Episode Two: What next?

EPISODE TWO – PART ONE

Arrival at Base Reboot

The high-tech jet sliced through the clouds like a predator in the night sky, its sleek obsidian surface barely visible against the darkness. Unlike any conventional aircraft, it had no wings—just a levitating anti-gravity core that pulsed with blue energy, humming softly as it moved.

Inside, the team sat in silence, each processing the reality of their new home.

Mieko sat beside General Adam in the cockpit, eyes scanning the holographic dashboard. The team sat behind them in black leather seats, surrounded by walls lined with neon-lit panels displaying digital maps, security feeds, and live mission reports.

Rei sat at the farthest corner, arms crossed, staring blankly at the floor, as if this was just another Tuesday.

Iris, as expected, was making herself far too comfortable, stretched out with one leg draped over the armrest. She twirled a strand of her hair, looking around.

"Alright, I gotta admit," she smirked, "this setup is kinda sexy."

Flemming adjusted his smart-glasses, tapping a button on the side to scan the base ahead. His lenses flickered with data. "Holy hell, this place is insane. Looks like they spent an entire country's GDP on security alone."

Destro, who had been sitting stiffly like a grumpy giant, cracked his knuckles. "DESTRO LIKE."

Damon, lounging in his seat, smirked. "Big guy finally approves of something."

Saraya gazed out the window, her calm demeanor unwavering. She wasn't impressed by the technology. She had seen things far beyond human comprehension before. But she smiled softly at the thought of a fresh start.

"Alright," General Adam's voice cut in. "Look alive."

The base came into view.

A colossal fortress of steel and glass, built seamlessly into the side of a mountain. Blue energy barriers flickered like a second skin, shielding it from detection. Drones patrolled the airspace, scanning for intruders, while high-speed hovercraft zipped through tunnels embedded in the rock.

As they approached, the hangar doors yawned open, revealing the massive underground docking bay.

The jet landed silently, levitating for a moment before descending onto a sleek metal platform.

The doors hissed open.

The villains stepped out, looking up at the sheer magnificence of Base Reboot.

Walls shimmered with holographic displays. Automated defense turrets hummed softly. Mechanical guards marched in perfect synchronization. The entire base felt alive, like a breathing entity of circuits and steel.

"Welcome home," General Adam said.

The team walked in, taking it all in.

Saraya smiled at the beauty of it.

Flemming whispered, "Oh yeah, this is a nerd's wet dream."

Destro looked around, muttering, "DESTRO FEEL STRANGE… LIKE DESTRO BELONGS."

Iris grinned. "This is like a high tech billionaire dungeon. First things first—Is there champagne?"

Rei, still unfazed, simply muttered, "...cool"

General Adam led them into a circular command room, where glowing holographic projections displayed live satellite feeds, weapon schematics, and mission logs.

"This is Base Reboot—our operations center. You'll be training, strategizing, and preparing for what's ahead here. Every move you make will be monitored."

He gestured toward a few high-ranking personnel—scientists, strategists, and tech specialists who were clearly both fascinated and terrified by the team.

"And these people? They're the ones who tell heroes what to do," Adam said.

Iris scoffed. "Oh great. Babysitters."

Flemming smirked. "So, they're like the nerds behind the scenes while we do all the dirty work?"

Adam didn't respond. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out six tiny microchips.

His expression darkened.

"These are tracking devices. Also, tiny bombs. If any of you decide to betray this mission—" He made a clicking motion with his thumb. "Boom."

The air grew tense.

Fleming sighed "And this is why people have trust issues."

Iris clutched her chest dramatically. "Oh no! Daddy doesn't trust us! The betrayal!"

Rei sighed. "Ugh, just implant it already."

Destro scratched his head. "DESTRO CONFUSED. DESTRO NOT KNOW IF HE SHOULD FEEL ANGER OR HEARTBREAK"

"Welcome to having emotions, big guy," Rei said dryly.

One by one, the chips were inserted into their necks.

Saraya didn't complain—she understood the necessity. Rei simply tilted her head and let them do it. Damon, of course, rolled his eyes the entire time.

"You know these things can't hurt me right?"

As Adam finished, he straightened. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, training begins."

With that, he walked out.

Room Selection - A Disaster Waiting to Happen

Each room in Base Reboot was custom-designed to fit its occupant's personality.

