Interstellar Spark

When the Predator harnessed another energy surge, its speed plummeted to zero, conjuring a fleeting micro anti-black-hole to slip back into normal space. It emerged just three million kilometers from the Solar System, streaking at sublight pace.

Fifty escort fighters awaited its arrival, poised at the reentry point. Natasha, Walton, and Edward, roused from cosmic slumber, hastened to the medical bay to check on their prized guest.

Ascendant.

The sight that greeted them stole their breath, defying belief.

He lay within the life-pod, limbs bound as before, but now every instrument hummed with readings—heartbeat, brainwaves, pulse—all mirroring a normal human's, not a whisper of difference.

And atop his once-bald head sprouted an inch of glossy black hair, softening his rugged look. The trio exchanged stunned glances—this was more shocking than his pre-hyperspace silence.

Walton's trembling hand pressed the transparent dome, his voice quaking. "Heaven help us! This can't be."

Natasha activated the pod's comms, drawing a steadying breath to quell her racing heart. "Can you hear us?" she asked, voice low.

His eyelids twitched, then parted slowly—like a moon piercing dark clouds. Deep, gem-black eyes gleamed with an unmatched, soul-searing brilliance, turning to meet hers.

Natasha's heart jolted. Such a gaze—never had she seen its equal. Her mind blanked, her lovely eyes locked, unable to pull away.

Edward, seasoned by countless perils, broke the spell. "Do you understand us?"

His lips stirred, exhaling softly, words halting. "I... understand!"

A collective shudder ran through them. Natasha steadied herself, calm returning. "Please, both of you step out. I need to speak with him alone."

Reluctant but resigned, they shuffled toward the auto-door.

Natasha fixed on him, not turning. "Major, patch me a secure, private line—I must reach the Chancellor directly."

The Galaxy One hovered above the lunar base.

In its transparent upper office, the comms hood lifted from Aglaia's brow.

Her eyes sparked with wonder as she faced Dean Li Wanxiu, recounting Natasha's staggering report. Li Wanxiu sat dazed, then spoke. "His abilities may far exceed our guesses. But why the shift during hyperspace? No nervous system should function in such extremes."

Aglaia's face grew grave. "What do we do with such a being? Neural cannons leave no mark—he mimics our vitals, renders our tools useless."

Li Wanxiu's gaze flickered oddly. "It hinges on whether we see him as human or a lab rat. If the latter, I can crack his secrets."

Aglaia paled, voice frail after a pause. "Can we meet him first, then decide?"

Li Wanxiu nodded. "It seems we must. But bolster the guard—an enigma like him loose in our world? The fallout's unthinkable."

Aglaia dipped her head, peering through the dome at the starry void. A strange ripple stirred her—what else lurked in this infinite cosmos, beyond human ken?

Natasha met his deep, resolute stare, wrestling her composure. "Do you have a name?"

His eyes darkened, soul retreating to some hidden recess within.

Even Natasha, mistress of her emotions, felt her heart ripple. Heavens! she thought. Such a gaze, such pensive grace—unmatched in all the world.

His rock-steady eyes flared anew, blazing with unfathomable wisdom and unyielding will. His voice—magnetic, resonant—flowed smoothly. "I've just named myself Michael."