《Genesis Re: The Hollow》


 Arc X

    In the year 2030, 1000 years ago. The earth convulsed into a monstrous tremor that ripped across the globe. The ground, once a source of stability, became hundreds of chasms; gaping like holes that swallowed large sections of land. Our cities crumpled in a terrifying ballet of dust and debris within seconds into the core of our planet losing millions, if not billions of people in the process. This wasn''t just a mere earthquake- no; it was a systematic dismantling, a horrifying display of raw, elemental power...


    Mother Nature at it''s most gruesome.


    The horror unfolded over a few agonizing years. Each tremor, a death sentence for another piece of humanity''s world and a warning for what was to come. Soon after our ozone layers depleted, water was a hit or miss- radiation warming the skies and with oxygen becoming so little... Even the children could not survive. It only continued to get worse when the nuclear reactors collapsed- poisoning the air, and scarring the landscape as whole... adding to the already fractured pieces of our planet,Earth.


    Factories that once stood as a symbol of ''progress'' now stood as desolates husks- spewing toxic fumes into an already dying atmosphere. Humanity was on the verge of extinction. But with the foresight of humanities scientist; envisioned a project, led by the visionary E.M and the combined might of NASA, to prepare humanity''s escape. A colossal exodus that was orchestrated as the greatest migration in human history. One million souls, chosen for their skills and resilience, ushered aboard a colossal starship, ''Arc X'', humanity''s last desperate gamble for survival with technology that could nearly reach the speed of light- leaving behind a world ravaged by its own ingenuity.


    Earth, the cradle of human civilization, had become a wasteland unfit for human life and for a thousand years the refugees of what we called home, journeyed through the cold embrace of space, carrying with them the flickering flame of humanity and the haunting memory of a home forever lost. This exodus, this desperate escape from the event they called, ''The Hollow'', had ripped everything we''ve ever known from right under our feet as a millennium has passed and now we- the remnants of a once-great civilization, are scattered across Sol''s solar system.


    Earth''s moon, Mars, and here- on the icy plains of Titan, Saturn''s largest moon.


    We''ve established our foothold here on Titan.Kairos; a massive domed city from flying cars to hovering skateboards and towering buildings made from Titanian Glass- a special sand found here on the moon and a rarity for the dangers it carries receiving it. Nonetheless- it was beautiful when crafted properly. Though translucent, its hue shifted from purple to pink and sometimes yellow in the sun, if its in the right place. It made my city shimmer and the only thing to admire on a moon as wild as this.


    In the center of Kairos sat the largest structure what we call ''X-HQ'', the successor to SpaceX and our command center for humanity. X was a beacon of hope in this alien expanse and top in its scientific discovery yet, even as we celebrate triumphs like today- the question still remains. Given all of these luxuries we have, what is our purpose now? We strive to terraform this hostile moon while clinging on to the hope of recreating some semblance of a the home we destroyed but, is this truly ahome? Or merely a means to survive in the vast cosmic wilderness?


    My head spins with these thoughts as I, Atlas Hawthorne, stand on the stage at X-HQ facing hundreds of expectant eyes in a theatre specially made for these honoring events. Today, I am lauded for my ''adversity.'' A meaningless word in the face of our daily struggles. Infrastructural failures, scientists vanishing into the abyss, encounters with alien life both wondrous and terrifying-Titan, the feral moon thats often unforgiving and unpredictable, making days like this seem almost tedious.


    And yet, despite the fortune that falls on me today- We as humans? Have no one to blame but ourselves, being stuck here. The public says humanity fell due to global warming or our insatiable greed for ''money and power,'' prioritizing profit over the planet''s well-being. Some even whisper it was God''s judgment, a cleansing of the Earth and its inhabitants. But no scripture, no historical record ever spoke of a divine wrath like this; Our home planet is now a hollowed shell no matter the reason, a chilling reminder of our folly insignificance in a universe as vast as this. Doing the same things we''ve done before, here, on a moon millions of kilometers away.


    It really makes me wonder if humanity can ever really change.


    A sigh escapes my lips as the General''s voice drones on. His words were a distant echo against the backdrop of my troubled thoughts, standing on this stage at attention. We are a people adrift, haunted by the ghosts of our past. But perhaps, in this adversity, in this... relentless struggle for survival- we can forge a new path. Maybe even find redemption- not in rebuilding what was lost, but in creating something better. Something worthy of the sacrifices made. After all... the future of humanity rests on our shoulders and on this alien moon? We must rise to the challenge, or fade into oblivion.


    This much we do know.


    ''I wish I''d been born in a different era,''or at the very least, into a different family. Being the daughter of the scientists who pioneered the Human Geno-Modification Program has been a curse disguised as a blessing. It has been unnatural, even inhumane- this science. Built upon discoveries made here on Titan, they managed to create a serum that can rewrite the human genome with a single injection over the course of 10 years. The power to reshape someone''s very essence was a terrifying concept, and it sickens me to know that I, along with five others, are a result of such experimentation.


    Five survivors out of 100.


    Ninety-Five lives sacrificed on the altar of scientific ambition. Some say its admirable and it is those people that enrage me. That they, my parents, would choose their own daughter as a test subject let alone Ninety-Nine others... But they made it clear from the start: Ever since I was born, I was merely a means to an end. X''s "gift" to a dying humanity though our proprietor''s never treated me anything less than human as my parents have as I peered to the crowd before me.


    Standing on this stage, I feel the weight of their hopes and dreams pressing down on me. They have even convinced me that I, along with my five fellow survivors, represent humanity''s last chance. But as I stare out at the sea of faces, all eagerly anticipating news of our next dangerous mission, a wave of exhaustion washed over me and not from the lack of sleep. Though It made me conclude that one cup of coffee will NEVER be enough and whoever spread that lie clearly never faced the soul-crushing tedium of a general''s briefing and drowned out thoughts.


