Arc 2 - Chapter 21 – A New Day
Water. It plays a large role in the ecosystem of life. Without it, life cannot sustain itself. Plants and animals consume it to survive. It separates the continents of Earth. It wears down the cliffs and provides a home environment for thousands of undersea creatures. Water is so vast and so depended upon that it would be hard to picture a world where it doesn’t exist.
Though planet Earth is often described as a “blue planet”, the ocean remains the most unexplored place untouched by humanity. In the sea, humans are the outsiders in those depths. During their centuries of evolution, mankind has learnt more about space then their own planet’s oceans. But the desire to explore more of it with every new piece of technology acquired has faded when the monsters invaded the land masses of Earth in a war that lasted only a year and a half. Since then, all priorities have been on restoring what they have on land, instead of what they don’t in the sea.
But what happens if the sea has a say in what happens next for humanity? What if water wished to dominate what is arguably the most dominant species on Earth? What if the Earth fought back?
Far out to sea, off the coast of Scotland, a fishing boat was drifting away from the docks in Edinburgh and heading out into open waters to catch a large haul of trout. The ships crew consisted of three people. The captain and two crew members, all male. The captain was approximately in their mid 40’s, and the two fishermen were in their 30’s and mid 20’s respectfully. They live and work in a small town on the edge of the countryside. Word doesn’t travel far from the big cities in the centre, but it would’ve been impossible to not know about Chaos Man and what had transpired in New London a few days ago. As bad as things sounded over there, they’re grateful their hometown is left untouched by all the chaos. Not a lot has happened in their younger years, and they like it that way.
With the net lowered, one of the crew mates signals the captain to start moving ahead full south-east, dragging the net along the ocean floor behind them, hoping to catch as much fish as they can. The weather is calm with completely grey skies and a light drizzle of rain. The captain glances down at the compass in his hand, making sure they’re heading in the right direction. The time on his old, worn-out watch was 8:32 am. It was usually around this time of morning when the fish are gathered in large shoals, and their predators are least active.
The two fishermen were watching the next getting dragged along through the glass tile in the middle of the boat’s floor, watching a huge clump of fish getting pulled inside. The amount they scored put a smile on their faces, today’s going to be another successful haul for the fish market.
Boat Captain: How’s it looking back there, boys?!
Shouted the captain at the helm. His eyes were still focused on the open waters in front of him.
Fisherman 1: It’s another big’un! Lots of people will be having full bellies tonight!
Fisherman 2: This makes our third haul today. We done here yet?
Boat Captain: Not yet, Lad. We still need to head into deeper waters, that’s where the big bounty is.
Fisherman 1: Why are you in such a hurry to get home? The rain ain’t that bad. In fact, I think the weather’s quieted down a bit since that big storm we had days ago. Thankfully Chaos Man seemed to have stopped it before it could reach shore.
Fisherman 2: Oh yeah, I’ve heard a lot about that guy. Is it true that he flies, spits acid and make animals do his bidding?
The older fisherman lightly chuckles at his colleague’s exaggerated rumour about the titular hero.
Fisherman 1: Fly? Yes. The other two? No. They say he can shoot light out of his hands and create swords out of thin air, too bad he seems native to New London.
Boat Captain: Be thankful he isn’t. Cuz if Chaos Man were to come here it would mean that something bad’s bound to happen.
In the exact moment he finished that sentence, the boat is suddenly knocked off balance, causing the three men to stumble and fall over. The captain quickly turns off the engine and steadies the boat before checking on his crewmates, checking to see if they were both okay.
Fisherman 1: What the bloody hell was that?!
Fisherman 2: We must’ve hit a rock or something.
Boat Captain: This far out into the ocean? Unlikely… Shit, the fish!
The captain and crew scurried to the glass panel and see that all the fish they’d caught in their net were wasting not time escaping. The captain urgently ordered the crew to turn on the winch and start raising the net out of the water, desperate to keep at least some of what they’d caught. The crane hanging over the water slowly pulls the dripping wet netting out and carries it over the boat where they proceeded to unhook it and let its contents spill out all over the deck. Of the hundreds of fish they managed to snag, there were less than forty left.
But they were quick to discover that fish wasn’t the only thing they caught this run. Something big fell to the deck, hitting the glass panel so hard that it cracked. The crew slowly close in on the mysterious thing they found, completely ignoring the fish flopping around on the floorboards, struggling to survive out of their element. Their eyes couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Somehow, by sheer dumb luck, they netted themselves a fossilised statue of what they assumed to be a never-before-seen ancient sea creature. It was 11 – 16 feet long, roughly around the size of a great white shark. However, despite the similar features such as a dorsal fin on it’s back, a shark-like tail and sharp teeth, this creature appeared humanoid in shape. It had two arms and legs with three long, scaly fingers on each hand.
The oldest fisherman gently places hand on the surface of the statue, feeling a rough texture through his gloves. It was covered in seaweed and algae and felt slimy to the touch. Some of the algae cling to the fabric of his gloves.
Fisherman 1: What… is this thing?
Fisherman 2: Doesn’t look like any sea creature I’ve ever seen… Looks dead. Think it could be something that lives in the deep oceans? Maybe even the abyss?
Boat Captain: I don’t think so… In my younger days I’ve travelled across many oceans. Seen many forms of undersea life. I’ve never seen anything like this before… Whatever this thing is, I don’t think it’s something born on Earth. Could be one of those monsters that invaded us.
Fisherman 2: If it’s a dead monster, shouldn’t we turn it into the government or something? I reckon that they’ll pay way more than a bunch of fish could earn us.
Fisherman 1: And who exactly do we call? It’s not like any of us has a number we can dial.
Boat Captain: Well, we can’t just dump it back in the ocean. We’ll worry about what to do with this thing when we reach shore. Tie it down while I set course for port.
The crew nod and start gathering some rope from the supply boxes they keep below deck, turning their backs on the fossilised statue. Completely unaware of the small cracks that are spreading around the facial area of the creature, forming a small oval shape. The crusty shell quietly crumbles away, revealing some kind of shiny light blue, jelly-like substance underneath. The youngest fisherman hears the faint sound of the tiny specks hitting the glass panel, causing him to glance back at their prize over his right shoulder.
A wise man would’ve alerted his colleagues in case something was about to go wrong. But curiosity is getting the better of him, forcing him to kneel down and get a closer look at what was underneath the outer shell. His first impulse was to reach out and touch it. It will prove to also be his last.
