Three

September 2019- Dubai, Earth 23-12

The sprawling underground vault, nestled beneath the bustling streets of Dubai, hummed with activity. The property left behind by Asche, a trove of state-of-the-art computer parts and machinery, had become the centerpiece of their operation. It was a formidable task, but in just a few months, they had managed to assemble the working framework of the Jumping apparatus, a colossal creation that dominated the vast expanse of their three-million-square-foot vault.

Gwen Martinson, the leader of the small team, surveyed the scene with a mix of satisfaction and apprehension. The assembly process had been arduous, requiring meticulous coordination and countless hours of painstaking work. She had handpicked 50 of their most skilled individuals to serve as guards, ensuring the security of their precious undertaking. Another 20 individuals, a mix of researchers, developers, and engineers, toiled diligently to refine and optimize the technology.

Yet, as Gwen counted the remaining members of their team, she couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease. The field operatives, the ones who would face the dangers head-on, numbered less than 30. In a world plagued by darkness and uncertainty, they were a mere handful against the vast unknown. The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon Gwen's shoulders, for she knew that their survival and success hinged on their ability to gather the necessary resources.

Money became their weapon, their means of survival and progress. The corrupt underbelly of Earth 14-35 provided them with an opportunity. They adhered to their principles, targeting organized crime and corrupt politicians, exploiting the pervasive corruption that infested the city. They were not bound by a desire to become crime-fighters or heroes, but they recognized that by engaging in these battles, they could amass the financial means to sustain their operations.

A recent encounter with an oil magnate had proven fruitful. The man had dabbled in drug smuggling, his illicit activities reaping enormous profits. Gwen and her team, driven by their unwavering resolve, had meticulously planned and executed an operation to bring him down. The eradication of his criminal enterprise had not only struck a blow against the forces of corruption but had also yielded them several million in cash.

The proceeds from their endeavors now sat in secured vaults within their underground stronghold, a tangible testament to their resourcefulness and the depths they were willing to delve to secure their survival. Yet, despite their success, Gwen knew that this was only the beginning. The challenges ahead loomed like ominous storm clouds on the horizon, threatening to engulf them in their relentless pursuit.

The team's dedication to their cause was unwavering. They were not motivated by personal gain or the allure of power; their driving force was the pursuit of a cure for the Rend, a beacon of hope for the shattered remnants of humanity. In the darkest corners of their hearts, they held onto the belief that their actions, no matter how morally ambiguous, were necessary steps towards a greater goal.

As Gwen looked out over the shadowed streets of Dubai, her gaze fixed on the distant skyline, she couldn't help but wonder about the path they were on. In their quest for survival and the acquisition of resources, had they veered too far from their original purpose? The line between hero and villain blurred in this forsaken world, and she feared the consequences of becoming that which they fought against.

But Gwen pushed aside her doubts, her resolve hardening like tempered steel. There was no turning back now. The darkness had seeped into every crevice of this alternate reality, and it was their duty, their burden, to navigate its treacherous depths. The choices they made, the battles they fought, would define their legacy in this desolate landscape.

With each passing day, their grip on hope tightened, even as the weight of despair threatened to crush their spirits. The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, and the sacrifices they would have to make would be great. But they were warriors, survivors in a world that had lost its way, and they would not falter in the face of adversity.

Dubai, Earth 23-12, became their battleground, the stage upon which they fought their clandestine war. Their actions were shadowed, their methods veiled in darkness, but their purpose burned like an unquenchable flame. They were not saviors or conquerors, but in this world consumed by shadows, they would forge their own path, no matter the cost.

And so, Gwen Martinson and her team embraced the darkness, knowing that within it lay the faint glimmers of hope they so desperately sought. In their pursuit of a cure for the Rend, their journey would lead them through the depths of despair, where the true test of their resilience and determination awaited.

One particular morning, Gwen was abruptly roused from her slumber by the persistent vibrations and alarms of her tablet and Omnicron device. With a swift mental command, she activated the subvocal mic, linking her voice directly to the communication device.

"What's going on, Garrett?" Gwen inquired urgently, her voice laced with a sense of anticipation and readiness.

"One of our safe houses in Chicago is under attack," Garrett replied swiftly through the Omnicron, his words transmitted directly into Gwen's ear via electrical pulses. The compact device served as a conduit, allowing her to receive and respond to transmissions without the need for external communication devices.

Gwen wasted no time, her body instinctively springing into action even as the conversation unfolded. Nude and fueled by adrenaline, she dashed across the hallway from her bedroom into an adjoining armory. Her eyes scanned the array of weapons and equipment, searching for the perfect tools for the imminent confrontation.

