Chapter Text
“Is it ready, sir?”
“Yes. Stay on guard. I’ll command you to pull the lever shortly.”
Scientists in pristine white jackets scuttled around the spacious laboratory. After months, no, years of engineering the perfect subject, years of watching the control group develop from its “mother source” as the head called it, the promised time has finally come. Everyone who worked on the project was eager to witness the fruits of their labor, no matter what it had cost them. The head scientist’s glasses glinted in the reflection of the colossal tube-vessel in front of him, the Umbilic, eyes focused on the precious contents inside. What seemed to resemble a girl in the fetal position, an entity made of “soul-light,” lay still, unconscious, waiting to be awakened. Once the lever was pulled, the creation would begin, setting the plan into motion. Phase one was about to commence.
“Are you ready, gentlemen?”
“Yes, sir. At your word.”
“Good.” The man turned on his heels to face his staff, a rare smile creeping onto his face.
“We’ve spent long hours working tirelessly for this. We’ve made many a sacrifice, but it will be all worth it in a few short moments. Is everyone ready to witness the birth of something utterly spectacular?” Nods and cheers spread amongst the other scientists.
“Good, good. In that case…Men! Pull the lever!”
Two scientists eagerly gripped the steel lever and pulled it down with all their might. Once the lever was pushed into place, the Umbilic started to glow, rattle, make foreign noises. Some scientists looked confused, others excited, others terrified. Was it…supposed to that? There was no basis to work off of, so whatever happens is supposed to happen, correct?
Suddenly, the head scientist’s face turned from a tired scowl to a nervous gawk. “Hold on, that…” He rushed to the main control panel and frantically pressed certain keys, like he was trying to undo something.
“Sir, what are you-”
“Quiet!”
The remaining scientists started to sense something wasn’t quite right. The rattling and clanking grew louder and louder, the glow becoming more and more blinding. “Stop…Stop!” The head scientist commanded his two assistants to join him at the lever, urging them to pull back, to reverse what they had done.
Yet, it was too late. As they had hoped, phase one was commencing. There was no turning back.
A blinding flash of white light filled the laboratory, sending scientists left and right to their knees. A wave of… something overtook the bodies of hundreds causing the building to shake. It was as if the experiment triggered an earthquake, sending tubes shattering to the ground, equipment wobbling about from the wall to the middle of the floor.
Then, it was over.
Everything was over.
Nothing remained.