The Nexus!

I was in the middle of packing a few last-minute supplies—a couple of energy bars, an extra set of clothes, and some personal items—when my phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Rem's name, so I quickly answered it.

"Kaleb," she said in her usual crisp tone, "I've got some new intel related to your mission, and there are additional details you'll need to be aware of."

I glanced at my half-open backpack. "All right. I'm just finishing up some packing. I'll head over to see you as soon as I can," I replied, zipping the bag closed.

"Great. See you soon," she responded, then ended the call.

Shoving the last of my items into my pack, I threw it over my shoulder and made my way to her office. But upon arrival, I realized she wasn't there. The lights were off, and the desk was tidied up. Not wanting to waste time, I sent her a quick text: Where are you? In less than a minute, her response came back: I'm in the lab downstairs. With a small sigh, I retraced my steps through the hallway and descended a flight of stairs that led to a restricted section of the facility.

The lab's sliding doors hissed open. Inside, the room was buzzing with soft mechanical hums, overhead lights casting a bright glow onto metal tables laden with all sorts of technological components. At the far end, separated by a sheet of thick, transparent glass, Rem stood among a handful of scientists. They were all hunched over something I couldn't quite see, their expressions a mix of excitement and intense focus.

As I approached, I overheard one of the scientists speaking in a low murmur. "It's just a prototype, but it should be field-ready if the tests hold up." I stepped closer, trying to get a better look. When a couple of the scientists shifted aside, I spotted what was causing the stir: it was a suit—no, a full-blown costume.

Rem glanced up and spotted me. "Ah, Kaleb. Perfect timing," she said, motioning me over. "This is something we've had in development for you."

I felt my eyes widen in surprise. The costume, mounted on a sleek, silver mannequin, looked almost futuristic. It was a moment I'd always imagined in the back of my mind—finally receiving a hero's suit—but I never expected it so soon. I had assumed that once I finished my training, we'd discuss uniforms and possible codenames. Yet there it was, prepared and waiting, and I was still processing the reality that I was leaving for a genuine mission shortly.

Sensing I needed a private moment with Rem, the scientists began tidying up their notes and then filed out of the room, leaving the two of us in a relative hush. The only sound was a faint mechanical hum from an air filtration system in the corner. Rem crossed her arms, her usually impassive face lit with a trace of excitement.

"Normally, we give metahumans the freedom to choose their own identities. But I came up with an idea for you," she said, her eyes sparkling in a way I wasn't used to. "It might be clever, but you can let me know if you disagree."

I tilted my head, curiosity sparking. "All right. What do you have in mind?"

Her lips curved into a small smile. "Given that your abilities stem from the 'origin' of all metahumans, I was thinking we'd call you The Nexus. The word 'nexus' implies a connection or a focal point, linking multiple threads together."

I mulled the word over, rolling it around in my head. "Nexus," I said softly, testing how it felt. Something about it stirred a memory. "I've heard that term before, but I can't recall the exact meaning," I admitted. My memory, ever since I emerged from that coma, had been hit or miss. Certain words or concepts triggered flashes, but it was like trying to watch a movie when half the scenes were missing.

Rem gave me a sympathetic look. "It refers to a central link or hub where different elements converge. In your case, it could stand for how your powers connect back to the first metahuman, or how you might ultimately serve as a bridge between the past and present. It's broad, but that's also what makes it compelling."

I nodded, allowing myself to be reassured. "That does sound pretty interesting," I said with a slight grin, "although I'm sure my memory will fill in the blanks eventually." There was a gentle optimism in my voice, and Rem's nod told me she shared it.

She guided me closer to the costume, prompting me to see it in full detail. The bodysuit was made of a black, iridescent fabric that shifted between shades of deep blue and purple when it caught the light. Observing it more closely, I noticed the material had a subtle sheen, like oil swirling on the surface of water at a gas station. It looked lightweight, but the discreet plating underneath hinted that it was reinforced to handle high-impact use—perfect for someone who might accidentally channel too much energy during a fight.

"It's designed to withstand intense bursts of energy," Rem explained. "The technicians used specialized fibers that disperse and absorb shock. You could generate a surge and not tear the suit apart."

I traced my fingers along the fabric. "Wow," I breathed. "This must have taken a lot of work."

She inclined her head in agreement. "It did, but it's worth it if it keeps you safe."

Rem then pointed to an emblem situated in the center of the chest. It was shaped like a möbius strip, an endless loop that twists in on itself. "We think it represents creation, destruction, and everything in between—connected in a continuous cycle," she said. "But it's up to you if you want to tweak the meaning."