Her gaze fell upon a cobalt armor necklace, a piece of technology she had acquired during her many ventures. As she clasped it around her neck, the necklace emitted a faint hum, and a small depression on one side activated. In an instant, nanites surged forth, cascading over Gwen's body and assembling themselves into a sleek, form-fitting suit that covered her from head to toe, leaving only her face exposed.

The suit, akin to a high-tech swimsuit, possessed remarkable capabilities. It provided enhanced protection and agility, its nanomaterials able to adapt and reinforce themselves in real-time. It was her second skin, a guardian in the battle against the encroaching darkness.

"I want in on this one," Gwen declared with determination, her voice resonating with a mix of authority and eagerness. "I haven't been out in a while. Heading to the transport room."

In one fluid motion, Gwen snatched up her preferred weapons of choice. The first was an omni-assault rifle, a formidable firearm customized with a nanite package. The nanites within the weapon replicated ammunition on-demand, allowing for sustained fire without the need for constant reloading. Furthermore, the rifle possessed modular capabilities, capable of transforming into a long-range sniper rifle with the addition of a specialized barrel and a high-powered 100x scope.

Her other weapon, coiled neatly nearby, was a monowire whip. Made of an ultra-strong and razor-sharp nanomaterial, the whip served both as a versatile tool and a deadly weapon. Gwen wielded it with lethal precision, its flexible strands capable of slicing through flesh and metal alike.

With her armor encasing her body and her weapons securely in hand, Gwen made her way swiftly towards the transport room.

Gwen's swift movement through the facility brought her to the transport room, where she was met by three fellow agents. These individuals were among the dedicated 50-man guard staff stationed at their secure location, affectionately referred to as "the Well" by the team. Like Gwen, they were armed to the teeth, bearing an array of advanced weaponry and equipment.

Agent Jackson, a seasoned operative with a rugged appearance and a gaze that spoke of countless battles, stood by Gwen's side. He carried a sleek, energy-based rifle capable of firing concentrated beams of destructive force. The weapon crackled with contained power, its glowing energy cells pulsating with anticipation.

Next to Jackson stood Agent Ramirez, a nimble and agile figure known for his stealth and close-quarters combat expertise. He wielded a pair of lethal energy blades, their edges shimmering with a faint blue hue. These blades were capable of cutting through even the toughest materials, allowing Ramirez to swiftly dispatch adversaries in silence.

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Completing the quartet was Agent Chen, a stoic and methodical operative known for his sharpshooting skills. He carried a precision railgun, a weapon capable of firing magnetically accelerated projectiles with unparalleled accuracy and range. Chen's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, ever watchful for potential threats that lay ahead.

Agent Olivia's urgent voice echoed through their omnicrons, breaking the silence. She picked up the monitoring detail from Garrett. Gwen's brows furrowed as she absorbed the crucial information. Five signatures detected upon entry, but they mysteriously vanished upon reaching their designated floor. Something was amiss, and the unsettling possibilities raced through her mind.

The safe house, concealed on the 40th floor of the United Insurance Company building, operated under the innocuous guise of a leased four-suite office parcel, masquerading as Universal Underwriters. Behind its unassuming facade lay a hidden trove of resources, carefully secured and fortified to withstand any intrusion. However, despite its advanced security measures, it had not yet been fully upgraded with the cutting-edge technology available at the Well.

Gwen knew the importance of the safe house. It served as their vital repository, housing a cache of weapons and cash, while its computers remained hardwired to a central server located at the Well. The information stored within those walls was invaluable, and the thought of its falling into the wrong hands sent shivers down her spine.

With a somber gaze, Gwen addressed her team through their omnicrons, her voice barely a whisper. "Ramirez, you're with me at the doors. Chen, cover our flank. Jackson, secure the area. Disabling fire only until we cannot," she instructed, her tone carrying a weight of authority and determination. Each agent acknowledged the orders, their responses blending seamlessly into the tense air.

Gwen took the lead, her cobalt-armored figure emanating an aura of unwavering resolve. In the dimly lit corridor, she navigated their path, her steps measured and deliberate. The others followed in her wake, their presence like shadows dancing in her peripheral vision.

The team approached the safe house door, a formidable barrier separating them from the enigma that lay beyond. Ramirez, a seasoned warrior, leaned in close to inspect the door for signs of tampering, his trained eyes scrutinizing every inch for any irregularity. Chen, ever vigilant, positioned himself to cover their flank, his weapon held with a firm grip. Jackson, the silent sentinel, fanned out to secure the surrounding area, his senses honed to detect any threat.

