The bathroom sink gleamed under the alternating blue lights, casting an otherworldly glow on Renea's delicate features. At twenty-six, she stood slender and pretty, yet flawed in an accessible way. Her gaze fixed upon the mirror, eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and dread. A swift motion brushed her hair away, revealing a mysterious red lens embedded in the back of her hand.
Three small orbs bounced excitedly on the sink's edge, light blue colors flickered in anticipation. However, one gray orb remained ominously still.
"Gestation cycle complete. Congratulations, it's a boy," echoed a mechanical voice from the unseen AI within the orb.
Overwhelmed, Renea stepped back, her mind racing. Pacing the room, she bit her thumbnail in nervous anticipation. Urgency suddenly consumed her, and she rushed to the toilet, doubled over as uncontrollable waves of nausea overcame her.
"No, not yet. Not now," she pleaded, collapsing onto the cold tile floor.
The last orb vibrated, transforming from a dull light to a brilliant blue, synchronizing its bounce with the others, echoing an otherworldly heartbeat.
"Congratulations, it's a boy," the AI voice intoned clinically.
Renea inhaled deeply, attempting to steady herself amidst the chaotic rush of emotions.
"Damn it.”
Renea strode towards the window in her tiny condo, eyes widening at the sight of the bustling metropolis outside. Harsh daylight flooded the dark room as she pulled open the curtains, revealing a cityscape of towering structures, flying vehicles, and futuristic machines whirring in the distance.
Her gaze fixated on a prominent red cross hologram in the distance, a beacon that held an ambiguous promise. Determination etched on her face, she quickly changed the red lens on her hand to blue. With purpose, she left the room, the door closing behind her with a soft hiss.
At the bustling transport station, Renea navigated through the crowd, eyes darting to a directory. Determination drove her through the throng, reaching a silver platform packed with people. Fear and anticipation mingled as she prepared to embark on a journey into the unknown.
Accidentally bumping into a passerby, her demeanor remained polite and apologetic. Surrounding her were people with blue and yellow lenses. The teleportation conductor and elderly man visibly exhausted, with visible blue lenses showing on his wrist, issued a stern warning.
"Prepare for departure. Keep all energy levels low.” He said coughing. “Stay within safety parameters. Make contact with the person next to you to ensure no one is left behind.” Covering his mouth coughing again. He energizes the pad but it suddenly shuts down. He tries again and the same thing happens.
“I’m sorry folks give me a second to catch my breath. It’s been a long day.”
Renea notices the looks of discontent amongst the other patrons. She leans over gently touching the man’s shoulder.
“It’s going to be ok just take a moment. We’ve all had those days.” Renea says and instantly the pad re-energizes.
In a blink, Renea and the others vanished from the platform. Reappearing in a vast, fortified hospital, massive blast doors sealed the entrance, and a protective forcefield shimmered in the air. The crowd pushed their way out of the doors in a rush forcing her out. Military officers, larger than any professional athlete, faced her, their faces concealed behind intimidating dark helmets, all bearing yellow lenses on their wrists.
The sterile atmosphere of the hospital entrance hummed with an air of authority. An officer, commanding and imposing, issued instructions to the incoming patrons.
“All patrons must have lenses ready for security assessment.” The officer says.
He barked orders, ensuring compliance from those entering. Among the crowd, Renea hesitated but ultimately complied. A warning sign nearby ominously declared, "Red lenses are prohibited; any and all will be terminated on-site."
“Oh, I’m here to see the doctor. I’m not feeling too well today.”
The mechanical equipment beeped as Renea scanned in, capturing the Officer's attention.
“Renea Andrade, 26, Female, Blue Lens, craft, telekinetic. Is that correct?”. Officer commands
“Uh yes, sir. I’m here to see the doctor. I’m not feeling too well today.”
The Officer nodded, gesturing towards a specific direction.
“Head that way, Teal Wing level 4. Next up.”
In the vast expanse of the hospital's open bay, Renea strode purposefully, taking in the meticulous digital equipment that surrounded her. Her eyes widened with awe and a hint of confusion.
Suddenly, her attention was captivated by hologram screens displaying the image of a man. Red warning labels scrolled above and below his face, declaring him a "Wanted terrorist, Thomas Dudley - Red Lens - extremely dangerous. Lifetime reward for judicial execution."
