The United Nations has convened an emergency session to discuss the global response to these unprecedented crises. However, the road to recovery is long and arduous. The sheer scale of the destruction has left Japan reeling, with millions displaced and critical infrastructure in ruins. Temporary housing facilities are being constructed to accommodate the vast number of homeless survivors, but the demand far exceeds the supply. Food and water shortages are rampant, and the risk of disease outbreaks looms large.
Similar scenes have occurred in South America and pockets of North America. As the search for survivors continues, the death toll continues to rise. Makeshift morgues have been set up to handle the overwhelming number of casualties, and families are left grappling with the heartbreaking task of identifying and burying their loved ones. The emotional toll on the survivors is immeasurable, with many struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.
As the world braces for the impending attacks, tensions are running high. Cities are on lockdown, with heavily armed security forces patrolling the streets and enforcing strict curfews. Civilians are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as even the slightest hint of a supervillain’s presence could spell disaster.
The economic impact of the looming threat is already being felt, with global markets plummeting and investors pulling out of vulnerable sectors. The uncertainty and fear generated by the supervillain’s individual and collective plans have sent shockwaves through the financial world, compounding the already dire economic situation in the wake of the compounding disasters.
As the world holds its breath, waiting for the next strike, the resolve of the international community is being tested like never before. The coming days will be a true test of the resilience and unity of nations in the face of an unprecedented global threat. The stakes could not be higher, and the outcome of this battle will shape the course of history for generations to come.
In these dark times, hope lies in the strength and determination of the heroes who stand ready to defend the world against the forces of evil. The world is in a state of chaos and upheaval as the battle between heroes and villains escalates, leaving devastation and uncertainty in its wake. With the military engaging in sporadic clashes with smaller factions of heroes and villains, the larger conflict looms on the horizon, threatening to engulf the entire globe.
The scarcity of resources has only served to fuel the flames of conflict as both sides struggle to secure the means to sustain their efforts. The lack of a clear endpoint to the fighting has left many wondering if there will ever be a resolution or if this is the new normal for a world torn apart by the actions of those with extraordinary abilities.
In Europe, the situation is particularly dire, with parts of the European Union splintering off from their governments in a bid for self-governance. These breakaway regions often find themselves under the protection and leadership of a superhuman figure, further complicating the already fragile geopolitical landscape.
In the United States, the government's power has become concentrated on the East and West Coasts, leaving the vast expanse in between with little oversight or control. This power vacuum has created opportunities for both heroes and villains to assert their influence, leading to a patchwork of territories controlled by various factions. Rather than engaging in large-scale operations, the military is focusing on surgical strikes against specific villainous targets. By carefully selecting their battles and minimizing collateral damage, they hope to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control. The military is investing heavily in intelligence-gathering operations, seeking to gain a better understanding of the various factions at play. By monitoring the activities of both heroes and villains, they can anticipate potential flashpoints and work to defuse tensions before they erupt into violence.
In areas where the conflict is particularly intense, the military is employing a strategy of containment, seeking to limit the spread of violence to other regions. By establishing buffer zones and maintaining a strong presence on the borders of these hotspots, they aim to prevent the fighting from spilling over into neighboring territories. By focusing their efforts on high-population and high-wealth areas, they have been able to more effectively manage their resources.
On the East Coast, the concentration of power has led to a heightened state of security, with heavily fortified cities and a constant military presence. The heroes in this region have aligned themselves with the government, working to maintain order and protect the civilian population from the threat of villainous attacks. In return, the government has made some concessions, leading to a portion of the political power in the hands of heroes.
The West Coast, in contrast, has become a hotbed of villainous activity, with several powerful supervillains establishing their own fiefdoms and ruling with an iron fist. The heroes in this area are outnumbered and outgunned, fighting a desperate battle to liberate the people from the clutches of their oppressors.
