Can Be Protectors

At the White House

Marlon didn't waste time calling for an urgent meeting to present the progress of his research. Although there was still uncertainty, he was sure of one thing, the apocalypse had begun. And he could not let the government kill those with the potential to save humanity.

All eyes were on him as he tapped on the screen, bringing up their initial studies. He began briefing them on the crucial developments.

"It takes around six hours for the human body to fully adapt to the energy of the meteorites. In that time, the energy repairs any damage, restoring the body to perfect health. As you've seen, all Meteor Survivors have recovered completely, even from previously deadly diseases."

President Grey sighed impatiently. "Doctor Marlon, just get to the important points."

Marlon remained calm as he continued, "The prisoner who turned into a Meteorborn earlier, he was conscious the entire time after being hit. His body tried to merge with the meteorite's energy, but the process failed. That failure is what led to his rebirth as a monster after dying, just like the others who perished upon impact."

He let that sink in before adding, "But those who lost consciousness after impact… they adapted differently. Based on our quick study, the meteorite's energy didn't just heal them, it fully integrated with their bodies, somehow granting them extraordinary abilities."

The room fell silent as his words settled in then he continued, "They didn't mutate into monsters. Instead, they awakened into something more."

"So, what are you pointing out here?" the Field Marshal questioned with a frown.

"I'm saying that we were wrong," Marlon stated firmly. "Not all Meteor Survivors are threats. Those who successfully adapted are proof that the meteorite's energy can be controlled. These individuals could be the key to stabilizing the crisis we now face."

"And you expect us to just believe that?" one of the officers scoffed.

Marlon didn't waver. Without another word, he played clear footage of Awakened Meteor Survivors performing extraordinary feats. Gasps filled the room as the officials watched the footage.

"Those are-" the Field Marshal muttered with wide eyes at the screen.

"They are the Awakened Meteor Survivors," Marlon confirmed. "Notice how they're stronger, faster, and more powerful yet they've retained their humanity." 

He took a deep breath and pressed on. "Instead of eliminating them, we should be recruiting them. With proper training, I strongly believe they could help restore order and protect the people."

Everyone in the room exchanged wary glances. And as a heavy silence settled over the room, Marlon clenched his jaw, forcing himself to remain composed.

The President leaned back in his chair, sighed deeply as his fingers steepled beneath his chin. As silence stretched unbearably, his sharp and unreadable gaze locked onto Marlon.

Finally, he spoke. "You're asking me to place the safety of our nation in the hands of individuals whose abilities we barely understand. Are you certain they can be controlled?"

Marlon inhaled deeply. "Not controlled," he corrected, "but guided. Supported. These people didn't choose to become what they are, but they have the potential to be more than just survivors. They can be protectors."

Murmurs spread through the room, some voices in agreement, others filled with doubt.

The President studied him for a long moment before asking, "And if they refuse to cooperate?"

Marlon knew what the President was implying. If the Awakened Meteor Survivors weren't seen as allies, they would be seen as threats. So he met the President's stare and firmly reiterated, "If we give them a place in society, offer them protection and purpose, I believe they will stand with us. The Awakened Meteor Survivors may be our best hope for securing the future."

Deafening silence reigned in the room once more. And Marlon could hear the pounding of his own heart while he waited for the President's final decision.

*****

Back on the seventh floor of the hospital, Theo watched as soldiers fell one by one. No one could stand against the Meteorborn Terra. If he didn't step in now, they would all die.

He exhaled sharply, pushing off the ground and sprinting toward the monstrous creature. Its grotesque, tree-like limbs swung wildly, tearing through the air with terrifying force.

As he moved, a translucent overlay flickered before his vision. The Meteorborn Terra's thick, bark-like skin was nearly impenetrable, but cracks ran along its joints and the base of its mutated limbs.

Weak points.

Trusting his instincts, Theo lunged, narrowly dodging a massive swipe aimed at his head. He slid under the creature's arm, clenched his fist, and drove it toward one of the fractures-

Missed.

"Shit!" Theo hissed, stumbling back. His movements were sluggish, his own body working against him. His weight made him slower than he wanted to be. The Meteorborn Terra growled as its piercing eyes fixed on him. Theo barely had time to brace to move as the monster lunged its jagged limbs, tearing through the air.

He barely had time to roll to the side, the sheer force of its attack sending debris flying.

Gritting his teeth, Theo scrambled back to his feet. His body was sluggish, heavy, and slow, but he refused to back down. He had to do something before the monster killed him.

His eyes darted back to the cracks running along the creature's bark-like skin. He'd missed before, but now he knew, he had to be precise.

Theo took a deep breath and tightened his stance. He couldn't rely on brute force alone. He needed speed, technique.

The Meteorborn Terra charged again, swinging one of its massive limbs straight at him. This time, Theo didn't dodge completely, he twisted just enough to avoid the brunt of the blow, letting it graze his shoulder as he used the momentum to propel himself forward.

His fist shot out, aimed directly at the largest crack near its shoulder joint.

Crack!

A sickening crunch echoed as his punch connected. The creature let out a shriek, reeling back as splinters of hardened flesh broke apart.

Theo's heart pounded. 'It worked!'

But before he could press the attack, the Meteorborn Terra roared in fury and lashed out again. Theo barely managed to raise his arms before a powerful strike sent him flying backward, slamming hard against the hospital corridor's crumbling walls.