Iris's Room: A fitness model's paradise—mirrors everywhere, a state-of-the-art gym, a dance pole, and a king-sized bed that vibrates on command. She flopped onto it immediately, bouncing like a kid. "I love this."

Rei's Room: A simple, sleek chamber with a black-on-black minimalist design, a plasma screen, and a single sword display. She took one look, nodded, and said, "Acceptable."

Flemming's Room: A cyberpunk lab, filled with mechanical arms, interactive holograms, and AI assistants. He smirked. "Hell yes."

Damon's Room: A gothic paradise with floating candle lights, crimson neon walls, and a bed that literally hovered. He grinned. "Not bad, not bad."

Destro's Room: A reinforced metal bunker with a gravity chamber for training. He stomped inside, grunted in approval, and cracked his knuckles. "DESTRO LIKE."

Saraya's Room: A celestial sanctuary, where the walls shimmered like a starry sky and soft blue orbs floated gently around her. She touched one, smiling softly.

Before Saraya could settle in, there was a soft knock on her door.

Mieko stood there, arms folded, eyes searching.

"Hey," she said. "Just wanted to check up on you. Are you alright?"

Saraya smiled. "I am, Mieko. Thanks for caring But I'm fine."

Mieko studied her for a moment. "Tomorrow's a big day."

Saraya's eyes softened. "I'm ready."

Mieko exhaled. She gave a small nod, then left.

Later down in the recreation hall, Iris, Rei, Flemming, and Damon gathered at the Cyber Tennis Court—a holographic battlefield where the ball changed speed and gravity mid-game.

Iris grinned, spinning a racket. "Who's ready to lose?"

Rei smirked. "To you? Not happening."

The game began—FAST, FIERCE, AND HILARIOUSLY CHAOTIC.

Iris played flexibly, spinning and posing, while Rei played effortlessly, not breaking a sweat.

Damon? He wasn't even playing. He just stood staring at Iris's curves with a lazy smirk.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath. "That flexibility though."

Flemming snorted. "You're not even trying to be subtle, are you?"

Iris overheard and winked at Damon mid-spin. "Oh honey, you can't handle me."

Damon grinned. "Try me."

Saraya soon joined, greeting them softly. "I hope I'm not interrupting. I wanted to apologize again… for Azra."

"Don't sweat it, sweetheart," Iris said. "In fact, why don't you play next? Winner faces you."

Saraya beamed. "I'd love that."

Meanwhile, Destro watched Saraya from afar.

His heart pounded strangely. Something about her calm presence, her gentle voice… it felt different. Something he didn't understand. He scratched his head in confusion, muttered "DESTRO LEAVING", and stomped off.

He didn't understand it.

So he stood up. Walked away.

Confused.

---

Mieko & Adam's Late-Night Watch

In the surveillance room, Mieko watched the team on the monitors.

"Think they'll make it?" she asked.

Adam sighed.

"I don't know," he admitted.

"But I have to believe they can."

The countdown to war ticked down.

EPISODE TWO – PART TWO

Darkness. Endless, suffocating darkness. Then—light.

Saraya stood in the middle of her home planet, Velmora—or at least, what was left of it. The once-thriving city of crystalline towers and glowing rivers was now a wasteland of ash and ruin. The sky, once painted in mesmerizing hues of violet and gold, was now a canvas of smoke and embers.

She turned, heart pounding.

Her family stood before her.

Her mother. Her father. Her younger sister. Their faces were twisted with fear, disgust, and sorrow.

"You're a monster," her mother whispered, voice shaking.

"Stay away from us," her father said, taking a step back.

"Please… don't do this," Saraya begged, reaching out.

Her little sister's eyes brimmed with tears. "Go away…"

Saraya felt her chest tighten, like an invisible hand was squeezing her heart. "No… please, I would never hurt you—"

The scene shifted.

Fire. Destruction. Screams.

Saraya was now floating above a dying planet. Beneath her, civilizations crumbled, their cities reduced to rubble. The sky was painted with fire and lightning, and the very ground split open, swallowing entire species whole.

And at the center of it all—Azra.

Her violet skin glowed like a cosmic goddess, her silver eyes burning with untamed power. She levitated domes and crusts, arms outstretched, fingers crackling with raw energy.

Saraya clutched her head, shaking. "Stop! Please, Azra, you're killing them!"

Azra turned slowly, gracefully. Her lips curled into a cruel, knowing smile.

