(FLASHBACK): Alex was shown in a small apartment with his family. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of anticipation and preparation. In the apartment, there was a little boy, a woman, and a man in the kitchen, busily making final arrangements and packing boxes. It was evident that they were getting everything ready for Alex to head back to college.
Before heading out the door, Alex turned to his teary-eyed little brother, Kevin. The young boy clutched an action figure in one hand, and his facial expression obviously sadness. Alex knelt down beside him, gently placing his arm over Kevin's small shoulders.
"You know you could tell Mom to get you over to my dorm whenever you miss me, lil' bro," Alex tried to console him. The little boy's voice quivered as he expressed his feelings. "I'm missing you right now. Are you sure you have to go?"
Alex offered a reassuring smile, "Yeah, Kev, but hey, look, I'll come visit from time to time, alright?"
Innocently, Kevin asked, "Pinky promise?" He raised his tiny pinky finger, waiting for his big brother's response.
With a smile, Alex hooked his pinky finger around Kevin's, sealing the promise. "Pinky promise!"
Alex regained consciousness from the trance he had just experienced, his body covered in a sheen of sweat, and confusion etched across his face. As he attempted to make sense of the latest vision he had, Riley, nearby, was breaking woodchips to set up a bonfire.
"Hey! You good champ? Guessing another vision?" she asked. "What was it about?"
Alex rubbed his temples, trying to recall the fleeting images. "Still all blurry to me," he replied, obviously concealing what he had seen
They found themselves in a secluded spot within the woods, a little distance away from the urban part of Hope City. Alex and Riley had already settled in front of the campfire, and the others, carrying additional wood, joined them. The group formed a circle around the flickering fire, settling in as they began a discussion.
Jay: Yo! Check out Ethan's tent y'all (starts chuckling as the group turn to look at his tent setup and join in the laughter)
Ethan: yeah sure… joke about my tent Jay.
Riley: (looking at the stars) "y'all ever wonder what our lives would've been like without all this craziness?"
Mia: (reflective) "Sometimes, but I can't imagine it now. This, all of us, it's become my new reality
Ethan: (sipping his coffee) "You guys are the family I never knew I needed."
Jay: (grinning) "I second that."
Alex: Alright guys, so what's the plan we've got to figure out what goes on in their headquarters, figure out how we became what we are, our past lives without the flashes and family…
Mia: "family huh?" I haven't really had the time to think about it but who knows I could have some out there too
Riley: there's really only one way to find out (she says while looking at Mia)
Ethan: we've definitely got to move with stealth this time though, all masked up and shit! I know a spot where we could get new clothes and food from just around the super market
Jay: it about time I change this look (looking at gothic clothing) you sure it'll be completely safe though?
Ethan: like an eagle's nest!
Riley: I look forward to getting a proper meal, I wonder what actual food taste like (awkwardly chuckles as the gang look at her)
Alex: it's settled then we camp here tonight and top of the morning we on the move, I'm out to get some sleep. (Proceeds to head on into his tent)
Mia: is it me or is he looking super fucking bummed since we set up camp? (She says immediately Alex heads into his tent)
The others unanimously: all awkwardly saying and gesturing that they have no idea
Mia: oh okay, I'm out to get some sleep too, goodnight y'all.
(Meanwhile)
Location: a hidden building fronted by military zone "keep off". It is TECHNOVA'S HEADQUARTERS
A convoy of sleek black SUVs pulled up at the entrance of the headquarters, coming to a screeching halt at a series of checkpoints and gates. They finally arrive at a parking lot where Lieutenant Joe stepped out of the middle SUV to open the door for Zuri, who emerged accompanied by Doctor Gustavo. They headed toward the heavily secured entrance of the headquarters, where an automated device requested a handprint and retina scan from Zuri. She cooperated, and the door to the facility swung open. They marched into the building, with foot soldiers halting at a designated point.
Zuri and Doctor Gustavo continued on, making their way to the elevator. "You've got all the files in check, doc?" Zuri inquired as the elevator descended.
"Precisely, madam," Doctor Gustavo replied, his voice brimming with assurance. When the elevator doors opened on the lower floor, they navigated another automated security check, where they were met by a stern, masked security escort.
"Not you, just her," the escort grumbled in a deep voice, causing Gustavo to appear apprehensive. Zuri swiftly intervened, asserting, "He's with me! Unless you want to take this up with THE MAN, I suggest you let him through."
The security guard eyed Gustavo for a moment before begrudgingly leading them to a spacious meeting room. Inside, ominous figures were seated around a table.
The room was dimly lit, with masked security personnel strategically placed throughout. They maintained a discreet distance from one another, creating an imposing atmosphere.
"Welcome, Miss Green. I trust you've made advancements since the last time we met? Please be seated," a man with a gold mask said. He occupied the central seat at the table, his presence commanding immediate attention. He sported a highly advanced robotic prosthetic arm, which added to his mystique. As he spoke, a hush fell over the room, compelled by his enigmatic voice.
"Yes, sir," Zuri began. "Doctor Gustavo here is in charge of Operation Re-Genesis at our primary laboratory facility. He'll guide us through the major breakthroughs we've made so far in our experiments. Gustavo, please..." She yielded the floor to Gustavo, who stood up to place a hologram projector at the center of the table, displaying a wealth of data and analytics.
"After meticulously probing for the past few months, we've gained an understanding of the science behind the abilities of XENO-HUMAN 'A,' the AUGMENT," Gustavo explained.
"It appears that the radiation resulting from the explosion has forged a symbiotic relationship with the virus. It has radically transformed his genetic composition, to a degree never witnessed before intriguingly, it appears as though they emanate waves confined to a specific radioactive spectrum, enabling the replication and manipulation of atomic structures beyond the confines of his own physicality. Sir he has the ability to multiply and clone any object, thing or organism!" "We are presently conducting controlled experiments to ascertain the potential for refining and reproducing this phenomenon, sir!" "As for the individuals recently under surveillance", the gentleman adorned with the golden mask inquires "Zuri responds with a sly grin, "Sir, our most proficient operatives are currently formulating a comprehensive plan for their capture, they'll be yours long enough, we've got just the right plan".
Location: (back underground) in the highly developed base filled with security and other differentiated personnel "The Syndicate's Reach"
The masked personnel, Deputy Lieutenant John Stone, stood on a platform elevated above fifteen other masked operatives in the highly secure underground base known as "The Syndicate's Reach." With the spotlight shining on him, he addressed the team, his voice commanding authority.
"Alright, men, Lieutenant Joe is currently on an undisclosed operation with the head of operations. So, I'll be in charge of this one. Remember, this isn't a sting operation. We're going in and out fast, and we need to maintain the highest level of stealth. No casualties, no slip-ups. Our sole objective, boys, is to discreetly apprehend KEVIN MILES."
A picture of a young Kevin alongside a younger Alex appeared on a screen, providing the team with visual confirmation.
"Let's move out, motherfuckers!" Deputy Lieutenant Stone concluded with fervor, and the operatives swiftly boarded a van labeled 'Ice Cream' before driving off.