Kindred Connection

Earth's Core. Time Unknown.

Molten iron swirls around in an infernal landscape in the center of the earth. In the center is a cave-like area, dimly lit by the glow of magma. Iron crystals are scattered throughout the area. At the very center lies a gigantic silhouette, stretching out of a fetal position, looking around. As it moves, it seems to be swimming through the viscous liquid. The huge monster that is Calamity begins to wake up from its very, very long slumber. It slowly twirls around, but it is still struggling to move. Suddenly, it shudders and the disturbance travels to the surface. The heatwave impacts a grassy field and in the center, a single dandelion wilts away. A small patch around the plant also chars and slowly withers. Calamity is silent once again.

Mexico, Cancun. 3:00 AM

The wind whistles through the trees in a forest in Mexico. There is no life, no movement, and no other sound. At the center of this forest lies an Aztec temple. The sound of a laser warming up reverberates through the forest, and suddenly the whole forest comes to life as all sleeping animals scurry away from the source. The temple lets off a faint glow and winds surround the base, forming a whirlwind. Slowly, the pitch of the charging laser increases until it reaches its peak velocity and the temple shines brilliantly. Suddenly, a huge blast of energy shoots up into the sky like a slow shooting star. Everything slowly powers down once again. All trees too close to the temple are immediately eviscerated as a sonic boom shakes the entire forest. The glowing ball of energy makes its way up into the sky until it disappears into space.

America, Secret Lab, Unkown Location. 10:00 AM

The wind blows in the desert, and waves of sand fill the air. Hidden far away under the beating sun and unforgiving climate are a few hi-tech structures. The sleep-deprived faces of researchers scurrying around the base are illuminated by thousands of dimly glowing electronics. Papers are strewn across various worn tables as air conditioning gusts through the vents, nearly overpowering the clunky generator. Soldiers stand outside the base on full alert, watching for any unfortunate passerby who may get slightly too close to the base.

"Excuse me...! Sorry, sorry!"

A scientist bursts through a set of double doors, her lab coat trailing behind her as she sprints across the building. As she runs, she bumps into counters but doesn't slow down her pace.

"Careful!"

Another scientist glares back at her, holding a vial. She apologizes quickly and doubles her pace. She gets a few sideways glances from others but ignores them. Out of breath, she finally reaches the door she's been looking for. She nearly kicks the door open to find a man dressed in a full sergeant uniform. The name on his nameplate reads Sergeant Ryan Stone. Beside this buff and imposing figure is a recruited soldier, and they seem to be having an intense conversation.

"RYAN!" That was louder than she expected.

Ryan sighs and gives her a sideways look as both men turn to look at her. She falters for a moment before continuing.

"Sir, there's something you should--"

Ryan cuts off her sentence by raising his hand in the air and clenching his hand into a fist. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and takes a pause before opening them again.

"Liz. I'm going to pretend that you knocked on the door. Then I said... Oh, Why come on in! Then you said... Oh, why good afternoon Sergeant! How're you doing with your recruit? Then I said... Why, he's very well-behaved! Unlike some people!"

The scientist returns the glare.

"Great, it's one of those days," she mutters.

"Now... What is so important that you barge into my office looking like you've discovered some sort of new sign of life?"