Leonard: "The day on which the summer sky was shining bright, unlike any other day... if only we knew that clouds that would soon block the sun would foreshadow the chaos brewing in the shadows."
On the news channel, a reporter smiled warmly.
Reporter: "Hello, everyone, and welcome back! I'm joined today by the city's number one, on this beautiful day."
Zeus, dressed impeccably, nodded.
Zeus: "Hello there, I'm Alexander Smith, but I'm mostly known to the public as Zeus, and I happen to be the principal of the Neutron Institution. It's great to be here."
The reporter's eyes sparkled.
Reporter: "Thank you so much for making time for us; it's a pleasure having you here. Now, to tackle the question that's been weighing on everyone's minds, and that's the Neutron Institution. What's your take on the new 1st years?"
Zeus' expression turned confident.
Zeus: "Well, that's easy. There's new potential every year, and it seems to be the same this year. The new talent that stumbled upon our doorstep is truly remarkable."
As Sam's mother watched the news, Sam stepped into the living room, grabbing his backpack.
Sam: "Okay, Mother, I'm going now."
Mrs. Atom face was neutral.
Mrs. Atom: "Okay, then, but remember to be early today. Your father and I are expecting visitors, and they want to meet the entire family."
Sam nodded.
Sam: "I'm aware."
Mrs. Atom added.
Mrs. Atom: "Okay, go have fun with your friends then."
Sam asked, his eyes turned towards his mother's a gloomy stare.
Sam: "Before I go, does Father still keep that generator in the attic?"
Mrs. Atom raised an eyebrow.
Mrs. Atom: "What on earth would you want with that thing?"
Sam shrugged.
Sam: "My friends and I have been doing an experiment, and today "that thing" is needed."
Mrs. Atom sighed.
Mrs. Atom: "Very well, but I don't know what your father keeps in there, but you can go and check."
Sam headed to the attic, dust motes dancing in the air.
At an unknown location, Mirco stood, his voice low.
Mirco: "Are all preparations set?"
Carbonyl's menacing stare sent shivers.
Carbonyl: "The extraction was completed two days ago, and all other measures have been confirmed to be in place. We will proceed with the breach in two days' time."
Mirco's eyes widened.
Mirco: "So soon?"
Carbonyl's grin spread.
Carbonyl: "We need that data."
Mirco nodded.
Mirco: "Very well, I'll attend to the others."
Carbonyl walked towards an incubation tank, containing an unconscious woman. As he stepped in front of the tank, the woman's eyes flickered open.
Carbonyl placed his hand on the tank, his grin twisted.
Carbonyl: "And you are the key."
At Leonard's house, Kevin fidgeted in the garage.
Kevin: "What's taking him so long?"
Leonard chuckled.
Leonard: "Oh, there he is."
Sam lugged the generator into the garage, dropping it onto a desk.
Leonard's eyes widened.
Leonard: "Uhhh."
Kevin stared.
Kevin: "Sam, what is this?"
Sam shrugged.
Sam: "A generator."
Kevin's eyes narrowed.
Kevin: "You're joking."
Leonard examined the generator.
Leonard: "Looks too old to have one; I don't even see an insulator. Sam, are you sure this—"
Sam defended.
Sam: "This is an old version, okay. It was made in the early 2000s by my grandfather."
Kevin whistled.
Kevin: "Damn, then it's definitely old."
Sam connected cables to the rock, his hands moving swiftly.
Sam: "Let me show you guys what I've been working on."
As Sam flipped the switch, confusion etched on his face.
Sam: "This makes no sense."
Leonard's eyes sparkled.
Leonard: "Sam, lemme try something."
Leonard connected the hooks to his fingers; Sam and Kevin watched, dumbfounded.
Leonard: "{Okay, minimum output.} Sam, hit it now."
Sam hesitated.
Sam: "Leonard, your power's electricity; I don't think it'll work like—"
Leonard urged.
Leonard: "Just do it!"
The generator roared to life, loud engine noises filling the garage.
Sam and Kevin stared, jaws agape.
As Leonard removed his fingers, the generator continued operating.
Sam turned, his eyes narrowed.
Sam: "Something you wanna share?"
Kevin demanded.
Kevin: "Start talking."
Leonard rubbed the back of his head, his grin sheepish.
Leonard: "Uhhh, hehe hehe."
Sam's irritation grew, his eyes narrowing.
Sam: "Something you wanna share?"
Kevin stepped forward, his voice firm.
Kevin: "Start talking."
To be continued...