"Oh, Saraya," Azra purred, her voice silky and venomous. "Still pretending to care?"

Saraya stepped forward, desperation seizing her. "This isn't right! We don't have to be like this!"

Azra laughed, a sound that sent chills down Saraya's spine. It was deep, hollow—a sound of pure chaos.

"I'm the better version of us," Azra said. "And you are WEAK!!."

The ground trembled violently, as entire continents split apart. The screams of dying creatures echoed in the distance.

Saraya fell to her knees, shaking. "Please… don't do this…"

Azra floated down gracefully, stopping inches from Saraya. She leaned in, her lips nearly brushing Saraya's ear as she whispered:

"Tomorrow, Earth will know what true power feels like."

Saraya's eyes widened in horror. "No… I won't let you—"

Azra grinned, placing a finger on Saraya's forehead.

"You don't have a choice."

Then—blackness.

Saraya jolted awake, gasping.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, her body drenched in sweat. She gripped the silk sheets of her bed, eyes darting frantically around her dimly lit room in Base Reboot.

A dream. A nightmare.

She clutched her arms, trembling. But was it just a dream? Or was it a warning?

Saraya slowly turned to the mirror on the wall.

For a split second—**just a fraction of a moment—**she swore she saw Azra smirking back at her.

She let out a shaky breath, pulling her knees to her chest.

Tomorrow was coming. And she wasn't sure if she could stop it.

EPISODE TWO – PART THREE

BASE REBOOT – THE MISSION BRIEFING

The large metallic doors of the underground base slid open with a low, mechanical hiss. Out stepped five figures, each dressed in sleek, white high-tech suits that gleamed under the neon-blue lights. The air smelled of steel, ozone, and raw power.

General Adam stood in front of them, arms crossed. His military uniform was crisp, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable—the face of a man who commanded power.

"Welcome," he said, voice deep and authoritative. His sharp eyes scanned them like a scientist inspecting a dangerous experiment. "Are you ready for your test mission?"

The five villains exchanged glances.

Flemming adjusted his suit collar, looking as smug as ever. "Oh, absolutely, General. Always a pleasure to put expensive government toys to good use."

Ken cracked his knuckles. "Less talk. More smashing."

Damon stayed silent, his fiery red eyes glowing faintly. Rei rolled her eyes at everyone, arms folded.

Iris, however, had a different reaction. She placed her hands on her hips, her emerald eyes narrowing as she examined her suit like a fashion critic judging a red carpet disaster.

"Ugh, who the hell designed this? This is criminal! Why is it so tight?" She twisted around, frowning. "And white? I don't do white. It clashes with my aesthetic."

Rei snorted. "Your aesthetic is 'wanted criminal in leather pants.'"

Iris shot her a glare. "It's called style, Sparky."

General Adam sighed. "You'll wear the damn suit."

Iris huffed. "Fine. But I'm bedazzling it later."

Ignoring her, the general turned towards the illuminated weapon cases along the walls. With a press of a button, the cases hissed open, revealing a new set of high-tech enhancements for each villain.

THE SUPER TECH SUITS

Each suit was designed with cutting-edge nanotechnology, adjusting to the wearer's strengths, weaknesses, and personality.

⚡ Rei (Sparky) – The Lightning Menace

Her suit was sleek, flexible, and had lightning-shaped veins of blue energy running across it. The fabric absorbed electrical charges, making her immune to power-draining attacks. The high-tech gloves on her fingers enhanced her electric blasts, capable of frying an entire city grid.

🦇 Flemming (Dr. Nite) –

A black tactical underlay covered by a lightweight white armor-plating, built for maximum mobility and stealth. His cape transformed into a glider at will, and his gauntlets were armed with shockwave emitters—perfect for countering enemies stronger than him. His helmet had built-in night vision and a tactical AI assistant.

🕷 Iris (Miss Tarantula) – The Ultimate Thief

Her suit was skin-tight yet breathable, designed for agility. It had gravitational micro-adjusters, allowing her to stick to any surface effortlessly. Her gloves had mini EMP pulse activators to disable electronic security, and the built-in wrist Holo watch used for hacking and tasers ensured that anyone she touched would regret it.

💪 Ken (Destro) – The Living Wrecking Ball

Unlike the others, his suit was minimal—built for raw power. It had shock absorbers to withstand any impact and kinetic amplifiers that doubled his strength with every hit. His gauntlets could generate seismic shockwaves, making his punches even deadlier.

