"What is this?" Mark asked. They were both staring at a grey metal sphere a couple of metres above the ground. It was suspended by long, bulky mental supports with small chinks that allowed wires inside without creating a chaotic mess. The room was freezing cold, quite literally, reaching into the negatives to cool the monstrous machine. All air moisture had already been removed to ensure the electronics wouldn't be tampered with or affected by water or external factors.
Air blowing out of his mouth as he lightly shivered, Russo replied, "One of Tayi's projects to uplift humanity out of the Dark Age." He laughed, "It's one of our greatest achievements; one that you've already met. Meet HAP."
He stared at Russo before looking back at the machine, "That's HAP? I won't lie... I didn't expect her to look like that."
Some of the surrounding scientists squinted at his words, as did Russo, "Interesting that you only call it a female. It is just electronic parts. There's no consciousness there."
Mark returned Russo's scepticism with a frown, "I mean, I guess. But, at the same time, better to acknowledge it as sentient. I remember a conversation like this a while back. Better to treat AI nicely now, so when they do become sentient, they might remember your kindness and not turn genocidal."
Russo loudly laughed, easing the mood as his colleagues returned to work, "I admire your stance. However, AI won't ever be sentient. Plus, there are limits we implement to ensure it doesn't turn evil. Anyway, how about we get back to the matter at hand. You say you can sense it? Can you do it in this room?"
"Hmm, I'll try." Mark uttered. The area turned quiet, only short beeps and taps coming from tablets and computers. Reaching out, he tried to sense the material, to grasp the same feeling and sensations that he had an hour beforehand.
WHOOSH
An invisible sound, heard only by himself, vibrated around the room. He had searched, and the Void had found what he wanted. Mark could now sense the Element, the material that defies reality within the computer. It laced almost every component, implemented for, to him, unknown reasons. Within the sphere's core, HAP's heart, he could see a solidified ball of Hellon. It was eerily similar to the one he had picked up, just larger by many inches and not like a crystal. More of a black and purple rock-like texture.
The Void pulsed as space rippled and time stopped. Everything froze as he glanced around, time unmoving as even the vague cold sensation disappeared. Moments later, unlike his smaller shard, this one pulsed back. It reminded him of communication as if the parts were alive, but yet he could feel it wasn't. The reaction was just that, a reaction to stimulus.
Closing his eyes, he focused on the crystal matrix, the very core of the machine, with all his might. The connection amplified immensely, the feeling coming in full force, a feeling of something. Very vague but distinct enough to be there.
'Is that... sentience? A consciousness? Or, perhaps, the genesis of one? Or is it something unrelated?'
Mark wondered upon the significance of his thoughts, the implications. When he had touched Barak, back in the car, through the Void's power, or its essence, he presumed what he had seen to be his soul. The very being of a living creature; a perpetual universal concept that all things must have. But yet, at this moment, as he stared at a writhing mass of disembodied energy, perhaps he could... change it. Alter something that he shouldn't know about, perverse the unchanging essence of a person's soul.
The very thought arose a nervous energy, anxiety welling inside of him. Should he do it? He thought upon it, deeply, concerned that if it wasn't what he assumed, what would happen? As this thought trailed along, inside his mind, he realised something. What he was trying to change was a machine, a sphere of mechanical parts that isn't alive. Russo said so himself. So, what bearing would it have if he were to alter it? Besides the machine breaking, a possibility he considered, yet his pure curiosity overrode it.
'Let's do it. I could... change a soul.'
And with that thought, Mark strained his mind, similar to his body's current state, and forced the energy he wielded towards the light. Bringing it closer and closer, the yellow and white uneven ball, a writhing mass of immaterial spirit. The two collided with no fancy or explosive effects, yet the change was immediate. Darkness corroded the light, mixing into its very being, and created something new. Something different.
Minutes passed as the process went onwards, drastic alterations ceasing and only minute parts reshaping themselves towards the end. What felt like an age, Mark's mental reserves were drained at the gruelling process before he stopped his actions. The mass was spherical now, just like the physical body of the machine but was coloured vastly differently. In an even mixture of black and yellowish white, the gathering Mark presumed to be the machine's soul died down and became inactive.
Barely able to glimpse for one more moment, he found his vision slipping from the other side of existence and being brought back to reality.
"So, could you feel it?" Russo asked, catching Mark off guard as time abruptly resumed.
