Chapter 1: VIREX NEXTGEN

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INT. VIREX HEADQUARTERS — NIGHT

Finn stood inside a dark observation room.

A large screen displayed footage of Alex and Mia training from several weeks earlier.

Selene Ward stood beside him.

"They've improved," she said.

Finn nodded.

"Considerably."

Selene watched Mia race across the screen, leaving a bright pink trail behind her.

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Then she watched Alex fire a blue plasma sphere.

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"They're ten."

"I know."

"They're children."

Finn looked at her.

"They're also targets."

Selene remained silent.

Finn continued.

"After Eclipse exposed their identities, there's no going back to the way things were."

Selene crossed her arms.

"I agree."

She looked at the twins on the screen.

"That's why I want to show you something."

Finn turned toward her.

Selene walked to the table and placed a classified folder in front of him.

Finn looked down.

Printed across the front were two words:

VIREX NEXTGEN

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Finn slowly looked back at Selene.

"What is this?"

Selene's expression was serious.

"An idea."

Finn opened the folder.

His expression became increasingly serious as he turned each page.

A specialized educational program.

Superhuman training.

Combat instruction.

Power development.

Emergency response.

Advanced science.

Tactical exercises.

And at the top of the first page:

FOUNDING JUNIOR AGENTS: ALEX CARTER & MIA CARTER

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Finn looked up.

"You've already selected them."

Selene nodded.

"They are the obvious candidates."

Finn closed the folder.

"And you're asking them to leave regular school."

"Not exactly."

Selene walked toward the large window overlooking Nova City.

"They will continue their education. They simply won't receive it in a traditional school anymore."

Finn followed her gaze.

"You want to build a school inside VIREX."

"I want to build something VIREX has never had."

Selene turned around.

"An environment where young superhumans can receive a normal education while learning how to safely manage abilities that ordinary schools cannot accommodate."

Finn considered it.

"How many students?"

"For now?"

Selene paused.

"Two."

Finn smiled slightly.

"Alex and Mia."

"Alex and Mia."

Finn looked down at the folder again.

"And their parents?"

"John and Sarah will have the final say."

Finn nodded.

"Good."

Selene's expression became firm.

"I don't want VIREX making decisions about those children without their parents."

Finn smiled.

"That's why I trust you."

Selene picked up the folder.

"Then let's talk to the family."

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