darknessx08

[darknessx08]

The Specter Context: Michael Savik is a 25-year-old Multi-billionaire owning a Company using machines that can create a synthetic material by just being based on the user's thought. He is engaged to a woman named Lisa and is liked and disliked in his company. This is all about to change in this story.

Prologue: A Disengagement Ring

It was a rainy but, peaceful Friday night. Michael Savik was about to leave Biosmith Industries and was excited to think about how marrying the woman he loved was just 2 weeks away. This would unfortunately change after he left.

Jim: Hey Mike, do you want those Biodroids tested by next week or the week after?

Michael: It doesn’t matter. Those will take time so I'm not worried about when they are finished.

Jim: Sounds good! Also, what’s up with the ring?

Michael: Oh, has nobody told you?

Jim: Tell me what?

Michael: Lisa and I got engaged.

Jim: That’s awesome man! When’s the wedding?

Michael: It's in a few weeks. It’s funny you bring it up cause we were planning on sending the invitations out this week.

Jim: I’ll be sure to come!

They walked to their cars as they continued to discuss.

Michael: Sounds great. I’ll make sure to send yours out first!

Jim: Alright well have a good weekend.

Michael drove home with a happiness he had never felt before. He arrived around 11:30 to see all the lights still on in his house. He was confused because his Fiancee usually goes to sleep an hour earlier. He knocked on the door but, there was not an answer.

Michael: Lisa?

Without an answer, he used the key under the rug to open the door. He was shocked to find his Fiancee half naked and another man hiding under sheets.

Michael: Who the heck is this?!

Lisa: Michael! It’s not what it looks like!

Michael: What do you mean it’s not who it looks like? Who even is he and why is he in my house?!

Lisa: He’s a friend. He stopped by town recently and I just wanted to say hi.

Michael: So you say hello by sleeping with the guy?!

The man stood up with a 6’4 stature against Michael’s 5’11

Stranger: Dude relax. We were just having a nice conversation.

Michael: Get out now!

Lisa: Michael quit overreacting!

Stranger: Hey man, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.

Michael grabbed a glass off the counter and smashed it on the guy's head.

Lisa: What are you doing?

Michael: Leave. And take him with you. I never want to see you again.

Lisa got dressed and helped the man to her car. Michael watched them drive away in disbelief as the woman he loved had cheated on him and hid this act of selfishness behind her fiance's back the entire time.

Chapter 1: Wisdom of the Old

Shortly after this disheartening incident, Michael decided it would be best for him to start working again to ease his mind about the situation. Before this, he decided to stop by his parents' house to say hello. He stepped into his parent's home happy to see them but, the look of dismay was still plain on his face.

Michael: How are y’all doing?

Mom: We are doing great honey. You really do need to visit more.

Michael: Heh, I suppose I do.

Dad: Who cares! Let the boy do whatever he wants! You look tired, did you and Lisa have a couple of premarital drinks last night?

Michael: No, I came to talk to y'all about her.

Mom: Are you trying to get help with getting a venue? If that's the case I know someone who can---

Michael: Mom, no I don’t need your help.

Dad: Oh c’mon your mother has been wanting to help since the wedding was announced!

Michael: Trust me I would but, some things have happened and I need your advice.

Dad: Like with what, how to dance cause during your mother and I’s wedding---

Michael: Dad there is no wedding!

A silence filled the room

Dad: Mike, what are you talking about?

Michael: I got home last night and Lisa was in bed with another guy, the reason I look like this is because I have been up all night wondering what went wrong! Are you happy now?

His parents turned to him with the utmost shock on their faces.

Dad: Sit down. It’s time I told you about my High School life.

Michael: How does that relate at all to this? The woman I loved just betrayed me and you are trying to tell me this is like High School for you?

Dad: Because it is!

Michael: How?

Dad: For 3 years of High School I dated someone who I thought was the perfect woman. Good personality, looked good, and best of all, she was the only person who ever cared for me! That all came crashing down my Senior year. I remember getting back from fishing one night with your Uncle to find her making out with a guy in my living room. I, like you are now, was heartbroken. It took me a while to get over but, you wanna know the one thing I learned? It's better that happened because I wouldn’t have wanted to marry somebody who could do that at any time. I almost thanked her for doing it because it helped me see the value of people and how I would never want to betray someone that harshly. With that in mind, that is how I have been married to your mother for so many years. Does that help?

Michael stood up and let out a sigh of relief

Michael: I guess you're right. I just don’t understand because we had rarely argued about anything so why would she even consider this?

Dad: People want more than they can get. Sometimes way too much which will always leave them with less than before.

Michael: I see. Thanks for the advice.

Dad: No problem man. Also, if you want to get back at her, start working harder than you ever have, and eventually success will take root and she will even try to get you back.

