeling cornered.

I took my time to explain him the whole DF+ historical, to my own amazement he just heard through the whole story without doubting or questioning, but after my speech he just kept listening to me with the same skeptical look – “Like your colleague here said you can’t be sure that I’m also a carrier, how come you have this feeling?”

“Well, you might have come when you first saw me, but even straight men are capable of having this impulse when seeing optimized Pantheon agents for the first time, however I can’t tell you exactly how I know you’re an overlooked, one of the DF+ men that were already born when Zeus established the parameters to forecast prospective members’ probabilities, however I really am sure you are one of them…” – I said looking down at this man.

“Agent Spartan, how can you be so sure? You’re just feeling a hunch after all…”

“Kurt, I don’t think Matt is a man of feeling hunches, I know he really knows more than he is aware…” – I heard Andy’s words feeling my face frown into a puzzled look.

“I’ve been talking to Roger while you were out, he told me that you’ve been showing such advancements in your development, they actually believe you’re evolving beyond third generation, Matt, I know I’m not supposed to tell you in such bad time, but I really feel that the solution for all those problems lies in your own body and mind…” – The man of my life never meant so much to me in that moment, I held his small hands into my massive paw, then I looked back at Kurt who just seemed as shocked as me.

“Supposing that you’re right, I’m one of these overlooked, I’m not a kid anymore, I’ve never had any military training, I smoked for over fifteen years, my life had never been a prime example of youth and excellence I’m sure Pantheon must look for…” – That was really a special guy, for the first time one that actually seemed to refuse the idea of becoming a Pantheon unit.

“We understand if you have pending businesses and issues, but it would be really important for us to have a new agent, you don’t understand, if you join, you’ll be a new third generation member, and things have improved beyond your imagination. Those two agents were all second-generation, we are still in need for more new recruits…” – Roger seemed to come into our side – “I’m sure your life will change dramatically, but the benefits are really meaningful.

“I’m a botanical, a man of science, an environmental guardian, not some kind of super soldier material! Besides, you and your fellow giants almost got me killed; you think I would ever want to turn into some monstrosity like you?” – Kurt simply let it out loud.

“You have no idea how stupid you are right now!” – I heard Andy’s angry tone exploding from behind me, suddenly the two normal sized tiny men were arguing – “You don’t tell me what to do with my own life kid! You join the Pantheon and become like those mad monsters!” – Kurt’s response came out sharp and precise.

“I’d give you my word on that! If Matt ever felt that I could be like him, it would make things so much easier for us! These men are really trying to make a difference, just like you are! When people say you care more about plants and threes than to mankind itself, it really must piss you off right? Well, Matt and his colleagues care more about your security than to their own personal comfort, they’ve promised to dedicate their lives into protecting us all! I’m not saying they’re perfect, they do make mistakes, but I’m sure their intent is noble, and right now his friends and mentor are lying unconscious, without any kind of communication to the world around them…” – Those words were harsh and yet very clear, my blondie said them in a brilliant pace. I watched as Kurt’s blue eyes went quickly from side to side, exploring his contender.

“You’ve got some nerve, boy, this man must really mean a lot to you…” – He said contemplating the redness building in Andy’s delicate features, his temper was usually very calm, but when someone stepped on his toes, he clearly knew how to defend his opinion.

“He means the world to me, actually” – Andy grabbed my hand, looking back at Kurt – “What if you were given the chance to finally do something that can make a difference? Sure there will be serious consequences if you accept this offer, but they do come with a wonderful reward” – My boyfriend simply showed my magnificent stance, exposing my body like he was actually selling a car.

“You’ll also have all this power, you’ll be capable to protect those who need you, even if they are not aware of their own needs, because that’s what being a Pantheon truly means, and if nature’s chosen you, there must be a greater meaning for your life…” – Andy extended his hand towards Kurt’s, and the botanical stared at me for a second, than his thin wrinkling lips grew in a curvy grin – “I’m in!” – That’s all he said, firmly shaking Andy’s hand, who just smiled, placing my massive paw on top of the new prospective member.

“I can’t believe my very eyes! The guy actually made this recruitment!” – Roger exclaimed, nodding his head along with a big smile.

The flight back home felt much sadder than I anticipated, what could have been a real muscle orgy with three massive muscle titans trying to stabilize from the intense optimization, turned out to be just me and Andy, with the blondie sat atop of my chest, looking at my serious face. We stood like that for almost the whole flight, no foreplay, no sexual meaning, but we kept so close, our skins actually ached for a real touch, but I was still in mission, no time for fun.