“Place your lens in the sensor and select your reason for your visit today.” AI announces.
The AI voice startled Renea. Reluctantly, she reached for the sensor, nervously rubbing the blue lens embedded in her hand. Amidst the crowd and service bots, she spotted a group of attendants at the center of the service center.
“Uh ma’am, excuse me, ma’am.”
The group of three glanced at her but chose to ignore her. Undeterred, Renea knocked on the plexiglass window again, determination shining through.
“Excuse me, something is wrong here. Can you help me, please?”
The Female Attendant, visibly annoyed, reluctantly rolled her eyes and walked over to Renea, bracing herself for the conversation.
“Ma’am, place your hand in the device so the machine can do its job.”
Renea noticed the badge on her uniform jacket; it read “Jannette." “Hi Jannette, I tried, but I think my device isn’t set right. I haven’t updated it in a long while.”
“Oh God, I don’t have time for this today. How long since your last update?”
“Um, well, you see I live below division lines. You know they don’t—“ Renea’s cut off.
“We get so many of you here. Use the console and fill in your information and have a seat over there. Your lens will alert you when there’s a doctor available.”
“Thank you.” Renea says as Jannette walks back to her station.
Renea surveyed the crowded space, finding solace in a corner. As she curled up, an image of a pregnant woman on the wall captured her attention. An informative AI voice echoed through the room, delivering mandatory directives.
“You are required by law to register and notify authorities of early signs of pregnancy. Ancestral blood scan is mandatory for Red lens carriers. Detection of craft and lens color determined within four weeks.” AI VOICE announces.
Renea awoke to the pulsing sensation from her lens, the world outside shrouded in darkness. Checking the terminal display, she found her name and directions.
“It’s about time."
Passing through security doors and down the hall, she followed the directions. Entering an unfamiliar hospital room, Renea found herself face to face with DR. PRYCE, a 30-year-old doctor with a bright smile and tall. The hologram above his hands held his attention.
Dr. Pryce making eye contact. “Mrs. Andraditti, Andradeade? Is that right? It shows you're not feeling well today; what’s going on?”
“It’s close enough. I’m not sure; I’m just not feeling myself.”
“Well, let’s have a look. Sit in the centrifuge, and we’ll know what’s wrong in a few seconds.”
Renea hesitated before stepping into the machine. As the door closed, the machine activated, emitting glowing particles that circled around her body before fading away.
“See? That wasn’t so bad. Now step out and have a seat and we can go over your results.” Examining the results, Dr. Pryce made an unexpected announcement.
“Well, isn’t this a beautiful sight? It seems you’re pregnant, ma’am.”
“What? Are you serious? I thought I could control it.”
“Well, yes, there are ways to control it. But the machines don’t make mistakes, especially ones like this. It looks to be a boy; we aren’t sure of the lens color or craft yet, but in time—“
“Sorry, that’s not what I meant. Never mind.”
Renea walked over to the window, gazing out at the city lights in the dark night. She folded her arms, biting her thumbnail, a sign of her unease.
“Oh, I’m sorry; I thought this would be good information?”
Renea, concerned and contemplative, shared her perspective with Dr. Pryce.
“This isn’t the right time. Look out there; it’s pure chaos. We’ve created this new technology to help better the world, and all we do is destroy it and each other.”
Dr. Pryce joined her at the window, both lost in thought.
“You know, it seems like there’s no place for good people to go. Even with the government creating this amazing system of lenses to regulate the population, it’s still not perfect. You have to believe that there are good people like us willing to help make this a better world.”
Renea, touched by his words, flashed a genuine smile. “Thank you for that. That was really sweet of you to say. Thank you for everything. I think I’m gonna head home.”
“Ok, well, let’s back away from the window. It makes me uncomfortable. Some nut job could toss a bus at us or do something else just as unpredictable.”
“What?”
"It’s happened before, before the control in the lenses and all. We’re well-protected with the force field and all, but we still have to take precautions. And before you leave, make sure to schedule your next visit.”
Renea exited the hospital room with a smile, leaving behind the controlled environment of the medical facility.
