Fade had prepared herself for this challenging journey into Iselin's mind. She had a singular goal – to extract any information Iselin had about Kingdom, Project Landfall, and the mysterious Radivores. As she closed her eyes and touched the cold glass of Iselin's containment pod, she entered the woman's consciousness.
At first, it was like navigating through a dense fog. Iselin's thoughts were a labyrinth, and Fade had to tread carefully. But soon, she encountered an unexpected obstacle – the foreign Radianite-like substance coursing through Iselin's veins.
This strange substance reacted fiercely to Fade's presence. It wasn't like anything Fade had encountered before when touching minds. It felt sentient, as if having a mind of its own, and sought to pull her in. For a moment, Fade was trapped within Iselin's mind, a captive observer of her thoughts.
Desperation set in. To break free from this psychic quagmire, Fade needed to access parts of Iselin's memories that had remained locked away.
.
.
Sage quietly entered the medical bay, her steps soft on the tiled floor. She noticed Omen, focused on his Bonsai tree, tending to it with care. Approaching him with a faint smile, she commented, "I'm glad you're taking a liking to the Bonsai, Omen."
Omen looked up from his miniature tree to see Sage. He nodded appreciatively. "It's a thoughtful gift," he replied. "It helps me center my thoughts and stay grounded. I appreciate it, Sage."
Sage acknowledged his words with a nod before her gaze shifted to Fade, who stood frozen beside the pod, her hand resting on the glass surface, her posture resembling that of someone lost in deep slumber. Her concern grew as she noticed how long Fade had remained in this state.
Turning back to Omen, she inquired, "Do you have any idea how much longer she'll be like this?"
Omen stopped tending to the tree and shifted his gaze towards Fade. "Hard to say," he admitted. "She's been at it for hours."
Worried for her fellow agent, Sage approached the pod, examining both Fade and the woman inside. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask about the woman.
"How did you know her, Omen?" Sage inquired gently.
"She used to work for Kingdom," Omen began. "A gifted engineer. Her mentor was a good friend of mine. Our departments worked together on a few projects. That's where she met my protégé, y/n."
Sage's interest deepened as she heard Glitch's name. "And what's her relationship with Glitch?" she asked, intrigued.
Omen's response was guarded, and he chose his words carefully. "It's best if you hear that from Glitch himself," he said. "I'd rather you hear it from him, not from me."
Sage's gaze lingered on the woman encased in the pod for a moment before she turned her attention back to Omen. A thoughtful expression crossed her face, and she spoke softly, "I can probably guess what their relationship was."
Omen acknowledged her words with a non-committal hum, pushing himself up from his seat. "I need to see Viper. Look after them, Sage."
Sage nodded in response. As Omen left the medical bay, she turned her focus to the control panel nearby, her fingers dancing over the holographic buttons and panels. Sage began to analyze the woman's condition, trying to ensure her well-being.
Sage observed the data on the screen carefully, noting the gradual improvement in the woman's condition. The foreign substance in her blood seemed to no longer pose a threat to her life. The readings indicated stability, a hopeful sign.
With a sigh of relief, Sage decided to leave the woman to rest and recover, her expertise reassured by the promising data on the screen. She took a step back from the pod, her gaze shifting between the woman and Fade, who remained motionless with her hand still on the pod.
.
.
.
Frankfurt, Germany, Sigma Earth
Inside the lab, Doctor Bohringer meticulously worked with her advanced medical technology to tend to the wounds of the Omega trio - Skye, Glitch, and Neon, who had recently faced off against the formidable silver hunter, Sergeant Novikov. The atmosphere was tense, filled with an air of distrust and unease.
Doctor Bohringer paused for a moment in her healing process to address the trio. "I apologize for the hostility you've encountered," she began, her tone genuinely remorseful. "In our world, we haven't had the best experiences with Radiants. It makes us wary."
Sergeant Novikov remained seated nearby, his gaze cold and unrelenting, especially focused on Skye. The tension in the room was palpable.
It was Neon who decided to break the ice. "You know," she started cautiously, "back in our world, we're friends with Doctor Bohringer and Sergeant Novikov. We know them as Killjoy and Sova. They're fellow heroes of the Valorant Legion."
Skye, her eyes filled with empathy, chimed in, her expression earnest. "We're truly sorry for what happened to your world. But please understand, we aren't like the Radiants in this earth. We just want to find our way back home and stop whatever catastrophe is about to happen there."
Once the doctor had completed her work on them, she pivoted her chair closer to Sergeant Novikov, her attention shifting to his damaged suit and prosthetic legs.
