The entire office was quiet, except for the occasional beeping of the ionized cooling system, which moderated the temperature of the entire base.
Captain Savanna sat alone on a sofa, staring at the holographic simulation in the center of the room.
It was a projection showing the structure of the five powerborn DNA strains, as well as Mark's unique strain.
Each strain had its own characteristics which made them easy to identify. These characteristics included minor differences in shape and form, and, most importantly, color.
The colors of each strain directly reflected the color of the aura that the powerborn manifests: Red for Space, Green for Biomatter, Yellow for Mind, Blue for Weather, and Orange for Time.
However, this was not the case with Mark's strain.
It was colorless.
Yet, whenever Mark activated his strain, it suddenly switched into a blue pigment, almost indistinguishable from the Weather strain.
Captain Savannah played the simulation over and over. Although she had her science team looking into it, she remained determined to figure out why his strain was different.
What piqued her interest the most wasn't what it was or how it came to be.
It was why.
Ever since Tessers were first discovered, there had always been five strains. Now, there was a sixth.
Why?
Why now?
Was the prophecy true?
Captain Savannah sensed someone approaching her door. She quickly turned off the hologram and sat back on a sofa.
There was a knock on the door. It was a faint series of knocks, done in some code.
The captain deciphered who it was and reached for her digital watch. After tapping a few buttons and placing her fingerprint, the door slid open.
Natalya walked in first, marching in graciously before she made a brief salute and sat down.
Mark, however, walked in slowly and slouched onto the sofa beside Natalya, his eyes staring into space, his face devoid of any emotion whatsoever.
"Didn't expect you to change your mind so soon, Marcus." The captain said.
"The feeling's mutual," he replied.
The captain turned to Natalya, who briefed the former on all she had observed, with as much detail as possible.
"The PC Agent has been locked up in the detention ward. She remains unconscious, but our interrogation will begin as soon as she wakes up."
Natalya concluded her briefing and nodded her head. The captain reciprocated with a similar gesture.
Afterward, all fell into a deep silence, lost in their own thoughts.
"Everything's changed," Mark said, breaking the silence. His voice was stable, but the pain and sorrow it conveyed was apparent.
"What did you see out there?" Savanna asked.
Mark fell quiet once again. There was nothing to tell, for he knew that Savanna was already aware of the horrible state of his home.
"Why didn't you tell me about my home?" he asked, staring right at the captain.
"There are some things better left unsaid."
"You should have told me!"
"Would you have stayed if I did?"
Mark remained quiet, and the captain got her answer.
Despite his return, he wanted nothing to do with the Resistance. Nevertheless, the circumstances had changed.
The captain decided to tell him all she knew. He deserved to know.
"The truth is," The captain began, leaning forward with her elbows resting on her knees. "I was there. I was in Grandview City when it all began."
Mark averted his gaze toward the captain, his interest elevating.
"When the news got out of a young powerborn who killed his mother, it sparked outrage all over the world.
"The fragile peace which existed between humans and powerborns was finally broken.
"Humans began protests and the PCA declared war on powerborns, hunting down anyone who used their powers.
"Soon, the resistance grew. A group of powerborns who fought back against the human oppression. I was the leader of that resistance.
"For months, we fought to protect those who resided in Grandview City. But the odds were not in our favor.
"With their disruptors and large numbers, they overpowered us. Many were captured or killed, and the rest were forced into hiding.
"I do not know which side caused the catastrophe that destroyed the city, but I do know that both sides can be easily blamed."
The captain reclined once again on the sofa. Her heart filled with grief as the painful memories resurged.
Due to her powers, her memories remained evergreen, along with the emotions that accompanied them.
Mark was no better. A cloud of despair had engulfed him ever since he returned to his home.
"It's all my fault." He lamented.
"No one's saying that."
"But it's the truth. The world fell into chaos because I killed my mother."
"I saw your memories. I know you didn't kill her."
"I couldn't protect her either. It's basically the same thing."
"No, it's not."
Another moment of silence ensued, and then the captain continued.
"I founded the Resistance to show the world that we're not dangerous criminals, but I cannot do that if the PCA keeps hunting us. I need you to help us end the war."
"What makes you so certain that I am the one to do that?"
"I have faith in you."
The captain and Natalya briefly exchanged glances; Natalya gave a look of disappointment, while the captain shook her head.
"Faith?" Mark scoffed, oblivious to the exchange. "Pathetic."
Another pause. This time Natalya broke the silence.
"I saw how you changed the weather. That was no simple feat, and I know you will grow stronger. But you need someone to show you how. Someone to guide you."
"And in exchange for your 'mentorship', I'll be one of your loyal soldiers?"
Natalya nodded.
Mark had no choice. He had to accept his new reality.
"Fine. I will work for you. But I have two conditions."
Savanna smiled. For the first time in a very long time, she felt a glimmer of hope.
"Let's hear it." She replied confidently.
Mark's eyes shone with conviction. The grief and shame within suddenly gave way to a fierce determination.
"You will teach me everything I need to know about powerborn combat and how to use it effectively. I'm going to become the strongest powerborn ever."
"Not a problem. What else?"
Mark rose to his feet, his eyes still focused on the captain.
"You're going to help me find the powerborn who killed my mother."