The gravity of their mission weighed heavily upon Gwen's shoulders. They were the guardians of this sanctuary, entrusted with its protection. As she grasped her omni-assault rifle, its cold metal a comforting presence in her hands, she steeled herself for what lay ahead.

With a resolute nod, Ramirez signaled that the door was secure. It was time to breach the sanctum and face the unknown. Gwen's heart pounded in her chest as she took a step forward, her mind focused on the task at hand. The door swung open, revealing the hidden teleporter concealed within the fake broom closet.

Gwen led the way, her armor-clad form exuding a palpable aura of determination. And now, with their objective before them, they ventured forth, prepared to confront whatever dangers lay in wait beyond the impenetrable door.

Gwen steadied her rifle, aligning the crosshairs with precision as she crouched to the left of the door. With a subtle gesture, she signaled to Ramirez, who positioned himself to open the door swiftly.

In one fluid motion, Ramirez punched in the code and unleashed a powerful kick, causing the door to burst open. As it swung wide, a scene of adversaries greeted their eyes. The enemy team, devoid of any identifiable uniforms or insignia, stood before them in a haphazard assortment of street clothes. Each member had an assault rifle at their side, ready for action. One of them was diligently tinkering with the key panel, manipulating the wires with a skilled hand. Two and Three took aim at the door, their vigilance unwavering. Positioned farther back in the hall, Four maintained a watchful eye on the elevator and adjacent offices, anticipating any unexpected activity. Meanwhile, Five stood between Four and Two and Three, her hands clenched in a potent stance, an eerie energy shimmering in the air. She seemed to possess the ability to cloak their presence.

Gwen, having already modified the chemical composition of her bloodstream and enhanced the strength and agility of her muscles and tendons, was prepared for heightened response time. She discharged two precisely aimed shots, hitting the right shoulders of both Two and Four. The impact sent Two spinning, dropping their equipment and rifle. Four, experiencing a severed tendon and nerve in his arm, lost his grip on his weapon. Both assailants wore expressions of utter disbelief, revealing their amateurish nature. These were not seasoned professionals.

Ramirez wasted no time, charging into the hallway with remarkable agility. Instead of utilizing lethal blades, she wielded the blunt sides of her blades, ensuring to disable rather than kill. She delivered a powerful strike to One's nose, sending them crashing to the ground. Three suffered a knee strike to the abdomen, followed by a swift sweep of their feet, before the hilt of the blade struck their forehead with blunt force. Unconsciousness claimed them swiftly. Maintaining a low position, Ramirez cleared the path for Chen, who observed the chaos unfolding in the hallway.

Chen possessed advanced neural and muscular enhancements, with a cybernetic chip transmitting vital information directly to his central cortex. His gaze, aided by a scope, meticulously followed each interaction, capturing every detail. Though capable of intervening before Gwen or Ramirez, Chen remained in a support role, focused on safety and cleanup. When the opportune moment arose, he acted with ruthless efficiency.

For Chen, the world seemed frozen in time, his heightened senses and augmented responses granting him a unique perspective on the unfolding events. He let loose four pulses of light that arced from his rifle, two into Four and two into Five.

Four wasn't even aware of the ensuing chaos as Gwen's pulses hit him squarely in the center of his chest. The stun shot incapacitated him instantly, causing him to crumple to the ground. Meanwhile, Five's attention momentarily shifted, causing the pulses directed at her to dissipate harmlessly in the air. Undeterred, Gwen unleashed another round of pulses, once again achieving the same outcome.

But then, something unexpected occurred. The air surrounding Five seemed to ionize, crackling with energy. Arcs of electricity surged from her body, lashing out towards Gwen and Ramirez. The powerful blast sent Ramirez tumbling backward, groaning in pain, but she quickly regained her composure, finding herself in a defensive position.

Gwen's face hardened with determination as she harnessed her incredible resilience. Redirecting the pain signals in her body, she braced herself against the door jam, propelling herself through the air towards Five. It was a display of raw strength and agility as Gwen soared the 15 feet, propelled solely by her own power.

In a state of astonishment, Five's expression transformed as Gwen closed in on her. Without hesitation, Gwen extended her ungloved hand and made contact with Five's cheek. The effect was immediate and profound. Five crumbled to the ground like a lifeless sack of potatoes, her once defiant demeanor shattered. As she collapsed, so did the visual illusion of the assault rifles. All they had as ‘weapons’ were lengths of pipe.