Michael: Guess I better start working then.

Chapter 2 The work of a thousand men

Michael decided to drive to work right after this with one thought on his mind. The Biodroids.

He arrived at the lab and called Jim to talk and explain what happened.

Jim: Mike, I'm so sorry. You seemed so happy when you left yesterday.

Michael: I was. But on the other hand, I am happy I'm not marrying someone willing to do that at any time.

Jim: Yeah, I guess that's true. Anyway, how come you wanted to see me?

Michael: I think it’s time to put the Biodroids to use.

Jim: Sounds good. We can do the tests in an hour.

The hour passed and they were starting the first phase of testing.

Michael: You said that the material is almost like it's alive. How so?

Jim: We found the material in South America. We say it’s alive since it can create random objects but will be different around different temperatures, materials, and people. The ship it was on could barely hold it for long and long-term exposure has unknown effects. The goal is to make machines capable of harnessing the full power of the material and for us to use it to create any item we want. It’s unstable under certain conditions, but if we can focus it on a certain data board, it can regenerate and hopefully, we can even harness it!

Michael: It better work then.

Jim: Oh trust me, the data scientists have run through every variable and this is the closest to perfect we have.

Michael: Like I said. It better work.

Jim: Alright moody. Test beginning in 3-2-1

The test went underway and Michael and Jim were watching behind bulletproof glass, despite this. The machine started going faster and faster which was not predicted.

Michael: Uh is it supposed to do that?

Jim: It’s probably because it's getting hot. That’s normal.

Jim lowered the temperature of the room.

Jim: Alright we are going to focus on the machines.

Michael: How do you plan on having the machines harness the material?

Jim: Those lasers will scatter the material and hopefully it leaches onto the actual droids.

Michael: Very well

Jim: Focusing in 3-2-1

The lasers focused on the material but the temperature simply rose.

Computer: System Critical. Please lower the temperature.

Michael: Jim this isn’t normal. Turn it down.

Jim: I'm trying! I can’t cool it.

Computer: System failure imminent. Please shut down the system.

Jim: I'm going in

Michael: Are you crazy! Thats suicide!

Jim: I can’t shut it down out here. I have to disable them manually!

Michael: Are you sure?

Jim nodded.

Michael: Fine. Please don’t die man.

Jim: I’ll try.

Michael told the facility to evacuate while Jim was busy disabling the lasers.

Michael ran back to see if he was ok but was only greeted with an explosion sending him flying into the wall and getting knocked out in the process.

Chapter 3: Potential Energy

Scientist: Someone get a medic!

Strangers: Is he ok?

Michael was barely awake but heard that chatter around him as he faded in and out of consciousness.

Mom: Michael, Michael, Michael wake up!

Michael: I hear ya, I hear ya.

Mom: What happened?

Michael: We were experimenting with new tech and it went haywire. Sorry for scaring you.

Dad: We are just happy you are safe.

Mom: You need to stay away from there for a while ok?

Michael: I can’t we have been working on this for weeks.

Dad: When I said break a leg I didn’t think you would actually break one.

Michael: Wait my leg’s broken?

Dad: How can you not tell?

Michael moved his leg back and forth but still felt no pain.

Michael: Did the nurse give me painkillers?

Dad: No?

Michael: I'm telling you it’s fine. I could probably stand just on that one if I wanted.

The nurse arrived shortly after.

Nurse: Well we got your X-ray back and I have never seen anything like this before.

Michael: What do you mean?

Nurse: Every bone in your body is completely healed now. Do you feel any pain?

Michael: I feel great.

Nurse: If that’s the case then you are free to go.

Mom: Wait. Why is his IV blue?

Nurse: The blood is not getting oxygen. Mr Savik I need you to follow me now. Both of your parents should stay here.

Michael: Not until I figure out why that is blue.

Nurse: That’s what we are going to figure out.

Michael: OK.

They walked down to the main doctor with worry visible in his eyes.

Michael: I need to get out of here.

Nurse: What was that?

Michael: Nothing.

Nurse: Wait here. The doctor should be here soon.

As soon as she left, Michael ran as fast as he could out of the hospital and into the forest.

Michael: Hey I need an Uber now!

Employee: Boss! Are you ok?

Michael: I'm fine! I need a car!

As he said this, he felt a surge of energy that needed to be released. He stretched his arm out and miraculously, he made a car.

Michael: What is happening to me? How did I?

Employee: I’ll be there soon.

Michael: Actually, take the day off. I just found a ride of my own. Well, Jim. Looks like those human trials are beginning sooner than expected.

Chapter 4: The Cost of Pride

The context for how the material works: The user will be able to think of different types of matter that will be generated along with being able to use plasma beams.