🔥 Damon – The Half-Demon Prince

Damon's suit was designed to withstand extreme heat, made from a fireproof alloy. His wrist bracers allowed him to focus his flames into concentrated energy beams, and the magnetic stabilizers in his boots allowed him to hover effortlessly.

They all stood tall, their suits making them look like futuristic warriors—gods of destruction.

---

WHERE IS SARAYA?

General Adam nodded approvingly at his squad. "Now then. Time to move out."

Flemming arched a brow. "Aren't we missing someone?"

The room fell silent.

A moment later, footsteps echoed from the corridor.

Saraya stepped into the briefing room, her violet skin slightly paler than usual, her golden eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"I'm not going," she said, her voice quiet but firm.

The squad stiffened. General Adam turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Excuse me?"

Saraya took a deep breath. "I can't go on this mission. I have personal reasons."

Confused glances were exchanged. Rei scratched her head, looking at Mieko, who only sighed deeply—as if she already knew why.

General Adam's expression hardened. "Saraya, this isn't a request. You have no choice in this matter."

Her hands clenched into fists. "Please, General. I—"

"Enough." His voice was sharp. Cold. Final.

The tension thickened like a storm brewing in the room.

Saraya's fingers trembled. "I don't want to be a part of this."

General Adam's voice grew harsher. "You are a weapon, Saraya. You will do as ordered."

Rei suddenly clapped her hands, stepping forward. "Uh, just a quick reminder?" she said, smirking but with a hint of unease.

She pointed at Saraya and whispered to the General, "You know, if that Azra thing wakes up, I'll kill you before I die."

General Adam's jaw tensed.

Mieko stepped forward, her voice calm but insistent. "General… let her sit this one out."

He exhaled through his nose. "Why are you defending her?"

"Sir, I do not want this place to be sucked into a black hole" She said

For a long moment, the only sound in the room was the quiet hum of the base's systems.

Finally, General Adam sighed. "Fine. But only this once."

Saraya's shoulders relaxed with relief. "Thank you."

As the squad exited the room, following General Adam to the base of operations, Saraya and Mieko remained behind.

A MOMENT OF COMFORT

Mieko turned to her, concern in her gaze. She walked up slowly, reaching for Saraya's hand.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Saraya swallowed hard. "I'm not."

She let out a shaky breath, looking down. "I wish I was normal. I wish I could just… live a normal life. I miss my planet. I miss the peace. But Azra—" Her voice broke. "She ruined everything. She ruined my life. And I can't control her."

Her eyes glossed with unshed tears.

Mieko pulled her into a gentle, comforting hug. Saraya stiffened for a moment—then melted into the embrace.

Mieko thought for a moment. Then, her lips curled into a small smile. "You know what? I have an idea."

She pulled back slightly and whispered, "Can you read my mind?"

Saraya blinked, confused. "I… I can. But I don't like doing it. A person's thoughts are private. No one should have to intrude."

Mieko grinned, "I insist."

Saraya hesitated, then closed her eyes and focused.

Her eyes snapped open. She smiled.

"Thank you, Mieko." She hugged her

Mieko chuckled, ruffling Saraya's purple hair.

"You're a good friend." Saraya said.

Saraya's skin glowed faintly, a soft, peaceful shimmer that pulsed with warmth.

For the first time in a long time… she felt safe.

BASE OF OPERATIONS – COMMAND CENTER

General Adam led the team through a sleek, metallic hallway that opened up into a massive, high-tech command center. The place was a fortress of technology—a circular arena filled with holographic screens, military personnel, and rows of scientists monitoring real-time data. The air smelled of steel, electricity, and tension.

The team stepped inside, their mission suits gleaming under the fluorescent blue lighting. Each suit was customized with sleek armor plating, integrated nanotech, and holographic displays. They looked like elite warriors—which, in a way, they were.

Flemming took a deep breath, admiring the room like a king surveying his empire.

"Damn, I could get used to this."

Rei, arms crossed, gave him a side-eye.

"Careful, boss man, your ego might not fit in that suit anymore."

Iris chuckled, while Ken just blinked in confusion.

General Adam ignored them and gestured to a massive screen at the center of the room. With the wave of his hand, the screen flickered to life, displaying a satellite view of a dense rainforest—the Congo jungle.

A female officer pressed a glowing button on the control panel, and the image zoomed in to reveal a hidden underground base beneath the jungle canopy.

