As Milia and Luke slept comfortably in their bed late into the night, James- or rather Leon as he is called now, slept in a small crib right next to them, sound asleep but yet also aware of his surroundings.
Even in an infant's body, his training was still fresh in his mind. Which was something he knew he would need to retain going forward.
After all, time wasn't on his side, and the seconds were counting away.
Needing his sleep, he allowed himself to fall into a slumber, recalling a memory in the form of a dream.
/
"You've been selected for 'The Last Resort Protocol'."
James frowned, "Sir?"
An old man coughed as he placed a folder down near the edge of the desk, slightly pushing it towards him.
James stared the folder for a bit, reading his name on the tag sticking out of it, before reaching to grab it. He read the front cover: 'Last Resort Protocol Candidate'
"What I am about to tell you does not leave this room," the old man sat down in his chair, coughing some more.
James took notice of this, although he said nothing. While none of his business, he already could guess what it was and possibly how much time the old man had.
"Understood, sir," he responded, opening the folder.
"Take a seat."
Not desiring to hear him repeat himself twice, he took his seat and sat the now closed folder on his knees.
"Close to sixty years ago, scientists uncovered an alien body on the frozen wasteland of Njord. It resembled that of a human body, close to millions of years old. But its blood remained reserved. Through further testing, we have discovered that the blood holds... special abilities."
James listened with intrigue, although he was shocked by this information. For so long, humanity had wondered if there were other species in our galaxy or universe. And now, he was hearing it for himself that it possibly has been discovered.
"Some scientists believe that this does not in fact prove alien life. In fact, they believe that it proves that humanity once had the power to travel the stars long before settling on Earth and losing their ability for millions of years through a series of catastrophes. But I have sources who say differently."
James leaned slightly forward.
"Some of the scientists working for our organization believe that this race may have resembled humans but were not in fact human. In fact, they believe they didn't come from this universe at all."
James frowned, "As in... multiverse? Quantum theory?"
The old man shook his head, "Nothing like those stupid comic books that oversimplified and overcomplicated the idea. No, what I'm speaking of, are different universes that are based on the currency of what defines their reality.
"For example, our world is defined by our technological advancement. But what about a world that's defined by... magic?"
"Sir?"
The old man shrugged, "We've all heard the tales and legends of magical beings and monsters. The supernatural. At some point, humanity took them seriously until we got closer to the technological world, that we find ourselves in today. But just because they don't exist today doesn't mean they never existed before."
"So, what you're saying is, these different creatures and species may have leaked into our universe?"
The old man smiled, "Exactly! But despite their interference into our world, they were never destined to become part of our world because the currency was never meant to include them."
"But... if they had the power to travel between worlds, then why was there only one body on this planet? How come there wasn't more like that creature?"
The old man nodded to the file on his knees, "Open it up and look for yourself."
Turning his attention to the folder, James opened it again and began to read. Just the first page alone surprised him.
"Well... that explains it."
"There were more of them on that planet. But only one had its blood preserved. The rest made sure their blood was not recoverable. Why? Maybe they knew it was valuable to those who would find it. But we have the blood now and we're making all sorts of discoveries."
"Like what, sir?" James looked up from the folder.
"Magical abilities, my boy. Our scientists believe that the blood contains the power to finally create super soldiers. If we can mass produce it."
James nodded, "Which I am guessing has proven to be next to impossible."
The old man nodded back, "Unfortunately, yes. But that's not the only problem we are facing. Even if we could mass produce it, studies have shown that the blood is possibly only compatible with one million people today."
James' eyes widened, "That's only one percent of the population in the entire universe."
"And you are among that one percent. Congratulations!"
James sighed, trying to process it all as he was receiving it.
"Why?" he asked. "What is it about my blood that makes me compatible with this blood?"
"Our best guess... probably because the species from this different universe have not only been visiting other planets in our universe but have mingled with humans on Earth. It would seem that their blood runs in one million people of our race, although it has long since been suppressed to the point that it calls into question if being compatible means your body will accept it."
James nodded, "Which is why once all options have been explored, you will attempt to use the blood to transfuse it into someone who is the most likely to be compatible. Someone like me."
The old man shrugged, "We should count ourselves lucky that we have an agent who is. Despite having other candidates, you will be the more likely choice. If such a day ever arrives. Our scientists at the Njord Space Station wish to continue experimenting with it to explore other ways before committing to such an extreme measure."
Holding the folder in his hands, James stared at the old man, wondering what he was thinking.
"Sir, what kind of powers does blood like this contain?" he asked.
The old man remained silent with his hands folded together on the desk, deep in thought.
"While others have their theories, the ones I trust the most believe this being had the power of 'Reincarnation'-"
/
James- no, Leon awoke to the feel of a finger caressing his cheek, causing him to stir. Managing to open his eyes, he stared up into the eyes of Milia Alester. She smiled down at him and leaned down to kiss him on the cheek.
"Go back to sleep, my little angel."
Feeling calmed by her smoothing voice, Leon obeyed and surrendered himself back to his slumber.