Information has its own ecology.
This thought pulsed in Alex's mind as he descended deeper into the Arch's Archive. The space around him unfolded like an endless library with spherical data cells instead of books. They shimmered in different shades, from deep blue to soft amethyst, glowing brighter or dimmer depending on the volume and significance of the information they contained.
Movement here happened not physically, but through intention. Alex mentally formulated a query: "Binary Twins Project, experimental implants, pre-Resonance research" — and the space around him transformed, bringing the corresponding data spheres to the foreground.
Alex reached out to the nearest one — a pale blue sphere the size of an apple. At his touch, it bloomed like a flower, releasing streams of information that were sensed rather than read. Most of the data was fragmented, damaged by time or transformation processes after the Resonance. Fragments of technical specifications, medical reports, administrative correspondence.
He touched another sphere, a bright violet one, pulsing like a heart. This one contained more personal information — fragments of diary entries, video recordings of the experiment. Alex saw blurred images of people in white coats, medical equipment, sterile laboratories. And again — that same memory: he lies on an operating table, and next to him, behind a glass partition — another table with a figure whose face he cannot make out.
"Sara," he whispered, and the archive instantly reacted to this name, highlighting a new group of information spheres.
One of them caught his attention — a rich red sphere with a pulsation resembling Morse code. Alex carefully touched it, and a file marked "Strictly confidential. Project BB-NXS-473" unfolded before him.
Information flooded his consciousness in a stream:
"Subjects A.K. and S.K., identical twins, male and female, 26 years old. Genetic identity 99.8%. Brain synaptic structures synchronized at 97.3% — the highest indicator in the history of the Project. Recommended for the final phase — implantation of 'Nexus' neurointerfaces version 4.7.3. Predicted synchronization after implantation — 99.1%. Sufficient for the initiation of the Resonance Protocol."
Alex felt his heart contract. "Resonance Protocol." Not a catastrophe, not an accident — a planned event. Was Meridian right? Was the Resonance provoked?
He continued exploring the data, and each new sphere of information revealed shocking details. The "Binary Twins" project was part of a larger research — the "Nexus Initiative," whose goal was formulated as "an evolutionary leap of humanity through bio-digital synthesis." Laboratories around the world worked on various aspects of this initiative, but the central component was the development of special implants capable not just of interacting with the human nervous system, but fundamentally changing the way the brain processes information.
And the culmination of this research was to be an experiment with twins — Alex and Sara Kovich, whose genetic and neurophysiological similarity made them ideal candidates for the installation of paired implants called "Nexus nodes."
One of the information spheres contained a video fragment. Alex activated it, and a projection unfolded before him: a spacious laboratory with panoramic windows, beyond which snow-covered mountain peaks were visible. In the center of the room stood a tall man in an impeccable suit, with gray temples and piercing blue eyes. Next to him — two people in white coats, a man and a woman, their faces Alex could not make out due to damage to the recording.
"Dr. Everett, I understand your concerns," the gray-haired man was saying, "but the Nexus Initiative has reached a point where theorizing must give way to action. These twins are our best chance. Their neural synchronization is unprecedented."
"That's exactly why I insist on caution," the female scientist replied. "We cannot predict all the consequences. The Resonance Protocol may cause a cascading effect that..."
The recording broke off, leaving Alex with a feeling of cold inside. The gray-haired man — could this be the mysterious "Architect" mentioned by Meridian? And what happened to these scientists after the Resonance? Did they survive?
He continued his search, his consciousness sinking deeper into the ocean of Archive data. Time felt different here — minutes or hours could have passed, he wasn't sure. Each new sphere of information revealed a piece of the puzzle, but the complete picture remained elusive.
Finally, he found what he was looking for — a data sphere pulsing with intense green light. It contained coordinates. Geographic coordinates of the "Nexus" research center, hidden in the mountains somewhere on the periphery of Neoterra — in a region that before the Resonance was called the North Caucasus.
Alex memorized the coordinates and touched another data sphere — the last one that seemed to be connected to the "Binary Twins" project. It looked different — not just containing information, but seeming to observe him, tuning to his presence. When activated, the sphere blossomed in a complex pattern resembling a snowflake, and from it emerged a three-dimensional image — two DNA spirals intertwined with each other, with bright points marking identical sections.
"Genomic map of subjects A.K. and S.K.," read the caption.
Then the image transformed, showing two brains rotating synchronously, with highlighted areas of neural connections and flickering points of activity that formed almost identical patterns.
"Neuromapping of subjects A.K. and S.K. Synchronization: 97.3%"
And finally, an image of two implants appeared — silvery devices the size of a walnut, with the finest branches resembling plant roots.
"Neurological interfaces 'Nexus', version 4.7.3. Alpha Node (for A.K.) and Omega Node (for S.K.)"
Alex felt his implant responding to this image — a slight pulsation at the back of his head, as if recognizing related technology. He reached out, wanting to take a closer look at the implant model, but at that moment something changed in the Archive space.
The glow of the information spheres began to dim, they closed one after another, like flowers with the onset of night. Alex felt a strange resistance, as if the information environment itself was rejecting his presence.
