David walked out of the simulator, drenched in sweat. DaMoN joined him as they headed toward the locker rooms.
“Wow, that was exciting.” David brimmed with energy as he came down from the thrill of a simulated battle with Fenrir.
DaMoN laughed and slapped him on the back, “The real battle was a hell of a lot harder, but even more fun.”
“Really? How much harder?”
“Oh, you know how it is in the real world. These simulations can’t risk your life, so they pull some punches here and there. When something that big is hell-bent on killing you, the battle is something else. So, which league are you?”
“I’m not in a league. I’m not technically part of BADGE yet.”
“Oh, another recruit. Been a lot of those lately. You put in a good fight. You deserve to be a hero.”
David said, “After that fight, I’m really considering it. Wow, that was fun.”
“Don’t let the excitement of victory go to your head. The simulator is great training, but the real world is something else. Cool off, get yourself a shower, and think.”
David was about to say that he had already thought he would cool off before signing anything. However, just then, the entire station rattled. “What was that?” David asked.
DaMoN frowned. “I don’t know. It takes something big to rattle this place.”
Red lights flashed and a robotic voice called out, “Emergency alert, heroes to station one, repeat, heroes to station one. Cadets and agents report to station two. Recruits, report to security check-in.” A siren blared loudly, and the recording started again.
DaMoN said, “Head for the theater room, Coach Fury will be there to tell you what to do.” Without another word, he raced off for the main level.
David’s jubilant attitude shattered and worry set in. The real world was coming for them now, and he wasn’t sure what to do. He lost all sense of location and forgot how to get back to the theater room. So, he just ran down a corridor, hoping he would recall this place soon.
He turned a corner and followed a corridor that had an extensive set of windows to space. He paused mid-step and slowly turned to see what was outside.
A giant space cruiser drifted by. It was nothing like anything David had ever seen. It was long, bulky, and had weapons dotted all over the surface. However, it was rusty; the hull was cracked in many places, and as it moved, it dribbled bits of debris as though it were disintegrating from old age.
“What the hell is that?”
Justin barked orders out, “I want all security drones in space now. Set the station’s shields to full power. Sensors, get me every scrap of data on that.”
The robots manning the stations worked with speed, fulfilling each order efficiently.
10915 stated, “The power systems on the unidentified vessel are at a minimal status. No weapon systems online that we can detect.”
“Lifesigns?”
“Negative. Sensors are not detecting any known form of a living organism on that vessel.”
On the screen, ten small egg-shaped drones zipped out from the station. They had small weapons for combat.
14001-A spoke, “Query: Signal for heroes to leave station and confront?”
“No. Not at this time. We don’t know what that is and I don’t want to cause any problems by being foolish. Just tell everyone inside the station to be on full alert. Where’s EB?”
10915 said, “EB is currently en route to...”
The elevator doors opened and EB burst out at top speed. “Sorry, I was just in the training area, working with the new recruits. Several have already signed to join BADGE and one is asking to train with ATLAS. Nice people. This one lady is like eighty, but she can use telekinesis like a pro. I mean... oh, what are all the sirens for?”
Justin said, while pointing at the monitor, “That.”
EB screamed and backed up, “No, no, it can’t be!”
“You know what that is?”
EB trembled and nodded quickly. “A fleet of those destroyed my homeworld seven centuries ago. Blow it up, blow it up now!”
“What do you mean... wait?” Justin had an icy feeling run through his body. “Legion destroyed your world.”
“Yes.”
Justin pointed at a robot. “Full alert status. Activate all Leagues. Send a call to all Rangers. Get me Nova, now!”
The warning sirens across the station changed to something that only sounded when the situation was dire.
An hour before:
Krystal and Nova followed the perky representatives of Ren Tech through the halls of the sleek, modern company complex. Workers walked around in jeans and company T-shirts as they talked on Ren Phones or used Ren Tech Tablets.
The interior of the building was not unlike the exterior. Sleek white walls with clear glass ceilings/floors so you could see all the way up through the building. Holo-screens on the walls displayed information.
They paused at the door to a room filled with people using strange glasses. Stacy said, “This is our next biggest thing. Ren Wear. High-tech glasses that can display images like VR to the person wearing them. Just imagine being able to join a meeting across the planet as though you are there at a moment’s notice. Or, using just one lens, you can check the news, look at a recipe, or even relax by the beach.”
Krystal asked, “How far along is the research?”
Arnold said, “We hope to have them available by summer this year. Should be the biggest event of the season. That is, if we can work out a few of the bugs.”
“Oh, I want one,” Krystal said.
Nova cleared his throat, “Fascinating, really, but we have important business to discuss with Mr. Chorad.”
“This way.” Stacy guided him along.
They navigated the unconventional building, passing many amazing new things, as they approached the heart of this sprawling complex. Their guides led them through glass doors and out into a beautiful garden. The garden brimmed with blooming roses and tiger lilies. A river ringed the outside of the area while a grassy lawn sat in the center with a diamond shaped structure seated in the middle.
“What is this?” Krystal asked.
Arnold said, “Dr. Chorad’s office.”
“A little ostentatious,” Nova muttered.
An unfamiliar voice said, “Yes, it is pretentious. But why not splurge when you’re the richest man of the richest company in the world?”
Krystal and Nova turned to find Dr. Chorad standing behind them, a big smile on his face.
Nova said, “I suppose. We have important business to discuss.”
Dr. Chorad said, “Yes, I know. I was in a meeting with investors, explaining the whole sphere situation. Ugh, what a bunch of money-grubbing idiots. They don’t know the first thing about generosity. I was glad when my intern alerted me you were intent on a meeting now. Got me out of there. So, why don’t we head into my office and... oh, Arnold, could you bring us some lunch? I’m starving.”
“Right away, sir. What would you two like?” Arnold asked.
Nova said, “We don’t need anything.”
“Speak for yourself. I could use a bite to eat,” Krystal said. “I’d love some Greek food.”
“Right away.” Arnold and Stacy left in a hurry.
“Come on in. My office is my home. So, let’s get cozy.” Dr. Chorad walked them toward the lone building.
“He’s nice, and kinda handsome.” Krystal said.
“Stay focused. We have a mission.”
“I know, I know. Big rich company equals bad.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Not with words, but your face is speaking volumes.”
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