In the heartland of America, the situation is more uncertain. With little government presence, the region has become a Wild West of sorts, with heroes and villains carving out their own territories and engaging in a constant struggle for dominance. The civilian population is caught in the middle, their lives upended by the constant fighting and the lack of stability. Food in the region has become ungrowable, and other parts unlivable due to the aftermath of the Yellowstone Disaster.
0-0-0-0-0
I continued to work diligently, splitting my time between my job on Earth and assembling my new headquarters on Mars. Thanks to my improving teleportation abilities, I could now transport myself directly to the partially built structure without relying as heavily on the telescope to pinpoint the location. This proved to be fortuitous timing, as the ongoing wars and chaos on Earth were only escalating. In hindsight, I wished I had started this Mars project much earlier instead of focusing my efforts on being a superhero back home. While I know I did some good, it felt futile in the face of humanity's inevitable self-destruction. When would the final domino fall?
Slowly but surely, the Martian base began to take shape. To optimize the assembly process, I would construct and prep as many components as possible in my Earth-based warehouse facility before teleporting them to the red planet. Some of the more intricate tasks simply could not be managed well while wearing clumsy space suit gloves.
The initial phase focused on erecting the core structure of what would become my living quarters. Though modest in size, the design prioritized functionality and efficient use of space. Once the exterior shell was complete and air sealed, I could then install the critical life support systems to make the habitat fully self-sustaining.
A network of pumps and tanks would circulate water throughout the building, doubling as a heat exchange system to harness geothermal energy from the planet's interior. Solar panels on the roof would provide additional power. Air scrubbers and oxygen recyclers would maintain a breathable atmosphere inside.
The interior living space gradually came together as well, though it wasn't quite habitable just yet. I could now enter the pressurized structure without a full space suit, but I still needed to bundle up in insulated clothing and wear an oxygen mask. After installing a multi-layered insulation system in the walls to retain heat, I looked forward to freely walking around in a t-shirt and sweatpants like at home. There was plenty more to go before it was finished. Unsurprisingly, though unusual, I would not install a door. The place would have no guests, and I planned to arrive only through teleportation.
My apartment back on Earth was becoming more barren. I returned to rest and ate. Otherwise, I was busy couriering and with base building. I chatted with neighbors but kept my distance. The courier work took me all over the world, though it was often focused on larger metropolitan areas that were doing well. These pockets of the world understood the changing world well and had moved heaven and earth to adapt to it. It was nothing like ten or twenty years ago. Superhumans were here to stay, forcefully or otherwise.
Out on the street, I had a backpack of shipments on my back. It jostled slightly as I walked. I adjusted it further and continued walking. The location I was going to was out of the way. I had teleported into New York but was now taking my time walking around. The city had changed a lot since the explosion. A few minutes earlier, I would have been caught up in it. There were fewer skyscrapers standing. Those that were had obvious signs of superhumans guarding them. Whether they worked was unclear.
The city was a shell of itself. It looked like it should be midnight based on the number of people walking around. Instead, it was what one might consider the new normal for the city. At least the city offered some amount of stability for the people who hadn’t died or fled in search of other opportunities. The shipments of food and supplies reached the city safely, and a lessened government controlled the public services.
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I was almost at the drop-off point for the shipment. I was ready to get this bag off me.
My heart pounded in my chest as I hurried through the once-vibrant streets of New York, now cast in an eerie glow by the flickering lights on the buildings. The backpack, laden with crucial supplies, bounced against my back with each step, serving as a constant reminder of my mission. "I have to get this package delivered, no matter what," I thought, my brow furrowed with determination.
As small robots began to flood the street, my eyes widened in disbelief. "This can't be happening," I muttered under my breath, weaving through the sea of metallic bodies that glinted under the flickering lights. The once-bustling city now felt like a dystopian nightmare, a far cry from the vibrant metropolis it had been before the explosion and the rise of superhumans.
The distant noises of realization from the few people still out and about only added to the growing sense of unease that gnawed at my mind. A man’s voice spoke out of the small robots. They made the situation clear and searched out victims. My mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. "A technomancer? Here? Now?" I wondered thoughts tinged with a mix of fear and anger. A technomancer wasn’t personally dangerous, but I knew that my personal information, including my name, was now accessible through the phone at her side, and the thought of my identity being revealed sent a chill down my spine.