As he drove home, Michael was less concerned about his health and what else the material could be used for. This curiosity turned to horror as he turned on the TV

News Anchor: Ladies and gentlemen we come to you tonight after our very own Biosmith Industries had an explosion that injured many workers. One of which was Michael Savik whose location has been unknown since his disappearance earlier this evening.

Michael: More people are affected. Does that mean Jim is alive?

News Anchor: Everyone please stay off the streets. 3 robots are killing everyone they see. The police are on their way so please leave the area!

Michael rushed to his phone to try and call Jim

Michael: Pick up, pick up!

Jim: Mike are you seeing this?

Michael: You're alive!

Jim: Somehow. Again are you watching the news right now?

Michael: Yeah. How are the droids being controlled?

Jim: Remember when I told you the material was alive?

Michael: Yeah?

Jim: Turns out the metal has a negative effect.

Michael: That makes no sense!

Jim: And you think three conscious droids do?

Michael: Well how do we stop them?

Jim: Were you in the hospital by any chance?

Michael: Yeah, my drip was blue.

Jim: The material must have gotten into your blood. Did anything else happen?

Michael: All my bones are healed and I made a car!

Jim: Perfect! Looks like we don’t need to test on rats now.

Michael: That doesn’t matter! What is happening to me?

Jim: You have powers. Correction. We have powers. Look in your backyard.

Michael went outside to see Jim jumping down from the sky and his skin illuminated with trails of smoke following.

Michael: What the?

Jim: You get used to it. Just think what you need and your body will do the rest.

Michael started flying as well.

Michael: So we just have to think and we can do it.

Jim: Pretty much.

Michael: Well let's go get the droids back.

Jim: Put a mask on. If the public knows who we are then we are going to be arrested.

Michael: Fine.

As they did this they went over to the droids and prepared to take them apart.

They flew in and saved the last civilians but ended up getting hit by the droids. Michael imagined different items but few left even a dent in the droids. During this, Jim was thrown into a wall and was about to be stabbed.

Michael: No!

Michael took out his hands and felt a surge of energy go through his body and blew the head off the droid.

Jim: How did you do that?

Michael: Why are you asking me?

With this new ability, they made short work of the other 2 droids and returned to the lab. Jim reassembled the droids but kept them off.

Jim: Plasma rays. And I thought I knew everything about how to use those powers!

Michael: I’m full of surprises.

Jim: You should stay here and we can run some more tests.

Michael: Do you not remember what happened the last time we did a test?

Jim: Ha. I do suppose we could take the night off. Besides we just saved the city.

Michael: That sounds like a good day. Looks like my Dad was right about getting back at her.

Jim: What do you mean?

Michael: My dad told me the best way to get revenge was to work as hard as possible then once you reap all the benefits, you get to say no to them once they come crawling back.

Jim: So the only reason you wanted to do this project was to get revenge on Lisa?

Michael: Sweet indeed!

Jim: I'm sorry but you mean to tell me that I nearly died so that you could simply brag to your ex about how happy you are!

Michael: Man you are taking it too far! I never wanted you to do that!

Jim: What amazes me is that you said you worked hard when I am the one who did all of this. I'm the one who conducted the experiment, I am the one who nearly died for your fantasy, and I am the one who even taught you how to use the powers!

Michael: Man I'm sorry. I’ll make sure you get all the money from this.

Jim: I would agree if it weren’t for one thing. If this becomes a revolutionary invention then you are the one the world remembers while I’m just another step on your pedestal!

Michael: Now you are just being crazy.

Michael tried to shake his hand but Jim slapped it away.

Jim: Biodroid, on.

The Biodroids awoke grabbing Mike and throwing him in a containment cell.

Michael: Jim, you can’t do this!

Jim: Who says I can’t? I sabotaged the invention on purpose, I know how to use every single ounce of that material, Heck if you cared enough then you would know that I'm the one who even found it! I knew you would try to get credit and this is what you deserve! Droids, lock the cell, and make sure he doesn’t get out. Jim proceeded to walk away and make a press conference.

Michael: Jim please, Jim, Jim!

Chapter 5: Hell on Earth

One night passed Mike was left confused as he heard a in the other room.

Jim: Good afternoon everyone. I'm sure you are aware of the incident that took place yesterday. I’m also aware of how our Biodroids went loose onto the city. To the families of those who lost their lives, I understand if you have bitterness towards us and we will do our best to help you all recover from this unfortunate event. One of the ones lost was our very own Michael Savik.

Michael screamed in his cell

Michael: Lies!

Jim: He loved this company very much and we will do our best to improve upon what he built. From now on I Jim Gallagher will guide this company into a bright future. Any questions?

Reporter: You mentioned the 3 droids loose on the streets but what about the 2 people that stopped them?