“I’m so hard right now, just being with you, but seeing that your eyes are missing the usual glow helps me from attacking those divine muscles…” – He leaned atop of me, looking for my lips, which welcomed him warmly, but I couldn’t help thinking in all the events. Rhodes is still at loose, while Samson and the twins had to be shut down for their own security. Pantheon never had faced such a terrible threat before. Whatever has been capable of neutralizing three agents truly represented a menace.

“No more secrets, no more solitude, Matt, just share it with me, I know I’m not as smart or computer standard fast as you are, but I am willing to help you!” – He held my face between his thin arms; the shine on his smile was sincere, caring. That was my soulmate, I knew that for a long time, but this affirmation actually made me feel complete.

I told Andy everything about Samson and his mysterious last message, the enigma which kept puzzling my powerful cerebral computerized technology – “That was not a truncated message to the Agent; it was a sincere request from one friend to another.” – Andrew considered this for one moment, looking at my huge nipples while his mind worked.

I simply adjusted my grip on Andrew, allowing him to feel more comfortable next to my chest, while he pondered. The whole situation could only be simpler than it appeared to be, this is always the best to hide information from enemies. – “What are the enemy forces of Pantheon?” – I barely heard his question, although I did have actually “listened” to the sound of his voice.

“Every single force that brings oppression into a minority…” – I replied automatically, just to regret my mechanical reaction – “True wisdom relies not in the answers given, but in the questions to be made”. Andy’s delicate interruption turned into a smile – “Think Matthew, don’t look for the answer, look for the proper question, what are the greatest enemies from Pantheon?”

“Usually, our most fearsome enemies come not from marginal stances, but right from conventional organizations. Although public opinion is favorable to our performances and results, most of conservative groups of interest are against the ideal of having “a super powered gay men league watching our every step.” – I let the thought flow from my head through my lips.

“Yes, I remember seeing the protests against the sexuality of the agents. Usually those groups are very strong in politics, which brings them to Governments” – Andy made me think deeper, even though he couldn’t keep up with me, the mere exercise of dialoguing with him caused my brain to look for different possibilities.

“Governments are always very suspicious when it comes to the Pantheon, they do recognize our importance, but can’t help to fear someday we’ll just take over their power, the advances our society reached recently were possible undeniably thanks to the efforts of the Pantheon forces.” – I commented with the voice tone of a politics analyst.

“I assume Pantheon must keep a strong surveillance regime under the possible trouble focus, such as regional confrontation, civil wars and things like that huh? Don’t you think those groups would try to counter attack your intervention? You also have to realize that most of people are not aware of the truth on the agents, your structure, and especially, they don’t know exactly what you are!” – Andy unintentionally gave me the way to think.

As student of the international dynamics, I understand the aura of insecurity our much superior capabilities inspire over the normal men, this is a healthy concern fearing that some day Pantheon will create some kind of technocracy in which we’ll establish absolute domination through our superior power, but what they just can’t understand is that we don’t want to take over their precious world, we just want to help out, we have other worries, other needs, we don’t want to enslave weak humans, we only want them to accept us – “They don’t know what we really are…” – The brainstorm hit me with such intensity, suddenly I had seen the many possible scenarios, but the most probable almost made me vomit right there. Whatever the truth was I had to make sure of the possible variations before I could act.

When the plane landed, the crew already prepared to take the shut down agents into deeper evaluation. Andy and Kurt were taken to the waiting room while I looked for Hades, already preparing to defend for my latest acts, but instead it was Zeus who greeted me.

“Hades was sent to attend another disappearance crisis” – He said in a grave voice – “We’ve got three more runaway agents. Agents Cromwell and Yamamoto, from the second generation and… Poseidon”

I listened to Zeus words – “The way Rhodes escaped it was very probable to happen. Why Poseidon left his stance? Elders are not expected to be assigned for missions.”

“He said he wanted to feel useful again, with all the trouble we were facing his experience would be leverage against the unknown…” – Zeus’ tone was really depressed.

“Have they been located yet?”

“Not yet, but we are tracking down their systems not directly but filtrating them from any technology in the globe, which should take longer, but is surely more effective” – he looked into my eyes – “They’re slipping through our fingers Spartan, we’ve got to stop it, I don’t want to shut down another companion!”

“Sir, I have a theory, but we have to make sure every other option is also taken in account. Where are the third generation agents?” – For one moment, my strong leader seemed fragile in my view, but that only made me admire him even more.

“Magnus’s on his way here, Onyx and Zion had also been contacted but they’re safe at the Academy, I instructed them to remain there because it’s our safest installation…” – He indicated me the screen with the location of those agents, while I kept thinking about the possibilities.