Suddenly, the blue water substance spreads itself apart, revealing a glowing green reptilian eye looking all around before landing on the fisherman. Before long, the joints of the statue’s jaws and limbs started to move, trying to break free of its shell.
Fisherman 2: Guys, the still thing’s alive!
He tried to warn the others, only to be silenced by the creature's long fingers wrapping around his throat from the back. More pieces of the shell chipped away and fell off as the creature’s body was breaking free. The captain and fellow fisherman can see more of the creature’s body as it slowly rose to its feet, lifting the young man off of the floor. They can see that the creature’s body is as clear as the very water they’re surrounded by. Its fingers were entering the young fisherman’s mouth, filling his body with water. The man was literally drowning in its grasp.
Panic overtook the older fisherman who made a dash for the harpoon gun rested against the wall in the captain’s room and fires it at the monster’s chest. The harpoon passes through its body, leaving a small hole that was instantly closed, leaving no signs of damage. Not a single scratch. The monster didn’t even feel it. All that did was persuade it to finish off the rest of them.
Miles of open water seperated them from the port from whence they came. No one was around to hear their screams as the monster slaughters them. The last thing the captain saw before his life was extinguished was the rippling shadow of the monster standing over him. It was around this time that the sun’s light was peaking out from behind the thick grey clouds, shining through the creature’s whole body like it was made of water. He was told once by his young daughter that the sea would be the death of him as a joke. Never could he have predicted that it would come true. His final thoughts were of his wife, daughter and son-in-law, worried that he won’t be able to return home and see them again. That they’ll go on living their lives wondering what happened to him. There were no witnesses. He would die alone.
The water monster unleashes a roar that sounded like gurgling as he finished off the captain with a bite to the neck, tearing his head from his body and spitting it out into the ocean. The increase in sunlight brightens up the world around the boat. Far off in the distance the monster’s green eyes spot another ship heading south. It was a cargo ship with rows of steel containers. All of them bearing a symbol of a metallic M with a sword thrusted in the middle shaped like a T. The same symbol owned by Magna Tech. The monster didn’t understand nor care what it meant, only that it had people on it.
With its new target in sight, the monster’s body morphs into a rapidly spinning tornado of water. It dives headfirst through the cracked glass panel, bursting through it and the underside of the fishing boat, causing it to start flooding and sinking. Large ripples of water can be seen from above the surface, showing how fast the creature was moving away from the sinking boat, moving faster than any sea creature.
Meanwhile in New London the whole city was trying to get over what Wilfre had put them all through during his shadow invasion. Many scars have yet to fade since that horrible night. As a person grows older, they often become unaware of how hollow and pointless their lives can be. Forced to wake up and follow the same routine every day, only sometimes doing something different. But to someone like Jason Dark, he’s known nothing but emptiness since birth, an emptiness every man, woman and child experienced themselves. Suddenly their lives didn’t feel so empty. They felt all the joy and wonder getting ripped out of their souls.
It was the darkest day humanity had faced. But from that darkness came the brightest light, Chaos Man. From that moment on any doubts the public had of him were laid to rest. If Wilfre was the embodiment of mankind’s depression, then Chaos Man was the hope they needed to push forward and become the best versions of themselves they can be.
News of what transpired in the United Kingdom quickly spread all across the planet like a wildfire. There was no escaping the news for the average joe minding their own business. It made front page news in the papers, exploded all over the TV networks and became the number 1 topic of discussion on social media. Many conspiracy theorists believed that Wilfre and the Monster War were only the beginning of what may lead to many more world-ending threats. Crazy cultists even deluded themselves into thinking a prophecy of Doomsday was starting to unfold before them. Of course, the majority of people didn’t take them seriously.
For other – more important people – they had other priorities to focus on. Such as the founder and CEO of Magna Tech, Richard Magna. A few days before Wilfre initiated his series of terrorist attacks across the city, he’d received word on his daughter’s death in Reading. How she willingly gave her life to save his old friend, Chase’s son, Michael. Hearing the words “I’m sorry for your loss” had a negative effect on him. He was sick of hearing it constantly from his employees every time one of them interacted with him. The urge to take out his frustrations on them was oh so tempting, but Richard knew how to control his emotions and keep up his façade as a strict and sensible businessman. But inside he’s an emotional mess. His wife’s emotional breakdown back home didn’t help matters either. It was bad enough that his job was keeping him from mourning Alice with his wife, but the pain only worsened as he saw news footage of Chaos Man saving the city everywhere he looked. He can’t even access his social media without seeing his face or hearing how loved he is by the people. The grip on his glass of bourbon whisky tightened and his teeth gritted behind his neatly groomed moustache. Why can’t everyone else see Chaos Man for what he really is? The rest of the world is blinded by his heroism and charms.
Fortunately, he didn’t get to the point of accidentally crushing it in his hand, spilling alcohol all over his priceless marble desk and getting shards of glass in his only good hand. His desk phone is ringing, pulling him out of his current state of mind. He gently places his glass down after finishing off the spicy liquor, straightens his blazer and takes a calming breath to regain his composure before elegantly picking up the receiver and bringing it up to his ear and softly speaking into it.
Richard: This is Richard Magna, go ahead.
On the other end of the line was his right-hand man and Magna Tech’s head scientist, Doctor Adrian Vespa. He was calling from the ruins of Reading, using the company’s drones to provide him with a strong phone signal since all the local telephone towers were destroyed along with the rest of the city. He spoke with a hint of excitement in his voice.
Adrian: Sir, we found her!
If Richard wasn’t already standing, he’d be jolting out of his chair. He was told countless times that his daughter is dead, and he was only hurting himself by refusing to accept it. But his own stubbornness prevented him from doing so until he sees her body, or what’s left of it. He refuses to allow his own flesh and blood to end up rotting in the rubble of an abandoned city. She deserved a proper burial.
Richard: You did?! Where?!
Adrian: I had the robots search all day and night yesterday. It wasn’t until today, at approximately 9:23 am that my wasp drones managed to pick up her bio-signature underneath a collapsed office building.
Richard: Is… she okay?
There was a long pause on Adrian’s end which was usually a bad sign in situations like this. Richard didn’t even know why he bothered to ask. A lot of time has passed since Aegis ambushed the monsters and launched the missile strike. Of course she’s not “okay.” Nobody can survive being under rubble for days. Still, he at least hoped there was enough of Alice for him to bury. But when Adrian did manage to muster the courage to speak, what he told him was not the answer he was expecting.
