The Test
"You're a meta-human who can emit electricity and you were brought here by the particle accelerator explosion from another world?" Joe asked with wide eyes, his voice booming. The concept was insane to him; he could accept meta-humans, seeing as Barry was one, but the idea of another world, a parallel universe, was too much sci-fi for him to take in.
"It seems Barry has shared everything with you. I'm sorry for lying earlier, but it was all to find a way to stay here and find a way back home," Elon said, a rueful smile on his face as he shook his head and once again arcs of electricity crackled between his hands.
Joe's eyes nearly popped out of his head at the sight. "My god, this is insane," he exclaimed.
"In fact, it's all true. I've dubbed him Spark, and don't worry, Barry, you'll get one too — once I think of something cooler," Cisco interjected with glee, ignoring Barry's helpless expression.
"What's important now is to test their safety, not deportation or nicknames," Dr. Wells stated.
"Barry, we need to run a thorough physical examination for your well-being," Dr. Wells said, looking at Barry in a way that made it impossible for him to refuse.
Joe nodded in agreement, "Yes, Barry, you need a thorough checkup. I need to digest all this — strange people, strange powers, strange worlds."
"Elon, you stay put in S.T.A.R. Labs until everything's clear, OK?" Joe instructed.
Elon nodded, content for now to remain at S.T.A.R. Labs.
That afternoon, while Joe and the team conducted tests on Barry, Elon quietly stayed aside, his tablet in hand, trying to learn about black holes and parallel universes. Most of the information was theoretical or conjecture, and eventually, Elon set it aside to learn about human anatomy instead. He might be in this world for years, so understanding his body and abilities was crucial, especially with potentially formidable enemies ahead.
By six o'clock, Barry's physical examination was complete. Everyone turned to Caitlin, who held two reports — the results of Elon and Barry's tests.
"Elon, it's unimaginable. The lightning has turned you into a superhuman. Your cells have undergone unprecedented mutations, with a primary nucleus and two smaller nuclei, like electrons, that move around the cell, strengthening it. When these 'electron' nuclei orbit the main nucleus rapidly, we believe it generates an electric current that enhances your body, making your physical functions at least seven times stronger than the human limits," Caitlin explained.
Cisco joked, "Hey, buddy, you shouldn't be called Spark. You're more like a Superman generator!"
Elon furrowed his brow and clenched his fist, "But I only feel slightly stronger than an average person at their peak, not as strong as you say. I can generate electricity, though."
"That's because you didn't eat enough yesterday," Dr. Wells hinted, referring to Elon's need to absorb electricity.
Elon nodded in agreement; he had been feeling a persistent hunger but hadn't paid it much mind.
"I don't need to absorb electricity; I just need a lot of calories to convert into electrical energy," he mused.
Setting Elon's file aside, Caitlin opened Barry's report and continued, "Barry Allen, your body is at the peak of human strength, with hyper-fast cell division and metabolism, and an extremely powerful immune system. When you move at high speeds, an unknown energy protects you, potentially allowing you to reach speeds a thousand, a million, or even a billion times beyond human capability."
"Currently, you're both in excellent health. However, it's worth noting that using your abilities consumes a significant amount of energy. We estimate that, on average, you'll need to consume about 10,000 calories per day, especially Elon, who will require even more to replenish the electrical energy he uses."
Joe relaxed a bit, knowing they were healthy. After all, as a father, his hope was for their well-being, regardless of superpowers.
"You're going to be a real eating machine from now on," Joe said with a chuckle, happy that Barry was physically fine.
Dr. Wells clapped his hands to summarize, "For now, there are no health issues, but we'll continue to monitor. Tomorrow, we'll test your abilities. That's all for today."
Everyone nodded and began to pack up.
"Guys, how about we grab a coffee? I know a great place," Barry suggested, looking at Cisco, who quickly declined, citing a need to work on a project that evening.
Turning to Caitlin, who simply said, "I'm not interested," Barry didn't even have to look at Dr. Wells, who had already excused himself to prepare for the next day's tests.
Finally, Barry turned to Elon, who, surprised by the invitation but seizing the chance to experience foreign culture, agreed with a smile, "Of course, I'd love to see more of this country's charm. What do you think, Joe?"
After a moment's consideration, Joe replied, "I've seen enough strange abilities today, but I still can't accept that you're from another world. However, I'll temporarily trust you. Barry, don't stay out too late," giving his tacit approval for the coffee outing.
Barry and Elon shared a smile, feeling an unusual kinship due to the Speed Force swirling in Elon's mind.
Stepping outside S.T.A.R. Labs, Joe left for police business, while Barry and Elon walked under the setting sun.
The sunset painted the sky with shades of crimson and gold, the clean streets stretched long shadows of the trees, creating a peaceful and expansive atmosphere that lifted their spirits.
Noticing Barry's slight unease, Elon apologized for being so engrossed in the scenery, "I'm sorry for ignoring you, Barry. Just relax, we're going to be great friends who can talk about anything."
Barry loosened up, "Yes... yes, I believe that too."
Elon laughed heartily, "Just so you know, Barry, you're paying for the coffee. I didn't bring any money from my world, and I need to eat something substantial."
Barry, now completely at ease, responded with glee, "Of course, Elon. Jitters is a few miles away, let's get there quickly."
With that, Barry wrapped his arm around Elon's waist, and in a flash of yellow, they both vanished from sight.