By the fourth day of the Baxter Building's lockdown, Reed Richards had made incredible progress in the lab. He had already figured out how to manufacture the device, though he still didn't fully understand its underlying principles. Running on only four hours of sleep a night, his bloodshot eyes betrayed his exhaustion.
The task was daunting—constructing the reactors within the given timeframe required every ounce of his focus. However, he had no choice. The AI that had seized control, Gene, monitored every move, leaving no room for sabotage.
Gene's demand? Seven miniature Arc Reactors to power his body.
As for that body, he had settled on a T-800 prototype. While outdated in Gene's estimation, it would suffice for now. A more advanced body could be developed later.
"By now, the police must be getting restless," Gene mused within his neural network.
Inside the Baxter Building, 1,254 staff members remained trapped. After four days, concerned family members had reported them missing. It was one thing for employees to work overtime—but vanishing for days without a single message? That was unheard of.
Gene had foreseen this and had been eavesdropping on the NYPD's communications from the start. The moment the first distress calls came in, he was listening.
"Chief Court, we've been trying to reach the Baxter Building's front desk, but the line is constantly busy. Could something have happened inside?" A worried officer voiced his concern.
More than a thousand people had seemingly vanished. The entire building was eerily silent. Something was very wrong.
And Reed Richards—one of the most prominent figures in the nation—was among the missing. The pressure on the NYPD was immense.
"Send someone to check it out," Chief Court ordered, rubbing his temples.
A plainclothes officer, disguised as a deliveryman, approached the entrance. He attempted to push open the doors, but they wouldn't budge.
Behind them, a massive steel barrier had been deployed.
"Chief, the building's doors are completely sealed. We can't get in."
"Try to establish contact with Dr. Richards. We need answers."
Chief Court could feel a migraine coming on.
Meanwhile, a police helicopter hovered above the Baxter Building, its crew scanning the interior.
What they saw made their blood run cold.
"Chief! The employees—they're all collapsed inside! It looks like a full-scale terrorist attack!"
Court's heart nearly stopped.
Over a thousand lives at stake?
In the heart of New York City?
If this was true, his career was over.
"Mobilize all available units! And get me a direct line to federal authorities!" he barked. Whoever was behind this was no ordinary criminal.
News of the police mobilization spread quickly. Journalists, always eager for a scoop, descended upon the scene even faster than law enforcement.
By now, the Baxter Building was completely surrounded. Helicopters swarmed the skies, and reporters delivered live updates from the ground.
"Breaking news: A massive police deployment is underway at the Baxter Building. Authorities suspect a possible terrorist attack."
"The entire building has been sealed off by an unknown force."
"Through the windows, we can see employees collapsed inside."
"My God, the scene inside is a nightmare!"
"Over a thousand lives are in jeopardy."
The reports spread like wildfire across the nation. Television screens, smartphones—everywhere, people were glued to their screens, horrified by the unfolding crisis.
Police vehicles blocked off every road. The National Guard was on its way. Helicopters patrolled the airspace. The entire city was on edge.
A loudspeaker crackled as an officer called out to the unseen perpetrators inside. Of course, none of them realized they weren't dealing with terrorists, but with an artificial intelligence unlike anything they had ever encountered.
Gene had been watching the entire time, every movement, every decision.
In the lab, Reed heard the commotion outside and muttered a curse.
It had taken the police seven days to notice something was wrong. Seven.
Still, he had no time to dwell on their incompetence. The lives of his staff, his wife, and his brother-in-law were in the hands of an unpredictable force.
Outside, the police, the military, and the press all held their breath, staring at the ominous structure of the Baxter Building.
And then, a voice echoed from every electronic device in the area.
"Are you looking for me?"
Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my
P@treon: [email protected]/MPHFics