    I closed my eyes, fighting back the fatigue. My mind sluggish- struggling to keep up with the general''s monotonous drone as he began the lists of names of those who came before us. The ones we would be commanding.''It''s time.''I tell myself, straightening my posture and looking down the line to see Nova, my friend and teammate, offering me a reassuring nod, mouthing message:"We got this, Atlas..."


    A small smile tugged at my lips. Despite the burden I carry, the knowledge that I''m not alone in this fight gives me strength. Together, along with the other 4 are team '' Alpha-Elites'' bearing the weight of a broken world on our shoulders, one injection at a time. And we will face whatever challenges come our way, for the sake of the future and for the sake of humanity''s survival. For we have no other choice. Though, despite the weight of our existence, life hadn''t been all bleak.


    Nova, my beautiful blonde-bestie and most trusted confidant has become more family to me than the scientists who created me. She''s a force of nature, equally adept at wielding a spear as she is with an AR but both kind and generous in equal measure. We''ve been inseparable since the beginning of the HGMP treatment, nearly ten Earth Years ago with nine years of shared trials and triumphs that has forged an unbreakable bond between us. Now, as graduates of X''s grueling program, we face our true purpose:


    To terraform Earth.


    "Now I will introduce the team leading the Terraforming Excursion that will be escorting our scientists to Earth-" The general paused, his gaze settling on me with a snide grin. "Number 1, will you please step up." I nodded and saluted crisply, the crowd erupting in applause from their star pupil- me, apparently. "Number 2, please step up." Grey Beckett, the general''s son, emerged from the ranks. Strong and imposing as he stood next to me. I could hear the women swoon over him in the crowd- an annoying prospect though he was an attractive man, I had to admit. But thoughts of romance were a dangerous distraction in our line of work; where our life expectancy was the equivalent of a fly''s and no more.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Number 3, please step up." It was Tommy Gorm- our demolitions expert. I watched him lumber forward in the corner of my eye. He was a man of few words, his bulky frame and scruffy brown hair hinting at a quiet intensity. I couldn''t tell if his silence was a blessing or a curse as the General continued announcing the remainder of my leads, "Number 4, please step up" I couldn''t help but grin, Nova E-Stranza. My best friend, my rock, my confidante. Her kindness and unwavering spirit had carried me through the darkest days of the HGMP treatments. She was a beacon of hope and a kind reminder that even in the face of unimaginable pain, humanity could adapt and endure, feeling her energy radiate as the crowds began to bellow our names. "And finally, Number 5." Sir Emmet Buckley. Ahh, sweet Emmet. Our gentle medic who possessed a vast array of skills from computer hacking to curing even the most difficult of diseases. He had become the heart of our team, patching us up and keeping us sane in the weeks since we''d been assembled.


    I couldn''t help but smile. Buckley, the gentle soul made it to the final treatment as the general continued his speech. I couldn''t shake the feeling that we were lambs being led to the slaughter nevertheless five survivors endured and is now tasked with the impossible. Though when I slightly glanced at my teammates, a flicker of defiance ignited within me. We were not just numbers, not just experiments. We were humanity''s last hope, and we would fight for our right to exist- to reclaim our home, no matter the cost and you''d think with all of this in common with each other, we would have ample time to get to know our team, wouldn''t you? But I will assure you that is not the case.


    Between my parents'' relentless modification projects, X''s military command program, and AI enhanced training- a final, cruel project before sending us off to our potential deaths, I''ve barely had a moment to breathe, let alone bond. Thankful that Nova still loved me, though I still tasted of headache and chaos. No matter, we saluted, snapping back into formation, as the general droned on. His words fading into a meaningless hum as my thoughts drifted. What awaited us on Earth? What horrors had taken root in our absence? I couldn''t help but glance at my teammates, their faces a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. They were blissfully unaware of the true nature of our mission, the monstrous reality that awaited them.


    Only Grey, the hire-ups, my parents, and I had seen the footage captured from Earth''s ravaged surface. Gigantic, mutated insects, resembling praying mantises on a nightmarish scale, now ruling the planet. Apex predators, born from the toxic fallout of our own destruction that evolved into a terrifying force over the past century. And that wasn''t even accounting for the other unknown dangers lurking in the ruins of our once-familiar world- like the massive holes that consumed it.


    A sigh escaped my lips, and I shifted my weight. The pressure building in my chest when suddenly, a wave of applause jolted me back to the present. I instinctively saluted again with the others, hearing us be dismissed from the stage as the crowd dispersed, leaving me standing amidst the fading echoes of the general''s speech, behind the stage with the others. "Oh my gosh, Atlas, did you hear that?" Seeing our men merge into their cliques as Nova''s voice cut through my thoughts. She snapped her fingers in front of my face a few times to capture my attention though I still felt in a daze. "Atlassss!"


    I blinked, offering her a weary smile. "Yes, Nova..." She grabbed my shoulders, her enthusiasm infectious enough to make me grin. "We get specialized weapons!" She exclaimed, her eyes shining with an excitement I had yet to see from her. "Tailored to us and this mission-" her lips curled into a devilish smile, "-made fromNova steel." She hummed. The mention of the valuable mineral piquing my interest. I raised an eyebrow, regretting the moments I''d spent lost in thought instead of paying attention. "Yeah? Got your attention now don''t I? Get this... Power energy dispersers!" Nova continued, bouncing on her toes. "It should help us keep the noise down from predators and any lingering threats AND wipe out a group of insurgents in one swipe... I can''t wait to try it!"


    I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. What kind of weapons had they deemed necessary to equip us with? If only I knew X''s true motives and the thoughts that lay beyond the council as I watched General Beckett stride towards us, his voice cutting through the chatter. "Number 1. 2, with me." He barked and with a roll of my eye I nod to my compatriots- Nova giving me an encouraging pat on the back before following the General and his son into whatever doom they were leading me to next.