Jim: Ah yes! The explosion yesterday was based on an experiment that was meant to channel the droids. The material gave them a conscience and the blast must have triggered a hostility. The other 2 you saw were what we call the Specter Protocol. We had control of those. Thank you for your time.

Michael: I have to get out!

He felt around trying to find a way to escape.

Michael: Glass, I can break this.

He tried to use a sledgehammer but to no avail.

Michael: C’mon!

Droid: Quit it!

Michael: What did Jim say about the powers?

He then tried to fly through the glass but broke his arm.

Michael: Ah!

Droid: Last warning! Quit it!

Michael then felt a surge of energy in his body as he stood. With one last option, he was finally able to blast through the glass and the droids. He ran out of the building and went to his house.

When he turned down his street, he saw 5 cop cars outside. He couldn’t go to his house and didn’t want to worry his parents. He realized there was only one way to confront Jim. Face-to-face for one final time. He managed to hack the broadcast systems to relay a message to everyone.

Michael: To everyone who is listening in, this is Michael Savik. I am alive and I need your help. My company has been hijacked and Jim Gallagher tried to kill me. When the experiment happened what “killed me” gave me and everyone in that area of the building powers. Even Jim. We were the ones who destroyed the droids. Specters as he calls them. I need everyone affected to stay away. Jim is too powerful and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Jim if you are listening, meet me at the farmland. You are the monster I created so I will stop you.

Chapter 6: War of Many Swords

Michael went to the farmland and waited for him. All of a sudden, something rushed down to the ground like a missile. Jim arose with red energy emitting from him.

Michael: What happened to you?

Jim: You know I was almost impressed you managed to use your power. Or wait. Did I teach you or did you learn how to use your brain for once?

Michael: Jim. I am sorry. I never wanted you to risk your life for me.

Jim: That is what a friend does. You know I always wanted to become the head of the company but I never imagined it would be this perfect.

Michael: We can still turn back. Whatever you want I will give it to you. I will even step down if that’s really what you want!

Jim: It’s like you said. I'm the monster you created.

So go ahead and stop me.

Jim flew at Mike sending them both into the sky. They went back and forth trying to think of different ways to hit the other. As they fought in the clouds, they eventually came across the city. Jim managed to get a hit that sent Michael flying down to the ground. Once on the ground, Jim went for the killing blow but Michael put up a shield still not wanting to injure his friend.

Jim: For someone about to die, you are persistent!

Michael: Jim. Please.

Jim: If you cared that much about me then let me kill you!

Michael stretched out his hands waiting for the killing blow. Just before this, a blast came through throwing Jim into a building. It was the other Specters. They came rushing in and held Jim down as Michael arose.

Specter: Finish him off!

Michael: I can’t.

Specter: What do you mean you can’t?

Michael: He is beaten. Let him up.

Jim: Why do you spare me?

Michael: You wanted too much and ended with less than before. If I killed you then it would mean nothing.

Jim: Sigh Just let me up.

Jim stood up with shock on his face.

Michael: I know you can’t forgive me. But we can make things better.

Michael stuck out his hand in front of him. They shook hands.

Jim: I forgive you.

Jim then created a knife in Michael's hand forcing it into his neck.

Michael: No!

Jim collapsed with blood spilling out.

Epilogue: Cleaning Dirty Wounds

New Anchor: Here is a shocking story for you all tonight. Superpowered billionaire and murderer?

Michael Savik and Jim Gallagher went to the sky in a supernatural fight for the ages. After the accident, many people are starting to wonder: how many people have powers and what will a real-life superhero look like? Savik ended up stabbing Gallagher in the neck but witnesses are saying it was assisted suicide. Coming up next: New York mobs dead after catastrophic warehouse fire.

Michael was able to drive back to his house and was greeted by his parents.

Mom: Are you insane? You left the hospital and nearly died!

Dad: And why is everyone calling us saying you killed someone?

Michael: Slow down. Watch this, they are going to stream my press conference in a moment.

‘Good evening everyone. I am sure you are confused about the events of the past few days so let me explain. Jim Gallagher experimented on the material we found in South America. He purposefully sabotaged it so he could be the hero by staging the Biodroid attack. As he said, no amount of apologies can make up for the lives lost. He tried to take the reigns of the company and nearly killed me. For those of you calling me a murderer, ask anyone who was there and they will tell you he killed himself. And one last thing. When Jim called the people affected by the incident Specters, that comes from what means ghost. Fitting because I doubt anyone who is a Specter wants to even have those powers. Neither do I. Despite this, we still have them and we must choose to use them for good. If you are a Specter then please come to our facilities and we will help you manage them for good. And one more thing. I no longer wish to help this city simply as Michael Savik. I have a higher calling. I am the Specter and I am here to serve.’