I mulled that over, recalling my own chaotic experiences with my powers. "I think, for me, it symbolizes the cyclical and infinite nature of my potential," I said after a moment. "Since we're calling me The Nexus, this emblem sort of ties in the idea that I'm connected to an unending source."

Rem's expression brightened at my interpretation. "I like that. It's good you're already making this identity your own."

Encouraged, I slowly walked around the mannequin. The suit also boasted a cloak that caught my eye. It hung from the shoulders, seemingly made of semi-transparent fabric, and it shimmered with subtle traces of starlight. When I brushed against it, it felt weightless, as though it was woven from nothing more than glowing threads.

"You'd think a cape would be purely decorative," Rem said, "but this one integrates with the suit's functionality. There's an energy conduit running through it that can bolster your shields or concentrate your attacks. It's a good fallback if your reserves run low during combat."

My attention then landed on a single glove perched on the mannequin's right hand. It was the same black-and-purple tone as the bodysuit, but a bronze ring encircled the wrist portion and a smaller, black ring fitted around the index finger. The surface of the glove had a metallic sheen, inscribed with faint, cryptic symbols.

"Interesting," I murmured, holding up the glove for a closer look. "Why just one?"

Rem glanced over at it thoughtfully. "They designed it to help you focus your more delicate energy manipulations. The ring at the wrist stabilizes energy flow, and the ring on the finger helps with pinpoint precision. The inscriptions, from what I'm told, are more ceremonial, but you never know—sometimes they carry additional meaning."

I gave a small shrug, choosing to trust that the engineers knew what they were doing. The suit's boots, similarly black with purple undertones, looked flexible but durable, presumably to let me run, jump, and dodge without hindrance.

Finally, my gaze rested on what initially appeared to be a sleek black mask on a stand nearby. On a second look, however, I realized it was a halo that, according to the documentation, could shift into a mask at will. The halo's surface reflected starlight patterns, twinkling like a small patch of night sky.

"Okay, that's pretty wild," I admitted, picking it up carefully. Its polished rim glowed softly, almost alive in my hands.

Rem chuckled at my reaction. "Yes, it's a bit more eye-catching than typical masks. But the design team thought it would match the 'cosmic' vibe your suit gives off."

I lifted it to my face, watching as it flickered and transformed. It molded around my eyes, protecting my identity without compromising my field of vision. "That is a unique feature," I said, letting the mask revert to its halo form.

Rem gestured for me to try everything on. "We'll step out so you can suit up privately," she offered, appearing to remember the courtesy a moment too late. "Sorry—bad habit. I'm used to analyzing suits out in the open with the lab team."

I laughed lightly, though my nerves churned. "No worries. Thank you." She signaled the scientists in the adjoining room, and they all filed out through a door at the end of the corridor, giving me some privacy.

Once the room was empty, I removed my jacket and carefully lifted the costume off the mannequin. Despite its glossy appearance, it felt strangely soft, like a second skin. Slipping into it proved easier than I expected. The bodysuit conformed to my frame, and there was a subtle warmth from the reinforced plating, as though it were reacting to my body's energy.

When I slid on the single glove, the bronze ring around my wrist glowed faintly, adjusting to my natural energy output. Then I buckled on the boots, feeling the snug, supportive fit around my ankles. The final piece was the halo mask. I balanced it lightly on my head, and with a gentle pulse, it shifted to a protective covering over my face.

Suddenly, thin lines on the bodysuit—almost like luminous veins—began to glow along my arms and legs. It was as if the suit was resonating with me, broadcasting that we were now linked. I noticed my reflection in a nearby glass panel and couldn't help but do a double-take. The person staring back looked undeniably heroic—like someone ready to fulfill a mission bigger than anything I'd imagined for myself.

At that moment, Rem returned, pushing through the door with a soft squeak. She paused, eyes sweeping over my new look. A grin curved across her face. "That's perfect," she said, nodding with approval. "It screams 'Nexus.'"

I felt a warm flush creeping up my neck. "Thanks. It's surprisingly comfortable, and I can tell a lot of thought went into its design."

Rem glanced at the halo flickering around my head. "I'm glad you like it. They've been working on it for quite some time, actually—waiting for the right moment to present it to you. Considering the mission you have ahead, it felt like the right time."

A small silence fell between us. My excitement gradually receded as reality settled back in. "So," I said in a steadier voice, "what are these additional tweaks to my mission? You mentioned extra intel on the phone."

Rem's expression grew serious, and she folded her arms across her chest. "Let's discuss the specifics," she answered. "We have a pretty good idea of where you'll need to go, but there may be complicating factors."

My shoulders tensed, and I nodded. "I'm ready for whatever's next."

She gave me a supportive smile, then gestured toward a display screen built into the lab's wall. "All right, Nexus. Let's do it.