Adrian: Well, yes and no, Mister Magna.
Richard: Hmm? What do you mean by that?
Adrian: When we found her body, it was in a major state of disfigurement. I estimate the debris of the building shielded her from the missiles, but she was crushed underweight. I did a scan to confirm the identity and came across something very unusual.
Richard: What is it? What happened to my daughter?!
Adrian: She’s… still alive.
Richard’s eyes widen with utter disbelief. “How is that possible?” He thought. That’s when Adrian felt the need to properly explain what he meant exactly.
Adrian: Before you get your hopes up, there’s no chance of healing her. My scans show that despite the condition of her body, she’s still breathing. She’s in a coma, there seems to be brain activity but in the state she’s in… there’s no chance of her waking up. She… she may as well be dead… I’m sorry, Sir.
Richard: Will she die if her body’s moved?
Adrian: Richard-
Richard: Answer the question!
Adrian: I… I can put her on life support to keep the brain alive, but she’ll be unable to regain consciousness.
Richard: Bring her here now! Make sure she’s still alive. I have an idea on how we can save her.
Adrian: Understood, sir. I’ll report back when we’re inbound.
With that final exchange Richard puts the receiver down and turns himself around, walking towards his big open window, taking in the sight of New London. When all was quiet and there was nothing to do, all Richard could do was think about his beloved daughter and how his world had only gotten much darker without her. That emptiness he felt wasn’t from Wilfre, it was all his own. From an outsider's viewpoint Richard didn’t look like a well-loved family man, but family meant everything to him. He loved his wife and he loved Alice just as much.
Thinking about his family prompted him to glance at the shelves to his right. Amongst his collection of books and alcohol there was a photograph of him when he was years younger smiling with his arm around his wife. She was a slightly larger woman with short blonde hair and wearing a black dress. Standing in front of them was Alice as a little girl with the biggest, widest grin only a child can pull off. She was holding up a trophy. In the background was a desk that had rows of child-built science projects. Alice seemed to have won first prize in the science fair. It was one of Richard’s fondest memories of her.
Sitting next to them were her dog tags that she gave to Michael before her sacrifice. Just looking at them causes Richard to start crying.
Richard: My sweet daughter. How did it all come to this?
The day after Alice’s noble sacrifice, a funeral was held at the City of New London Cemetery. One of the few places left untouched by the monsters. The ceremony was held in a big open field next to the church. It wasn’t part of the property originally, but Richard went ahead and bought it to give his daughter and all the men and women who died with her that day the proper send-off they deserve.
So many people had gathered to mourn and pay their respects to the dearly departed. Mostly friends and family of the fallen. Alongside Richard was his wife, Felicia, Adrian dressed in his brown trench coat, black leather gloves, fedora, red scarf and tinted sunglasses to hide his face. A few people couldn’t help but glance his way, thinking he was being disrespectful coming here dressed like that instead of the black suits and dressed like they were. The appropriate attire for an occasion such as this. But Richard stood up for him, personally explaining how it would’ve been more disrespectful for shaming a friend who wanted to be there for Alice’s family. Today was about Alice. He won’t tolerate any disdain from anyone.
Chase and Michael were also present. Chase had volunteered to deliver the eulogy himself, and Michael came because he still believed her death was on him back then. And standing far away from the crowd were three uninvited guests. Some of the mourners paid them no mind, thinking they weren’t important, but Michael knew them well. It was the Crimson Nightshades. He knew that their leader, Drake, and Alice had a history. Knowing each other since they were kids. This was Michael’s second time seeing them since they aided him and Wolf Squad against Chernabog. They were still wanted criminals, hence why they kept their distance. Had it been anyone else, Michael wouldn’t have hesitated to turn them over. But he owed them one for saving his life and he respected them enough to let them mourn Alice in their own way.
The gatherers soon began to take their seats as Chase took his position in front of the rows of gravestones for Alice and all the soldiers who died in Reading. Michael, Richard, Felicia and Adrian took the seats at the front, getting a closer look at the names etched into the tombstones. Clearing his throat, Chase started speaking slowly. He began by listing the names of each individual soldier, showing their families how much he honoured each of them by remembering their names out of the thousands of people who work for Aegis. He saved Alice for last.
Chase: Alice Magna. She was not only one of my finest soldiers, but also a great person. A very dear friend to me, a trusting mentor to my son, Michael, and a loving daughter to Richard and Felicia. During the Monster War when humanity was at its lowest, she made it her duty to help those who’ve suffered worse than others. She wanted to join Aegis so that she can do more of that on a global scale. Through hard work and determination, she not only proved her worth, but also rose to become a great leader. Her sacrifice not only saved my son but also eliminated a threat that would’ve resulted in a second uprising of monsters… These men and women gladly gave it their all against the monsters, and thanks to their efforts, we managed to reclaim drive the monster back and reclaimed our planet… Thank you, Alice. Thank you you all. You’ve all fought valiantly and have earned your rest. We will miss you.
The crowd all clap lightly as Chase finished his speech and takes his seat next to Michael. The field went silent as the crowd lowered their heads, praying to God. A group of ten soldiers wearing ceremonial uniforms all stepped forward in unison and readied their rifles to fire twenty shots into the sky.
The ceremony lasted for another half an hour. Afterwards the people were guided into a hall where they were free to converse with one another as well as help themselves to the food and drinks splayed out across the refreshment table. Michael had a few chats with the people close to his age, offering his condolences while his father was having a long chat with Richard. This was the first time he’d ever met the famed founder of the largest and most successful company in the world. He felt it would be best to keep his distance as he still felt responsible for Alice’s death even when he knew it was her decision.
However, Chase beckoned him to come over here and formally introduce his son to the man himself. To which Michael reluctantly approaches. Chase puts his arm around his shoulders as he begins the introduction.
Chase: Ah, Michael, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. Richard, this is my son. Michael, this is Richard Magna, founder and CEO of Magna Tech and Alice’s father.
Richard glanced at the boy with a stern look, giving him a look over. He was exactly as how Alice and Chase described him to be. He looked much like his father, but his eyes and hair were all his mother. He extends his left hand towards him, trying to greet him. Richard was right-handed but he felt it would be a little drastic. He wouldn’t want to accidentally crush Michael’s hand in his grip. Still, it didn’t stop the boy from stealing glances at it, something that didn’t go unnoticed by the CEO.
Michael: It’s nice to finally meet you, Sir.
