CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

HENRY

I followed Arlo through the winding corridors of the Synod facility, my mind racing with questions. Where were we going? What was the purpose of this secret base? Arlo had been tight-lipped about our destination, only revealing that it was a facility that few people knew about.

As we walked, I caught glimpses of heavily fortified doors and layers of security checkpoints. This was clearly a high-clearance area, and I began to feel a sense of excitement and trepidation.

Finally, we arrived at a large metal door with a sign that read "Eclipse Facility". Arlo swiped his ID badge, and the door slid open with a hiss.

Inside, I was greeted by a sleek, modern laboratory filled with rows of workstations and state-of-the-art equipment. At the center of the room, a large, cylindrical device hummed with energy.

Arlo smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Welcome to the Eclipse Facility, Henry. This is where we're working on the next generation of NX Chromazon technology."

I followed him to a large screen display, where a 3D model of the human brain rotated slowly. Arlo began to explain, his words pouring out in a rapid-fire sequence.

"We've been working on an element called the NX-5+ chromazon, a device that can enhance the abilities of NX-ZERO's without the debilitating side effects. But we've never been able to go further with our research, there were some roadblocks, until Max came along, we were making little progress although very slow but at least it was progress."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Max? You mean like my sister......why...?"

Arlo nodded. "Yes, the same one. Her unique genetic makeup has allowed us to make slow but steady progress. And it's not just limited to NX-ZERO's. This technology has the potential to work on those with NX-1 to 4 without any side effects. This is called the Nexus Point Initiative....It would help us evolve without having fear of any NX-5's outburst or fatal side effects, all the NX-5'S can be free."

I felt a spark of understanding ignite within me. This was the key to unlocking the true potential of the NX program. And with Max's help, they could make it a reality.

Arlo's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "That's why we need Max, Henry. We need her to help us complete the NX-5+ chromazon. And with your help, I know we can make it happen."

I felt a surge of excitement and purpose. This was the mission I had been searching for, the chance to make a real difference in the world.

"I'm in, Arlo," I said, my voice firm. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you complete the NX-5+ chromazon. For a better New Eden, for a brighter future."

Arlo smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Welcome to the team, Henry. Together, we'll change the course of history."

***

Despite my built up motivation I needed outside perspective for some reason more like validation, was all of this worth losing my family and friends over?

I wanted a response to place a certain level of resolution to my skeptics.

I walked into the laboratory, searching for Cora. I had to know more about the experiments going on in this facility. I spotted her standing by a workstation, her eyes fixed on a screen displaying a complex set of data.

"Cora, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, approaching her.

She looked up, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "What is it, Henry? I'm busy."

I leaned against the workstation, trying to appear nonchalant. "I was just wondering about the experiments going on here. Arlo told me about the NX-5+ chromazon, but I'm curious about an outside perspective."

Cora sighed, trying to brush me off. "It's just routine research, Henry. Nothing to concern yourself with. No need to get paranoid."

But I was persistent. "Come on, Cora. I know more is going on here than just routine research. What's the real goal of this project?....like is it all worth losing my family and friends over? I'm not backing out, I just want an outside perspective from someone who has been here."

Cora's expression turned guarded, but I could see a flicker of frustration in her eyes. "This is a motion towards something big, something that will not only help NX-ZERO'S but NX-5'S like your sister who is clearly out of control. You know better than your family and they will come to appreciate your efforts when they see the results and If you must know, we're stuck. We need Max's powers to push the project forward, but without her, we're at a standstill...So we need her Henry."

I nodded, intrigued. "I see. And what about that?" I asked, pointing to a strange device in the corner of the room.

Cora followed my gaze, a look of uncertainty on her face. "Oh, that? We're not entirely sure what it is yet. It's some kind of...entity, I suppose. We're still trying to figure out what it does and how it works."

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "An entity? What do you mean?"

Cora shook her head. "I don't know, Henry. It's just...different. We've never seen anything like it before. But we're working on it, trying to understand its properties and how we can use it."

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. What was this entity, and how did it fit into the larger picture of the Synod's research? I made a mental note to look into it further, to see if I could uncover more information.

As I turned to leave, Cora's voice stopped me. "Henry, be careful. You don't want to get too close to this project. It's...complicated."

I turned back to her, a smile on my face. "Don't worry, Cora. I can handle myself. I just want to learn more about what's going on here."

Cora's expression was skeptical, but she said nothing more. I left the laboratory, my mind whirling with questions and possibilities. What was the true purpose of this project, and what secrets was the Synod hiding? I was determined to find out.