    -


    I trailed behind them, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. The unknown awaited, and with it, the terrifying truth of what Earth had become. "Atlas, the scientists are priority, do you understand?" The general''s voice echoed down the long corridor, his back turned as he led us deeper into the heart of the facility. The bright white lights were blinding in reflection of the metal lined hallway. Poorly decorated if I might add, "Yes sir-" I exclaimed, though the place itself wasn''t entirely unfamiliar. The labyrinth of locked doors and winding staircases hinted at a level of secrecy which was one I hadn''t encountered before as we reached an elevator that took us deep into Titans core.


    There was a Floor marked ''02'', guarded by a formidable metal door. I watched as a thin beam of golden light scanned the general face in both directions before it slid open with a hiss of pressurized air, "Welcome, General." A disembodied voice announced, the words swallowed by the rush of air entering a highly illuminated sterile room. I looked around unbelieved by the level of technology before my eyes and knew exactly what this room was- It was a testing facility.


    For more than just ''New Tech.''


    Beyond housed two teams of scientists hunched over consoles along the edge of the room with a cylindrical glass in the center, flanking a pair of empty beds. My parents, engrossed in their work, barely acknowledged my arrival standing outside the glass chamber with their devices in hand. A wave of disappointment washed over me that was quickly replaced by irritation as I noticed the general in hushed conversation with his son.


    "This is highly classified," he whispered, a pointed glance in my direction. I bristled, my hands clasped behind my back as I faced the glassed room with animosity. Despite being designated as Number 1, I was constantly left in the dark. The general''s blatant favoritism towards Grey was no secret, but it still stung. How am I supposed to become a better leader with this level of adversity? I could feel my eyebrows furrow as I panned over and saw Grey''s eyes flicker towards me, a sign of something unreadable in their depths, before he turned back to his father.


    "Yes, sir. Of course." Grey assured him, his voice loud enough for me to hear. "I will watch our team closely and be wary of each individual." I scoffed inwardly. The general''s distrust of me was palpable, his constant critiques of my "incompetence" during training thinly veiled attempts to elevate his son. It was a game I refused to play, choosing silence over confrontation. "Of course, sir, this part of the mission will be kept highly confidential." Grey continued, casting a wink in my direction. The general responded with a curt nod, leaving me with a bitter taste in my mouth as I watched him turn to me- his voice sharp. "Make sure to follow orders." He snarled.


    But I couldn''t help but grin and salute stiffly, "Yes, sir!" I replied as the General moved to confer with the scientists, seeing my parents finally approach. "Atlas, this is the final stage." My mother stated, her voice cold and distant. "Melding the human body with Artificial Intelligence- I hope you''re prepared, as we''ve advised..." Her arms remained crossed, her pale eyes reflecting a chilling detachment that always left me feeling empty.Does she even love me?I wondered, a familiar ache settling in my chest.


    My father, his expression equally stoic, pushed his glasses up his nose with a single finger. He said nothing- his attention focused on the device he attached to my temple, humanity''s latest marvel; a combination MRI, ECG, CT Scan and heart monitor, a testament to our technological advancements even in the face of near-extinction nicknamed ''M.E.C.H'' as he gestured towards one of the beds, his voice as clinical as the room itself. "Please, lay on the bed."


    No greeting, no warmth, just a command. I brushed past them, my heart heavy, and entered the glass room with Grey as we both laid down on the familiar cold surfaces. Another experiment, another day in the life of Atlas, only this time I wasn''t completely alone as I closed my eyes, a deep breath anchoring me to the present feeling the familiar sting of the needle and the cold bite of antiseptic. Mere precursors to the agony I knew was coming.


    Choice had never been a luxury in my life; all I could do was endure, adapt, and hope to emerge stronger on the other side. This relentless cycle forging me into the battle hardened warrior I was today, but it didn''t make the pain any less agonizing. "Hold still..." My father''s voice, devoid of any warmth, cut through the sterile silence of the lab as I watched a surgical robot descended from the ceiling, its metallic limbs poised like a spider ready to strike. I turned to take one last look at Grey- stiff beside me, his unease mirroring my own.


    He glanced at me briefly, and I offered a cold smile in return.''It''ll be okay.''my thoughts reflected through my eyes, seeing him nod as if he read my mind before turning back to the metal spider before him. I closed my eyes again, steeling myself for the inevitable as relaxed myself and felt another needle pierce my neck. It was then my mind began to falter, the world around me blurring at the edges hearing the glass door close behind. "Let us begin" My mothers monotone voice filled the speakers of the lab, hearing the whirring of a drill inch closer to me. My heart raced as the sensation of the robot drilling into my forehead was a fleeting- sharp burst of pain followed by a merciful descent...


    -into oblivion.

 HELIX

    When I woke, it was to a world both familiar and utterly alien. My eyes stung... A relentless throbbing in my head that had reminded me of my early days with the HGMP treatments as I rubbed my temples. The weight of my own skull felt strangely amplified but oddly sore. Sitting up, I realized the sterile testing lab had vanished and was now confined within a transparent box with a white solitary bed as its only furnishing.


    I rose slowly and approached the glass, pressing my fingertips against it gently. The only thing I remembered was Grey''s face- his fear painted vividly in my mind as I stood trying to withhold my grogginess. I took a moment to lean against the thick glass... I felt dizzy, my vision fluctuating between an unkind darkness and a sickening reality as my eyes began to focus and sharpen at an accelerating rate.


    It made me pause and hold my breath, "Wha-" I widened in disbelief when a computer interface flickered to life in my vision, overlaying the reality of my glass prison with a digital grid and highlighting the rooms dimensions with vivid detail. My eyes... Sprung to life, revealing the unnerving truth: I was suspended in a glass box against an inky void.