Richard: And you, young man. Chase and Alice have spoken about you a lot… My arm freaks you out, doesn’t it?
Michael: Oh no, not at all, sir. I was just- um… curious. How did you lose it? If you don’t mind me asking.
Richard: Same way your dad lost his eye. The Monster War. What you are looking at is the latest prototype in my company’s cybernetic enhancements. This is only temporary until we’ve perfected the process of synthetic tissue. It’ll make my arm flesh again and make people like you less uneasy.
Michael: S-sorry if I disrespected-
Richard: Enough with the apologies. I’ve heard enough of them today already… Anyway, Michael, this is my wife, Felicia. And this is Doctor Adrian Vespa, Magna Tech’s head scientist and my most trusted second in command.
He suddenly changes the subject by introducing Michael to his wife first. Michael graciously shakes her hand. But when Richard next introduced Adrian to him Michael was caught a little off guard by all the layers of clothing he’s wearing. It’s as if he was trying to hide something from the world. All that will accomplish is make people more curious to find out what he’s hiding.
Michael extends his condolences to Felicia. He spoke only great things about her and Richard’s daughter, mentioning how he never would’ve gotten as far as he did in Aegis without her teaching, as brutal and harsh as she was at times. When he started getting into Alice’s last mission in Reading, getting lost in the conversation, Chase felt the need to step in and cut it there. They didn’t need to know the details behind her death. But Richard assures Chase that it was fine. He liked this young man’s boldness.
Richard: Word of advice, Michael. You shouldn’t reveal mission details to anyone; it could play into criminal hands.
Michael: I know. I just figured you wanted to know how Alice died. I was there. Knowing she died and I lived, I can’t… I can’t help but feel guilty.
Richard: Oh, I assure you, Michael. What happened was not your fault.
Michael: Meaning what exactly?
Richard: It’s the monsters’ fault, obviously. They’re the ones who took my daughter from me. Them and this world where people either praise or live in fear of these… meta humans.
Michael: Meta humans? You mean like Chaos Man?
Richard: Don’t say that name to me!
He shouted angrily, acting as if He just said the name of “He Who Must Not be Named,” drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Suddenly realising he’d lost his composure, Richard takes a few deep breaths to calm himself and apologises for his outburst. Everyone else returns to what they were doing and Richard asks Chase if he could speak to Michael alone, assuring him that he’s not in any trouble and he only wanted to set some things straight with him.
The two of them walked away from the group and moved to a quiet empty corner of the room to continue their chat.
Richard: Forgive me, Michael… This is supposed to be my daughter’s send off. The last thing I want to hear about is Chaos Man. It’s bad enough that I see his face everywhere I look.
Michael: It’s alright, Sir. I respect that… If I may ask, what’s your problem with Chaos Man? It seems like you’re both after the same thing. The safety and prosperity of New London, right?
Richard: Tch… Chaos Man. He fancies himself a hero, but he’s been letting crime run rampant. Aegis is a military agency that fights for a just cause. Chaos Man does not. The fact that someone like him hasn’t dealt with all the world’s problems by now shows that he is either incompetent, or he simply doesn’t care.
Michael: I’m sorry to say, but I disagree. I’ve seen Chaos Man save lives. He has his heart in the right place. He just wants to help by doing things the police and Aegis can’t.
Richard: If Chaos Man’s intentions are to operate outside the law, one would think he can accomplish things more… expediently. But he contents himself with apprehending purse snatchers rather than putting his extraordinary abilities to proper use. He’s no hero. He’s a dilettante. A thrill-seeker. Worse than useless… Still, he does seem popular with children. In fact, I was thinking about acquiring his likeness rights.
Michael: You’re what? What a bastard.
This conversation went from sharing fond memories of Alice to meeting Chaos Man’s number 1 hater. Michael wasn’t sure how much more discrimination against the titular hero he could handle. Granted he made a few valid points. With the kind of power he possessed he could get so much done in such a short amount of time. But during this point in time, Chaos Man was still new at this job. It’s too early for him to realise his full potential.
Adrian soon cuts into the conversation, much to Michael’s relief, and informs Richard that he has an important call waiting for him back at the office. The two men give Michael a polite goodbye and walked towards the exit. Felicia was still conversing with Chase. Perhaps Michael will have better company with her than her husband. As long as she’s not a Chaos Man hater too.
Fortunately Felicia didn’t share her husband’s beliefs on him. In fact, she didn’t have much of an opinion on him at all. Her main focus was on Alice as it should be. Her death left a gaping hole in her heart that she fears will never close. But she knew the risks when Alice volunteered to join Aegis. It will take time, but she hopes to move on from this.
The same couldn’t be said for Richard. Once they were out of the building and away from prying eyes he let the emotions he’d kept bottled up inside finally spill out. The man was distraught. He felt he failed as a father to keep her safe. If he’d been around more, showed how much she meant to him.
Adrian: Forgive me, sir. There was no important call. I overheard the young Mercer talking about Chaos Man and figured you needed some space to calm down. I know how much you hate him.
Richard: …I want you to take a squad of robots and search Reading.
Adrian: Sir?
Richard: I can’t allow my daughter’s body to be lying in ruins of that city to rot! …I never thought I’d say this, but I think it’s time to revitalise Project Leda.
Hearing that name sparked a reaction out of Adrian, forcing him to stop in his tracks and turn his head towards his boss.
Adrian: P-Project Leda?! But, sir, you were the one who shut it down! Said it was too dangerous, that it deserves to be left forgotten.
Richard: That was back when the previous head scientist was in control. He was a madman. But you, Adrian, I have grown to trust over the years. You are a good man, like your father before you. If anyone can utilise Project Leda for good it’s you.
Adrian: You give me too much credit, Mister Magna. I’m smart enough to admit that there are things even a mind like mine should know better to tackle. Professor Valerian was the only one who knew the secrets behind it. Secrets he took to his grave. Recreating his work could take days, months, maybe even years… Why is this so important all of a sudden?
Richard: It may be the key to bringing Alice back to life. I just need you to find her body.
Knowing what Project Leda pertains to it became clear to the mysterious scientist what Richard’s plan is. Personally he thought that this was a bad idea, one Felicia may never forgive him for after that she’d been put through. But he was in no position to question or disobey Richard, not just because he’s his boss. But because he owed so much to him. Had it not been for Richard, he’d still be in that cell he found him in. He was the only man he could rely on and the only one who can look upon his face without fear.