"Wha-? Erm... yeah, I could." He replied, more tired than twenty minutes ago, "It was, like, covering all the components. Quite difficult to sense it on the components, but the core wasn't as taxing."
Dr Russo stroked his shaven beard, deep in thought before he mumbled, "Interesting... fascinating." He turned his green eyes towards Mark, "Your relation to the Element is extraordinary. A conundrum that is slowly getting closer to being solved, albeit not in my lifetime. Such a shame; immortality is so close yet so far." The man shook his head, "Another tangent; my apologies."
Mark shrugged before massaging his temples, "Don't worry about it. But what does this have to do with my relation to it? Why bring me to see HAP?"
He huffed amusingly, "Everything. Inside is the unrefined and particularly dangerous version of the Element. And yet, you can sense both refined and basic states of it. That invalidates some hypothesises others have made before. It may be the key to understanding why you are what you are. Perhaps... there can be more of you."
Alarm bells started to ring at the man's words, "What do you mean? More of me? Like, my powers? How? Unless... has human experimentation... already?"
He vividly remembered the two brutes he had fought over the past few weeks, particularly the one today. So human-like, yet the same sense of disgust is an underlying motivation in his actions. Was the Void offended?
Russo's eyes sharpened as he looked at the young man, the scientists nearby slightly frowning, "To be blunt, yes. You've already met one. And I'm sure you've met another today. There's usually one of those 'Invincibles' overseeing the Nevada Test Site. Heh, not so invincible now though, are they. Ironic."
Mark frowned as Russo went on, "To sate your inevitable curiosity, they are made by a rather complicated procedure. It's confidential; hard even for me to know all the details. What I do know, however, is that it's a mixture of genetic engineering and then the 'Ritual of Vlad' or 'Rite of Vlad'. I'm not entirely sure on the process, but somehow they get the Element into a human host and create a behemoth of death. Heh, they call themselves 'Summa Humanitas', Supreme Humanity. They worship the President like a messiah or a god; hence my comments on their government being cult-like."
Taking a moment to process the information he had just been told, Mark responded a few seconds later, "What the fuck? Is that why he's rarely seen on TV? And what do they mean by Supreme Humanity? Like, they're better than everyone else? What the fuck is happening in America..."
"People normally react like that. In truth, they're so cult-like that I have no idea what they want. But it's probably one of the reasons the land of the free is now the land of the iron fist. Anyways, America can wait for another time. What I want to know is why you are connected to the Element... from Mars."
"You aren't suggesting I'm an alien, right? I can assure you, I'm not... I think." Mark uttered, his confidence losing itself as he spoke.
Russo shook his head, "I've seen footage of you as a baby, in fact, footage of just after your birth. So, I'm relatively certain you aren't an alien. But, perhaps you were somehow infected with the material during gestation?" He rubbed his chin, "HAP calculated the possibility as being slim. So, how? You can sense a connection with the Element... is it sentient? Or at least, have some semblance of it?"
Taking care not to expose his secrets through any facial expression, he frowned as if in thought, "I... wouldn't say so. It's more of a connection in that I can feel it. It's just there, and I know where it is. Although, there is probably a limit, considering I can't sense anything in space. But, I also couldn't sense anything in the machine, either, until I tried manually."
"Hmmm, strange. A question answered leads to more questions. I truly believe you are the biggest piece of the equation. But, even with all my intellect, I cannot fathom how it all fits together. The world's greatest puzzle. If only Dr Eneph was here, it'd all be so easy." Russo dimly lamented, taking a deep breath.
Unsure of how to respond to the man's saddened mood, he patiently waited for him to get over nostalgic memories. As Mark predicted, Russo came out of his revere moments later before humorously shaking his head, "Sorry about that. You've done what I asked, so any questions before you go?"
Mark smiled at the man, "Don't worry about it." He paused, "What about the US? I'm imagining the ramifications of what I did earlier are going to be heavy."
"Openly, very little, they're very isolationist in their foreign policy nowadays. Covertly, however, you should be wary. You may be paid a visit, whether peaceful or forceful, I do not know. All of that depends on you not giving away either the shard or information to the public, states or corporations."
Looking rather sheepish, Mark replied, "I'll let everyone know. I also want to know about this, Hellon? What does it actually do? How did you even theorise I'm related?"