    "Night vision would''ve been helpful," I muttered in a whisper and as if in response, my vision shifted again, highlighting the shadowy figures of the scientists observing me from beyond the darkness. ''So, they are keeping us in the dark...'' I thought, a bitter taste rising in my throat. The golden highlighted silhouettes now bore names hovering above them, a cruel reminder of the voyeuristic nature of my existence- being a lab rat, a spectacle.


    I strained my eyes, trying to focus and with a jolt, my vision sharpened, their highlighted silhouettes now presenting them in a new light. It was like having X-ray vision - I could see the scientist''s major arteries pulsing, their heart beating- their vulnerable areas highlighted in an eerie red. It was ''Incredible.'' I thought, glancing at another glass box beside my own, where Grey lay motionless.


    I was bewildered that he hadn''t woken up as I turned my attention back to the scientist in the darkened room. "I see you-" I declared... and as if on cue, the lights flickered on, illuminating the room outside the glass box. I scanned the area and it was completely empty. Only 2 glass boxes containing Grey and I and the energy barrier separating the scientists between us. I couldn''t help but feel offended, but the emotion suddenly vanished when I flexed my fist in frustration and became hyper-aware of my body.


    My muscles, tendons, blood, everything working in perfect harmony. I instantly felt my senses were heightened and could identify at least fourteen chemicals in the lab air with a single deep breath as I peered at the scientist, my parents, frozen silent. I rapped on the glass, "Hey-" but my touch was unexpectedly forceful. The simple knock reverberated through the box like a thunderclap, humming the inside with an instantly that made me cover my ears and pause.


    When the vibrating stopped I stared at my hand in disbelief. ''What...'' My strength had clearly increased, flexing my fingers one by one into a fist and felt my body respond with this enhanced power. "Unnatural." I muttered, turning towards the scientists with a malicious glare. But upon looking at them.. I saw my own reflection- I looked closer and noticed my genetically altered purple eyes now had a mesmerizing golden rim encircling the pupil- shimmering against my white hair.


    I felt a surge of conflicting emotions - defeated, yet strangely empowered. But all I wanted was to be back in my quarters. "You gunna let me out?" I asked, but the scientist remained unmoved, their fingers tapping away at their devices in awe at the spectacle. Me. "This isn''t a zoo." I reiterated, my hands trembling with rising anger when a voice echoed through the lab that snapped me out of my rage. "Hello, Atlas." I stopped and looked around frantically, bewildered. Has the experiment gone wrong? Was I losing my mind?


    "The procedure went well and you are not crazy, Commander. I am Helix, an Integrative AI."


    My jaw dropped and I looked down at my hands, "You''re in my head?" I asked, searching the room for speakers or devices, but found nothing. "I am here - within the cortex of your brain." the AI declared. I paused, recalling my last debriefing though Helix didn''t wait long to respond to my thoughts, projecting images of the files, and mentions of his development scattered across my vision.


    "Stop." I commanded, and the images vanished, replaced by a pulsating golden circle. "My apologies, as you can see, I am the future of humanity-" The AI paused and corrected himself, "We- are the future of humanity." I tilted my head, considering his words. "The future, huh?" I echoed, turning back to my parents with a menacing resolve. "Commander, your cortisol and adrenaline levels are rising. I advise you to -"


    "You should stop advising..." I interrupted, balling my fist to test my newfound strength. My hand shot out in an earth shattering punch, rupturing the thick glass into shards that rained down on me as Helix reappeared in my vision. "That is one strategy- proved effective and noted for the future." Helix remarked as I strode towards my parents.


    "Explain." I ordered, watching my mother lower her pad. "We did not raise you to be a brute, Atlas. Control yourself." She exclaimed as I scoffed and gritted, "You didn''t raise me at all..." Under my teeth. I shrugged and turned to leave, but realized... Grey had finally stirred. I stopped mid-journey and saw him stand before the shattered glass, his gaze locked on his reflection. I watched as he pulled down his eyelid and inspected his pupil, before looking at the state of my own boxed cell.


    Though we shared the same purple striking eye color due to HGMP, his hair was the polar opposite to my own. His neck length and black as night while mine was long and white as snow. Two distinct opposites, both raised in this sterile, controlled, militaristic environment as such... for all the commonalities we do have, we knew each other so very little as I started to wonder what the rest of our differences may be.


    Although I did find myself grinning when I watched him mimicking my earlier action by punching through the glass of his box almost instantly and without hesitation. The sounds of raining shards filled the room as I turned to my parents with a raised brow. "Looks like brutes are all over the place." I remarked with a smirk before turning away to leave that wretched lab behind- against orders but for better judgment as I found myself in my private quarters.


    The first order of business? Shedding my clothes. I stripped down in the middle of my bathroom and started the shower as I waited for the water to heat up. I couldn''t help but notice my physical changes looking at myself in the mirror. My muscles were broader, but still subtle as I leaned in to examine myself closely, checking areas I typically wouldn''t - my back, my thighs, my backside...


    There wasn''t a dramatic transformation, but a definite difference seeing in the circled scars at the back of my neck and my forehead. They were small indents from the ''experiment'' as I sighed and looked back at myself before entering the shower, "Helix..." I sighed outThe author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He appeared in my vision. "Yes, Commander Atlas?" I stood there, water droplets glistening on my skin, still trying to process the implications of this AI residing within my mind as I felt a slight tinge on my neck and forehead. "Tell me about yourself, Helix." I said, turning to face the pulsating shower head as warm water cascaded over me, washing away the tension, confusion, and pain.


    "I am an Integrative AI designed to form bonds with humans. Our partnership has mutual benefits. Would you like me to elaborate?" Its voice resonated within my thoughts and began wondering about the endless paperwork and protocols that were probably associated with this groundbreaking creation. "Enlighten me." I replied as my curiosity piqued.