Letting out a sigh, Adrian agrees to go through with the plan and begin making preparations to find Alice’s body and begin revitalising Project Leda. Richard was pleased, but that wasn’t all he required of him.
Richard: There’s something else I need you to do for me.
Adrian: And that is?
Richard: What is your progress on Operation Chaos Breaker?
Adrian: It is… still coming together, sir. I’ve hit a bit of a dead end with it. I won’t be able to do more until I’ve gathered enough data on Chaos Man.
Richard: I see. Since you’ll be preoccupied with the new task I’ve set for you, you’re free to put the operation on hold until you’ve completed Project Leda.
Adrian: That’s much appreciated. But are you certain you want to go through with the plan? From what we’ve seen, Chaos Man has shown to be a very powerful being. Probable more powerful than the Elementals and Sorcerers that once plagued our country.
Richard: That is exactly why we must remove him from New London and the rest of the world. But it won’t be enough to simply assassinate him. We need to be smart about this… I’m a patient man. I can learn to put up with his antics until the time comes.
With their plans in motion and goals set there was no reason for Richard to stick around. All that was left of the funeral was just useless chatter with the mourners and he was in no mood to listen to anyone else offering their condolences.
But he was stopped by Felicia who grabbed his actual wrist, forcing him to stop in his tracks and face her.
Felicia: Where are you going?
Richard: Sorry, Honey, but I’ve gotta go. Something important came up at work that I must tend to immediately.
Felicia: More important than our own daughter’s funeral?
Richard: You know how busy I am. Running a company is very demanding work. You knew that before we got married… I’m sorry, but I have to go.
He then leaves without another word. Felicia drops her head in dismay. Today was the day she needed her husband’s support now more than ever. But even today was just like every other day. She rarely sees and spends time with him and he’s always putting all his focus into his company. It’s been going on for so long that she’s lost the will to argue about it. What was the point? He can’t just put everything on hold just to spend quality time with her. His company is an important factor in New London’s preservation.
Far away from the funeral The Crimson Nightshades were watching Richard leaving his wife with Adrian from a safe distance. Drake was leaning against a single tree on the edge of the park across the road from the church. It was mostly just him after the burial as he felt they’d stick out too much if the whole team was hovering near the funeral. Until Scarlet approached him.
Scarlet: C’mon, Drake, we’ve overstayed our welcome long enough. We really should go before we’re spotted.
Drake: Just… a few more minutes, please. I still need time to… say goodbye.
Scarlet: Drake, I know how special she was to you.
Drake: No offence, Scarlet, but no, you don’t. I’ve known Alice since I was five. Before I met you and Lukas, she was the only friend I ever had. Hell, she was more than a friend to me sometimes.
Scarlet: Did you… love her?
Drake: More of a silly crush. But yeah, I guess I did… Last time I saw her as a kid, before I was shipped off to boarding school, we made a promise to each other. It was stupid, but special. Guess she won’t be keepin’ it now.
Scarlet: What promise?
At first Drake hesitates to answer, remembering how personal that promise was between him and Alice. But he’d known Scarlet long enough to trust her with some of his personal secrets. She’d been able to share some of hers with him. He’d be a hypocrite if he couldn’t do the same.
Drake: Like I said, it was stupid. But it was a promise that once we’ve grown up and see each other again we’d get married. It was a dumb childish fantasy. I mean c’mon, a poor kid who grew up without parents and the daughter of the richest family in the UK? It’s a fuckin’ fairytale… Back then I didn’t understand the cruelty of reality until I wound up growing up in that abusive school, separated from my parents and her… I kept it because it was the only tether holding onto the good kid I used to be. But now that line’s been cut. I’ve got nothing.
Lukas: That’s not true. You have us.
Said Lukas as he approached and joined his teammates at the tree, taking his spot on Drake’s left side while Scarlet occupied his right.
Lukas: You’re not the only one who’s lost a lot in his past, Drake. Scarlet and I have been through just as much as you have. That is what makes this generation of the Crimson Nightshades stronger than the last.
Scarlet: He’s right. Before you came along I didn’t have any confidence in my ingenuity. For so long I saw my gift as something to feel ashamed of. Then you came along and beat the shit out of my insecurities, convinced me to build only for us. Look how far we’ve come since then.
Drake: Heh, I guess you’re both right… Still, Lukas, the day we met you tried to kill me.
Lukas: You were hunting me for the Yakuza to earn easy money. You were fortunate I chose to spare your life.
Drake and Scarlet laugh at Lukas’ statement, though the ninja didn’t share in their humour. He failed to see what was funny about him almost killing Drake that one time.
Eventually the time for all the guests to leave was nearing, which meant it was time for the Crimson Nightshades to move before they get spotted by the general of Aegis. They gather their bearings and prepare to move out. Drake, however, stopped and gave the church one last look, paying his respects one final time to Alice. Scarlet and Lukas join in and utter their final goodbyes to honour the girl who coincidently set Drake down the path that would lead to him bringing their team together.
Drake: Goodbye Alice.
Scarlet: You’ve been a great friend and ally.
Lukas: May the spirits of our ancestors watch over you.
Present day. Magna Tech headquarters. 4:57pm. Though everyone believed Alice to be dead, she was technically still alive. Comatose but still hanging on by a hair. Transporting her body in its condition wasn’t an easy feat. One wrong move would mean certain death. Adrian had her body on life support for the whole flight back to Magna Tech Tower. As soon as they touched down, he had Alice transferred to his top-of-the-line laboratory. The same lab Project Leda was formed in before it was shut down. The facility, once run by the company’s previous head scientist, now serves as a sort of haven for Alice until they can figure out how to revive her.
Doctor Vespa – or Doctor Wasp as his colleagues often liked to call him, due to his obsession with the titular insect – had been working day and night, rarely getting any time to rest, determined to try and replicate his predecessor’s work. Two weeks he’s been slaving away in that lab, and he still hadn’t made much progress, much to Richard’s annoyance. He’s supposed to be the smartest man in the world. How has he not managed to figure it out yet?
His impatience getting the better of him, Richard pays a personal visit to the lab to check on his progress himself rather than though his secretary or the company’s AI assistant program. As he entered the room he felt a cold chill in the air, causing him to ruffle his shoulder. He and Adrian were the only ones occupying the room. The other scientists and personnel must be on break. He spots Doctor Wasp standing in front of a cryo pod hooked up to a monitor displaying an X-ray of the patient as well as her vitals. A cold mist was seeping out through the cracks in the ice box, which explained the cold chill he felt.
