Chapter 2: The Cybernetic Crisis (2)
[Back to the Lab]
System Notification: Estimated download time: 1 hour 0 minutes – 50% System Recommendation: Termination advised. Tracking detected.
"Continue the download. We are not merely trying to survive; we are building a future."
System Notification: Command accepted.
He harbors no illusions of a happy ending. It's never seemed within reach.
System Notification: Energy Crystal at 20% capacity. "What about all the backup batteries?!"
System Notification: Unknown error detected. System Notification: Crystal recharge failed.
System Notification: Crystal recharge failed. System Prompt: Reduce energy consumption to ensure download completion? Note: Anti-detection will be deactivated.
"System, deactivate the anti-detection protocol and initiate forced download mode."
System Warning: Forced download mode will decrease download time by 90% but will necessitate deactivation of all defensive shields to ensure completion. Continue?
Gritting his teeth, he ponders the repercussions of his decision. Continuing will see the download completed in six minutes, exposing his secret basement and groundbreaking work in the process. Supervisors, once alerted, would pinpoint his location in five. His priority? Ensuring his son's safety.
"Ethan, go to your mother. NOW," he orders, urgency straining his voice.
"But Dad… I mean, Sir, I want to stay with you," Ethan's voice trembles, tears pooling in his eyes.
"No buts, GO! NOW!" His voice is sharp, tinged with a rare anger. This outburst, a first, shocks them both, and Ethan's tearful face reflects the mutual surprise and hurt.
"I HATE YOU!!!"
Ethan's words are a mix of hurt and confusion, unknown to them, the last to be exchanged between father and son.
Ethan's exit is abrupt, a sudden prick to his neck precipitating his collapse, a robotic arm cushioning his fall as darkness claims him.
A sense of remorse weighs heavily on the father's heart. He knows his actions will make Ethan despise him, but he believes it's the only path to his son's freedom.
"Continue! And activate self-destruction two minutes after completing the download," he commands resolutely, fully aware of the immense risks.
A system warning emerges, delineating the devastating consequences of impending self-destruction. The resultant shockwave will obliterate everything within a 50-kilometer radius, potentially altering the weather and instigating natural disasters. Undeterred, he reaffirms his decision; it's a necessary sacrifice.
The system notification updates, revealing 55% completion with an estimated download time of five minutes and thirty seconds in forced mode. Time is fleeting. Within a mere ten seconds of adjusting the settings, his location is compromised. The laboratory lights flicker, casting an eerie red glow, while a relentless system announcement signals the impending climax of this perilous gamble.
Beepbeepbeep
Warning: We have been tracked.
Warning: We have been tracked.
Warning: We have been detected.
System Notification: Estimated download time: 5 minutes - 62%.
"I was never a good father, and even in death, I'll cause you pain. Despite my intellect, I can't grant you happiness. I'm ashamed, but this is the only way," he declares loudly, desiring his words to linger in Ethan's subconscious.
With focus and determination, he moves to a nearby desk. Standing before the operating table, he scans the equipment with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Drawing a deep breath, he steps into the prepared room. The air is dense with tension; failure is not an option.
This final step is crucial, and time is pressing. He meticulously reviews the monitors as he approaches the anesthetized Ethan, knowing this is his last chance to ensure everything is in order.
System notification: Estimated download time: 1 minute - 92% "System notification: We have been discovered! Powerful signals detected. Ten moon ranks and one star rank at least."
The next thirty seconds are pivotal. He anticipates Max as the likely intruder, a control freak, a tyrant with a sinister grace. Max's visage is disturbingly compelling, his eyes conceal an unsettling darkness, and his physique exudes predatory elegance.
His mind races back to their last encounter, the air thick with unresolved conflict and simmering animosity. It had been a battle of wits, a dangerous dance between innovation and control. He had lost something precious that day, something he vowed to reclaim, fueling his relentless pursuit of this groundbreaking technology.
"We have surrounded the base. The energy consumption here could sustain the entire world for ten years. It's unheard of," Max's eyes glint with unrestrained ambition.
His heart sinks as he hears Max's voice, a harsh reminder of his past failures and the compromises he had to make. The stakes are higher now, not just for him. It's a burden he carries alone, a secret battle against time and tyranny. The remorse and resolve intermingle within him, creating a whirlpool of emotions he suppresses, focusing on the task at hand.
System notification: Estimated download time: 50 seconds - 93%
"Taking her away from me was not enough. He's driven by greed. This time, you will suffer! Let's see if you can survive today," he mutters, a malicious grin playing on his lips.
"Hero Narcissa, this is a misunderstanding. I wanted to surprise you with new technology," he tries to reason.
System notification: Estimated download time: 49 seconds - 93.5%.
"They arrived sooner than I anticipated. What about plan E?" he ponders.
"System, activate instant download mode, even if some files are missed," he commands decisively.
System: "Activating instant download mode... Note this may cause the system to overheat and the self-destruct timer will reduce to 30 seconds... Continue?"
"This is less time than I anticipated, but it will suffice. I've nearly downloaded everything; the missing data won't significantly impact the overall result. Yes, proceed and simulate a system shutdown!"
"I understand that you may have valid reasons for your secretive actions. However, given they contravene our agreement, you must cease your activities immediately and provide a detailed explanation. Rest assured, if your explanation is satisfactory, there will be no repercussions," Max asserts, trying to maintain a semblance of understanding.
"Thank you for your understanding. I will shut down the system immediately," he replies, inwardly scoffing at the idea of trusting Max. The irony of someone as obtuse and uninformed as Max posing a threat to him for all these years is not lost on him.
System announcement: Instant download mode activated.
The room is bathed in blinding light as the systems start to overheat rapidly.
System notification: Estimated download time: 5 seconds - 95%
System notification: Estimated download time: 3 seconds - 97%
System notification: Estimated download time: 2 seconds - 98%
System notification: Estimated download time: 1 second - 99%
System notification: Download Complete - 100% (estimated data loss: 5%)
The laboratory's illumination dims, seemingly returning to normal. However, appearances are deceptive. "Doctor Epimetheus, you've made the right decision. Now, please, raise your hands," commands a voice. Suddenly, all the red lights begin flashing, and a loud and piercing alarm blares through the facility's speakers.
ALARM: SELF-DESTRUCTION in 30 seconds
ALARM: SELF-DESTRUCTION in 30 seconds
Max, also known as Narcissa, widens his eyes, realizing his miscalculation.
Epimetheus is resolute in his decision to die and end the suppression once and for all. Every detail has been meticulously planned, including ensuring Max's presence at the scene.
The concentrated energy is highly dangerous, even to someone of Max's capabilities. He must escape immediately or face certain death. Activating his jet, he summons his fastest mode of transportation and flees at three times the speed of sound, not daring to look back.
The teleportation option has been effectively blocked with a specialized device, ensuring that Dr. Epimetheus cannot escape. Without hesitation, the 11 individuals with extraordinary powers flee for their lives, cognizant of the destructive force that looms.
Unfortunately, this would not be the first time a star-ranked individual would fall victim to the catastrophic aftermath of a laboratory self-destruction.