The scene fell into an eerie stillness as Gwen stood over the fallen adversaries. The threat had been neutralized, but the unexpected display of power and the questions it raised lingered in the air. The darkness that surrounded them seemed to grow even deeper, reminding Gwen that the challenges they faced were far from ordinary.

As Ramirez completed binding the hands of the five subdued individuals, Jackson joined in to assist, shouldering the responsibility of carrying them into the confines of the Universal Underwriters offices. Once inside, Gwen's remarkable healing abilities, known as Redaction, came into play. With a gentle touch, she effortlessly treated their wounds, the team having witnessed this remarkable feat countless times before. It was an expected and essential part of their process.

With the captives now unconscious, Gwen approached each one in turn, grasping their hands. She entered a trance-like state, her mind delving into their memories, extracting the information she sought. One by one, she released their hands, the task complete.

Breaking the silence, Gwen addressed her team. "This was a random event," she began, her voice carrying a tinge of weariness. "It appears that Four was scouting various locations and had been observing this building and its offices. Universal Underwriters stood out as it had shown no signs of activity for over a week. They believed it would be an easy target, hoping to pilfer electronics and anything else of value left unsecured." Gwen straightened herself, stretching her body and easing the tension that had built up during the encounter.

"In their minds, I have removed any memories of tonight's events," Gwen continued, her gaze steady and focused. "Additionally, I have implanted a subconscious fear associated with this building within each of them. As for Four, I have implanted false memories of witnessing ordinary office workers in this location."

Her words hung in the air, the weight of manipulation and control palpable. It was a necessary manipulation, a means to protect their operations and ensure the safety of those involved. The line between justice and the methods required to achieve it had blurred, and Gwen grappled with the moral implications. But in this world of shadows and darkness, sometimes sacrifices had to be made.

The team exchanged glances, acknowledging the weight of their actions. It was a testament to the complexities of their work and the moral compromises they faced on a daily basis. Yet, they pressed forward, driven by their commitment to the greater good and the pursuit of truth.

Gwen knew that the consequences of their actions would ripple outward, their influence shaping the course of events in ways they couldn't yet fathom. In the midst of uncertainty and moral ambiguity, she remained resolute, determined to navigate the treacherous path ahead and safeguard those who depended on her.

As the night wore on, the team diligently carried out their responsibilities, ensuring that every loose end was tied up. Among these tasks was the discreet relocation of the incapacitated intruders, the so-called "enemy team." Several miles outside of town, at a rest area off Interstate 10, they were deposited in a stolen vehicle, left to face the consequences of their actions on their own terms. It was a fitting conclusion, a reminder that their choices and their fate were now entirely their own.

Inside the Well, amidst the quietude and flickering glow of monitors, Gwen and her team took a well-deserved moment to reflect on the night's accomplishments. The satisfaction of a successful mission lingered in the air, tempered by the understanding that their work was far from complete. They had vanquished one threat, but the world remained a treacherous place, ever shifting and unpredictable.

As Gwen surveyed the room, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern. She recognized the need for greater diligence in staffing their safehouses, fortifying their defenses, and implementing the most advanced security upgrades available. It was a crucial step to ensure the safety of their operations and the protection of their valuable assets. She understood that every detail mattered, that even the smallest oversight could lead to dire consequences.

Yet, amidst the flurry of responsibilities, Gwen couldn't help but question her own motivations. Was her relentless pursuit of Asche driven solely by her own desires, a selfish quest for answers and closure? Or was there a deeper purpose, a genuine intent to help him find his way back to True Earth? And in the midst of these introspections, doubts crept in. Could she even return to True Earth herself? The uncertainty weighed heavily upon her, casting shadows over her thoughts.

It was at this juncture that Gwen realized the importance of establishing a chain of command within the team. As capable as she was, she couldn't shoulder the burden alone. She needed to trust her allies, to delegate tasks and responsibilities, and to foster an environment where each member could contribute their unique skills and expertise. The safety of their operations and the realization of their ultimate goal depended on collective effort and effective leadership.

With resolve in her eyes, Gwen made a silent vow to herself. She would no longer allow her singular focus on Asche to overshadow the needs of the team and the greater mission. She would share the load, entrust others with vital roles, and nurture a sense of cohesion and trust among her comrades. The stakes were too high to ignore the importance of proper organization and delegation.

As the flickering monitors bathed the room in their ghostly glow, Gwen took a deep breath, drawing strength from the unity of her team. The challenges ahead were formidable, but with a chain of command firmly established and a renewed commitment to collective action, they would face whatever darkness awaited them. In the depths of the Well, where shadows danced and secrets whispered, they would persist, for the sake of their cause and the hope of a brighter future.