“At the transportation bay, a sign reads: "Closed, will resume normal operating hours in five hours." She heads towards the blast doors, intending to leave. An OFFICER appears.
“Ma’am, I wouldn’t recommend you exit this way. The city is very dangerous, especially at night. You wouldn’t be protected like you are here. You should just stay here until the transport is available. The closest transportation is almost fifteen miles from here.”
I’m fine, I don’t live far from here, thank you.
The city streets at night welcomed Renea with chaos and uncertainty. Fires blazed randomly, smoke filled the air, and anarchy reigned. Undeterred, Renea folded her arms against the chilly wind, venturing into the tumultuous scene.
As she walked, weariness etched across her face, Renea sensed a presence trailing behind her. A group of men emerged from the shadows, their eyes adorned with a mix of blue and yellow lenses, indicating various craft abilities.
"Well, ma’am, we can’t let just you pass through here without giving us a little something in return.” Bearded man with shades speaks.
“I’m not in the mood to be bothered today, so please move out of my way.”
Confronted by the menacing group, Renea faced a muscular man with a mohawk, manipulating the ground to create blocks surrounding her. With a deep breath, remaining calm, Renea stared at the men with eyes glowing red and the bright red lens in her hand illuminating the darkness.
“Ain’t no way, it’s not possible. You can’t be a Red Lens. It’s a trick. Get her.”
Undeterred, Renea effortlessly detonated their lenses one by one, they drop to their knees and cry out in pain. A blue hexagon in the sky flashes signaling for the authorities.
“Great, just great.” Renea says.
The glow of her lens returned to its usual blue hue. She watches as the group of men scatter off in different directions.
Renea, finding solace in the outer atmosphere, gazed at the full moon with determination. She notices a sign for a transport is close by. Once there she see it’s closed. She looks around then waves her hand over the system and it energizes. She walks on the transport and teleports away.
She reappears in an office setting surrounded by glass windows and formal chairs. The entire frame the partially constructed building vibrating making it uneasy for her to keep her balance as she steps off the platform. She looks down through the framework of the building noticing Thomas.
Thomas, emanating immense power, seemed oblivious to Renea's approach. As she tried to get closer, pulsating waves of mist spread throughout the air. Straining to breath against the heavy air, her eyes turned red, the lens in her hand glowing in sync.
“Thomas!” Nearing exhaustion, Renea's cry caught Thomas's attention.
He stopped the waves, descending to greet her. Wrapping his arm around her, he lifted her up to his side.
Thomas, with a stern appearance, questioned Renea's well-being. She, exhausted, confirmed her condition, the day taking a toll on her.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
“Busy today?” Thomas says concerned.
“Nothing I couldn’t handle.”
Their moment of tranquility was interrupted as Thomas spotted blood spatter on Renea’s clothes. Concern etched his face.
“You sure about that?”
“Ya, ya, what’s going on what’re you doing here?” Renea expresses taking his attention away from her appearance.
Thomas, eager to share something with Renea, directed her attention to the chaos below. The city's power struggles unfolded, and Thomas expressed his hunger for control.
“Come, come let me show you something. Look out there, look at what’s happening down there. They fight for power and control as if they knew what they would do if they had it. They can’t stop us; they can’t even defend against us. They say the red lenses were a mistake or a miscalculation but look at what we can do. Every system has a hierarchy and we are the ones that deserve to make the decisions. I will make it so and this will be the start.”
“Thomas what are you planning on doing?”
“Change my love, creating change. Many will die, but those that oppose us will suffer.”
Renea observed Thomas’s conviction, realizing the unstoppable force he had become.
The sky over the ruined city was silent, the afternoon sun dimmed by the crimson waves pulsating above it. Thomas released his grip on Renea, stepping back to admire his handiwork. A faint shimmer of red energy hung in the air, radiating outward in concentric circles like ripples in a pond, casting eerie glows over distant landscapes.
“You see, my dear?” Thomas’s voice was soft, almost reverent, as he took in the view. “This signal—our signal—is going out to the others like us. So many of them, unaware of their potential, hiding from the power they possess. I’ll teach them what they truly are.”
