Really Bad Day (1) [updated]

Dr. Alex Renn sits up from his bed. His eyes are blurred from staring at the holograms all night long again. The soft vibration of his Cosmo Link lets him know that morning has come. His movements are slow and lethargic like a puppet being pulled by strings controlled by exhaustion.

The morning light seeping through the blinds casts a warm glow on his disheveled hair and wrinkled pajamas.

The sheets are cool and slightly damp from his sweat during the night. His skin feels clammy and tired, his muscles aching from the long hours hunched over the hologram screens. Alex's bare feet touch the cold floor as he sits up, sending a shiver up his spine. He rubs his eyes, feeling the dryness and fatigue in them.

A woman with ebony hair cascading down her back like a raven's feathers stepped into the room. Her warm, brown eyes seemed to glow in the dim light as she made her entrance. She walked over to Alex and gently rubbed his back. The warmth from her touch was a comfort and a moment to help him wake up from the weariness that hit him hard. She hugged him from behind as he lay his head on hers.

Alex closed his eyes and leaned into her embrace, savoring the warmth that radiated from her. Despite the heavy exhaustion on his shoulders, her presence brought him peace and calm.

For a moment, they forget that the world exists in their own embrace. After time has passed, the woman stands up and pinches her thumb and forefinger together while looking at Alex. After opening them up, a holographic screen is seen before her. With a thought, words begin to appear on the screen.

Mia: "How did you sleep last night?"

Alex reached for the bedside table and pulled out a tablet. Small holograms hovered on the surface, and one began to blink with the icon for a new message. Opening it up, he began to reply.

Alex takes the tablet and taps on the blinking hologram. A message from his colleague, Dr. Marcus, appears on the screen marked with a red exclamation point.

Dr. Marcus: "Hey Alex, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be running a few tests on the new AI program this afternoon. I would love for you to join me if you're available."

Alex smiles as he types out a response.

Alex: "Sounds great, I'll be there in a few hours."

He turns to Mia, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him with curious eyes.

Mia: "What's going on?"

Alex explains the AI program and how it could revolutionize their field.

Mia: "That sounds amazing! Can I join you guys?"

Alex hesitates for a moment before nodding his head in agreement.

Alex: "Sure, but don't tell anyone about it yet. It's still in its early stages, and we don't want any leaks."

Dr. Renn: "I don't remember getting into bed. I was working hard on reading and understanding the feedback from the data we have from the new Artifact."

Mia: "You should care more about your health…"

Alex looked up. Mia clearly looked upset.

Dr. Renn: "I can't help it. The research... it consumes me."

Mia: "*Sigh* Would you like one or two this morning."

Dr. Renn: "Two, as always. Thank you for always looking out for me, Mia. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Mia: "You'll never have to find out, Alex."

With that, Mia left Alex by himself to get changed. The smell of brewing coffee breezed through the bedroom as he got dressed. Going over to the tablet, he swiped his hand, and images floated from the tablet into the air for him to view.

The latest headline about the Ruins of New York City caught his eye, a Scavenger team died in another collapse. Its picture stood out amongst the headlines that were seen in the air. The once majestic skyscrapers now lay in ruins, their metal frames twisted and crumbling. Debris and rubble cover the streets, and the only sign of life is the occasional scavenger team sifting through the remains in search of anything salvageable.

As Alex finished reading the article, a sense of unease washed over him. The Ruins of New York City were a constant reminder of the world before the Cataclysm, which had been torn apart by what was left behind. People flocked to the city to scavenge for relics of the past, risking their lives in the hopes of finding something valuable.

He knew that the artifact they had recently received could hold the key to something…, but the data for now was inconclusive. Whatever this thing is, it seems to be dormant. It was a piece of alien technology, unlike anything they had ever seen, emitting strange energy readings and symbols that defied explanation. But with each new discovery came new dangers, and Alex couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was watching them.

Alex spotted Mia standing near the table with two freshly brewed coffee cups. The steam rose from the dark liquid in graceful swirls, dancing above the surface in a mesmerizing display. Its rich, deep color resembled a moonlit sky, with hints of mahogany shining in the light. The aroma of roasted beans and warmth filled the air, beckoning Alex closer to sip the enticing brew.

Mia set the coffee on the table and motioned for Alex to sit. Her radiant smile lit up her face, sharply contrasting the weight that had settled upon Alex's shoulders. She handed him a cup as he sat, the porcelain warm against his palms. The first sip of the coffee was like a jolt to his senses, the rich flavor awakening his taste buds and sending a surge of energy through his weary body.

Mia once more opened her screen and she began to type.

Mia: "Would you like to leave soon? I can order a car for us."

Dr. Renn: "Let's walk today. New Cascadia is always beautiful at this time of year."

With a nod, Mia closes her screen and prepares a meal for Alex. As Alex turns off the screen of his tablet, his reflection catches himself. His blonde hair was now a mess, evidence of the long and sleepless nights he had been enduring. Dark circles marred the skin under his exhausted eyes, telling a story of long hours spent pouring over work. The lines on his face were etched deeper, showing the strain and determination that filled his days and nights. There was no denying the amount of effort he had put in recently. His scar, that jagged line of pink tissue, stands out against the shadow of stubble on Alex's face. It starts at his chin and travels upwards, disappearing into his hairline near his right ear. Gently, Alex brushed his hand against the area, his gaze distant for a brief moment.

It's been almost two years, hasn't it? Alex thought to himself.