"Focus, Naomi," I chided myself, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. "You've got a job to do, and people are counting on you." I quickened my pace, my eyes scanning the street for any signs of danger. The backpack felt heavier with each step, but I knew that the supplies I carried were a lifeline for those in need. I checked my phone. The screen had shifted and was now inoperable. Whenever the screen turned on, it only displayed a grey smiley face.
"After this delivery, I need to find that technomancer and put an end to their control over the city's technology," I thought, my jaw clenched with resolve.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the task at hand. "You've adapted to this new world, just like everyone else," I reminded myself, thinking of the pockets of civilization that had managed to thrive amidst the chaos. "And you're not going to let some technomancer bring it all crashing down. Not when I am so close to building my sanctuary."
I slid the backpack to my front and opened the top. Inside was a simple metal mask. It was not as specialized as my hero one. Its job was just to protect my face from curious eyes and take a single hit or two in an emergency. Over the top of my regular clothes, I put on my ‘work jumpsuit.’ Normally I would wait a bit longer, but I needed to hurry to the drop off now. I had a lot to do before the technomancer fled the area. While digging in my bag, I brought out my gun. I focused my aim on the skittering robots and fired off a few shots. A few of them jumped out of the way, but I was able to hit one. Their focus turned to me, and I teleported away.
The drop-off location was in the basement of one of the older buildings. I took the stairs down to the entrance. Above me, automated turrets watched. They scanned me carefully before returning to the main threats of the robots. I stood in front of the doors. A camera was pointed at me from the ceiling.
“Please confirm your identity,” said the robotic voice.
“Blink. With requested package.”
The door opened after a few seconds of processing. I stepped inside. The room was small and set up with what I was familiar with.
“Place the package in the scanner for processing.”
I grabbed the package from the bag at my side and slid it into the open slit. Pushing it forward, it slid into place with a click of metal. I pressed the button on the side of the scanner, and it started to do its work.
“Thank you for visiting. Have a nice day!” said the voice in a slightly less monotone voice.
I teleported out quickly, not interested in waiting around. The robot minions were still nearby. The sound of their skittering echoed. Up above the entrance to the drop off their automated guns had scared off some of the robots. Now, though, they were offline. Whether it was because they were out of ammo or because the technomancer had connected to them I had no idea.
The hacked screen on my phone still mocked me. There were no obvious signs of heroes in the area. Everyone who had been on the street had fled. I pulled out my gun. It was an item I no longer forgot to bring with me. Though not as specialized as the hero-issued ones it would do the job in going through the skull of the technomancer.
“Now. Where can I find you?” I asked the empty air.
Keeping my feet moving, I teleported to the roof nearby for better sightlines and to watch for anomalies. My eyes were drawn to the lines of robot automatons. In the distance, some of the minions were larger and more complex.
“Let’s see where this leads.”
I followed the trail of increasingly complex robot minions, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. The technomancer's handiwork was evident in the way the machines moved with an unsettling fluidity, their metallic bodies glinting under the flickering lights of the city. The more complex machines were closer to androids and seemed to have better weapons. I knew I had to act fast, before the entire Upper East Coast was plunged into a permanent state of chaos.
As I teleported from rooftop to rooftop, I couldn't help but think about the impact this event would have on the already fragile balance of power in the world. With superhumans like myself and the technomancer running rampant, it seemed that the days of normalcy were long gone. The thought of my sanctuary on Mars became even more appealing, a glimmer of hope in an increasingly dark and uncertain future.
I landed on a rooftop overlooking a swarm of robots, their movements more coordinated than the ones I had encountered earlier. "This must be getting close to the source," I muttered, readying my gun. I took aim at the nearest robot, but the bullet ricocheted off its armored plating, barely leaving a dent. "Damn it," I cursed, realizing that I would have to get creative.