Suddenly, a hologram of a young teenaged boy wearing a suit and tie appeared before the CEO, blocking his view of Adrian and Alice. The AI avatar was reminiscent of a younger version of Richard himself, approximately in his early twenties except with longer hair and no moustache.
Matthew: Holographic assistant online. Oh, Mister Magna? I was just about to report back on Doctor Vespa’s progress from your office. There was no need for-
Richard: I am aware of the orders I gave you, Matthew. But I want to see for myself.
Richard interrupted the program as he walked right through the hologram and approached Doctor Wasp. He seemed agitated by the way he was grunting whilst peering into a microscope at the counter behind the cryo pod. Upon hearing his boss’s voice Adrian quickly grabs his hat and glasses and puts them back on.
Richard: It’s only me, Adrian. I already know what you look like under all that.
Adrian/Dr Wasp: I-I know, sir. Force of habit. The rest of your employees don’t know though, and I wish to keep it that way.
Richard: …My patience is running thin, Adrian. You said you made a breakthrough.
Dr Wasp: I thought I did too, sir. But that was before I saw this blood sample just now… I did warn you that recreating Professor Valerian’s life’s work wasn’t going to be easy.
Richard slowly walks up to the cryo pod containing his daughter’s body, preserving it until his top scientist can complete his project. He gently wipes away the condensation on the pod, allowing him to get a clear enough view of Alice through the glass. Her body was horrifically mangled, especially her lower body. Both legs were broken and her arms showed serious cuts and bruises, signs of being twisted in ways a limb shouldn’t be bent. As awful as she looked now, she was much worse in the rubble where they found her. Seeing her in this state broke her father’s heart. No parent should ever have to see their child like this. The sounds of the constant beeps of the monitor offered him some semblance of peace, knowing she’s still alive. At least in this state she can’t feel pain.
Richard: (takes a deep breath) How is she?
Dr Wasp: Though her body was crushed in the rubble, her brain and most of her vital organs – such as her lungs and heart - are still functional. Her kidneys, liver, stomach and intestines have all been severely damaged. She’s currently being fed nutrients through the life-support systems. The important thing is she’s alive.
Richard: What good is her being alive if she’s going to be a vegetable?! We need to transfer her mind into a clone body. These machines won’t keep her stable forever.
Matthew: Actually, sir, they can. I have been siphoning energy from the red emerald we found a few months back to keep her stable. I estimated it wouldn’t make much difference given it seems to produce unlimited energy. Enough to power the grid indefinitely.
Richard: That’s not the point! If we can’t clone her then all of this would’ve been for nothing! Adrian, what is the problem?
Dr Wasp: The problem is that parts of her body had already been decomposing for a couple days before we found her, her tissue samples just won’t hold together… I’m sorry, Richard, but it looks like the project has hit another dead end.
Richard: No! I won’t give up on her! There has to be a way.
Dr Wasp: The explosion vaporised much of her bodily fluids and she can’t hang onto any intravenous liquids we supply. We need to find a solution that will keep the clone bodies from dying off too quickly… Try to understand, sir. This isn’t like cloning sheep. This is a human body we’re talking about, and the only man who knew the secret behind its success took it to his grave.
Richard clenches both his flesh and mechanical fists tightly, frustrated with the lack of progress since they restarted the project. He knew it would be wrong to blame Adrian. He may be brilliant, but even he can’t do the impossible in a small amount of time. Ordering him to work harder won’t bring him any closer to making a successful clone of Alice.
What he needed to do was go back to his office, pour himself a glass of his favourite brand of whiskey, and get back to work. Occupying himself with tasks was the only thing that took his mind off this stressful side project he and Adrian got going on. Once he’d calmed down enough, he bids Adrian farewell and leaves him to his work. The hologram, Matthew, disperses from the room and the AI follows the CEO through the many cameras placed in the corners of the hallway he was walking through.
With a pen in his flesh hand and a stiff glass of whisky in the metallic, Richard sat down in his desk and dove straight into the pile of paperwork on his desk. Matthew appears on his computer screen, giving him a confused look and a slight tilt of the head.
Matthew: I calculate that you are doing the paperwork yourself, rather than relying on my advanced reading, writing and sorting skills, because you are distracting yourself from the matter pertaining to Project Leda?
Richard: Your calculations are correct. If that’s all you felt the need to say, I would like to be left alone to do my work in peace. Go back to your primary objectives and keep this building running.
Matthew: I will, Mister Magna. I just wanted to notify you about Chaos Man first.
Richard: …I thought I told you to hold off on Operation Chaos Breaker until we’ve completed the project.
Matthew: You have, sir. But you failed to instruct me to continue monitoring the hero- I mean, menace. It seems that he’s decided to make a public comeback after his two-week hiatus.
Richard: What?!
He blurted out, almost choking on his drink. Matthew remotely connects to Richard’s flatscreen tv on the wall to his left, switching the channel to a talk show known as “The Debbie Dreamer Show.” He was not prepared for what the screen showed. Chaos Man was just sitting in the studio in costume chatting with the host of the show, laughing and having a good time. Today was just not his day.
Richard: You have got to be kidding me!
Once news of Chaos Man’s first live TV appearance had been announced on social media, practically the whole country tuned in to watch, excited to see the hero on the silver screen. Or see if it was actually real and not a scandal to trick the public into giving the network more views. But Debbie Dreamer wasn’t that kind of woman. Though she’s known for telling jokes and making light small talk with her guests, she knows when to take things seriously. Having the world’s first official superhero on the show was a huge deal. Her studio gave off a nice, chill and relaxing vibe with the ocean blue floor, orange chairs and the sunset backdrop behind her desk which was red and painted with light blue flowers, giving it a Hawaiian look.
Before introducing Chaos Man to the crowd, she took a moment to offer her heartfelt condolences for all the people who’ve lost their lives during Wilfre’s rise to power, her heart going out to the loved ones of those tragic victims. Showing her audience, she is genuine and not doing this job for money, but because she loves to talk and meet a lot of famous people.
Debbie: And now, without further ado! Please welcome… Chaos Man!
The entire audience got up from their seats and cheered as loud as they can while unleashing a thunderous applause. Chaos Man gives them a show by hovering through the curtains with arms out to the side, acting like Jesus Christ as he waved and greeted the crowd. Some may see him as a show off for doing this, but he thought people wouldn’t believe he’s the real Chaos Man unless he demonstrated his powers in some way. The cameras follow him as he slowly flies over the heads of the crowd, extending his arms downwards so that they could give him a handshake or a high-five. One woman was bold enough to kiss his hand before he returned to the stage and gently touched down in front of Debbie.