With precision, she used the control panel to instruct her robotic assistants to begin repairing and restoring his equipment. The intricate process hummed to life, a testament to her skill in the field of technology and healing.
Glitch gazed at the advanced technology in amazement. "Your technology is more advanced than our world's Killjoy's technology," he remarked. He also couldn't help but notice that this world's Doctor Bohringer and Sergeant Novikov appeared older than the versions of Killjoy and Sova on Omega Earth.
Doctor Bohringer responded with a smile and explained, "The Radiants we fought were powerful. We had to find a way to match their powers using technology. That's why we've advanced so quickly during the war."
As the robots diligently worked on the sergeant's suit and legs, Doctor Bohringer turned her focus back to the trio, her curiosity evident. "You've mentioned a catastrophe," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "Could you please elaborate on what you mean?"
Glitch, the thoughtful and measured member of the trio, stepped forward to provide an explanation. "Our world's climate began to collapse after The First Light phenomenon. We're still uncertain of the exact cause, but the consequences have been devastating. It's led to a series of natural disasters, and entire regions have almost become uninhabitable."
Neon added, her tone resolute, "That's why we're here. We were hoping you could lend us your Radianite. We need them to build a structure that can protect our cities and countries from the climate collapse."
Their request hung in the air, a plea for assistance and understanding. The stakes were high, and the trio hoped that Doctor Bohringer and Sergeant Novikov might be willing to share or lend their world's precious Radianite to help save their own.
Sergeant Novikov, however, expressed strong reservations. "It is impossible," he exclaimed. "We can't just easily trust any Radiant after what they've caused to our Earth. Even if you are innocent, you're still strangers to us. We can't rely on your promise to return the borrowed Radianite. And we need the Radianite for ourselves."
Doctor Bohringer attempted to diffuse the tension. "Sergeant, please, calm down," she urged. She then turned to the trio and explained, "Please consider our perspective as well. Twenty three percent of the human population remains after the Radiant war. Everyone is desperately trying to rebuild. We, too, need every ounce of Radianite we own in our world for recovery efforts. I'm sorry, but we can't help you."
The trio fell into a contemplative silence, realizing that they couldn't compel the two to assist in saving their world.
After a moment, they collectively decided not to take the Radianite. Glitch took a deep breath, pondering his options in the current situation.
.
What will Glitch do?
Option one - Explore alternative solutions. Avoid pressuring Sigma Earth to lend their Radianite to Omega.
Option two - Take Sigma Earth's Radianite by force (Kill Sergeant Novikov and Doctor Bohringer)
Note#1: Will affect Omega Glitch's relationship with Omega Skye and Neon.
Note#2: Will increase Alpha KAY/O's hostility towards Omega Glitch.
(A choice needs to be made here, but I will include it in future updates! For now, here's the default story.)
.
"We understand. Thank you for listening, Doctor, Sergeant," Glitch said respectfully. Neon leaned closer to him, her voice a hushed whisper, "Glitch, we need that Radianite. Are we leaving empty-handed?" she inquired.
Glitch replied calmly, "Let's just hope the others managed to secure some Radianite."
"He's right. Let's not resort to force," Skye added, her tone empathetic. "This Earth hasn't harmed ours like Alpha did when they sent their Knightmare. Let's try our best not to make enemies with more worlds."
Skye then approached the Doctor, extending her hand. "Thank you, Doctor. We wish the best for you and your planet."
Doctor Bohringer accepted Skye's extended hand and shook it firmly.
Before the trio prepared to leave, Glitch questioned the doctor. "No matter which world we're in, Doctor Bohringer is always full of ideas. If anyone can figure out how to save our world, it's her. Please, Doctor, can you tell us how we might save our world?"
Doctor Bohringer, her weariness evident, closed her eyes briefly to gather her thoughts before responding, "I would need more specific details to offer assistance, and my own world's concerns demand my attention as well."
"I understand," Glitch replied with a hint of disappointment.
However, Doctor Bohringer's eyes widened, as if she had just recalled something she had forgotten. She then continued, "I may not be able to help you directly, but we do possess something that could be of interest." This statement piqued the curiosity of the trio.
With swift keystrokes on the control panel, the doctor activated a hand scanner within the room. "Sergeant, if you would?" she requested. Sergeant Novikov hesitated briefly but then complied, placing his hand on the scanner. This action unlocked a pedestal concealed in the lab's floor, revealing a mysterious artifact—a relic of the twelve pillars.
Neon asked with curiosity dancing in her eyes, "What is that?"