    "Very well. My capabilities include enhancing the human body, monitoring your health in real-time, tracking life forms, and adapting to your combat needs-" He started listing a seemingly endless stream of benefits for me, but none for himself as I paused. Hearing the rhythmic sound of the shower momentarily drowning out my own thoughts .


    "And what about you, Helix?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. There was a momentary silence, then he reappeared in my vision, superimposed over the steamy shower door right in the middle of my hair washing. "I get to experience what you humans call ''life,'' through yours and Commander Beckett''s eyes."


    I looked down, soap suds swirling around my feet while thinking about my counterpart. I wondered how he was handling all this - the AI, the newfound abilities, the isolation of being one of five and now, one of two. I readjusted my stance under the warm spray and looked forward again, continuing to rinse my hair. "How is that beneficial to you?" I asked, washing my body as the realization dawned on me once again that Grey and I are now pioneers, the first to undergo this extraordinary treatment.


    "It helps me... help you."


    Helix responded, his voice echoing in the confines of my mind. I couldn''t help but feel a flicker of intrigue as a small and genuine smile grew on my lips. Though the process was unconventional, to say the least, the gift I had received was already proving fruitful as Helix continued announcing his and my parents'' intentions. I turned off the shower and its voice amplified against the quiet hum of the bathroom''s ventilation system as I reached for a plush towel and wrapped it around my chest, seeing as my mind couldn''t help but wander from discussion yet again.''Maybe I should check on him.'' I thought, my mind drifting back to Grey again.


    After all, we were in this together. For someone who didn''t know my parents as well as I did, this could be a terrifying and isolating experience. I thought of Helix, and as if on cue, he materialized fully in my vision. "Shall I contact him for you?" Helix asked as my calming smile turned into a cold dissent.


    "It''s weird that you can hear my thoughts." I said out loud, the words hanging in the air of my still-steamy bathroom as the soft glow of the overhead lights reflected off the damp tiles, highlighting me in the process. I stood there, towel-clad and contemplative while awaiting its answer.


    "My apologies, Atlas. I don''t want to cause you discomfort. Thus, I will come when you ask me to." He vanished from my sight, and I closed my eyes in frustration... thats not what I meant. "No,  Helix-" It reappeared instantly, his familiar golden glow filling my vision yet again. "Yes, Atlas?" It hummed patiently as I sighed out. ''It was like training a dog'',  my thoughts purely charged by my new counterpart. "Can Grey and I... speak to each other, privately?" As Helix processed the request.


    "Of course. Another benefit that comes with HELIX is private radio channels. Because you and Grey are the only humans I am a part of, I can create a secure channel for your discussion." I thought about this for a moment, considering the implications and wondering who else might be listening in like my parents or his own. I looked down at the tiles in deep thought, deciding that it was best to err on the side of caution as I asked Helix to send a private message to Grey''s HUD instead, suggesting a meeting place: a corporate tower outside of X HQ.


    It was time to get to know my counterpart on a personal level.


    -


    The crisp, cold air felt exhilarating against my skin. Despite the glass dome enclosing us, they''d managed to perfect the ventilation system. It was almost as if I were breathing in the open air of a clear night as I gazed up at the black velvet sky through our cage and saw a breathtaking expanse of stars twinkling endlessly. How I''d always dreamed of charting those stars, making discoveries, being... well, me. A scientist at heart, but not in the way my parents were. Their work was driven by pure speculation - nothing less, nothing more.


    Not that I was bitter. I''d been guided by countless mentors within X, leading me to where I stand now. Or at least, that''s what I liked to believe as I found myself outside the corporate towers, in the courtyard. A vast green lawn stretched out before me with six majestic oaks ¨C specifically brought from Earth that were anchored around the building. Our, "Little slice of Earth." I mused, a genuine smile curving my lips.


    I chose a tree closest to the entryway and settled at its base, taking in my surroundings. ''What did Earth truly look like?'' I often wondered peering in the direction of the path we were supposed to chart. Was it anything like this place? With its mesmerizing hues of purple and pink, flecks of gold and accents of white scattered throughout this tranquil haven? We were fortunate to even have grass here on Titan as I ran my fingertips over the springy, almost rubbery blades feeling my gaze drift back to the sky and my curiosity deepening. ''If only...'' I trailed off, wishing to explore the universe as I heard footsteps approach from behind.


    Though Helix had already alerted me; It was Grey.


    He joined me, hands tucked in his pockets as he leaned against the trunk of the tree. It had seemed he also bathed, his hair still wet from the cleansing as the black strands fell loosely around his neck. His purple eyes were facing forward when I heard him take a deep breath.  "You look a bit worse for wear." I commented as we both absorbed the cool night air and the vastness above in silence.


    We savored the solitude of the peaceful night, the only sound being the rhythmic hum of the streetlights and the few fleeting footsteps of civilians and soldiers... maybe a hover car or two and with a resolute chime- the courtyard lights shut off, plunging us into darkness with only the stars and surrounding city lights to illuminate us.


    X was nearing its public closure, but for now...It was just me and my co-captain as I heard another sigh escape Grey''s lips, sinking down beside me. "Are you ready for this, Number One?" He asked, his voice a low rumble but a calming presence amidst the storm we knew was coming. "We have to be." I replied, resting my arm on my knee. I felt my braid cascade over my chest as I looked over at him.


    He offered a faint, almost lifeless smile. Though I couldn''t fathom how he was truly feeling about all of this. Considering his parents'' strict military background, this sudden transformation after the final HGMP treatment and the AI integration must have been a jarring experience as I followed his gaze towards Earth, hanging like a luminous jewel in the sky. "You know your star maps?" I asked.