He greeted the host with a smile and shakes her hand as he admired her attire. It was almost as colourful as his suit. A short-sleeved orange shirt, a turquoise short skirt and red shoes. Her hair was curly and blonde, and she wore a pair of round glasses. Debbie was struggling to keep her nerves in check. She was over the moon right now, seeing her hero standing in front of her and shaking her hand, telling her thanks for inviting him onto her show.
Debbie: Wow… you’re shorter than I was expecting… Sorry.
She unintentionally let slip out only to immediately regret it, thinking she insulted him. But Chaos Man was cool about it and responded with a chuckle.
Chaos Man: Well, I was about to say you’re taller than on the TV, so we’re even.
The audience laugh alongside the show’s host who giddily asks him to take a seat in the chair closest to her desk so that they can talk. Things start of simple, delving into topic such as what are Chaos Man’s hobbies, what kind of things does he like and dislike, and the list goes on. Chaos Man gives her short and simple answers, remembering not to let accidentally spill any information about his secret identity.
Debbie: So, Chaos Man, do you have a secret identity?
Chaos Man: Course I do. Every superhero has one. As great as having powers is, I don’t want to be super all the time.
Debbie: I already know what your answer will be, but can you tell us anything about your life outside of being a hero?
Chaos Man: Uh, well… I like going on long walks, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies and TV shows. I’m also really into anime. Guess you can say I’m sort of a nerd.
The audience seemed to respond positively to that. Many people have no idea what kind of person Chaos Man is on a personal level. It was almost a relief to some to know that deep down he’s just like everyone else underneath that brightly coloured, skintight suit.
His talk with Debbie goes on for a good long hour, though it felt shorter to some with how much fun they were having getting to know the hero better. However, there were some who saw through Chaos Man’s bright smile and saw what he was really feeling underneath. Those few who knew the man behind the mask. Michael Mercer and Violet Smith. Neither of them had seen or heard from Alex since Wilfre’s defeat two weeks ago. But it wasn’t because Alex was too busy for them, far from it. The three of them mutually agreed to give each other space to get over the trauma Wilfre caused and learn to get on with their lives.
Michael was sitting at the bar of Sean’s pub, drinking a pint of apple and cherry cider, watching his friend having the time of his life on the talkshow. He was happy for him. Never in their years as kids living in an orphanage in a small town in the countryside did, he predict that Alex would be on TV. Then again, he never predicted that he’d become a superhero either… Or that their other friend would become a villain.
Just like that, Michael’s brief smile fades away, and he’s taking another big sip. It didn’t do much to help block out the horrific images of Jason standing over the bleeding bodies of five police officers out of his head. That image tarnished every precious memory he had left of his former friend.
Violet: You look like you’ve been through hell, which you have now that I think about it. Sorry.
Michael: It’s all good.
Michael simply responded, unfazed by Violet’s sudden appearance. He gestures her to take a seat on the stool next to him if she was feeling up to chatting more, to which she was. Until now, Michael and Violet had never close enough to call each other friends. That all changed after they both discovered around the same time that the third party in their group was the same superhero on the TV right now. The two of them occasionally glance at the screen as they talked. The subject of conversation? Alex Laytham himself.
Violet: Never imagined I’d see Alex on The Debbie Dreamer Show. My mum’s obsessed with this show. I don’t get why.
Michael: Me neither. Buuut then again, I haven’t watched anything since I moved back in with my dad…
He leans in closer to Violet and whispers the last part in her ear, ensuring no eavesdroppers hear any crucial details.
Michael: The night Alex got his powers.
From there Violet and Michael continue to talk quietly to each other.
Violet: I still can’t get over it. I’m dating Chaos Man! If Mum found out, she’d lose it.
Michael: She’d disapprove?
Violet: No, the opposite. She’d suggest something crazy like marriage or something.
Michael: And that thought bothers you?
Michael added while raising an eyebrow at her. Violet shrugs and elbows him in response. Though she wouldn’t deny the thought of being Chaos Man’s future wife sounded… interesting. Course she’d never let Michael know that.
Before Michael was tempted to pry more embarrassment out of her, Violet changes topics by bringing up what happened with Wilfre and the orphanage. Why did she have to talk about that of all the things they could’ve talked about. The mood had gotten bleak again. But Violet knew that they needed to talk about it at some point. They can’t avoid it forever. With Alex gone they only have each other to confide in.
Violet: Look, I get it. Jason was your friend. You wanna remember him as he was when you were kids, not the monster he’d become.
Michael: That’s the thing… Jason wasn’t really my friend. To me he was more of an… acquaintance. Alex was his true friend, and I was just the friend of a friend.
Violet: So? What difference does that make?
Michael: A shit-load actually, pardon my language. The point is that you say to only remember the good things about Jason, but from my perspective… there aren’t any good things. From the moment I met him he’s always been this shy, awkward, angry kid who blamed the universe for how his life turned out. Alex was able to see beyond his physical appearance, and I praise him for that. But to me, all I saw was that same disturbed guy who felt nothing for all the people he’s killed. Some may’ve deserved it, but there were those who didn’t, like Jackson and May Li… I don’t regret what I did. Wilfre needed to be put down and it’s obvious Alex will never be the man to do it. That’s why our partnership is important. When more monsters, villains, killers or whatever appear – and believe me they will – somebody has to play the role of executioner. I’d rather it be me then Alex. Taking a life it… i-it changes you.
Violet gazes at Michael with a hint of worry in her eyes, watching him as he downed the last of his cider. She feels for him, even though she’ll never know what it feels like to put your life on the line and take the life of something, even if it’s a mindless monster, she knows what the battlefield can do to a soldier if they stay on it too long. Conflict brings out the worst in people. It turned Jason into Wilfre and Michael fears it’ll change Alex into something worse with all his power. But she refused to believe that, or that Michael’s sanity was less important compared to Chaos Man’s.
Still, she wondered if the two of them had spoken since that day. Is Alex angry with Michael for killing Wilfre, believing there was still a chance he could save Jason?
Violet: Is that why you and Alex aren’t talking right now? Because you… killed Jason?