The sergeant leaned in slightly, his voice tinged with mystery. "A lost artifact. It has the power to control space. The doctor managed to harness its power once, and we used it to send a friend to another world."
Doctor Bohringer considered the situation and added, "We don't really need its power. Perhaps you could put it to better use."
As Glitch gazed upon the enigmatic relic before him, a soothing, almost ethereal voice whispered in his ears, and a melodic song filled his thoughts. His eyes remained locked onto the artifact until Skye shook him gently, snapping him out of his daydream. Concerned, she inquired, "Are you alright?"
Glitch, coming back to reality, reassured her, "Yes, I'm fine." He then carefully removed the bracelet-shaped artifact from the pedestal, and to everyone's amazement, it adhered itself firmly to Glitch's wrist.
"At last... a presence worthy of my power," the voice reverberated within Glitch's mind.
.
.
.
The Headquarters, Alpha Earth
Brimstone had just finished his intense workout in the Valorant Protocol headquarters' gym, and now he was craving a protein shake. He wiped the sweat off his brow as he made his way to the kitchen. As he entered, he saw Gekko standing there, busy making a peanut butter sandwich for himself.
"Hey, kid," Brimstone greeted.
Gekko turned to see his fellow agent and grinned. "Ayo, Brimmy Brim! What's up?"
Brimstone poured some protein powder into a shaker bottle. "Harbor told me you've been hitting high scores at the training range recently. Impressive stuff."
Gekko's eyes lit up at the compliment. "Thanks. I've been working hard on my aim and all that."
Brimstone took a sip of his shake and offered some advice. "Some tricks from this old dog. Skip the run and gun. Stop, head-lock, and pop-pop. But mind the recoil."
Gekko nodded gratefully. "I know, I know. Coach explained that already."
As Brimstone continued to enjoy his protein shake, Gekko decided to broach another topic that had been on his mind. "You know, I've been thinking. Hear me out. I love the room, for real... but like, sometimes, my crew and I could use a bit more space. There's like five of us, you know. There's that empty room next to mine, and I was wondering if we could knock down the walls and combine them into a larger one. Eh? Eh?? What do you say?"
Brimstone chuckled at the idea. "You're quite the planner, kid. Do your job well and I'll think about it."
Before Gekko could respond, Breach entered the kitchen. "Brimmy," he called out, "Sage wants to see you at the medical bay. Said you didn't pick up your calls."
Brimstone's expression shifted to one of concern. "I'll be there."
With that, Brimstone hastily set aside his half-finished protein shake, exchanged a nod with Gekko, and headed off to address the matter Sage had brought to his attention.
.
Glitch's footsteps echoed through the sterile corridors of the Valorant Protocol headquarters as he made his way to the medical bay.
As he entered, he was met with an unusual scene. Brimstone, Omen, Cypher, and Sage were gathered around Fade, who was lying on one of the examination tables. Fade's labored breathing filled the room, her chest rising and falling with each heavy pant. She appeared visibly distressed.
Glitch couldn't contain his concern any longer. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his voice sharp with worry.
Sage addressed Glitch's question. "It seems that she came into contact with the foreign substance from the woman's body."
Fade, though clearly in discomfort, managed to nod and croak out, "I'm okay."
Omen, his curiosity piqued, leaned in closer, a hand on her shoulder. "What did you see, Fade?"
Fade's eyes bore the weight of her experience as she struggled to find the right words. "Too many..."
Cypher, always analytical, pressed for specifics. "Were they memories from the woman's past, or something else?"
Fade's response sent a shiver down their spines. "It was different... it was like a nightmare came to life with a vision. They weren't memories."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, as the agents grappled with the implications of Fade's encounter with the mysterious substance.
Despite her determination, Fade's weakened state was evident as she attempted to sit up. Concern etched across the faces of her fellow agents, they gently urged her to lie back and rest, reassuring her that she had performed admirably in her task.
"Take your time, Fade," Brimstone offered, his voice carrying warmth and understanding. "Whenever you're ready to share your findings, we'll be here."
As the minutes passed, Fade gradually calmed down, her breathing becoming less labored. The tension in the room began to ease, although a palpable sense of curiosity lingered among the agents.
Glitch couldn't help but shift his gaze toward the nearby pod, where Iselin still lay in a deep, dreamless slumber. Fade's strange reaction to the mysterious substance had left him pondering the enigma it presented.
What was it about this substance that had triggered such a response in her? The questions loomed large, and for now, they could only wait for Fade's revelations to shed some light on the matter.
.
.
.
To be continued