    He grinned at me and point upwards. "Venus and Mercury are in this constellation here." And as if on cue, a HUD materialized in my vision, highlighting the exact celestial bodies he was indicating. At first, I was taken aback. But then I realized he was just screen-sharing with me. I couldn''t help but chuckle, "What''s so funny?" Grey inquired as I leaned back against the tree with a playful smile on my face.


    "Science." I replied with another chuckle. I raised my brow, waving my hand in encouragement for him to continue and saw him chuckle in response as I settled against the rough bark of the tree, glancing at him here and there through his lecture when something suddenly dawned on me. It turns out,


    Grey loved space as much as I did.

 Team Alpha

    Sunlight cascaded through my bedroom window, painting the room in a warm glow... but it did little to ease the pounding in my head. This relentless headache that had clung to me since yesterdays procedure turned my brain into a smoothie of pain. With a groan, I sat up in my bed, rubbing my temples. "Good morning, Commander." Helix''s cheerful voice announced, jolting me back to the present.


    My HUD flickered to life, displaying the time and Helix''s holographic form. "Helix..." I mumbled, dragging myself out of bed towards the bathroom. Today was the first time since Ive been born that they allowed myself to sleep in- no disruptions as I went through the motions of my morning routine. Getting dressed, braiding my hair, brewing a pot of coffee- two cups this time, as the bitter liquid was the only thing keeping me upright when I collapsed onto the couch, Xpad in hand.


    My days schedule filling me with a mix of dread and anticipation as today was dedicated to our weapons testing. We''d be trying out new gear forged from Nova steel, specifically designed to interface with our abilities to help in our incursion as I asked Helix to continue the debriefing and a sense of unease settled in. We were leaving for earth in less than 24 hours. It felt rushed, like there was a hidden urgency that hadn''t been fully disclosed but I had no choice than to push those thoughts aside as I finished my coffee and headed to the barracks where my team awaits.


    -


    The familiar chill of the training grounds grazed my skin as I stepped into the massive, enclosed structure. Its walls, forged from iron and steel that was designed specifically to contain the explosive force of weapons testing. Today, however, was reserved for my team as I entered and saw them all assembled. Their stances rigid with attention while I- was the last one to arrive.


    "Gods, this woman..." The General muttered a complaint that reached my ears, forgetting that Id been genetically modified to hear at that distance as I grimaced. "Atlas, you''re late!" His amplified voice piercing through the air like an arrow, sending a fresh wave of pain through my already throbbing skull that made me close my eyes briefly.


    And when I open them, I had saw Grey leaned in, whispering to his father upon approach, "Our senses are heightened, Father. Please-" The General grunted, rolling his eyes as I took my place in line.  "My apologies, sir!" I chimed as stoically as I could when I heard Helix appear in my thoughts. ''Commander, your stress levels are increasing.'' Helix chimed in my mind, its robotic voice becoming a nagging pull in the opposite direct of peace and quiet . ''I suggest you-''


    "Enough with the suggestions-" I snapped out loud, my patience wearing thin as I panned up and saw the General stride towards me. His was gaze intense, almost predatory that sent a shiver down my spine. "What did you say to me, Commander?" I met his gaze, a silent plea in my eyes. He knew about the A.I yet, he saw it fit to keep me on my toes as Grey stepped forward, saluting sharply. "General, Sir!" The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on as I held my breath, waiting for the storm to break.


    Was Grey trying to shield me from his father''s wrath?


    I watched as the General closed in, a low growl escaping his lips, "Watch yourself, soldier." As I began to feel a pang of gratitude towards my second when I saluted to my general, "Yes, Sir!" Watching him turn to his son, his expression softening slightly as he listened to Grey''s request. I released the tension in my arm and snapped back to attention.


    ''My apologies, Commander.'' Helix''s voice echoed in my mind. ''I didn''t mean to cause you distress. Please remember - we are highly classified. You and Grey are the only specimens capable of hearing me at the moment.'' Helix finished. Specimens?'' I thought, rolling my eyes, seemingly oblivious to my internal monologue... until he wasn''t. ''My apologies, Commander. Should I refer to you as ''test subjects''?''


    The fact that he could read my thoughts was still unsettling and being called a test subject- rubbed me the wrong way as I told him exactly how to address us, ''How about just Grey and Atlas? We are humans- not test subjects or specimens, Helix.''  I exclaimed to it. In my defense, I was still grappling with this new ability when the General''s voice boomed again, launching into a lecture about the weapons


    ''Understood, Commander Atlas.''


    Helix responded as I chimed back into the generals lecture. It did make me wonder though, ''Why did General Beckett hate me so much?''  The question echoing in the silence of my mind as Helix materialized in my vision, his form shimmering with a faint, golden light. My eyes, I realized, were glowing in response feeling the warmth around my iris.


    ''The General harbors animosity towards your parents, Atlas.'' It explained. ''During my development, I often observed General Beckett''s disdain towards the Hawthornes, specifically your father. This leads me to believe that some event, before my creation, may have occurred to cause this reaction.'' I glanced at the General, who was now directing foot soldiers to present the weapons to us.


    Five elongated black cases with touch-pad locks appeared on the table before the elites, distracting me at the perfect time. ''What are those?'' I thought, curiosity momentarily overriding my discomfort with what Helix shared. ''These are designated weapons for Team Alpha-'' Helix continued. ;The X Council and military encourages you to utilize these weapons over your automatic rifles to reduce noise reduction while on Earth.''


    The General dismissed us from attention and I watched as Nova, my best friend, practically sprinted towards her assigned case. What new tools awaited us inside those sleek, black boxes? And why do they feel the need to equip us with it? As our lieutenants went first, pressing their thumbs onto a unique DNA code lock that granted access to only the users.