Michael: No, it’s not that. Alex and I are good, I promise… He said he needed time to mourn Jason, which I get, but thought was pointless… But what do I know? He was Alex’s friend, not mine.
He slowly glanced back at the TV. The show had now reached the point where other guest stars were present, chatting alongside Chaos Man. The show was about to end now. But before signing off, Chaos Man asked Debbie if he could make a special announcement about something he’d been working on. From one of his invisible pockets that disappeared from his suit as soon as he pulled what he needed out of it, he shows of his brand-new phone. The case had all the colours of his suit and housed his emblem on it.
Michael: Wait, he’s not gonna-
Chaos Man: To all the people in the world I’ve sworn to protect, both fans and non-fans, I give you, drum roll please… Chaos Chord!
Michael: He fucking did.
He muttered under his breath. Chaos Man presents to the cameras a new app on his custom phone, showing off it’s many features.
Debbie: Ooh, you have your own app? Tell us more.
Chaos Man: It’s a new thing me and my partner at Aegis came up with. People who download and sign up for it will be able to interact with me. Its main purpose is for people to directly request my help as well as report crimes and monster attacks in progress. I will also be posting photos of myself and videos like one would on Instagram or Snapchat. Y’know, showing the people what my life as a superhero is like on a personal level. I wanna be one of those heroes who always makes time for everyone.
Debbie: Wow, that is like the coolest thing ever. I’m sure you’ll get may people downloading it, including me, hehehe!
Michael: That moron! I told him it’s still a work in progress!
Violet: You designed that app?
Michael: Well- yes and no, but I did put together and program that customised Magna Phone he’s got… A while back I had this thought that anyone could easily hack into Alex’s phone and come across any evidence that would tell the world he’s Chaos Man. So, I suggested he use two phones. One as Alex and the other as Chaos Man. What he’s got there is a heavily modified phone. Completely untraceable and unshakeable with the kind of anti-virus software Aegis uses to keep terrorists out of its servers.
Violet: That’s incredible. I didn’t know you could build stuff, Michael.
Michael: Heh, there’s a lot about me you don’t know. But if you and Alex are serious enough, maybe you’ll be around long enough to find out.
The two of them laugh as the talkshow comes to an end. Chaos Man thanks Debbie for having him on, getting him to open up about himself as much as he can to satisfy the audience and show off his new app he plans to release to the public soon once he and Michael have worked out all the bugs. Though Michael makes a mental note to slap the fuck out of Alex’s face for revealing their app before he had a proper chance to test it out.
Elsewhere off the coast of the Scotland, in the same vicinity as the poor fishermen who lost their lives to the mysterious creature they fished from the ocean, the cargo ship filled with containers bearing the Magna Tech logo had been attacked. Aegis had dispatched Eagle Squad to answer the distress call the ship’s captain managed to send out before meeting the same fate as his crew.
By the time they arrived it was too late. The entire ship was badly damaged. The men couldn’t believe he state it was in. The sides were covered in gaping hole and deep cuts, like something big dug its claws into the tough steel and managed to cut through it like butter. Above deck things were just as bad. All the ship’s cargo containers had been destroyed. Some had their doors ripped open, some off their hinges entirely, and others had hole in their sides.
As soon as the helicopter landed atop the ship – that’s somehow still standing above the water – the soldiers search the wreckage for any survivors. There were none. Whatever attacked the ship had killed every person on board. They can guess that when the monster attacked the whole ship erupted in chaos. Unfortunately, they were too far out to sea for anyone to hear their screams.
Their bodies were just left there to rot after the monster had its fun. The captain of the Eagle Squad stood in the centre of the deck and observed his men moving the bodies into the open where they can be identified later. Others he’d instructed to check the containers that had been torn open to see if the cargo inside had been stolen. But he was informed by his lieutenant that everything on the ship’s manifest was accounted for. This all but confirmed that it was indeed a monster attack and not a terrorist one.
Soon the time had come to declare this mission complete and return to base to report their findings to General Mercer. But as the men were preparing to re-board the helicopter, the captain held back as his wandering eye caught something out of the ordinary. A few inches away from his left foot he spotted a puddle of water. It wouldn’t be a big deal to the average joe, but his keen eye for detail spotted something unnatural in that puddle.
He gets down on one knee to get a closer look. On closer inspection it became apparent that he didn’t hallucinate what he thought he saw. There was a very faint spark of green light emanating from the puddle. But it was very weak and still too hard to see. He quickly glances over both his shoulders, making sure nobody was watching for what he was about to do next. He takes a deep breath, holds it in for a second, and exhales it in a concentrates stream of air.
Upon exhale a cold mist seeped out of the corners of his mouth as it made contact with the puddle. The instant his breath hit it the puddle quickly freezes over. The mist turns into a cold frost that covers the small part of the floor he was focused on. Through the sheet of ice, he can see the energy more clearly now.
Eagle Squad Captain: I knew it. Chaos Energy.
Eagle Squad Lieutenant: Found something, Captain?
The captain kept his nerve as he slowly stood up and turned to face his lieutenant, revealing his stone-cold face to him. A face that housed bright blue eyes and a tiny scar across his right cheek under his eye. His foot was carefully placed down over the frozen puddle, keeping it hidden from his men.
Eagle Squad Captain: Just an old penny, McGuinness… Just an old penny.
Eagle Squad Lieutenant: Okay… We’re ready to move out if you are, sir.
Eagle Squad Captain: Have all the bodies been accounted for?
Eagle Squad Lieutenant: Yes, sir. I’ve already called in the undertakers. They’ll make sure they’re all moved to the coroners so the families can say their goodbyes.
Eagle Squad Captain: And the cargo?
Eagle Squad Lieutenant: The ship will be quarantined until Magna Tech sends its robots to collect it.
Eagle Squad Captain: Then our work here is done. Let’s return to base immediately.
The lieutenant salutes his commanding officer and boards the helicopter with their captain not far behind. The helicopter is soon airborne, and Eagle Squad are inbound for Aegis at cruising altitude. Some of the soldier glance back at the ruined cargo ship and wonder what kind of monster could’ve caused damage like that, trying to narrow it down through all the different subspecies they’ve captured and killed throughout the years.
But the captain knew exactly what they were up against. He’d seen it before, and he knew it was something far more dangerous than any monster they’ve encountered.
Eagle Squad Captain: No doubt about it, he was here. He must’ve made landfall by now. It’s only a matter of time before it attacks the city… I’ve got to get to him first before Aegis does, or worse Chaos Man.
To Be Continued