Renea, still shaken, glanced at the energy ebbing through the atmosphere. The technology behind Thomas's broadcast was complex, miles beyond anything she had once known. She understood the power in those crimson waves, how they could stir awareness in minds wired with compatible enhancements. Yet the thought of forcing people into a new consciousness gnawed at her. “Thomas… this isn’t just helping them,” she whispered, feeling her chest tighten. “You’re talking about controlling them.”
But Thomas wasn’t listening. A map of the Earth flickered into existence between them, floating like a mirage. Here and there, red pinpoints marked locations of those who had their own devices, isolated and oblivious to their abilities.
With a hint of a smile, Thomas reached out, his gaze unwavering. “Join me,” he urged, his voice coaxing. “Together, we can bring them into our world.”
Her hand hovered just above his, fingers trembling. Finally, she took it, and Thomas’s face softened into a calculated smile. He pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers. The contact felt like a fuse sparking in her heart, a reminder of the man she had once loved—and the leader he was now becoming. Their bodies materialize and vanish.
The empty streets of Vicenza stretched before them as they materialized in a ghostly haze. The city had once been filled with life, a vibrant pulse in every corner, but now it lay silent, ruins casting long shadows over the cobbled roads. Somewhere in the crumbling remains of a nearby building, a faint red glow flickered, pulsing like a heartbeat.
“It’s okay,” Renea called, her voice soft, almost soothing. She wanted to believe it herself. “We know you’re here. We’re not here to hurt you.”
Thomas’s voice cut in, harder, sharper. “You have a power you can’t begin to understand. We’re here to bring you into something greater, something that will unite us all.” He glanced at a device embedded in his wrist, its digital interface lighting up as it revealed a thermal scan of the building. A shadow darted across the screen, just a blur in the dark.
“Let’s not waste time,” he muttered under his breath. With a tap on his wrist, a ring of plasma energy expanded from the device, forming a shimmering barrier around the building. The walls began to heat, the very air vibrating with a low, ominous hum.
“Please,” Renea urged, her tone now tinged with desperation. “Please, just come out. We’re here to help.”
Thomas’s hand tightened on the device, intensifying the plasma barrier as it hummed with violent energy, the walls trembling under the force. A scream echoed from within, piercing and brief, before silence fell once more. Renea’s hand flew to her mouth, horror and nausea mingling as she fought to keep control.
“How can you take a life with such ease?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Thomas shrugged, his expression cold. “If they show cowardice when we extend open arms, what do you suppose they do on the battlefield? Only the strong will carry us forward. Do you not see there’s nothing left for us. We’ll be hunted to the end of our days and I don’t want to keep running.”
As Renea watched Thomas, her heart pounded with both fear and hope. She took a steadying breath, her voice shaky yet filled with compassion.
“I know it’s hard to see something different when you’ve been bred to be a soldier,” she said, choosing each word carefully. Her eyes searched his face, desperate for a glimpse of the man she once knew. “But, Thomas… you want to make that change for the better of everyone. That’s who you are, even if you can’t see it right now.”
Thomas’s face twisted, emotions flickering across his features. For a moment, his resolve seemed to waver, his hardened expression melting into one of deep anguish. He turned away, his fists clenching, struggling with the storm of emotions beneath his cool exterior.
“I want a better world, Renea,” he murmured, his tone focused, almost as if he was convincing himself as much as her. “But sometimes, the path to it is not paved with kindness. We have to fight for our future… for our happiness together.”
His words settled heavily in the space between them, a reminder of the unyielding belief he had carried all this time. Renea felt her heart break a little, knowing he truly believed that he could only save their future through force.
Blinking back tears, she approached him slowly, reaching out to bridge the gap between them. She slipped her arms around him, her embrace filled with tenderness and vulnerability.
“I trust you,” she whispered, her voice gentle but unshakable. “And I’m with you.”
Thomas softened, brushing away her tears with a touch that was unexpectedly tender, his fingers lingering as if savoring this rare moment of peace. They held each other, an unspoken understanding binding them together as they shared a fragile closeness.
And then, in an instant, the world around them shifted. Without a sound, they vanished, teleporting away from the place where they had laid bare their hearts, leaving only a faint ripple in the air where they once stood.
In their secluded villa on the Cook Islands, that night Renea lay beside Thomas, tracing soft, absent-minded circles on his temple as he drifted into sleep. Even the most powerful mind, she reminded herself, needed rest. But as her fingers lingered, she felt something—a subtle pulse, like an unguarded transmission from Thomas’s mind to hers.