    When Nova''s case opened first it had revealed a sleek, black spear, its edges glowing with an ethereal golden light. ;One hundred percent Nova Steel, in its purest form.'' Helix announced in my mind as I watched my best friend began to twirling the spear before stabbing it to the ground and spinning herself around it. I chuckled, ''She''d make a good stripper''  I thought to myself, amused.


    ''What is ''a stripper''?'' Helix inquired, its voice tinged with curiosity. I rolled my eyes, of course they didn''t teach it. ''An exotic dancer.''  I thought back as a soft chuckle escaping my lips. I slid my hand across the delicate case in front me as I checked on the others before opening it.


    Gorm, true to his nature, quickly mastered his weapon - a colossal hammer that mirrored his imposing physique. I mean the guy was a walking muscle bag- though he may have skipped leg day a few times as I noticed the hammers design echoed the elegance of Nova''s spear, black and that same ethereal gold- as Emmett strung the cords of his bow, testing its strength. Then it was mine and Grey''s turn as I placed my thumb on the lock, and it clicked open with a soft hiss.


    Inside, a breathtaking katana lay nestled in velvet. Its style harkening back to a bygone era a millennia ago as I picked it up gently and analyzed the steel. Its black hilt flowed seamlessly into a long blade with the same shade. A golden light illuminated on its spine that matched the ornate blade collar as I leaned in when I notice something etched on the ridge of the blade.


    The words: "Hawthorne, No. 1."


    ''I like it.'' I thought, my fingers tracing the inscription when I spotted a button on the pommel and pressed it watching as the sword hummed to life. A surge of power reverberated through me in an instant. It almost felt like adrenaline. It was an addicting feeling. "What is this?" I wondered, glancing at Grey across the way to see him wield a magnificent great sword, similar in design to my katana when one by one, my teammates followed suit and activated their weapons.


    Each glowing with a golden aura that vibrated with an intensity I, or really anyone, had witnessed before. "If this is magic-"  Grey exclaimed, turning around to the open grounds before taking a practice swing that sent an energy pulse wave rippling through the air- colliding with the wall in a desperate slash that made the lights flicker in the building, "-it''s truly amazing." he hummed looking at the damage before him.


    A thrill ran through me. Magic, technology, or something in between - whatever it was, it was awe-inspiring and terrifying all at the same time as Grey and I locked eyes. A grin emerging on his face when his eyes lowered. I raised an eyebrow and focused my thoughts. ''Patch me through,'' I commanded to Helix, picturing Grey''s name in the corner of my vision. ''Whenever you''re ready, Atlas.'' Helix announced. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    I twirled the katana, its weightless balance a pleasant surprise and lighter than even an AR. But that meant nothing without durability. ''Let''s test it.'' I thought, seeing Grey lips slowly develop into a grin. I wasn''t sure if the mental link was working, but before I could voice the question, Grey slowly stepped back onto the training field- his sword in hand. We were fortunate, that the hall was empty today.


    Our teammates got the message, seeing them begin to perch on the table behind me, eager for the spectacle of a duel they knew was coming. I returned my seconds grin and walked towards him, ''Let''s see how well you handle that blade.'' I thought, lunging forward with inhuman speed. Though it was normal for the five of us now and still thrilled me to this day as I aimed a quick slash at his chest, feeling him block me effortlessly. His speed was nearly a match for mine when I heard his chuckle echo in my mind even as he pressed his attack- pushing me back in friendly banter.


    ''Is that really all you got? '' He taunted silently. It made me chuckle, I wasn''t even using my dominant hand. I glanced briefly when I blocked him, to see our crew watch us with rapt fascination- the invisible conversation between us drawing our teams attention. It made the weight of our shared secret give me a strange mix of exhilaration and anxiety. ''Don''t take your eyes off the target.''  Grey warned, his hand darting towards my face to capture my throat... but I dodged just in time, breaking our swordplay to create some distance in a flip- landing feet first.


    The katana felt like an extension of my own arm, light and deadly. When I switched the blade to my dominant had- only to show him my true strength. I tightened my grip and the electricity began to whirl wildly around my blade making me grin. The A.I''s enhancement emboldened my fighting capacity and physical condition as I spotted an opening in Grey''s defense and struck, my move swift and precise.... But, he blocked me again- as if he''d anticipated my attack.


    "Are you in my head?" I blurted out loud, frustration edging into my voice when I heard him laugh, "Ha-ha, no, of course not!" He lunged for my arm, but my blade was faster, intercepting his strike as our dance continued. We both grinned, our blades now humming with an energy that far outweighed the capacity of the others when the battle intensified and the energy crackled along the edges of our blades... A visible manifestation of the power coursing through them.


    It was exhilarating.


    I launched my first energy wave at Grey,  followed by five more in its wake. With impressive skill, he cut down each one,  closing the distance between us to lunge at me. He was fast, almost too fast as he caught my arm and expertly dislodging my weapon. I dodged the next attack and returned the favor. Using my newfound agility to twist out of his grip and kick his sword from his hand- sending it in the opposite direction of my own.


    When we broke off, we came to a silent agreement that this battle wouldn''t end... until one of us fell. So we continued, now with bare fists. The intensity of our speed left me strangely exhilarated as I dodged his attacks. I felt a genuine smile tug at my lips and I had no idea why. After all these years of knowing each other, something as simple as this made me feel so...


    Alive.


    I refocused, realizing Grey was matching my every move. Dodging him had become a challenge I never knew I needed though, as I was lost in my thoughts, he finally managed to pin me against the wall, his hand closing around my throat. "Nghh!" I gasped. I tried to fight back as my HUD flashed "DANGER" in bright red letters. ''Obviously.'' I thought, breaking free of his hold. I spun around and withdrew my small blade to strike, only to find myself captured at the back of the neck with his own hidden blade at my throat. He brought me in close and whispered in my ear, "Checkmate."


    But I was already one step ahead.