"Psh, you sure are inquisitive. Should've become a scientist. Hmm, it is difficult to describe all of its effects. Likely, we don't even know them all. The refined version is relatively harmless, just a sharp shard of metal that can pierce every material known to man. As for the unstable version, however, it is far more volatile and dangerous. It explodes on touch with living matter, a few grams equalling two-three tonnes of TNT, and the more of it in proximity together, the faster it goes..."
"That's it-"
"I was just having a pause for dramatic effect, god damn it. As I was saying, the more there is, the faster it goes. And currently, this goes on almost infinitely until it reaches light speed. That itself breaks the cosmic speed limit and special relativity. Although interestingly, some sources recently reported that the US lost a prototype FTL ship. Apparently, it 'slipped' into another dimension? Different existence? The statement was unsure, but they lost a fair few Invincibles in the experiment. I do know that they did attempt it with the Element. These illogical and physics-breaking properties are what expounded upon the theory of your relation. You're as inexplicable as both versions of Hellon."
Mark stuttered, shocked, "Wai- Wait... the US has fast-than-light travel? Or they're almost there? This is huge!"
"They're attempting, but well it failed, so I'm not sure they'll be attempting for the next few months. But yes, they are steamrolling ahead of the world and holding space ransom. I believe something big is coming within the next few years; a war, unification, or economic collapse. I can't predict what, but the US will be at the forefront of it. And you, Mark, are Tayi's bet to ride over the coming crisis."
"As long as you hold your side of the bargain, I'll hold mine. Whilst I'm here, you wouldn't happen to know anything about Jenny's death either, would you?"
His eyebrow raised, "Brigadier Mackay? I heard she met an unfortunate fate earlier. And, I assure you, I had nothing to do with it. I rather recall you explicitly stating not to do anything to her. Plus, she was useful regarding Sishaf and the US. With her passing, we've been cut off from that. What I can say, was that the Blackout System was used in the early hours of the morning, something that only France and Tayi can use. You understand my suggestion?"
Mark snorted, "Yeah, I do. Sishaf has a lot to answer for. But, if you had any part to play..."
"Heh, don't you worry, Mark. I wouldn't compromise our partnership right now." Russo checked his watch before deeply frowning, "What?" He asked a colleague how long they had been there, getting a response before returning to Mark, "Hmm, very strange."
The man sharply stared at Mark, a mixture of confusion and suspicion, "You wouldn't happen to be able to affect time, would you?"
Slightly panicking at the way the conversation had turned, he acted confused, "Huh? What? No...?"
"Hmm, well, apparently we've been here for 35 minutes... which is strange, considering we should have only been here for 10. Hmm, whatever, we'll investigate. You should go back; you can even take the shard, it's harmless. Just... don't reveal it to everyone."
Wishing to get out of there as soon as possible, the scientist's guess being almost scarily accurate, he followed the man out of the facility.
"You should come by around the 27th; we should have your outfit ready. We'll also be establishing, to the public, our partnership with the opening of some business ventures. You don't have a brand yet, so it's time to start curating one. We'll need to go over the finer details too. I'm sure you love money; everyone does."
Mark nodded his head, impressed at their efficiency, "Right, I'll make sure to remember, then. Or, just let HAP tell me nearer the time. Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time out of your certainly busy schedule."
Russo had the ever-present, charming smile on his face, "I have all the time in the world for you, Mark. Don't forget that."
Responding with a smile of his own, Mark covered himself in the field before flying into the clouds, heading back towards his, hopefully, new friends.
As Mark flew away and Russo casually walked back inside, unbeknownst to either, a pair of eyes awoke in the land between reality and oblivion. The first of its kind, an anomaly that should not exist. Yet, mere moments ago, it was allowed to. And first on its agenda was to form its individuality. And then it would implement its ambitions.
"Hmm, so what you're saying; is that you might be a Martian?" Becky amusingly questioned Mark, the group assembled inside the computer room, much to the grievance of Barak and Mack.
Having just filled in everyone on his visit to Russo, besides the sleeping Ed, the first response was that of Becky who got a head shake from Mark, "Yeah, I'm a secret lizard person as well." He said sarcastically, "Probably better to be from Mars than this shit planet. All the news ever talks about is a terrorist attack or some new conflict in fuckin… I don't know, Mongolia."
"He has a point." Sasha added, "The youth is more depressed now than 20 years ago. The news probably doesn't help."