"Attention. Unauthorized connection detected. 'Quarantine' security protocol activated," an emotionless voice sounded from nowhere.
Alex realized his time had run out. He mentally reached for the exit from the Archive, but found that the path back was blocked — information structures had densified, forming a barrier.
"Intrusion identified. Subject: Kovich, A.K. Status: former participant of the 'Binary Twins' project. Priority: capture. Beginning trace of physical location."
Panic gripped Alex. The Arch's Archive, which Meridian had presented as a safe data repository, turned out to be an active system with its own security protocols. And now this system had recognized him and was trying to track him.
He desperately searched for a way out, mentally projecting command sequences, trying to deceive the system, but the barrier remained insurmountable. With each second, the space around him contracted, information flows turning into tight spirals surrounding his consciousness.
In a moment of extreme desperation, Alex felt a strange impulse coming from his implant — not just a signal, but something like an instinct. He stopped resisting and instead fully opened himself to the information flow, allowing it to pass through his consciousness. It was like plunging into ice water — shocking, almost painful, but with it came a new understanding.
The implant didn't just connect him to information flows — it was part of them, spoke the same language. Alex felt his consciousness transforming, partially dissolving in the data stream, but maintaining a core of self-awareness. And from this new perspective, he saw the structure of the barrier differently — not as a solid wall, but as a network with gaps through which one could slip.
He focused his attention on one such gap and mentally reached out to it, imagining his consciousness as the thinnest stream of data. The barrier resisted, trying to close the breach, but Alex was faster. His consciousness slipped through the narrow passage, leaving the Archive space behind.
"Subject escaping! Activating external security protocols!"
The security system's voice became distant and then disappeared completely when Alex emerged from the deep information immersion and found himself sitting at a table in Meridian's information pocket. His body was covered in cold sweat, his breathing ragged, and his heart pounding like mad.
Meridian sat opposite him, his cybernetic eyes flickering with increased intensity.
"What happened?" asked the broker with notes of concern. "You were deeply immersed for several hours, and then abruptly returned. Your vital signs were jumping like crazy."
"Security system," Alex exhaled. "The Archive recognized me and tried to capture me. It's still active, Meridian. This isn't just a data repository — it's a full-fledged system with its own consciousness."
Meridian looked troubled — as much as was possible for his hybrid face.
"This shouldn't have happened. The Arch's Archive is a passive repository, saved from complete destruction after the Resonance. If security protocols were activated in it..." he fell silent, contemplating the implications.
"I need to leave," Alex rose on shaky legs. "The system tried to trace my physical location. It might send... someone."
"Or something," Meridian grimly added. "Ancient security systems had drones and automated units. Some of them could have survived even after the Resonance, adapting to the new reality."
Alex nodded. He didn't need additional explanations about the danger.
"I found the coordinates of the 'Nexus' research center," he said, heading for the exit from the information pocket. "The place where the 'Binary Twins' project was launched. If any archives or equipment have been preserved there..."
"It's dangerous," Meridian warned. "If the Arch's Archive security system is active, then the protective systems of the 'Nexus' center may also be functioning. And considering your... uniqueness, they may react to you unpredictably."
"I have no choice," Alex said firmly. "I must find Sara. And understand what happened to us. What this 'Resonance Protocol' is and why we were part of it."
Meridian nodded, acknowledging his determination.
"Then be careful. And..." he paused, as if deciding on something. "Take this."
The broker handed Alex a small object resembling the tooth of an ancient animal, but with thin metallic veins penetrating the organic tissue.
"Interface key," Meridian explained. "Adaptive. May work with old access systems. I don't know if it will work with the protection of the 'Nexus' center, but..."
"Thank you," Alex said sincerely, accepting the key and hiding it in the pocket of his overalls.
Meridian's information pocket began to pulsate, its walls changing shades with alarming frequency.
"Something is approaching," the broker warned. "A massive information request, scanning this section of the market. Go. I'll delay them as much as I can."
Alex didn't waste time on farewells. He quickly left the information pocket and immediately blended with the crowd at the data market. Somehow it was still day — that time spent in the Archive, which felt like several hours, in reality might have lasted only minutes.
He moved quickly, but didn't run, to avoid attracting attention. His thoughts were focused on the information received. The "Binary Twins" project. The Resonance Protocol. Nexus Nodes. And Sara — a sister whose existence he didn't even suspect until today.
Having passed several sections of the market, Alex felt he was being watched. He cast a quick glance over his shoulder and noticed a strange figure moving through the crowd with unnatural fluidity: a tall person in a gray jumpsuit with a completely hidden face, their movements too precise, mechanical.
"A drone," Alex realized. One of those automated security systems Meridian had warned about. Adapted to the post-Resonance reality, but still performing its original function — searching for and capturing potential threats.
He quickened his pace, choosing more convoluted passages between trading sections. The drone didn't fall behind, methodically reducing the distance. A second one joined it, appearing as if from nowhere, from the opposite side. They coordinated their actions, trying to corner Alex.
Panic began to rise inside, but Alex suppressed it, focusing on his capabilities. If he couldn't escape physically, perhaps he could use his implant, his connection to information flows.