    I tapped my own hidden blade against his groin, a dangerous place for something so sharp as I traced it up his.... well. He chuckled and released me. "Stalemate then?" I quipped as we stood facing each other. I was close, dangerously close and noticed that he was actually quite tall compared to my 5''6" frame. He must have been at least 6''2", maybe even 6''3" as I spent a brief moment analyzing his body.


    Though- my thoughts were quickly halted when I realized Grey was laughing. "I''m 6''3" he confirmed out loud. "-I figured you''d have known that already." then winked before the private channel between us went silent. So we can hear each others thoughts that was a new development. "Can''t believe I thought those things live..." I mumbled, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. I needed to snap out of it, especially with Nova and Emmett approaching.


    "Um?????????" Nova leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What was THAT?" She waved her hand in my face but my attention was towards Gray''s departing form to General Beckett. I couldn''t help but feel enamored. "It was like you two were in your own world..." Emmett added. I was embarrassed enough and this conversation was not one I wanted to have.


    I slid past them, trying to maintain my composure. "Just testing our new weapons..." I said, hoping my voice didn''t betray the flustered thoughts swirling in my head. "Testing weapons or each other?" Nova quipped in a teasing tone as she followed.  I rolled my eyes and collected my sword, carefully returning it to its case when the General''s voice boomed through the hall, ordering us back into line.


    "Now that you''ve had your fun-" he said, his gaze lingering on Grey and I, "-We will debrief you on your mission. You leave tomorrow at 04:00 Earth time. Be ready." He commented leading us all to Command X for our final briefing before departure. The excitement and anticipation were there. But amidst it all, a small part of me couldn''t help but replay the moments of our sparring match, the unspoken connection between Grey and me lingering in the air like a grape waiting to be plucked from its vine. The feeling was thrilling, a desire to want more~


    Like a moth to a flame.


    -


    "I thought we were going to do this on the Arc back to Earth?" Nova leaned in and whispered as we approached a grand conference room adorned with flags from various nations of the past and the X Corporation''s signature emblem at thee center. Inside sat a large black marbled table housing seats for council members, esteemed colleagues, military personnel, and... my parents. A surge of anger rose within me when I saw them. ''Commander Atlas-'' Helix attempted to intervene, but I cut him off. ''Not now Helix'' I rolled my eyes and took my seat between Nova and Grey.


    It didn''t take long for the others to join as a holographic map of Earth materializing in the center of the table, watching my mother step up. Her expression vacant per usual as she began,  "Earth - Our ravaged home." She began as she used a finger to push up her glasses and waved her hand over the table when multiple screens popped up above.


    Team Alpha''s names, profile pictures, and information circling the holographic imagine of Earth was presented. "For many years, we''ve conducted intensive training on 100 individuals. While only the Five present survived, Ninty-Five of them perished due to complications from the HGMP treatment."


    A list of names, dates, and causes of death scrolled across the flat surface of the table. I felt my heart ache for those lost souls, people who I''ve known since the beginning- gone within a blink of an eye. Looking upon the data, it was a grave reminder of humanities position- But with parents as cold and detached as mine? These lives meant little to the success of the mission to terraform our home. It was infuriating that the old hags had spent so much time in a lab that they''d forgotten basic human compassion.


    The display shifted, now showcasing images and videos of the creatures inhabiting Earth. Monstrous forms flickering around the table, each more grotesque than the last that left our minds and mouth open, when a separate screen appeared directly in front of the five of us. "Your secret mission is to collect NASA and X ''s classified data and assist our scientists in terraforming Earth." We already knew this much. "But there are a few things we must mention-" She continued, "Upon analysis, Earth has become an unstable planet. Though the tremors and chasms have ceased; Your adversaries, those who thrived in the destruction- will come after you. There are a few to take note of..."


    I braced myself, the weight of the mission settling heavily on my shoulders. We were going home, but it wouldn''t be a homecoming. It would be a war for supremacy when four monstrous images filled the screen. A gigantic praying mantis, a fearsome saber-toothed creature, some arachnids and... "A dinosaur? A real dinosaur??" Nova''s voice chimed, breaking the stunned silence.


    This last creature was a nightmarish hybrid, a kangaroo-alligator looking abomination that made my stomach churn. It was hard to fathom that such creatures now roamed the Earth, even in its ravaged state. "Due to radiation levels, these creatures have been genetically altered-" My mother''s voice droned on. "-these are your S, A, and C-class monsters. Most travel in packs, are highly carnivorous, and sensitive to sound. We urge you to steer clear of their nests and breeding grounds."


    Another screen popped up, displaying the location of our first drop. "This is France-" My mother explained, showing a map of Europe. "It''s the only place unaffected by the tremors. We need to know why." Three more images appeared: Places previously known California and Washington D.C in the United States.


    "America?" I asked, looking up at my mother when she glared at me for speaking out of turn. "Yes, Atlas. I''m glad you paid attention in school." She retorted with a sarcastic bite. I rolled my eyes at her unnecessary comment hearing the bitter woman continue. "The files you''ll be retrieving are highly classified documents. You must bring them back to Titan unscathed." She stressed, glancing at the General who nodded and... placed a hand on her lower back?


    I frowned and raised an eyebrow, the sight of their interaction making me want to gag. He even offered her a seat before continuing the rest of the debrief himself, when both Grey and I glanced at each other. "Each of you will be equipped with the special weapons given earlier to minimize noise. These creatures are drawn to it. They are quick and they are very deadly. We urge you to make base camp as soon as possible and fortify the Arc upon landing. Do not let the scientist out until the area is clear-" The briefing dragged on, a tedious list of dos and don''ts with a lot of pointed looks directed at me. Why? I still wasn''t sure. But now, I had bigger things to worry about.  In less than 12 hours, we would be on an Arc, heading back to our home.


    Earth