MISSION BRIEFING

"This is your target," General Adam announced, his voice sharp.

The screen shifted, showing thermal scans of life signatures inside the base—women and children held in containment cells.

"CyberAI alien forces have taken dozens of hostages—mothers, children, innocents. They've been running horrifying experiments on them. Your mission is simple: infiltrate, neutralize the enemy, and rescue the captives."

The team exchanged glances. Flemming smirked, excited at the challenge.

"Finally, some action."

Rei raised an eyebrow. "Rescue? Sounds like hero work. We're the villains, remember?"

Damon, leaning against a pillar, exhaled. "Doesn't matter. As long as I get to burn stuff"

Iris, stretching her arms, grinned.

"I mean, I'm down to fight aliens, but we should get paid for this, right?"

Destro cracked his knuckles, his voice deep and eager.

"Point me at something to smash."

General Adam gave Flemming a firm nod.

"Flemming, you're leading this mission."

Flemming grinned, adjusting his collar. "Good choice."

Rei scoffed. "I can already tell this is gonna be a disaster."

THE VANITY – THE ULTIMATE MISSION JET

General Adam led them outside onto a massive landing bay, where their transport awaited—a monstrous jet crafted from cutting-edge military technology.

The Vanity.

It was a sleek, obsidian-black aircraft, its surface pulsing with blue neon circuits. The wings expanded and retracted like a bird of prey, adjusting in real-time. The thrusters hummed with quantum energy, and the front of the ship had a reinforced, bulletproof glass cockpit that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie.

"This," General Adam declared, "is the Vanity. The fastest, smartest, most advanced mission jet ever built. She can cloak, she can withstand a missile barrage, and she's got more firepower than an entire fleet. Treat her well."

The team stared in awe.

"Damn," Iris whispered, "this is sexier than half the people I've dated."

Rei deadpanned. "That's a low bar."

Ken tilted his head. "Does it have weapons?"

General Adam smirked.

"You'll see."

As the team climbed into the jet, they were greeted by a small, white spherical robot with glowing blue eyes. It hovered in mid-air, bouncing slightly as it spoke in a cheerful, slightly sarcastic voice.

"Greetings, meatbags! I am CH1P, your official mission assistant and pilot for the Vanity. I will be navigating, providing tactical support, and—oh!—ensuring you don't die horribly in a fiery explosion."

Destro blinked. "Meatbags?"

"Yes! You are made of flesh and very breakable."

Flemming raised an eyebrow. "And you're flying us?"

CH1P spun in the air. "Of course! Who better to pilot an advanced AI ship than an advanced AI pilot? You wouldn't trust a human with this beauty, would you?"

Iris grinned. "I like him."

Damon sighed. "Just get us in the air."

TAKEOFF – OFF TO CONGO

The team settled in. The interior of the jet was a mix of futuristic luxury and combat readiness—reclining seats with built-in holographic interfaces, a tactical war table in the center, and weapons storage compartments hidden in the walls.

Rei plopped down with her arms behind her head. "Wake me up when we get there."

Iris kicked her boots up on a console. "This feels way too comfortable for a mission. Are we rescuing people or going on a spa retreat?"

Flemming rolled his eyes. "Everyone focus."

Destro, already fiddling with a laser turret, laughed. "So, who wants to bet on who gets the most kills?"

Damon didn't look up. "I don't play games I know I'll win."

Rei smirked. "Cocky much?"

CH1P's voice interrupted them.

"Enough flirting, children. Initiating takeoff."

The jet hummed with power as the engines glowed a deep neon blue. The thrusters roared, and in an instant—

BOOM.

The Vanity blasted into the sky, cutting through the clouds like a black arrow. The Earth shrank beneath them as they ascended into the stratosphere before angling toward the heart of the Congo jungle.

TENSION IN THE AIR

As they flew toward their destination, the team grew quieter, each lost in their thoughts.

This wasn't just a mission. This was their first real test.

Flemming tightened his gloves, mentally preparing strategies.

Iris cracked her fingers, eager for the challenge.

Rei stared out the window, her usual smirk replaced by something unreadable.

Ken flexed his hands, eager to smash something.

Damon sat still, his eyes closed, lost in thought.

And somewhere far below, in the dense darkness of the jungle, something was waiting for them.

Something watching.

Something that had no intention of letting them leave alive.

To be continued...