“Spartan, the staff members told me you affirm to have located an overlooked prospective member, how come you are so sure?” – Zeus asked me, once again his voice filling with hope.

“At first I thought it was just hunch, but now I’m sure I could detect the Dashwood factor on his Y gene, my sensors actually captured the proteic signature left on his anabolic reactions” – I knew that Zeus was the only one who could understand what I felt. His eyes glowed in proud.

“All these years, I’ve thought about how many wonderful men whose lives I could have changed, now you give me the best news, you’re aware of locating prospective members without the estimations of my studies; this just opens a new era of Pantheon! We know age is not an issue for Pantheon’s agent, but I’m sure that the third generation technology is capable of much more!”

I looked down at Zeus, all this time still at level 13 optimization really made things be seen in a different perspective – that was the biggest non-optimized agent in the whole Pantheon, but he was so thrilled with my developments, I really couldn’t understand to that very moment. I suddenly felt myself hugging my leader, a friendly almost sonly hug, I looked into his eyes – “We have already one overlooked to welcome…”

I heard Kurt’s sharp comments through the thick wall of the waiting room. He had been asking Andy a whole bunch of stuff about our life together. Zeus remained at the medical room while I finally entered – “Enough chit-chat with my man, soon you’ll find out everything about a Pantheon! We’ve got like 20 years to cover!” – I said easily grabbing Kurt from the couch, while Andy blew me a kiss – “I guess I’ll phone Winston to get me…”

“You sure you don’t want to witness it? I thought you’d love that!” – I asked suddenly intrigued. The view of the muscle growth was sure one of the hottest things to witness.

“I would really love that, but we can’t take any chances, we don’t know how you might react to me getting excited with your growing partner, your friends need you completely focused, I now should really get home, waiting for your to come back home successful like you’ve done for almost two years…” – His words made my heart sink inside my chest, but he was absolutely right. The effect of Andy in my body, in my mind, was always so profound; we couldn’t take no chances of me losing control again.

I grabbed him, kissing his lips as briefly as I could to avoid making him cum. He looked up at my humongous height, grinned – “Good luck Kurt and I’ll see you at home, muscles”

“Well, isn’t it just beautiful?” – Kurt said resting his elbow over my shoulders – “You two really make a cute couple…”

The blurring image of Magnus passing through the corridors cut our conversation, I immediately followed right after him, even though most of the narrow spaces got destroyed with my immense bulk running over 50 miles per hour indoors.

Magnus didn’t care either for me nor the commotion I caused, he went just to the area where we were keeping Samson, Castor and Polux. He stood between the bodies of the brothers – For the first time in my agent life, I saw Magnus’ expression completely sad, no smart grin, just a clear sadness, to the very point of despair. I put my hand on his shoulder and he held it without taking his eyes from the lying brothers.

“Matt, these are the men of my life, what started with me fooling around with twin brothers, turned into such a deep love for each one of them, I never actually could chose just one, that’s why I had to broke up with them, now they’re both in this state! This is not fair! I…” – the tears rolled from his face, I hugged him against my much bigger body.

“You’ll help me getting them back on their feet. I need you in this mission more than ever! I said firmly hugging my friend as retribution for his support towards me the times I needed him. Magnus quickly regained his stance – “You tell me what to do boss!”

“Well, I’ve got this little overlooked guy here to join us, we’ll need every help we can especially from a third generation rookie” – I said gently shaking Kurt’s tiny figure who just kept being carried up and down.

“Yeah, you’ve already told me that part, you think you can convert me any time within this second? I’m tired of being carried away like an old bag!” – He commented saluting Magnus – “So you were banging with the twin monsters huh? You’re one of a kind…” – he blinked, suddenly Magnus was back in action – “We’ll have to check that once you’re off for stabilization, grandpa…”

Finally we were at the medical area, where the staff members had already got everything set up for the new interaction, even though that was a sudden recruitment, they managed to prepare everything in record time. I didn’t think I’d see Zeus there, but the majestic presence of Pantheon’s founder proved me wrong.

I gently put the overlooked carrier at the medical table, where he was quickly surrounded by the medical staff, they took his blood and tissue samples in order to start the proceedings, during all the invasive harvesting of samples Kurt said nothing, he just had his eyes focused on Zeus’ impressive figure, even though I was by fat taller and more massive than our leader, the look of authority, the aura of leadership and nobility clearly made him stand among the agents. What really caught my attention was the fact that Zeus actually “missed” the opportunity to introduce himself, something that he never seems to fail, however, once I’ve corrected this apparent mistake, Kurt’s big blue eyes turned into two giant sapphire gems.