I teleported down to the street, appearing behind a group of robots. Before they could react, I grabbed one and teleported it back to the rooftop, releasing it over the edge. The machine plummeted to the ground, shattering into a hundred pieces upon impact. I repeated the process several times, thinning out the horde of robots below. Even the ones that didn’t shatter completely could not stand up after I was done.
As I prepared to teleport back down, I noticed a faint glow emanating from a nearby building. "That has to be it," I thought, my heart racing with a mix of fear and determination. I focused my power, visualizing the interior of the building, and teleported inside.
The room was dimly lit, the only source of illumination coming from the dozens of screens that lined the walls. In the center of the room sat a figure hunched over a keyboard, their fingers flying across the keys with inhuman speed. "The technomancer," I whispered, tightening my grip on my gun.
I took a step forward, but the figure's head snapped up, their eyes locking with mine. "Ah, the infamous Blink," they said, their voice distorted by a metallic undertone. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
I raised my gun, aiming it at the technomancer's head. "It's over," I said, my voice steady despite the fear that gripped my heart. "Wipe the files on me. Shut it down, now."
The technomancer laughed, a harsh, grating sound that sent shivers down my spine. "You think it's that simple?" they asked, their fingers never leaving the keyboard. "It is already trapped in my mind. Now whether I should use that information, Naomi, is up to you. Besides, I’m busy finishing up what I am here to do. You couldn’t stop that The Upper East Coast is mine.”
I gritted my teeth, my finger tightening on the trigger. "Not if I have anything to say about it," I growled, preparing to teleport closer for a clear shot.
But before I could make my move, the technomancer's fingers flicked the air, and suddenly, the room was plunged into darkness. I heard metal scraping against metal, and I knew that the robots were closing in on my position.
"Good luck, Blink," the technomancer's voice echoed in the darkness, a mocking edge to their words. "You're going to need it."
I took a deep breath and teleported blindly. The scene didn’t change, and I cursed as I slammed into part of the table and rolled forward. Around me the robots glowed slightly giving me some light. I could hear his steps partially obscured by the sound of the robots.
My next blink took me into a robot. My hands were outstretched, and I carried my momentum forward causing the robot’s arm to bend backward and creak when it hit the wall. The machines fired on my and I teleported away.
Lights flickered in the hallways as I ran and teleported. I seethed with anger. He would not get away. No one could get away from me. I could be anywhere in an instant. His robots would not stop me. Nor would any doors, walls, or containers.
I teleported through the hallways, my anger fueling each blink as I closed in on the technomancer. The flickering lights and the clamor of the robots only added to the chaotic atmosphere, but I remained focused on my target. I could sense his presence, his arrogance, and I knew I was getting closer.
Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of him, his silhouette illuminated by the glow of a computer screen. Without hesitation, I teleported directly in front of him, my hands already reaching out to grab him. He let out a startled cry as I yanked him from his chair and threw him to the ground.
"It's over," I growled, my voice barely audible over the sound of the approaching robots. "You're not getting away this time."
The technomancer looked up at me, his eyes wide with fear. "Wait, please," he begged, his voice trembling. "I can explain everything." But I wasn't interested in his explanations. I had seen the destruction he had caused, the lives he had ruined, and I was determined to put an end to it. I straddled him, pinning him to the ground with my weight, and began to rain blows down on his face.
"You think you can just waltz in here and take over?" I snarled, my fists connecting with his jaw, his nose, his cheekbones. "You think you can ruin people's lives and get away with it?" The technomancer tried to shield his face with his hands, but I was relentless.
I could feel the satisfying crunch of bone beneath my knuckles, the warm spray of blood on my skin. Around us, the robots were getting closer, their metallic footsteps echoing in the confined space.
"Naomi, please," the technomancer gasped, his words garbled by the blood in his mouth. "I can help you. I can give you what you want."
“I don’t need anything from you. You villains ruin mine and everyone else’s lives.” I landed another blow on his face.