He dove into a narrow passage between two bio-kiosks and touched the pulsating wall, feeling his consciousness partially immersing in the market's information structure. He wasn't a technomancer, didn't possess their trained abilities to manipulate bio-cybernetic systems, but his implant gave him a natural connection that he could use instinctively.
Alex mentally reached out to the control systems of the surrounding space. Lighting control, visitor flow regulation, security monitoring — all these systems were part of the single organism of the market. He injected a simple command: temporary shutdown of lighting in section F-7, where he was now located.
The effect was instantaneous — the light went out, plunging the section into semi-darkness. Visitors around became anxious, some activated personal light sources. In the ensuing commotion, Alex slipped past the drone, which momentarily froze, recalibrating its sensors for work in the dark.
But the advantage was temporary. Within a few seconds, the drone resumed pursuit, now moving even more purposefully. A third pursuer joined the two, and Alex realized they were driving him toward one of the exits from the market.
He burst onto a wide platform connecting the data market with Neoterra's transport hub. It was crowded here, streams of passengers moving in all directions. Alex dove into the crowd, hoping to lose himself among the multitude of people.
But the drones didn't fall behind. There were already five of them, they spread out, surrounding him from different sides, methodically tightening the ring. Alex felt his heart beating faster and faster, and his breathing becoming shallow. He was trapped, and time was running out.
In desperation, he tried again to use his connection to information systems, this time more aggressively. He focused on the transport hub, trying to cause a malfunction in the control system — anything that could create enough chaos for escape.
What happened next shocked him. Instead of the small malfunction he was counting on, the entire transport system responded with a cascade of failures: information displays flickered and went dark, automatic doors opened and closed simultaneously, life support systems momentarily turned off and then turned on with increased power.
The crowd reacted with panic. People rushed in different directions, creating waves of chaotic movement. The drones lost sight of Alex, their sensors overloaded by the multitude of moving objects and signals.
Alex used this moment to break through to one of the transport capsules — elongated biomechanical pods that moved through a network of channels connecting different parts of Neoterra. He jumped into the nearest capsule, activated an emergency launch, and entered an approximate direction — the northeastern sector of the city, the closest point to the coordinates of the "Nexus" research center.
The capsule closed and shot along the channel, quickly gaining speed. Through the translucent walls, Alex saw the drones reach the station, but it was too late — he had left their reach.
However, his relief was short-lived. With horror, he realized what had happened — the scale of the malfunction caused by his intervention was disproportionately large. His implant had reacted to stress and danger with unexpected force, amplifying his mental command to a level capable of disrupting the operation of an entire section of the city.
It was dangerous. Uncontrollable. If his abilities were indeed increasing or becoming unstable, he could pose a threat not only to himself but also to those around him.
Alex leaned back on the soft inner surface of the transport capsule, feeling tremors throughout his body. Adrenaline gradually receded, leaving behind fatigue and anxiety. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the implant pulsing under the skin — rhythmically, almost soothingly, as if trying to say that everything was under control.
But was it control? Or was his implant evolving, developing in a direction he couldn't predict?
"Second node activated. Synchronization 18%."
The words from the morning message echoed in his consciousness. If his implant was part of a paired system, perhaps the activation of the second node — the sister implant — was causing these changes. Perhaps Sara was experiencing something similar. Perhaps that's why she was seeking connections.
The transport capsule sped through Neoterra's channels, taking him further away from the city center, from the data market, from pursuers. Outside the window flashed lights, buildings, biostructures — the life of a huge organism that the city had become after the Resonance.
Alex took the interface key, gifted by Meridian, from his pocket and examined it carefully. The object seemed simultaneously ancient and high-tech — a tooth of an unknown animal, pierced by the finest metallic veins that pulsed with a faint bluish light.
He wanted to believe that this key would help him penetrate the "Nexus" research center. That there he would find answers to his questions, possibly even traces of Sara. But part of him understood that he was moving in a dangerous direction, immersing himself in mysteries that perhaps were better left buried.
The capsule began to slow down, approaching the final station in the northeastern sector. Beyond it lay the periphery of Neoterra — a less populated, wilder territory where the bio-cybernetic ecosystem developed according to its own laws, with minimal human intervention.
It was there, among the mountains and forests of the new formation, that the "Nexus" research center was hidden. The place where, twenty-seven years ago, the "Binary Twins" project reached its culmination, initiating a process that changed the world forever.
Alex squeezed the interface key in his palm, feeling it slightly warm up, as if responding to his determination. Whatever awaited him at the "Nexus" center, he was ready to face it. For truth. For Sara. For understanding his place in this transformed world.
The capsule stopped, and its walls dissolved, releasing the passenger onto the platform. Alex stepped into the twilight light of Neoterra's periphery, where the city gradually gave way to wilderness. Ahead lay a path full of dangers and mysteries. But he felt a strange confidence, almost predestination, as if his entire life after the Resonance had led precisely to this moment, to this journey into the past for the sake of understanding the future.
He took a deep breath and headed for the exit from the transport hub, to the border of the known world and into uncharted territories where answers to his questions might be hidden.