Rising, Part 1

Being the closest entry point between the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall’s Beach had an amazing panoramic view of one of North America’s most recognized landmarks. But it was hard to get to, which meant it rarely had visitors. At least that’s what Galatea promised Sam before she sent him and an unconscious Apex up to the surface in a giant water bubble. However, after this bubble popped when they reached the surface, Sam’s head cleared the water to the sound of excited cheers.

“H-huh?”

There was a crowd gathered on the short hill past the beachfront and they were all cheering on a bewildered Sam while he pulled an unconscious Apex toward the shore. He recognized some of them; the woman in the baseball cap, the dark-skinned man in the basketball jersey, and even the slanted-eyed civilian who’d carried Onus for him. These were the civilians on the bridge who’d witnessed Sam’s battle with Apex.

“Herculean!” they called.