A rush of images flooded her, intense and vivid.
Under an impossibly bright sky, a vast green field stretched to the horizon, bathed in warm sunlight. It was alive, pulsing with color and laughter, the sound of children’s voices ringing out. But suddenly, a shadow descended, dark clouds swirling and spiraling into metallic forms above.
In a blink, the landscape fractured, and the vibrant greens and yellows turned to gray steel. Circuitry snaked across the ground like veins, cracks opening to reveal a lifeless expanse beneath. The children’s laughter faded, replaced by an eerie, electric hum.
From the shadows, a figure emerged. Thomas, his face hollow, eyes glowing a fierce red. He watched her, unmoved, as if all the world had become mere data—another system he could dismantle at will.
Renea jolted awake, finding herself alone in bed, her heart pounding. She could still hear the hum from her dream, echoing in her mind like a warning she couldn’t ignore. Rising slowly, she walked to the window, looking out at the waves rolling under the sunlight.
“That felt too real…” she murmured, pressing her fingers to her temples.
Her phone vibrated on the bedside table. A message blinked on the screen: Meet me at Apophis Base. She frowned, unease curling in her gut. Taking a deep breath, she got dressed and prepared to leave.
High above Earth, Renea materialized on a giant space station, surrounded by eight others hovering beside Thomas. The bodies of the working lifeless astronauts float by stunning her. The group regarded him with expressions of awe, each one fitted with sleek, red-lens devices embedded in their hands—gifts from Thomas, Renea knew, to amplify their latent abilities. She wondered how many among them saw this power as a burden rather than a blessing.
“Ah, there you are,” Thomas called, his voice carrying easily through the void. “My dear, meet the Omega Elites.”
A young man among them stepped forward, a cocky grin on his face as he regarded her. “So, you’re the one who can nullify our tech?” he sneered. “Think you can handle a fight with me?”
Thomas raised his hand, and instantly, every device in the group flickered, shutting down. The Elites gasped, reaching up to their throats as their oxygen feeds cut off.
Renea’s heart hammered. “Thomas…”
He didn’t look at her. With a wave, he reactivated the devices, watching with cool detachment as they stabilized. Above them, a massive asteroid drifted into view, casting a dark shadow over Earth’s atmosphere.
Thomas gestured toward the asteroid field, his voice commanding. “Understand this: the technology you carry is insignificant compared to ours. This world will either join us, or it will fall. I will make sure of that.”
As if to punctuate his threat, he raised his hand, a map of what seemed to be a constellation appeared before them. This is Apophis, this asteroid will annihilate the earth should it ever collide with earth. I’ve found a way to control it and others like it being its metallic structure.
Renea, disbelief etched on her face, attempts to speak, but her voice fails her. She watches as Thomas turns his head slowly in her direction, his smile twisted and malevolent, triggering flashbacks of her haunting dream.
“Now that we've come to an understanding, let us proceed. We will begin with wiping away one major continent at a time. Only those with significant powers will be our concern, leaving Australia and Antarctica untouched.” He pauses, a cruel glint in his eyes.
“We'll strike Asia first, then move across the globe, saving North America for last. With what we've conquered, they will submit with little fight. Our first target: Tokyo, the largest city in Asia. It will send a powerful message.”
Renea glances at the group of red lenses, their faces filled with pride and a disturbing inspiration from Thomas's words.
“Are you ready my dear?” Thomas says extending his hand.
Renea with an uneasy smile grabs his hand.
In the days that followed, Renea watched in silent horror as the Omega Elites carried out Thomas’s vision. Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing—city after city fell under their assault, reduced to rubble by controlled energy storms and robotic armies that patrolled empty streets. Governments crumbled under hacked broadcasts and deepfake videos, citizens forced to watch helplessly as their leaders became puppets to Omega Elites.
At night, Renea wandered through devastated streets, haunted by the faces she saw huddled in the shadows, their devices disabled, forced into silence. In one crumbling alleyway, she knelt beside a woman and her two young children.
“It wasn’t supposed to be this way,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone.
The woman recoiled, clutching her children closer. “Stay away from us!” she hissed, eyes wide with terror. “Red-lens monster!”