“p-Professor Dashwood, is that you?” – The words barely whispered as the soon-to-be agent suddenly gasped with surprise.

Zeus’ grin finally blossomed – “Yes, Herr Braun, it’s me alright” – the leader approached this tiny guy, gently holding his petite hand – “And yes, I remember you very well, a long time ago, when I used to be Sedgwick, your Biochemistry Professor”

Kurt’s look was shocked – “You were dead, I went to your funerals…”

“I’m sure a dedicate student like you would pay a last tribute to your former master. You were a very promising pupil, however, once I started the project of a lifetime, Sedgwick Dashwood had to be gone to give place to Zeus…” – The gracious massive man smiled once more – “I offer you my apologies, I know that being deceived by someone you regarded so much is not a pleasant feeling, but trust me Kurt, I had to do it. I had to protect all those I cared about, including my favorite student…”

“Professor…I don’t know what to say…” – Kurt finally concluded.

“Now, that’s something new… Big mouth over here is suddenly silent?” – I gently pet Kurt’s head with my pinky finger – “Zeus, I can finally say now that the reason why Kurt felt so special and familiar to me…”

“Is the fact that you have not only acquired but incorporated my personal databank to your archives, you didn’t actually remember Kurt because you actually never knew him, but I sure did, and somehow you knew it – but it still doesn’t diminish the fact that you’ve tracked the carrier condition in his organism, even if he is an overlooked” – That was the voice of a father who couldn’t be more proud of his son, his smile gave me the energy to always be loyal to that man.

Zeus knelled in front of Kurt – “I just wanted you to know that, back then, there was simply no way for me to find out we shared this condition, to find out the first ones it took me lots of effort, plus I didn’t have your material…”

“Professor, I don’t blame you, I mean, you had your projects, I don’t think I would have been a good agent back then. Thing is I’ve always miscarried everything in my life, it was you who showed me how to focus properly, when you “passed away” I finally could explore all my options, I visited the world and I took the time to grow as a man. Even during the terrible moments, I learned to rely on my inner strength, for that I’m thankful…Now, I can finally understand why your agents are so united, so bonded. They had the same wonderful master as me.”

I’ve never seen Zeus blushing before, he was always the commander, the authority, but lately I could each time see more humanity pouring from his soul, which only made me realize the importance of balance (and to me balance meant Andy). I knew Zeus was too emotionally involved with this guy to proceed with the protocol, so I took the liberty.

“Kurt Braun, do you swear loyalty to the Pantheon, and accept the changes it’ll cause at your life?” The prospective member looked at Zeus who smiled, reinforcing his total satisfaction for such acquisition to our troops.

“Then it’s done, the man you were up to this day no longer exists, you’ll become a Pantheon member” – Zeus announced, gently making him lay on the interaction table.

“Sir, we are ready to undergo the interaction process…” – Roger informed with the usual excitement of another upcoming recruitment. Kurt’s eyes looked at everything with extreme attention, as we held his arms and legs at the table, our bulging muscles, even the impressive non-optimized figure of Magnus made him realize that his life was about to change forever. We stood there watching his noticeable discomfort for a few seconds, until Zeus finally announced.

“Welcome to the Pantheon…” – the machine brought the syringes lower, slowly they pierced his body at the same time, the thick gel content was liberated. Kurt winced in pain, his discomfort seemed a bit longer than our previous subjects.

“His organism already has lots of adjustments to be made by the nanos, he wasn’t very healthy, his condition is eventually stabilizing but this will be a rough ride for him…” – Roger announced with sad eyes, monitoring his data.

Kurt moaned louder, his muscles cramped in big bulging knots, he poured like he was back in the rain forest. Twisting around, desperately trying to rip off the restraints, he kept struggling with his pain.

I looked for the expression of Zeus, he knew that an older subject meant more risks; he must have passed through the same situation – which meant his body must also know how to behave. I approached Kurt who was about to cry for help. I held his tiny forehead, gently laying my lips on his feverish skin. I lowered my kiss down to his moist lips, trying to be as gentle as I could.

The effect surprised me, I mentally established contact with Kurt’s interacting chips, they were already improving his body and capabilities. Our eyes opened at the same time. The grin returned to his lips, no longer he cried in pain, his body adapted faster to the adaptation period. I thought Kurt was yet not ready for a “Spartan kiss”, but there was no other way to finish his training with the speed we needed. •