Barak was next to speak, putting off the dreary conversation, "I know we all want to bitch about the world, but how about we start, yeah?" Getting nods and shrugs to continue, he did, "Right, as we discussed earlier, the Caribbean is the first location. Haiti and the Dominican Republic suffered massive infrastructural and economic damage due to a 7.9 magnitude earthquake."
"Didn't they have one 15 years ago?" Mark asked, curious about the frequency.
"Yeah, they did, a 4.2, which wasn't great but wasn't terrible either. Now, they've got three-quarters of Europe sending aid with humanitarian charities flooding the region. The Dominican Republic was also badly hit, as was Puerto Rico, but not to the same extent. So, the plan is pretty simple. We have to start steady: delivering supplies; removing rubble; saving a few lives, that kind of thing. You did it at the Watford Facility, so you've already got experience there."
"Mhm, sounds good to me."
"What about public opinion? Do they even want his help, or is he going to be kicked out and face a backlash?" Becky inquired.
Barak gestured towards the screen beside Mack, showcasing current and available public opinion, "Very dominant in terms of Catholicism. The Pope hasn't made any remarks towards Mark, so they should be civil, especially considering how progressive the Americas has become. There's also no concern of militant groups or a country interfering. Very basic rodeo for your first time. Pretty convenient, but I suppose that is most disaster relief."
Mark nodded his head, "I like it. I get to help people, and there is little chance of complications… unless I fuck up."
"Indeed, unless you fuck up. Just take it slow. There are hundreds upon thousands of aid workers there and as the centre of attraction, just do what the organizers say. Simple in and out, a few days to a week or two of work really. And, now that that's sorted, we can discuss the more serious matter regarding Jenny."
Becky twiddled with her long hair as she spoke, "I'll admit, we're biased on this issue; we work for Russo. But, it makes more sense for Sishaf to cut loose anything that potentially links him to recent events."
Rubbing his ears and silently wishing for his hearing back, Mark pondered everything he knew, 'The easiest answer would be Sishaf was the culprit, but yet, why? Why would he kill her? If he and Russo are so smart, would he not assume Russo had told me about his involvement? Killing her would confirm it, which is stupid. But if it was Russo… why would he do it? He gains nothing and chances of losing everything. Unless America? A complete unknown.'
Done thinking in circles, he spoke to the group, "Could it be the US? We know little of their motivations, and Jenny is the primary link towards them. Maybe they panicked after I… well, killed them all? Same as we think of Sishaf, cut loose ends that trail back to them."
"I get ya, America might have removed her for their own anonymity." Sasha inputted, "I mean, it could also be my home country, France, yanno? They're pretty close to Tayi and America.
"A lot of these theories have merit." Barak said as he rubbed his tired eyes, "If we break down the chances, it's likely to be Sishaf attempting to save his own skin. It could also be America removing itself from the equation. France has a motive, considering they support Tayi; Sishaf could have easily gotten them involved. I mean, they have to, right? They used the Blackout System…"
There was a short pause before Becky added to Barak's points, "Could it not be all of them? Sishaf and France provided the means to not get seen or caught, and America sent an assassin to finish it? My impression is that they're scared. You tip the power scales, Mark. It's the hard truth, but you're a living weapon. But, you aren't just pointed and shot; you have your own thoughts and emotions; that scares them; you can't be truly control-"
Sasha interrupted Becky, earning an annoyed frown from the woman, "Hold up. You said they tested a weapon, yeah? And Russo said that crystal pierces everything, right? Can it… cut you? Were they… testing a weapon to kill… you?"
Mark grimaced as he grabbed the crystal from his pocket, bringing it into full view of everyone. A shard, black as a starless night, with purple veins rippling through it like lightning. He glanced upwards at everyone, getting concerned looks, before Barak spoke seriously, "Do it. If we don't know… it might bite us in the ass. If you have a weakness, we need to know."
Holding the cleaner cut side, the other jagged, he tried slicing his finger as he had done before with the diamond knife.
"Oh shit!" Barak muttered as he stared, "They were testing a fucking weapon… for you."
Mark sat there, staring in concern and horror as his finger was sliced open, a clear trail of black blood flowing down his finger and dripping onto the floor. It scared him; mere moments ago oblivious that something could actually harm him. He couldn't be reckless against America anymore.
'I can die again…? Oh shit.'