Renea stumbled back, her heart breaking. She had become a symbol of their fear, a nightmare they couldn’t wake from.
Renea teleported away to standing on hillside alone looking over the city, watching as Omega drones fought against rebellious forces. Her chest tightened, a painful reminder of all she had sacrificed, and all she had lost.
“There has to be another way,” she thought, closing her eyes against the endless void. “Peace can’t come from this.”
Taking a deep breath, she vanished, reappearing beside Thomas.
“There you are,” he said, smiling, his eyes gleaming with an unholy light. “Look at what we’ve achieved.”
She couldn’t meet his gaze, her eyes fixed on the devastation below.
After weeks of relentless fighting Renea walked into the United Nations Assembly Hall in New York, dressed in a striking red dress and heels. Her footsteps echo on the marble floor as she confidently walks through. Men stop and stare as she smirks, reaching the center of the hall. She raises her hands in a demanding gesture her red-lens device glowing faintly as she approached the center of the room. The soldiers on either side stiffened, hands poised on their weapons.
“I’m here to negotiate,” she announced, her voice steady. “I don’t want conflict.”
The soldiers moved to disarm her, shouting threats. With a glance, she activated her device. Every weapon, every screen, and every communication line powered down. The hall went silent, all eyes locked on her.
“Do I have your attention?” she asked, voice unyielding.
Steven Sanchez, a senior councilman, steps forward, his face pale and drawn. “What… what do you want?”
“I want to put an end to this,” she replied
Steven’s reaction was immediate, his surprise clear as he stumbled to regain his composure. “Um, yes… uh, right this way,” he stammered, gesturing for Renea to follow. “It just so happens we’re having a world summit as we speak.”
Renea gave a knowing nod. “I know.”
They walked down the corridor together, with a few unarmed soldiers trailing a cautious distance behind.
As they entered the grand assembly hall, a hush fell across the crowd, all eyes fixed warily on Renea. Quiet whispers rippled through the gathering.
"Imposter… Fake… I don’t believe this..."
Renea surveyed the hundred faces staring at her with a mix of distrust and disbelief. She lifted her voice to command attention. “I assure you, this is no illusion. I am one of the nine Omega Elites and a Red Lens. I’m one of those tearing down your world.”
The words sent a tremor through the room. She scanned the gathering, then, with a press of a device embedded in her palm, activated a transportation module. Instantly, the entire hall was engulfed in a shimmering field, and in the blink of an eye, they reappeared in an entirely new location.
The entire crowd found themselves standing in a lush field under a brilliant blue sky, surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, with a clear lake nearby and mountains towering in the distance. Several people knelt, touching the flowers, disoriented and in awe of the unexpected beauty. Without a word, Renea tapped the device in her palm again, transporting them back to the assembly hall.
“That was a place I call Serenity,” Renea said, her voice calm but filled with a subtle threat. “I can take you to a place far worse if you still need convincing.”
Steven looked at her, visibly shaken. “No, no, that will be enough. What… what is it you—”
“You’re losing,” she interrupted, her tone sharp, “and you’re about to lose big. An entire continent was shattered in just over a week.”
A man in the crowd yelled out in anger, his voice breaking the silence. “You caused the deaths of thousands... Murderer! You should be sentenced to death!”
Renea’s face softened slightly, and she gave a slight nod. “I know. The things I’ve done are unforgivable. That’s why I’m here. I’m risking everything just by talking to you. If they discover this meeting... this continent would cease to exist.”
The room went still, everyone’s gaze fixed on her. After a beat, a woman’s voice rose up. “Let her speak. Yes, let her speak.”
Renea took a breath, her voice quieter now. “I want to be left alone. I no longer agree with the others. What we’ve done… I don’t believe any power could ever forgive us.”
Steven frowned, trying to understand. “As they shouldn’t. But what do you mean by ‘left alone’?”
Her expression was resolute. “I will eliminate the rest of the Red Lenses for you if it means peace for all of us.”
The room erupted with murmurs. Steven raised his hand to silence them. “Quiet, everyone. Now, how are you able to kill the rest, and why should we trust you to do this?”
Renea’s eyes darkened, and her face held a shadow of sadness. “Because I’m the one person standing between a world that can continue living and a world that will soon be ash. I’ve seen what the world would look like if they succeed. I’m the strongest among them—the one who engineered the weaponry and technology they’re using to destroy. Look now, and see for yourself.”
She reached into her jacket and took out a small device, pressing it to release a series of holograms. Terrifying images of a potential future played out in vivid detail before everyone’s eyes, showing brutal devastation, cities in ruins, and masses in terror.
She stopped the projection, pocketing the device. “Now, do you understand? The next attacks will happen soon, and on a larger scale. They’ve grown confident and will split their forces. This is how we beat them.”
Steven’s voice was shaken. “How… how do we defeat them?”
“They aren’t gods,” Renea replied. “They’re enhanced people with weaknesses, ones I know better than anyone else. They still need to eat and sleep. We bombard them with multiple coordinated attacks. All of our forces working together—through heat and water, electrical discharges, corrosive metals, wind pressure, and shockwaves.”
The room murmured with uneasy agreement.
Steven stepped forward, his voice steadying. “After that, how do we give you the peace you want?”
She met his eyes. “I want an island of my choosing, away from interference. Let me live out my days in peace—a life without war and suffering. Do we have a deal?”
Steven turned to the committee members, who nodded in agreement, raising their hands in a silent vote. He faced Renea and gave her a firm nod. “It seems we are in agreement. Now, how do we accomplish this?”
“We strike at their leader,” she replied, her voice calm and decisive, “and the rest will fall. The leader is Thomas. I will handle him myself; that will give you the advantage over the rest. Be ready—I’ll send you the details in a few days.”
Without another word, Renea activated her teleportation module, vanishing. The lights in the building flickered back on, casting the hall in cold, stark light.
A man in the crowd spoke up, his voice laced with suspicion. “We can’t trust her. She could be using us to take out the ones she disagrees with, so she can seize control.”
Steven held up his hand for silence. “Calm down, everyone. We’ll work with her to defeat the rest, but after that, she’ll be the last one standing. The world can handle one.”
Back on the Cook Islands, Renea knelt beside her bed, her whole body trembling as she clutched her hands together, whispering to herself.
Oh God… I can’t do this… I just can’t…
Later, she walked along the beach, her bare feet pressing into the soft sand. She took a deep, steadying breath, and with a quick flash of light, disappeared.
In Mokattam, Egypt, heavy rain poured down, obscuring her view as Renea reappeared in the storm. Ahead of her stood Thomas, his back turned as he gazed into the rain.
Without looking back, he spoke. “There you are. We’ve started without you. I thought, why wait? Best to test if we could manage without your help.”
A cold smile touched his lips. “It’s taking a little longer than before, but the result will be the same.”
The rain mixed with Renea’s silent tears as she stared at her shaking hands, thunder rumbling overhead.
Thomas finally looked over his shoulder. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, gesturing toward the storm. “Without the rain, you’d see the entire city spread out before you.”
Renea’s voice was soft. “Thomas…”
“Yes, love?”
Her voice wavered. “I love you.”
He turned fully to her, his expression softened. “I love—”
Without warning, she activated device the lens in his palm, sending a surge of high-voltage current through him exploding the lens device on his palm and leaving a wound on his forehead. He convulsed, collapsing into her arms. She held his head gently as he took his last breaths. The rain stopped, clouds parted, and dawn began breaking on the horizon.
Renea’s anguished scream echoed across the landscape, her grief reverberating as she carefully laid Thomas’s body down in a small, freshly dug crater. With a device in hand, she activated an underground shield, slowly covering him with layers of soil and stone—a final, silent farewell.
Back in the Assembly Hall, world leaders sat in hushed anticipation. A series of scorched, dismantled technology implants began clinking onto the floor, one after another, as Renea’s voice boomed from unseen speakers. They committee curiously looking picking up what are parts of broken red lens devices.
“I’ve held up my end of the bargain. Now uphold yours.”
Months later, on the Cook Islands, Renea, now visibly pregnant, tended to her garden, one hand on a watering can, the other resting on her belly. The scene was suddenly interrupted by the distant roar of engines; a swarm of missiles approached, cutting through the sky toward her.
She closed her eyes, ready for whatever would come.